Being On God's A-List

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Typically those that plan their weddings have three separate lists (A, B, and C). The last two (B and C) are to backfill whoever responds no from the A list. At the time of the Second Coming, God will have just one list because only one will be necessary! Throughout the Bible, marriage describes the relationship between God and His people, and the return of Christ is the great wedding feast. The Old Testament portrays believers as an unfaithful wife restored in the future kingdom (Hosea 2). In the New Testament, the church is called the bride of Christ. Thus anyone who is a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus will joyfully and willfully be in attendance as the events of His return unfold (Ephesians 5.32). Revelation 19.7-9 says;

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. 8 She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God's holy people. 9 And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.' And he added, 'These are true words that come from God.' "

John has all of redemptive history in view here as the "invited" guests of this blessed event. The celebration meal, which resembles a traditional Hebrew wedding, will occur at the establishment of the millennial kingdom and throughout the 1,000 years (Revelation 21.2). As we anticipate the events of Christ's return, consider this picture of marriage and the believer: Ephesians 5.24-26,32 says;

"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word... 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."

With this in mind, take courage in knowing that you are on God's A-list. As a believer, your responsibility is to be submissive and supportive of God's kingdom plans. The Lord will continue to cover you with His unconditional love and mercy.