Many books have been written concerning the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Theologians debate whether His return will occur pre, mid, or post tribulation, but is it as important to discern when He will return as it is to be ready when He does?
New Testament scriptures ascribe Jesus as the Bridegroom and Church age believers as His bride. The bride is eagerly awaiting her Bridegroom to carry her away from this present age of evil, but God’s Word tells us this will not happen until the bride is made ready.
The Bible teaches three characterizations of the true bride of Jesus Christ. The true bride has left the world behind to become a follower of Jesus. The true bride places God first before self and others. The true bride lives a holy life and waits expectantly for her Bridegroom’s return.
Jesus taught perilous times would come, and apostacy (abandonment of faith) would precede His return. It is God’s will that all men come to a saving knowledge of His Son, but scripture tells us this will not happen. Only those who have persevered in faith and look to the completion of their salvation will escape the future events of the great tribulation.
Come, journey with me into ancient history to examine the rituals of ancient Jewish marriage customs and their prophetic meaning to the Lord Jesus and His second coming. God has given us His Word so we not only know who He is, but know who we are.
