[257]. A Message From A Poem – The Bridegroom Prepared His Bride

[257]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – THE BRIDEGROOM PREPARED HIS BRIDE

The fact of Christ and His Church is a remarkable story of love. It is the pursuit of a Bride for God the Son. That Bride was purchased from the slavery of sin by the highest price and that was the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are two wonderful types in the Old Testament of a bride being called or purchased. The first is that of Isaac where the story unfolds in Genesis chapters 23 and 24. Rebekah came from a far country called as bride for Isaac.

The other story is that of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth came from a people cursed by God – Moabites – but by the grace of God she was redeemed and brought into relationship with God’s people. The Church came from a people under the curse of sin and consists of a redeemed people, who will be united to Christ at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, formally, though the Bride exists today.

This poem is about the way Christ prepared His Bride, but first, He had to purchase His Bride through His death. Then he prepares His Bride in cleansing through the washing of water by the word – {{Ephesians 5:26-27 “that HE MIGHT SANCTIFY HER, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that HE MIGHT PRESENT TO HIMSELF THE CHURCH in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and blameless.”}}

In heaven we will be righteous and pure 100%, not as we appear here now, though in God’s sight, He sees us in the righteousness of His Son.

In Revelation 19 the Marriage Supper happens - Revelation 19:7-9. The clothing in fine linen will be glorious, a whole scene of righteousness.

Christ loved the Church so much. It was not deserved but the Lord sacrificed Himself for the joy that was set before Him, and that was His Precious Bride. {{Hebrews 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, WHO FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”}}

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THE BRIDEGROOM PREPARED HIS BRIDE

Our Bridegroom has already sought

His well-beloved and chosen Bride.

At highest price the Bride was bought,

Then in His presence to abide.

For her redemption He spared nought,

So deep His love. His mercy wide.

Still indicate the battle fought -

His wounded hands and feet and side.

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Derived from all Earth’s nation states

Through reconciliation’s way,

She with anticipation waits,

The dawn of her resplendent day.

Soon lifted up from sorrow’s straits,

She’ll shine in glorious display.

This priceless Pearl as sinless rates,

And worships Christ with His array.

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The Lamb so loved her, loved His Bride

And sacrificed the very best;

As Merchant Man, Himself denied,

To clothe His Pearl in righteousness.

Her clean, white linen He supplied,

In holy beauty she is dressed.

For all her need she has relied

On Him whose love she has possessed.

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The fairest one, clothed in whiteness,

Then for the Blessed Lamb adorned -

The Marriage Feast, spread in fineness -

(Though now on earth, His saints are scorned).

Unhindered love, shines with brightness,

With all His righteousness returned.

From two, made One, in loveliness -

This union intimate has dawned.

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Then very soon the trumpet sound;

The sky with victory concedes.

Rise up redeemed ones in Earth's ground -

All those in Christ, the Lord receives.

Then over Earth, each mortal found,

Is raised to Christ, each who believes.

Believers all by love are bound,

Webbed in the glory that He weaves.

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Somewhere 1998 and March, 1999 R E Ferguson 8 throughout ABABABAB