Introduction: What is the most beautiful wedding you have ever seen? My own.
I. Betrothal – Ephesians 1:4, 13-14
i. Ancient Custom of Arrangement
ii. Illus.: A Box of Plastic Camels
iii. Every Christian is the betrothed of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the ‘earnest’ of this promise.
iv. Appl.: Whatever drew you to your bride is not what drew Christ to us. We had nothing of beauty or desire. We had nothing to offer – yet he loved us deeply and gave himself to make us his.
II. Removal – 1 Thess 4:16-17; I Cor. 3:11-15
i. Ancient Custom of Claiming the Bride
ii. Scripture is clear that there is still a time coming when Christ will claim his own, living and dead (I Thess.)
iii. Many Christians do not realize that at this time there will be a reckoning. We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
iv. Illus.: Michelle’s Jewelled Wedding Gown
v. Appl.: There are 2 ways the church can be purified: Eph 5:26 a) Sanctified by the washing with the Word or b) Cleansed – a cathartic experience as with fire.
III. Feast – Revelation 19:7-9
i. Ancient Custom of the Wedding Feast
ii. Invited Guests: OT Saints and Angelic Hosts
iii. Bride – beautified and glorious in anticipation
iv. Bridegroom: Once the man of sorrows, once the suffering Saviour, now he is the crown of creation, the triumphant Lord, on whom is inscribed the name King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
v. Appl.: In Emmanuel’s Land
Conclusion: This Wedding Feast is a meal unlike any before or after. No other wedding will be as glorious. For in this moment the plan of salvation reaches its fulfillment and the Saviour of the World is glorified and with Him his bride.
This is the completion of what has been promised. Here every tear and sorrow is wiped away.
I’ll be there, so will many you’ve known and know.
Faces once broken with grief, darkened by evil, creased with concern, contorted by pain.
All is here forgotten as the Lamb takes his seat – will you be there?
