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Truth of Scriptures                                                                                                      Issue 7
The Bride of Christ: Identifying her in the shadows of the Bible
Copyright 1993, P.S.O.R, Inc.

Have you ever heard that if you are in the body of Christ you are His bride? Many teach that this as truth, but it is a lie!   I would like to take you through Scriptures to reveal the truth of how this once sealed mystery unfolds.

All Scripture is the King James Version and in Italics.    *** This is found again toward the end of this writing, but I wanted to bring this to your immediate attention.    This blessed event (wedding) is positioned and it could happen at any moment!   The endtime for the Gentiles (whosoever will) is near, it's at the door!     *** At this very time, Jesus is disclosing that His Body has already been prepared to have the rib portion, His bride, removed from His body!     

Nevertheless, what saith the Scriptures? (Galatians 4:30).   Regardless of what we believe or why we believe it is crucial for us to understand what the spirit of the Scriptures tell us!   Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me,) to do thy will, O God (Hebrews 10:7).   Jesus came to us in the form of a book called the Bible. The entire Bible points us to Jesus!

Ephesians 5: 23 & 32, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Saviour of the body.   To verse 32, This is a GREAT MYSTERY: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

This great mystery is being unveiled!   My desire is that we understand who the bride of Christ is and how she is separated and removed from the body of Christ.   This is going to take a substantial amount of time and it may appear that I am veering off the intended subject, but it is necessary to explain this in its entirety so we may obtain a visual illustration of the truth and what it expresses.

It is critical that we understand that the Bible uses countless accounts of parables, images, allegories, and shadows.   When one applies the depths of these shadows and likeness of images we can spiritually comprehend the Bible.   This pattern or order becomes distinct and we recognize it's spiritual association.   God has many hidden mysteries and He reveals Himself through His shadows. These shadows disclose a set pattern of His order. David informs us of where we discover God.

Psalm 91:1, He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

To dwell or inhabit in the secret place of God, it is necessary to abide or stay in His Shadow. When one understands that the Bible is speaking about types and shadows it is then necessary to explore deep into these shadows to grasp what God has hidden in them.   Examine the shadows for they open a sealed Book - the Bible, which God has hidden from the world of religion.

God is a Spirit (John 4:24).   All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore, the Bible is a Spiritual Book and it is through this same spirit that God reveals His hidden mysteries to us.   However, it requires reading, praying, and patience.

1 Corinthians 13:12, For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

At first we see Scriptures as though we were looking through a glass and seeing the objects obscurely.   Once we discover the shadow and comprehend how God's order operates we are able to discern them spiritually.   These shadows become clear and we understand the completeness of their spiritual interpretation.   At first we know in part for we only see the clouded outlined image.   However, when God grants spiritual understanding the shadow becomes distinct and obvious as if the clouded obscurity was dispersed and we were looking clearly at the true meaning.

The shadows in the Bible are inflected forms and reflected images that reveal images of things to come.   The following Scripture explains God's Established Order!   1 Corinthians 15:46, Howbeit that was not first which is Spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is Spiritual.   This Order will never change or deviate for Jesus affirms He is still the SAME yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).   The first to be presented is the natural and after the natural is established the spiritual enters.   For further information about this topic read: "Shadows of the Bible".   Let us continue to reveal the bride of Christ.

Hebrews 10:1 & 9-10, For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.   To Verse 9, Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God.  He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second: By the, which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

This is referring to the Old Testament Law of Moses, Mosaic Law, or Torah.   The law was presented as a shadow or an outlined pre-figuration, which proclaimed the good things that were coming.   The law was not the exact image of the things it was symbolizing.   The law came first and is the natural and shadow, which points us to and reveals the second and Spiritual Law-Christ.   The first natural law that came into existence by Moses was removed so Jesus could set up and establish the second and Spiritual Law.   In order to simplify this I will use natural and spiritual when making these comparisons instead of first and natural and second and spiritual.

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.   Is there any thing whereof it may be said, "See, this is new?" It hath been already of old time, which was before us.

Solomon understood shadows and likeness of images.   The things that have been are pertaining to the natural.   The things, which shall be done, are disclosing the spiritual.   He explains that which is done, is what shall be done again.   The image of the natural cast a darker less illuminated image that discloses the spiritual, which emanates from heaven.   Is there anything new under the sun? NO!   Whatever has been done will be repeated.   Now to the bride of Christ.   

Genesis 12:1, Now the Lord had said unto Abram (Abraham) get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee.

Abraham was instructed to get out of the country and away from his relatives, those from his father's house, and go to a land that God would show him.   Abraham illustrates in the natural that he was looking for a new homeland.   This writing will disclose that he was actually looking for the spiritual homeland.

Romans 4:13, For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

The promise God made to Abraham that he would be heir of the world was not established through the law of the Old Testament, the natural.   However, his promise would be established through the righteousness, which comes by faith, which is spiritual.

Genesis 15:13, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.

Abraham is assured that his seed will be as a stranger in a land that is not theirs. They were strangers who were visiting this earthly land. The shadow is disclosing the spiritual land God would later reveal to him, which will be disclosed as we continue.

Hebrews 11:8-10, By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.   By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Abraham operated by his faith in God.   He believed and obeyed God without hesitation.   He did not know where he was going, but his faith caused him to take action.   He was a stranger in the land of promise.   This was the land Abraham was supposedly promised, but he was a stranger in this land, therefore this was NOT his land that God had promised to him!   He dwelt in tents (tabernacles) with his sons Isaac and Jacob.   Abraham was searching for a city, which had foundations.   Now look at this spiritually, he was looking for a city with spiritual foundations. Just like Paul tells us, "For here (on this earth) we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come" (Hebrews 13:14).   In actuality the place God was promising Abraham would be heir of was not on this earth for it would not be constructed by man, God would be the builder and maker of this city.

God gives Abram the new name of Abraham (Gen. 17:5).   In changing Abram's name, God made it possible for him to become a father of many nationalities of people.   God did the same thing with his wife, Sarai for He changed her name to Sarah (Gen. 17:15).

Genesis 17:7-8, And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.   And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee, the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.

God establishes His everlasting covenant with Abraham and his heirs.   God describes the land, which is a natural place called the land of Canaan.   Keep in mind that God is speaking about spiritual things not natural when He is describing the land He will give to Abraham and to his heirs for God is a Spirit and He operates spiritually.

Canaan means lowland Hebrew #03669 and Greek #5477.   Canaan the natural lowland is the earth. Heaven means lofty Hebrew #08064.   This is defined as high, elevated, towering, and an upper room.   There is definite distinctions between earth the lowland and heaven the highland.

Abraham's first son was named Ishmael who was conceived by a bondwoman whose name was Hagar-she was not his wife (Gen. 15:16).   God states that he who was the result of the bondwoman was born according to the acts of the flesh (not spirit).   Since he was the first born by the flesh Scriptures have already disclosed that his second son will be born according to the spirit.

Genesis 17:19 & 21, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant and with his seed after him.   To verse 21, But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Abraham's wife will produce a son whose name will be Isaac.   His birth would be at a predetermined time according to God.   God vows to establish His everlasting covenant with Isaac and it includes his heirs.

Galatians 4:23-25, But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.   Which things are an allegory, for these are the two covenants, the one from the Mount Sinai which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.   For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem, which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

We'll proceed with this Scripture in a moment.   Abraham's first son Ishmael was born in agreement to the flesh.   However, Isaac the second son was born of the free woman, which was according to the PROMISE OF GOD.   These two covenants are not literally alike for they are allegories.  This means they tell a natural story with a spiritual message.   The natural shadow leads to bondage.   Where does the second the spiritual one lead?

Galatians 3:16, Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.    He saith not, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one.    And to thy seed, which is Christ.

The promises were made to Abraham and his SEED. This was not many seeds, but one specific Seed who is Jesus Christ.    This relates the spiritual covenant promise between God and Abraham. Isaac was a son of promise and he foretells and symbolizes Jesus.    Jesus was the Promised Son of God by the free woman (we will get to the free woman in a moment) and He leads us out of bondage and into freedom!

Now we can join together the sequence of events that were happening to Abraham.   It is necessary to comprehend the depth of these Scriptures in order to understand and discern what the shadows are actually revealing.   Abraham is known as the father of all nationalities and he is the natural and shadow.   Abraham is not only a father to them of the law (Old Testament Mosaic Law), but to them, which have his same faith (Romans 4:16-25).    He is symbolic of our Spiritual Father God.

Abraham's first son Ishmael, the natural, is in bondage (Gal. 4:23-24).   Through Abraham's second son Isaac, the promised son, God will establish the everlasting spiritual covenant (Gal. 4:26).   All along God's promised heir and seed was revealed in Isaac, but the Bible was always pointing to Jesus Christ the Spiritual Son.    ** What more do the Scriptures present that displays the shadows of Abraham and Isaac and how they describe God our Father and Jesus Christ His only begotten Son?

Genesis 22:2 & 4, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.    To verse 4, Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

God instructed Abraham to take his only son Isaac and go to a land called Moriah.    God did not send him roaming around He had a specific place where he was to take his son.    So where is Moriah?    It's name means Jehovah God provides.    It is a hill on the North West of Jebus (afterward called the City of David) on which Solomon's Temple was built and it is called Jerusalem. God instructed Abraham to offer Isaac for a burnt offering upon the mountains, which He would tell him.    It was on or during the third day that Abraham looked up and he saw the place far away.   For more information about this read: "The Third Day".

Abraham took Isaac along with provisions to build a fire and a knife.    Isaac told his father that although they had brought all the supplies he did not see a lamb for the burnt offering.   Abraham assured him that God would provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.    When they arrived at Moriah Abraham built an altar and placed wood on it. He bound up Isaac and laid him on the altar upon the wood.    He stretched his hand prepared to slay his son. However, Abraham was instructed not to lay a hand on him.    Because of Abraham' obedience God told him that He will bless him and multiply his heirs like the stars in heaven and the sand on the shores (Paraphrased Genesis 22:5-8).

Hebrews 11:17-19, By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called.    Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from whence also he received Him in a figure.

God's promise to Abraham was that in Isaac, the image or figure of Jesus, would his heirs be called. Abraham believed that if he sacrificed his son God was able to raise him up from the dead alive again.    Is this beginning to sound familiar?   Abraham received Him in a figure.   The figure He was talking about was Jesus.   Father God and Son Jesus are revealed through the physical actions of Abraham and Isaac.   By probing into their movements we see Isaac and the sacrificial offering his father was prepared to make with him.   This allows us to see the full image of Jesus Christ.   We see Jesus being laid on wood or nailed to the cross as He is crucified.   We also behold Him raised from the dead.

Comparing the natural with the spiritual.   1.)  Abraham the natural offered up his only begotten son whom he loved. God offered up His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, whom God Loved (John 3:16).    2.) The actions of Abraham and Isaac occurred at the exact place where the shadow revealed it would happen, at Moriah.   This place was later called the City of David, or Jerusalem. Furthermore, it is the city where our Lord was crucified, see Strong's Concordance #04179. 3.) God required a sacrificial offering.   Although the shadows reveal that Abraham was not allowed to sacrifice his son the second and spiritual Son Jesus our Sacrificial Lamb would be allowed to complete this task. John the Baptist described Jesus as the Lamb of God, which takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).   The shadow of Abraham and Isaac relates a heavenly story. Though they are not literally alike they are similar enough to discern.   Abraham understood shadows for he realized God was able to raise Isaac from the dead, who was the pre-figuration or image of Jesus.

Genesis 3:20, And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

Eve, which means life, is the natural mother of all living.   Therefore, we need to know who our spiritual mother is.

Galatians 4:25-26, For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.   But Jerusalem, which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Agar is another name for Hagar the bondwoman.   She and her children are still in bondage to the natural earthly place called Jerusalem.  Yet, Jerusalem, which is above, is free.   There are two separate places called Jerusalem. These two Scriptures cast a shadow.   The earthly Jerusalem in the country of Israel is the natural and it discloses by shadows the spiritual New Jerusalem.   It tells us that the Jerusalem, which is located above is free for it is of the free woman. She is the Spiritual mother of us all.   The free woman is heaven where we find the New Jerusalem (Rev. 3:12).

Galatians 4:28, Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.   But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.   Nevertheless, what saith the Scripture?   Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.   So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

The bondwoman (the earth) and her heirs are to be cast out for they are not allowed to be heirs with children like us who hold the promise for we are property of the spiritual free woman (heaven). Now too look at the supernatural birth of Isaac and what the shadows relate.

Hebrews 11:11-16, By faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judge Him faithful who had promised.   Therefore, sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable.  These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.   For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.   To verse 16, But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.

It was by faith in God's word that Sarah was able to conceive for she was well past the age of natural conception.   There was One Seed (Jesus), which came from Abraham who was so old he could not father a child.   They considered him as good as dead.   These all died without receiving the promises, all except Enoch for Enoch was translated so he should not see death (Heb. 11:5).   However, they saw the promise land afar off and were persuaded of them.   They confessed they were strangers on this earth.   They openly declared they were seeking a new city of promise from God. They desired a better country, which is heavenly.

Isaac, the son of promise, birth was supernatural.   Both Abraham and Sarah were both beyond the years of natural human conception when Isaac was conceived (Gen. 17:17).   God waited until there was no possible natural way for them to produce a child to reveal by shadows the second supernatural Spiritual birth of Jesus Christ.

Abraham's two sons natural Ishmael and spiritual Isaac reveal God's two sons.   Adam the first (Luke 3:38) who was formed out of the dust of the earth and natural.   God's second Son Jesus Christ who is the Spiritual Son (Mark 1:1).   It is necessary to go to the Scriptures to explain this properly.

We will leave the shadows of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac and go to Adam and Jesus to determine what their shadows are disclosing.   However, before we complete the bride we will return to these.

Romans 5:14, Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come.

As I previously stated Jesus is the Bible in human form.   Figure is defined: the likeness or representation of a person.   Adam was the likeness of Jesus who was to come.   Adam was the natural son created in the image of Jesus. Jesus the Spiritual Son is the second Adam.   What is revealed through the natural brings clarity to the spiritual.   There are celestial bodies of the heavens and terrestrial bodies of the earth.   The body is sown natural then it is raised a spiritual body.  There is a natural body and there is a Spiritual Body (Paraphrasing 1 Corinthians 15:40-44).   Continuing with the next verse.

1 Corinthians 15:45-46, And so it is written, the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening Spirit.   Howbeit that was not first which is Spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

In God's Order of events the first to come is the natural and afterwards the second enters, which is the Spiritual.   I have expressed the importance of understanding and comprehending how the Order of God has been established, and how the shadows spiritually interpret the Bible.   Now, I will commence to correlate and identify the bride of Christ.

It is necessary to go to Scripture to understand how Adam was created, which made him earthly (1 Cor. 15:44-49).   Then to the birth of Jesus to understand the Spirit of God created Him to be spiritual.

Genesis 1:26, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness and let THEM have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in His Own Image, in the Image of God created He him; male and female created He them.

This is disclosing and revealing types and shadows.   Man was created in the image and likeness of God. He created him, both male and female, for they were simply known as man or mankind.   At this specific time they were not living souls as this next Scripture explains.

Genesis 2:7, And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground (earthly) and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Because Adam was the first living soul who carried the breath of God (life) the genealogy started with him.   God formed Adam out of the dust of the earth he was therefore a substance created from the earth.   Adam was now a living soul created in the image and likeness of God.   His natural body was not the image of God, but his spirit was the image of God for he now had a soul. Luke 3:38 proclaims Adam was a son of God.   He was God's first son, natural and earthly.

1 Corinthians 15:47-49, The first man is of the earth, earthly: the Second Man is the Lord from Heaven.   As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.   And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

God formed Adam out of the dust of the earth (Gen. 2:7).   However, the second man the second Adam is Jesus Christ the Lord from Heaven. Adam was made in the image of the spirit of God.   If we are not born again, our spiritual rebirth, we are earthly, still of the earth.   However, if we are born again we are spiritual and heavenly.   As we have born the image of the earthly (Adam) we shall also bear the likeness of the heavenly (Jesus).

How are we born again?   The spiritual re-birth is our being conformed into the image of Jesus, under God's shadow.   These born again Scriptures can be read in John 3:3-5.   Let us continue to the spiritual birth of Jesus Christ, which begins in the Old Testament for it tells us about the spiritual. However, this is not a steadfast rule for the New Testament also has shadows.

Isaiah 7:14, Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

The Lord Himself gave us a sign.   A virgin conceived and gave birth to a Son and she called Him Immanuel, which interpretation is God with us.   God would come to us in human form and literally dwell with us.

Gabriel was sent to a city of Galilee named Nazareth.   He spoke to a virgin named Mary who was engaged to Joseph of the house of David.   The angel approached her and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.   And when she saw him, she was troubled by the way he had greeted her (Luke 1:26).

Luke 1:30-35, "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favor with God.   And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus.   He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David:   And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end."   Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"   And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God".

To overshadow means to throw a shadow upon.   The Holy Ghost was exerting creative energy (His Word still creates) on Mary and impregnated her.   The cloud that overshadowed Mary was the immediate presence and power of God.   For with God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). God implanted His seed in a young virgin when He overshadowed her and the power of God's presence is in His shadow.   Mary was a chosen vessel used to shield and safeguard this Supernatural Seed.   To learn more about this subject read "The Seed of God".   Being born through the vessel of a woman Jesus forms and sets a pattern and shadow for us to follow.   He confirmed that a natural man could accomplish and overcome just as He overcame and is now set down at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

Hebrews 4:15, For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are.   Yet without sin.

We can reach and touch our High Priest Jesus.   He understands our every circumstance and weakness.   In every conceivable area (all points) He was tempted just like we are, yet He remained without sin.   Jesus uses this example and pattern to prove we can accomplish and overcome, just as He overcame (Ref. Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26 & 3:5, 12, 21, & 21:7).   Jesus' birth was a supernatural for He was the Lord from Heaven (1 Cor. 14:47-49).

God's Word is True for it is impossible for Him to lie (Heb 6:18).   If one believes only part of the Bible they might as well throw it all away.   All of His Word is Truth.   Do not attempt to put human carnal limits on the Power of Almighty God!

Hebrews 7:14, For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.   And it is yet a more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another Priest.   Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment but after the Power of an Endless Life (God).

It is not of the law of a carnal commandment, but spiritual, the Law of the Spiritual Commandment. The first one presented was Melchizedek.   It states that Melchizedek is without genealogy, no beginning or ending, and foretells of our High Priest Jesus.   Following the likeness of Melchizedek there would arise another the Spiritual High Priest Jesus Christ.   Jesus is made after the Power of an Endless Life (God) who has no beginning or end (Rev 1:8).

It is the father's blood, which establishes the bloodline.   Jesus' bloodline was of God. However, He was adopted into the bloodline of the House of David through His mother's husband Joseph.   This shadow discloses that we too can become the sons of God adopted into the spiritual bloodline.

John 1:10-13, He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.   He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.   But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.

Jesus is the Word of God.   He was in the world, which He formed, but the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own (the Jews), but they rejected Him.   However, as many, both Jew and Gentile (which includes whosoever will), that did receive Him He gave them power to also become Sons of God.   He was not born of blood, earthly bloodlines, or of the will and nature of the flesh, or of the desire of man. He was born of God who is a Spirit (John 4:24).

Now, we return to Abraham and his son Isaac to determine his bride and how this relates to Adam and Jesus.

In Genesis 15 it explains Abraham (Abram) was childless.   Abram said, "Behold, to me Thou hast given no seed: and lo, one born in my house is mine heir…    Abraham had a steward whose name was Eliezer.   When Abraham was well advanced in age he called for Eliezer who ruled over all that he had and ask him to place his hand under his thigh (Genesis 24:1).   At this time Isaac was not born. Continuing with the next verse.

Genesis 24:3-9, And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell.   But thou shalt go unto my country and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.   And the servant (Eliezer) said unto him.   Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?   And Abraham said unto him, beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.   The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land, He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.   And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath, only bring not my son thither again.   And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham, his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

These shadows express events that were to happen later.   Remember God's order?   First comes the natural, then comes the Spiritual (1 Cor. 15:44-49).   Revealing these allegories I will insert the spiritual names next to the natural instead of stating that these are shadows of each one so one may obtain a mental picture of these events and how well they parallel one with the other.  Some Scripture will be total, while others are paraphrased.   The reason for paraphrasing is to take up less room for this is already a lengthy message.   Those that are paraphrased will have the actual Scripture included in each paragraph so you can read these for yourself.

These shadows reveal Abraham (God) made his eldest servant Eliezer (Holy Ghost) swear he would not take a wife for his son Isaac (Jesus) from the Canaanites (the lowland-or of this earth) where he dwelt.   Eliezer (Holy Ghost) asked what if the woman (the new bride) would not be willing to follow him into this land should he bring Isaac (Jesus) back again to the land from where he came?   Abraham (God) warned Eliezer (Holy Ghost) that he was not to bring back his son Isaac (Jesus) to the Canaanites, earth, the lowlands a second time.   Abraham was instructed to leave the land where he dwelt and his people.   Eliezer (Holy Ghost) will find a girl from my kinsmen (children of God) to be my son's Isaac's (Jesus') wife.   However, Abraham (God) told Eliezer (Holy Ghost) if you do not succeed then you are released from the promise, but under no circumstances are you to bring my son Isaac (Jesus) here, to His kindred - ever again (Gen. 24:3-9).   Eliezer (Holy Ghost) began his journey taking along ten camels.   He had all the wealth of his master, Abraham (God), in his possession.   When evening arrived Eliezer (Holy Ghost) stopped to rest the camels outside the city by a well of water.   Eliezer (Holy Ghost) prayed that the one whom he ask for a drink be the one chosen for his master's son Isaac (Jesus).   Before he finished speaking Rebekah (bride of Christ) came out who was the daughter of Abraham's brother (go into my kindred for a wife for my son).   She was beautiful and she was a virgin (the bride of Christ will be spotless and she has overcome the flesh) (Gen. 24:15-16).   Jesus states He will send the Holy Ghost who will lead and guide us (Luke 4:1).

Eliezer (Holy Ghost) ask Rebekah (bride of Christ) if she would give him a drink from her pitcher. She said, Drink, my lord. She already considered him as Lord. Eliezer (Holy Ghost) placed a golden earring (she could now hear whom she would follow, being Truth.   It also represented a wedding ring for he placed two bracelets on her hands.   Eliezer (Holy Ghost) ask her, whose daughter she was and if there was room in her father's house to lodge in.   She informed him there was room. Rebekah invited the Holy Ghost to come in, which reveals a shadow that the Holy Ghost will dwell within the bride of Christ (Gen. 24:18-30) (Ref. 2 Tim. 1:14 and Ezek. 36:26-27).  The Holy Ghost has to be invited in before He will dwell within one.   He is a True Gentleman in every way and He will not force His spirit upon anyone.

Rebekah (bride of Christ) tells her family all the things that had happened.   Rebekah's brother ran out to meet the Eliezer.   Rebekah's brother asks Eliezer (Holy Ghost) why he stood outside for he had prepared the house (we are to prepare our house, for we are the house of God).   Eliezer (Holy Ghost) then enter the house.   Eliezer (Holy Ghost) explains that his master's (God) wife (heaven) bare a son, Isaac (Jesus) when she was old and to him he has given all that he has (given all to His Son Jesus, Ref: John 3:35).   However, my master Abraham (God) made me swear I would not take a wife to his son Isaac (Jesus) of the daughters of the Canaanites (lowlands-earth) in the land where I dwell. Eliezer (Holy Ghost) told them he would be cleared of his oath if they would not grant a wife for his son Isaac (Jesus) (Gen. 24:31-51).

Rebekah's family gave their approval. Eliezer (Holy Ghost) brought jewels of silver, gold, raiment, and gave them to Rebekah (bride of Christ).   Rebekah (bride of Christ) said she would go with Eliezer (Holy Ghost).   She accepts the invitation to the marriage even though she had never seen Isaac (Jesus) her husband to be she has only heard about him (Gen. 24:52-60).   …Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed, blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:29).

Rebekah (bride of Christ) rode upon the camels prepared to meet Isaac and revealing there is a rough journey to make it to the wedding!   The number ten represents those who fully overcome the flesh. Eliezer (Holy Ghost) took Rebekah (bride of Christ) and went HIS WAY (Gen. 24:61).   This tells us there is only one path that must be taken, His Way and His way led them to the bridegroom Isaac (Jesus).

As Isaac (Jesus) was out at evening time (the day is closing fast) he lifted up his eyes and saw the camels were coming bringing his bride.   Rebekah (bride of Christ) lifted up her eyes and when she saw Isaac (Jesus) she leaped off the camel (Gen. 24:62-64).   It reveals this event will happen at evening time, which ends one day and begins a NEW DAY.   The close of the Gentile day is upon us.   It is nearing midnight as we anticipate this blessed wedding that is about to take place. The Spirit within us allows us to comprehend the bride is already on the move.

Rebekah (bride of Christ) asked Eliezer (Holy Ghost) who the man was that was she saw walking in the field.   He stated it was his master Isaac (Jesus).   Therefore, she took a veil to cover herself. Isaac (Jesus) took Rebekah (bride of Christ) into his mother's tent (Jerusalem which is above, the mother of us all-heaven), and took her to wife (Gen. 24:65-67).   The tent represents another shadow for it discloses the heavenly tabernacle.   In the Old Testament Moses was instructed to build a tabernacle patterned after the one that God had shown him on Mt. Sinai.   What Moses built they moved around for it was actually a tent (Exodus 39:31-33).

Before we get any further into the wedding of the bride of Jesus it is necessary to return to the shadows of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Hagar the bondwoman, and Sarah the free-woman.

Genesis 3:23-24, Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.   So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the Garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to keep the way of the Tree of Life.

*** Now we get into how the bride is removed from the body of Christ.   God drove Adam out of the Garden of Eden, paradise on earth.   Adam was to till the ground from which he was created.   This shadow illustrates the ground or mother earth is considered Adam's mother because he was created from her.   Adam called his wife Eve because she was the mother of all living (Gen. 3:29).   Eve (his bride) was created from Adam's rib, which means she was also part of the earth from which Adam was created.

In Galatians 4:25, it states that Agar (Hagar) the bondwoman leads to bondage with her children. Agar (Hagar) is Mt. Sinai in Arabia an earthly place.   Let us collate these types and shadows. Abraham (God) was to cast out Ishmael (Adam) and the bondwoman this earth. Ishmael (Adam) will not be heir with the promised son Isaac (Jesus) who was born of the free woman Sarah, the similitude of Jerusalem above-heaven, which is the mother of us all (Gen. 21:10). (Ref. Galatians 4:26).

Sarah's son Isaac is the Promised Son and the image of Jesus (Gen. 17:21).   Therefore, these shadows make known Gods two sons, Adam, the natural who was born of this earth and the earth is the bondwoman.   The earthly, those not born again, shall not be heir with the Promised Son, Jesus, the spiritual Son born of God from the Jerusalem which is above, heaven Gen. 21:10). (Ref. Galatians 4:26).

Now, I want to go to Scriptures that reveal the shadows of our adoption into the Kingdom of God. This also shows our invitation to attend the wedding feast of Jesus Christ.   This parable begins in the Book of Esther.   It states Ahasuerus was King and he ruled over one hundred and twenty seven provinces. His Queen's name was Vashti.   Again, I will insert the spiritual next to the natural. Remember these are allegories for they tell a natural story with a heavenly interpretation.

In the third year of King Ahasuerus' (God) reign he made a feast unto all his princes, and servants. On the seventh day the king commanded that Queen Vashti (natural Jew) come before him with the royal crown to show the people and the princes her beauty, for she was fair to look on.   However, Queen Vashti (natural Jew) refused to come at the king's commandment.   Therefore, the king (God) was angry (Esther 1:10-12).

The king (God) gave instructions to wise men (prophets) who knew the times.   It was the king's manner toward all that knew the law (Old Testament), and judgment.   They wanted to know what to do about the queen (natural Jew), according to the law, because she did not carry out the command of the king (God).   The king (God) was informed that not only had she wronged him, but also the action of the queen (natural Jew) would go abroad to all women and they would also despise their husbands.   King Ahasuerus (God) commanded Queen Vashti (natural Jew) to be brought in before him, but she refused to come (Esther 1:13-17).   This illustrates what happen to the natural Jew who would not come to the wedding when they were ask to attend and did not listen to the prophets of God (Matt. 22:3, Acts 13:45-48).

The royal chamberlains had a solution.   They suggested that the king give a royal commandment and that it be written among the laws and not be altered, that Vashti (natural Jew) would come no more in the presence of the king.   They suggested the king give her royal estate to another that is better than she (Esther 1:19). (Ref. Acts 13:45-48).   They stated the king's decree should be published throughout all his empire for he is great, all wives shall give their husbands honor, both to the great and small (Esther 1:20).

The king (God) agreed and these letters and they were sent to every province according to all people and their language.   It stated that every man should bear rule in his own house and it should be published according to the language of all people (Esther 1:19-20).   After these things when the wrath of the king (God) was appeased for he remembered Vashti (natural Jew) and what she had done and what was decreed against her (Esther 2:1).

The king (God) then instructed his servants to search for all the fair young virgins.   He appointed officers of his kingdom to gather together all the fair young virgins unto the palace to the house of the women, which was under the charge and custody of Hegai.   Hegai (Holy Ghost) was instructed to give them all things that were needed for their purification.   Hegai (Holy Ghost) expressed that the maiden, who pleases the king (God) be the queen instead of Vashti (natural Jew).   This saying pleased the king (God), and he accepted this proposal (Esther 2:2-4).

In the palace there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai (Apostle Paul) from the tribe of Benjamin.   Apostle Paul was also from the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1).   Mordecai had adopted (shows our adoption, Romans 8:15) and brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter for her father and mother were deceased.   Mordecai took her for his own daughter and she was fair and beautiful (Esther 2:5-7).

When the king's (God) commandment and decree was heard many maidens were assembled in the palace to the care of Hegai (Holy Ghost) and Esther (spiritual Jew) was among them.   Esther (spiritual Jew) pleased Hegai and obtained kindness from him.   Hegai (Holy Ghost) quickly gave her the things for purification.   He ordered special things for her for he favored her for her beauty.   Hegai (Holy Ghost) preferred Esther (spiritual Jew) and placed her in the best place of the house of the women.   Esther did not tell her kindred that she was a Jewess (spiritual Jew) for Mordecai (Paul) had asked that she not make this known.   However, Mordecai (Paul) came daily to the court to find out what was happening to Esther (Esther 2:8-11).

These young virgins were to be given twelve months for purification.   After this they could be brought before the king (God).   Each chose what they desired for apparel and beautification before she went before the king (God) (Esther 2:12-13).   In the evening the maiden went out to meet the king.   She would not return to the presence of the king (God) unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name (Esther 2:14).   When Esther' (spiritual Jew) turn came she required nothing but what Hegai (Holy Ghost) had appointed for her.   She obtained favor from all that looked at her.   She was brought into the royal house (God's Throne) to meet the king (God) (Esther 2:15-16).

The king (God) loved Esther (spiritual Jew) above all the women, and more than all the virgins.  He loved her so much that he placed the royal crown (2 Tim. 4:8) on her head and made her (spiritual Jew) queen instead of Vashti (natural Jew).   The king then made a great feast, and a royal order to the provinces.   He gave gifts according to the state (wealth) of the king (Esther 2:17-18).   Esther still had not told anyone of her Jewish ancestry for she was following Mordecai's instructions.

When the third day arrived Esther (spiritual Jew) put on her royal apparel (crown and garment) and stood in the inner court of the king's (God') house where the king was seated on his royal throne.   When the king (God) saw Queen Esther (spiritual Jew) standing in the court she obtained favor in his sight.   The king held out the golden scepter so Esther drew near and touched it (Esther 5:1-2).   The king (God) asks Esther (spiritual Jew) what her request of him was. He stated what ever it was it would be given to her as much as half of his kingdom.

It just so happened on this same night that the king (God) could not sleep.   He commanded the Book of Records of the Chronicles be brought to him and read.   It was found written in these records that Mordecai (Paul) had told two of the king's servants who it was that had sought to harm the king.   The king asked what honor had been performed for Mordecai for this good deed?   They stated there had been nothing done for him (Esther 6:1-3).   The king asked Haman, a servant, what should be done to a man whom the king was pleased to show honor.   Haman thought the king was referring to him and he gave this answer, "The man, in whom the king delights to honor, let the royal apparel be brought which the king used to wear and place it upon him.   He will ride the king's horse and the king's royal crown is to be set upon his head.   These things shall be done to the man to whom the king finds delight in honoring" (Esther 6:4-9).   The king gave instructions for Haman to hurry with all that he had stated and to do all of these things for Mordecai (Paul), the Jew, who waits at his gate (Esther 6:10-12).

Esther (spiritual Jew) asked the king to make a retraction of all the letters that were devised by Haman, which would destroy the Jews (Esther 8:3-6).   The king (God) told Queen Esther (spiritual Jew) to write for the Jews as it please her.   Her writings would be in the king's (God') name and sealed with the king's ring.   King Ahasuerus (God) stated that the writings, written in the name of the king and sealed with his ring, to allow no man to reverse (Esther 8:7-8). (Ref. Esther 3:9-14, 4:8-11).   Revealing that God will not change His mind and reverse His commands.

The shadows reveal the King (God) gave the Royal Crown to the adopted daughter Esther (spiritual Jew) of Mordecai (Paul), a Jew.   This shadow reveals the adopted Spiritual Jew will receive the honor of being the Bride of Christ through the teaching and information we received from another Jew, Apostle Paul who is the shadow of Mordecai.   To learn more about this topic read: "Natural Jew and the Spiritual Jew".

Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13). We are adopted (Rom. 8:15, Rom. 8:23, Eph. 1:5), into the Kingdom of God just as the shadow relates Mordecai adopted Esther.   Our Apostle Paul is a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin (Rom. 11:1, Phil. 3:5) just as Mordecai is also of the Tribe of Benjamin (Esther 2:5).   It clearly presents Mordecai as a type and shadow, which pre-figures Apostle Paul.   Although Esther was a Jew her adoption, by a type of Apostle Paul, shows the spiritual adoption.

Apostle Paul's responsibility is to bring in the adopted children (a type of Esther) into the Kingdom of God and by doing this, perhaps cause jealousy to the natural Jew and bring them in (Rom. 10:19 & 11:11).   Paul stated there was a crown laid up for him for he had finished his race and had won his crown (2 Tim. 4:6-8), just as the shadow discloses the king demanded the royal crown be placed upon Mordecai.

There are twelve apostles who will make up the foundation, with the Chief CornerStone being Christ Himself (Eph. 2:20).   These twelve will support the wall around the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:14). Apostle Paul will not be one of those that make up the foundation for he was never considered among the twelve apostles (Acts 1:20-26; Psalm 109:8).   The Scriptures declare, "Paul a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1). Separated means to be set apart.   He was separated from the other apostles for he is the Apostle to the Gentiles, spiritual Jews.

Apostle Paul has an appointed seat, which is sitting with the Bride of Christ on Christ's Throne (2 Tim. 4:6-8).   As adopted children, the spiritual Jew, we are to endure as Apostle Paul did to achieve this high honor of wearing the crown, which the shadow of the new queen Esther reveals. She is a type of the Bride of Christ.   Paul uses the example that when running a race all are running for the reward, but only one receives the prize.   He implores, "So RUN, that ye may obtain" (1 Cor. 9:24) the same prize he obtained, the Crown.

The king took off his ring, which he had given to Haman, and gave it to Mordecai, the type of Apostle Paul.   Esther then placed Mordecai over all the house of Haman. (Esther 8:2).    This reveals by shadows that Apostle Paul is set over the house of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13 - 1 Tim. 2:7 - 2 Tim. 1:11).  The elect of God will strive for the crown of righteousness.   Apostle Paul states this crown is laid up for him but not for him alone, but for all those who looking forward to the appearing of Jesus (2 Tim. 4:8).

The story of King Ahasuerus, Vashti, Esther, Hegai and Mordecai are shadows that were cast. Jesus speaks of them in Matthew Chapter 22.   They are similar but not literally alike for they reveal an earthly story with a spiritual meaning.

There are two marriages, which have to be separated.   God's marriage is the first and it is to the natural and earthly children of Israel (Jacob) the Jew.   This illustration is in the Book of Esther.   Yet it also discloses by shadow of the marriage of His Son, Jesus Christ, which will be to the second, the spiritual Jew.   Jesus Christ will not be married to His Father's wife for this would go against God's own commandment.

Jesus will be married to the second and the spiritual Jew, which is the Church, His Bride.   These next few Scriptures tell that God is married to Israel, or the ancestors of Jacob.   God gives them, or her, a bill of divorcement because she desired to play with the merchandizing of others rather than depend upon God.   She was considered a harlot.   Nevertheless, it was never God's will for divorce to be an option.   He proclaims that He is married to the children of Israel (Jacob), the first and natural, forever.

1 Corinthians 11:3, But I would have you to know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

This Scripture separates God and Christ to a degree.   It states God is the head of Christ even though the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are One, they are still three separate deities.   The head is always proportioned over the rest even if they are one.

1 John 5:7, For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are ONE.

An illustration is I am one person with many body parts.   However, my head rules my body.   It rules my thoughts and my actions are derived from what my head (thoughts) tells me to do.   That is why it is essential the Lord Jesus Christ become our Spiritual Head and Lord.   It is vital that He rules our thoughts and actions.   If we are following our Spiritual Head, then the Holy Ghost will lead our footsteps, actions, and thoughts.

Leviticus 18:6-9 & 19, None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.   The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother; thou shalt not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.   The nakedness of the father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.   To verse 19, Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.

God is declaring that no one shall marry their father or mother, or any of their immediate relation. This illustrates, by shadow, what happened to the children of Israel (Jacob) when God gave her a bill of divorcement and she was separated from her husband (God).

Isaiah 54:5, For thy Maker is thine Husband; the Lord of Hosts is His Name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel (Jacob); The God of the whole earth shall He be called.

1 Corinthians 10:26, For the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.

God is the Maker.   He is the Husband of Israel-the ancestors of Jacob.   He is the Lord of Host. He is the redeemer and the Holy One of Israel (Jacob), the first and natural.   He is God of the whole earth, the natural earth.   The earth belongs to the Lord along with the fullness of it.

Jeremiah 3:8 & 14, And I say, when for all the causes whereby BACKSLIDING ISRAEL COMMITTED ADULTERY I HAD PUT HER AWAY, AND GIVEN HER A BILL OF DIVORCEMENT; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.   To verse 14, Turn O backsliding children, saith the Lord; FOR I AM MARRIED UNTO YOU…

God is saying He is Husband of Israel (Jacob), the first and natural Jews.   God gives Israel a bill of divorce because she desired to commit adultery.   She went to other lovers, other counties, to buy and sell, rather than be totally dependent upon God.   Jeremiah Chapter 3 gives details on this account.   Nevertheless, God states He remains married to her because divorce was never meant to be from the very beginning (Matt. 19:7-8).   The decree for divorce was issued for the desire of the ones who were seeking a way out (Mark 10:4-9).   Isaiah 54 tells of God's eternal love for Israel, or the descendants of Jacob.   To find out more about this topic read "Children of Israel".

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God:   The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.   The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because He would keep the oath (promise) which He had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh the King of Egypt.   Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.

God chose His people above all that were on the face of the earth and set His love upon them. This is the first and natural, of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (children of Israel).   However, God desires a bride for His Son who has chosen to love Him.   The wedding of His Son, Jesus Christ, will be to the second and Spiritual Jew (which includes whosoever will).   Always with God comes the first and natural, then the second and Spiritual (1 Cor. 15:44-49).   Although God is a Spirit, His marriage to children of Israel (Jacob) is of the earth.   It will not be identical to the wedding He has planned for His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.   The first and natural cast a shadow that reveals and points to the second and the Spiritual wedding.

Mark 10:3-12, And He answered and said unto them, "What did Moses command you?" And they said, "Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away."   And Jesus answered and said unto them, "For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.   But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.   For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so them they are no more twain, but one flesh.   What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."   To verse 11, And He saith unto them, "Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery."

Jesus declares it was NEVER the plan of God to divorce.   He states what God has joined together allow no man to separate.   Jesus relates whoever divorces his wife to marry another is committing adultery against her.   This plainly states that God could never have another wife other than the one He first married, the children of Israel.   God is married to the first and natural children of Israel.   They will forever be married to God, but earthly not spiritually.   Jesus tells that if she marries another then she is committing adultery.   This relates God's divorced wife, Israel the natural descendents of Jacob, will not be allowed to marry another or she would be committing adultery.   Israel will one day become reconciled back to God.   This affirms God and Jesus Christ, His Son, can not be married to the same one.   The bill of divorcement was only issued because the petitions of men were set concerning this matter of divorce.

1 Corinthians 7:10 & 39, And unto the married I command; yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband.   But if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.   To verse 39, The wife is BOUND BY THE LAW AS LONG AS HER HUSBAND LIVETH; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; ONLY IN THE LORD.

The Lord's commandment is for the wife not to depart from her husband.   But if she departs, she is to remain unmarried or be reconciled back to her husband.   The only release is if the husband dies. Then, and only then, she would be at liberty to marry another.

When Israel (descendants of Jacob) departed from God she would remain unmarried until one day she would be reconciled back to God for God is perpetual.   Therefore, Israel the first and natural will never be permitted to marry another other than God, the Father.

Isaiah 43:1, But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by Thy name; thou art Mine.

Isaiah 43:20-21, … and rivers in the desert, to give drink, to My people, My chosen. This people have I formed for Myself.

God declares He created and formed Jacob or the children of Israel.   Just as the shadow revealed He formed and created Adam out of the dust of the earth, He created Israel (Jacob) and his heirs to be His own.   God tells them not to fear for He will redeem them.   God will call them by His name for they are His people.

Romans 11:4-8 & 11, But what saith the answer of God unto Him?   I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee of the image of Baal.   Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.   To verse 8, … God hath given them a Spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear.   To verse 11, I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall: God forbid: but rather through their fall SALVATION is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

A remnant of the seed of Jacob will be saved according to the election of grace.   God has put them in a deep sleep their eyes can not see, their ears can not hear, so that Salvation (Jesus) could be extended to the Gentiles.   In doing this perhaps it will provoke them to jealousy.

Zechariah 13:8-9, "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land", saith the Lord, "Two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein, And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they call 0n My name, and I will say, It is My people" and they shall say, "The Lord is my God."

Chapter 13 of Zechariah tells about the inhabitants of Jerusalem smiting the Shepherd of God-Jesus. However, verses 5 and 6 state He shall say, "I am no prophet, I am a husbandman; for man taught Me to keep cattle from My youth" (Zach. 13:5).

And one shall say unto Him, "What are these wounds in thine hands?"   Then He shall answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends" (Zach. 13:6).

Zechariah writings confirm Jesus is not a prophet but He considers Himself as a husband.   It uses the likeness of a shepherd when it says He was taught to keep cattle from His youth.   Jesus our Great Shepherd was crucified and put to death by those He first came to.   He was wounded in the house of His friends, (His kin), the first and natural the Jews (1 Thes. 2:14-15).

Now that God's wife is determined, what do the Scriptures disclose about the Bride of Christ.

Matthew 22:2-14, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain King, which made a marriage for His Son, and sent forth His servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and THEY WOULD NOT COME.   Again, He sent forth other servants, saying, "Tell them, which are bidden, behold, I have prepared My Dinner: My oxen and My fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage."   But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took His servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.   But when the King heard thereof, He was wroth: and He sent forth His armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burnt up their city.   Then saith He to His servants, "The wedding is ready, but they, which were bidden, WERE NOT WORTHY.   Go ye therefore into the highways and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage."   So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.    And when the King came in to see the guests, He saw there a man, which had not on a wedding garment: And He saith unto him, "Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?"   And he was speechless.   Then said the King to the servants, "Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   For many are called, but few are chosen."

These Scriptures connect with the story previously written from the Book of Esther.   It establishes, through probing the shadows, how Queen Vashti lost her royal crown.   It was removed from her and presented to Queen Esther the adopted daughter of a Jew, Mordecai.   It discloses Apostle Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, we are adopted in and become the Spiritual Jew who has been circumcised in the heart, as the next Scripture relates.

Romans 2:28-29, For he is NOT A JEW, WHICH IS ONE OUTWARDLY; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  But he IS A JEW, WHICH IS ONE INWARDLY; and CIRCUMCISION IS THAT OF THE HEART, in the Spirit, and NOT IN THE LETTER; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Paul defines the natural and Spiritual Jew.   He proclaims he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly, of a natural born Jewish descendent.   He declares a Spiritual Jew is one inwardly (being born again), and the circumcision (the shadow cast of natural circumcision) is completed in the heart and in the Spirit, and not with the letter of the law (Old Testament, Mosaic Law, or Torah) required by the natural Jew.   The Spiritual Jew is not of the Law of Moses.   For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves (Rom. 2:14).   Born again Gentiles (whosoever will) were never in bondage to the Old Testament Mosaic Law, but it is their very nature to DO the things contained in the law.   The Old Testament Law does not direct them for they have a law within themselves and they live this Spiritual Law by their very nature.   Remember the Scripture stated the Law having a shadow of Good Things to come, but not the very image of the things… (Rom. 10:1). It was speaking of the Spiritual Law-Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul gives clarity relating to the adoption when he states, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Rom. 8:15).   Adopted just as the shadow of Esther revealed.

From the previous Scripture in Matthew Chapter 22, Jesus speaks a parable, which is another word for a likeness, type, or shadow because they are not literally the same.   He communicates the Spiritual event that will take place.   The reason Jesus speaks in allegories and parables is that it allows the Spirit of God to reveal His deep and hidden meanings.

What Jesus is explaining in Matthew Chapter 22 is His own wedding feast, or marriage super. Paraphrasing the story, Jesus begins by saying the Kingdom of Heaven is the same likeness or shadow as a King of Heaven (God) which made a marriage for His Son (Jesus Christ).   He (God) sent for His servants (prophets--and also shows the shadow of King Ahasuerus and his chamberlains), to call them that were bidden to the wedding, and they would not come.   This shows the shadow of Queen Vashti as an Israelite.   She refused to come when the king commanded her.

Again He (God) sent other servants (prophets) saying, "Tell them which are bidden, Behold I have prepared My Dinner: My oxen and My fatling are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage".   But they paid no attention and went on their separate ways, one to his farm and another to his market.   Furthermore, the King (God) states the remnant of those that were bidden to the wedding took His servants and treated them spitefully and slew them.   In John 1:10-13, the Scriptures state Jesus went to His own, being the first and the natural Jews, but they would not accept Him.     1 Thes. 2:14-15, it tells how the first and natural Jews killed all the prophets and the Lord Jesus; also persecuted the Apostles (Ref. Matt. 23:30-31; Rom. 11:3).

Continuing with Matthew 22,   When the King (God) heard these things, He was displeased.   This illustrates the shadow that King Ahasuerus was angry because Queen Vashti would not come.   He (God) sent for His armies (the warring angels) and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.   Afterward, He (God) said to His servants (the prophets which illustrates the shadow of the king's chamberlains from Esther) that the wedding is ready but they which were bidden were not worthy.   Go on your way, and as many as ye find, bid them to the marriage" (Matt.22:7-10).  This shadow reveals that King Ahasuerus sent his chamberlains out to find all the virgins; to bid them to come, and he would choose from them the one to be the Queen instead of Vashti.   The servants went out and gathered together as many as they could find both good and bad, and the wedding was furnished with guests.   This illustrates, by shadows, the Spiritual Jews, which are now invited to the wedding feast.

When the King (God) came to see the guests, He saw there a man which did not have on the wedding garment.   He asks him how he gained entrance for he was not dressed in the wedding apparel?   The man had no answer. The King (God) instructed the servants to bind him hand and foot, take him away, cast him into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 22:11-13).   Other accounts of this can be read in Matt. 25:30 and Luke 13:28.

Outer darkness means one will be forbidden forever to approach the presence of our loving Father God, which is a minor form of hell.   They will never having the opportunity to ask the Father for HELP as they go through misery and suffering, for He will no longer hear and answer their prayers.

No one will attend the wedding unless they are worthy to be attired in the wedding garment.   Jesus continues by stating many are called, but there will only be a few chosen for this wedding celebration.   Who are the unworthy guests?

Acts 13:45-46, But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, "It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."   For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for Salvation unto the ends of the earth."   And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Acts 14:1, And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the Synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also the Greeks believed.   But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Paul states it is necessary that the Word of the Lord should first be spoken to the first and natural Jews.   However seeing they, the natural Jews, put it from themselves and judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life, we turn to the Gentiles.   When this event happened, our access to the wedding was opened.   Now we can become adopted into the Kingdom and be counted as worthy to attend the wedding feast of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Subsequently the Gentiles (whosoever will), the Spiritual Jews, and the natural Jews, who believe and profess Jesus is the Son of God, and the Messiah, have the same opportunity to attend this great event; the wedding feast of the King of Heaven's Son, Jesus Christ.   The believing natural Jew and the Spiritual Jew (whosoever will) has to get there the same way.   There is only ONE WAY.

John 14:6, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.

1 Timothy 25, For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

The ONLY WAY to reach, or have access, to the Father is to go through His Son, Jesus Christ.  He is the Only Way to the Father, He is Total Truth, and He is how we can obtain eternal life. There is ONLY ONE MEDIATOR between man and God, the Man Christ Jesus.   This next Scripture describes those who are attempting to enter in and reach the Father without going through His Son.

John 10:1-4 & 9, Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the Door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.   But he that entereth in by the Door is the Shepherd of the sheep.   To Him the porter openeth and the sheep hear His Voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.   And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His Voice.   To verse 9, Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I AM the DOOR: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

Jesus proclaims anyone who tries to enter any way besides His Door is the same as a thief and a robber.   However, those that enter in by the Door (Jesus) the gatekeeper will open so that the sheep (people), which hear His Voice may enter in.   He calls His own sheep by name and He will lead them out.   He brings forth His own sheep and He goes on before them.   He leads them out because they are following Him and recognize His Voice.   ** Remember the shadow from Esther disclosed the king had to call them by name before they could come before him?   This relates that only His sheep (people) will be called.   Jesus will lead and guide His own sheep and He went on ahead of them.   However, He has set the pattern, or shadow, for us to follow, He prepared the Way.

Jesus says He is the Door of the sheep.   He states if any man enters in, he shall be saved.   It requires entering in through the Door of Jesus.   The only way to the Holiest of all is through Jesus. Jesus says the sheep (people) will go in and out, and find pasture.   This means feeding and feasting on the Unleavened Word of God retire from their works.   The shadow of this pasture Jesus is referring to is Heaven.

Acts 15:14-17, Simeon hath declared how God at the first did VISIT THE GENTILES, TO TAKE OUT OF THEM A PEOPLE FOR HIS NAME.   And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen down…   To verse 17, That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

James is relating what Peter had spoken.   He states Simon Peter declared how God at first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name, or namesake-Jesus, people prepared to receive His name.   This agrees with what the prophets have written in the Bible.   God stated it would be after this time, the alloted time of the Gentiles, that He would return and build again the Tabernacle of David that has fallen (Amos 9:11-12).   Maybe then the remainder of the Jews might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom the name of Jesus is called.   This reveals the Gentiles and Jews (whosoever will) call upon the name of Jesus.   We have faith in Him and His Words who also believe He is the Only Begotten Son of God.

God reveals that Jesus Christ came to the Gentiles to take out of them, or remove from them, a people for His Name or Namesake and His Namesake is His Son Jesus Christ.   As with the natural the Father passes on His Name to His Son Jesus.   As a bride takes on the name of her new husband the bride of Christ will also take on and receive her new Husbands (Jesus) name after the marriage.   It is the Lord who brings about all of these things.

2 Chronicles 6:6, But I have chosen Jerusalem, that My Name might be there; and have chosen David to be over My people Israel.

God has chosen Jerusalem that His Name or Namesake-Jesus might be there.   When you look at this in shadows, it is describing the New Jerusalem, which will descend, which means come down, from God out of heaven. God's Name, or Jesus, will be there.   God has chosen King David to be over His people Israel (descendents of Jacob).   David represents the Kingship of Jesus who will establish His Kingdom over the people of God, Israel.

When God rebuilds the Tabernacle of David, He will create the second, or Spiritual one (2 Chronicles 6:6).   David, who represents the shadow of God, was not allowed to build a temple.   However, David's son Solomon, who represents the shadow of God's Son Jesus, is allowed to build a Tabernacle for God.   This will become apparent as we continue.

Romans 1:3-4, Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness by the resurrection from the dead.

God's Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, was made according to the flesh of the seed of David to present and position Him with authority and heritage, which reveals the everlasting kingdom that He will establish according to the Spirit.   David was the King and he was revealing the first and natural kingdom.   After the first and natural, comes the second and Spiritual Kingdom with Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

1 Timothy 6:14-16, That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; which in His times He shall show who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the Light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

We are instructed to keep Gods commandments.   We are to be found without flaw waiting for the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Jesus will be appearing to His bride and His bride will be qualified to wear a white wedding garment because she is without spot, being pure.

Jesus will display He is the blessed and Only Potentate having great power being the One who governs this empire.   He will establish His Kingdom and be called King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords.   He controls immortality because He dwells in a Light, the Light of God that no man is able to approach, and no man has ever seen or can see.

Daniel 2:44, And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

When God establishes the Kingdom of His Son, it shall never be destroyed.   His Kingdom shall not be passed on, or left, to others as kingdoms were in the past for it will be an eternal Kingdom while other kingdoms, on this earth, will be broken into pieces and consumed.   Another account of this is found in Luke 1:30-35.

John 2:18-21, Then answered the Jews and said unto Him, "What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things."   Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this Temple, and IN THREE DAYS I WILL RAISE IT UP."   Then said the Jews, "Forty and six year was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?"   But He spake of the Temple of His Body.

Jesus stated that if they destroyed His Temple He would rise it up again in three days.   Although He was speaking about His physical body that was resurrected on the third day, He was revealing He is the second and Spiritual Temple of God.   Additionally, He is revealing a specific time when the Spiritual Temple will be established.   It will be raised up on the third day, or established on the third day of God's timing.   For more on this topic read "The Third Day".

Acts 15:16-17, After this I will return and will build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.

God is disclosing that after a specified time He will return and rebuild the Tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and that He will set up this one.   If one reads Acts 15:15, you will understand the time frame God is referring to is AFTER He has visited the Gentiles to remove from them a people for His Namesake, Jesus.   This is when he will return and rebuild the second Spiritual Tabernacle of David, with Jesus Christ sitting on His Throne as the King of Kings.   It will be an eternal Kingdom that will not be passed on, or left, to others.

The very first Tabernacle originated with Moses, and it was a tent where the Ark of the Tabernacle was kept (Exodus 39:33 & 40:19).   It later went to David, and they brought in the Ark of the Lord and set it in His place in the midst of the Tabernacle that David had set up, for it was also a tent (2 Sam 6:17).   However, God gave specific instruction to David that his son, Solomon, would be the only one allowed to build the House for God's Name (2 Chron. 6:7-8).

Acts 7:47, But Solomon built Him a house.   Howbeit, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, "Heaven is My Throne, and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me?" saith the Lord. " Or what is the place of My rest: hath not My hand made all these things?"

David's son, Solomon was allowed to build God a house, yet God does not dwell in temples, which man makes for heaven is where His Royal Throne is and the earth is the place He puts His feet.  God asks, "What house will you build for Me? Or, what is the place of My rest"?  For God has created all of these things.

In this Scripture God is making an illustration by using a pattern or shadow.   God did not allow the first or natural King David (exemplified of God), to build Him a house (2 Sam 6:17).   This High Honor was passed on to the king's son, Solomon (Jesus) who would be allowed to build a house for God and through this we envision the second and Spiritual.   God the Highest is allowing His Son, Jesus Christ, to build Him a spiritual house or Tabernacle, for Jesus is the Temple.   God does not dwell in tabernacles that men make.   This tells us God will dwell in the second and man will not make the Spiritual Tabernacle.   God's Son Jesus is the builder of this Tabernacle.   They are not literally alike but they are types, shadows, and likeness of images that were cast by the first and natural.   Remember God had originally warned Moses to build it exactly like the pattern, or shadow, of the Heavenly Tabernacle God had shown to him on Mount Sinai.   That Tabernacle Moses saw was the Spiritual Tabernacle that would be coming.

Hebrews 13:12-14, Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own Blood, suffered without the gate.   Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.   FOR HERE HAVE WE NO CONTINUING CITY, BUT WE SEEK ONE TO COME.

Jesus suffered outside the gate so it would include all people regardless of culture, color or creed. The outer courts were for the Gentiles (whosoever will).   They were not allowed to get any closer to the Holy of Holiest than the outer courts.   The natural Holy Places were only for the children of Israel.   ** Remember Mordecai, a type of Apostle Paul, was always found waiting outside the gate of the king.

We are to carry the shame of Jesus and we accomplish this by following in the shadow of His footprints.   We pick up OUR CROSS and follow Him.   We have no continuing home here on earth, but we are seeking one, the Spiritual, that is coming-heaven.

Since the first and natural Jews are God's chosen people (Deut. 7:6, 14:2), how does Jesus sever the partition that once separated Jew from Gentile and now allows us to be partakers in the upcoming wedding celebration of the bride of Christ, which is the second and the Spiritual Jews?

John 10:16, And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My Voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

The other sheep (Gentiles) were not included in the original fold (Jews).   However, Jesus bridges the gap that separated us.   He brings in the Gentiles for they hear and obey His Voice.   Then ALL will be one people having One Shepherd Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:28-29, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.   And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

The one sheepfold (people) will not be separated by names such as Jew, Greek, or Gentile.   They will not be bond, free, male or female--no gender as some claim.   IF we are Christ' then we are of the seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise of God.

Matthew 13:10-11, And the disciples came, and said unto Him (Jesus), "Why speakest thou unto them in parables?"   He answered and said unto them, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

Jesus attests that not everyone will understand the mysteries He speaks.   His disciples are learners who follow His teachings.   It is necessary to abide in the shadow of God; conformed into His image, if we want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.   We listen and obey the instructions of the Holy Ghost (Jesus sent us a Comforter when He went away) who is leading the way.   These followers are given the wisdom to understand and comprehend the hidden mysteries from the Bible.

Matthew 24:37-39 & 44, But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the son of Man be.   For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the Ark.   And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.   To verse 44, Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.

Jesus clearly explains He will return during the same time depicted in the days of Noah.   The people were too preoccupied with life to notice the clouds were approaching and beginning to form into a flooding rain.   Noah and his family had actually entered into the Ark before this realization came to them.   It began to rain before they realize what Noah had been speaking was truth, but it was too late.   God had shut the door (Gen. 7:16).   When God shuts the door no man is able to open it (Rev. 3:7).

Genesis 7:1 & 16, And the Lord said unto Noah, "Come thou and all thy house into the Ark; for thee have been righteous before Me in this generation."   To verse 16, And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.

God considered Noah as a righteous man.   When one is totally obedient to the Words God tells them, they find favor in the sight of God. Noah did not doubt the Words God told him when He said a flood of destruction was coming upon the whole earth.   He built the Ark to every specification God had given to him.   However, it was a type and shadow of the heavenly Ark.   Noah completed his work without any slothfulness.   Everything entered the Ark, the unclean by twos and the clean by sevens.   The only thing that was remaining was the shutting of the door, and God did that Himself.   If Noah had been allowed to shut the door, he might have been persuaded to open it to let others in.   God's unmistakable Words, will be the same, "Depart from Me ye that work iniquity" (Psalm 6:8, Matt. 7:23, Luke 13:27).

1 Peter 3:20, Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the Ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

God waited.   He is very patient.   The whole time the Ark was being prepared God waited. However, there were only eight people that were saved by water.

This shadow of Noah is what we are facing today.   While He prepared the Ark, he was telling the people to get prepared for it is going to rain.   People, REPENT, of your sins and turn to God for there is a flood of destruction coming upon all the inhabitants of the earth.   Noah did not build this Ark overnight.   However, they had never seen it rain before and this allowed doubt to enter into their minds.

Noah's preaching that the flood was coming was not pleasant to the ears of his listeners.   They were asked to believe something they had never physically seen before.   It had never rained.   To water the earth God caused a mist to come up from the earth to water the entire surface of the earth (Gen. 2:6).

The shadow of the flood of destruction (rain) is disclosing the second destruction (fire and brimstone), which is prophetic.   They are not literally the same but similar.   God gives a sign as a token of His covenant with the earth after the flood of rain.   God affirms, "I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth.   To verse 16, And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."   And God said unto Noah, "This is the token, or sign, of the covenant, which I have established between Me and all flesh that is upon the earth" (Gen. 9:13 & 16-17). Therefore God will never destroy the earth again with a flood of water, but He will destroy it another way--with fire (Rev. 20:9)

This first flood of destruction (rain) is a type and shadow of the flood of destruction (fire and brimstone) that is approaching the earth again today and it's saying the same thing.   People, REPENT, of your sins and turn to God for there is a flood of destruction coming upon all the inhabitants of the earth.   Nevertheless, God spoke the Words and the flood of destruction came and destroyed all of them who were not prepared and did not believe.

God's Word is truth.   For that reason being prepared for this day is vital.   Just as God has spoken these Words to Noah, He speaks them again today. Destruction and great tribulations are coming! Be prepared!

Matthew 24:21-22, For then shall be great tribulations, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Jesus issues the same warning.   The elect are God's chosen the bride of Christ.   They will have entrance into the Spiritual Ark, which offers us safety.   It will lift us up above the impending destruction.   The very flood that destroyed the earth is what saved Noah's Ark for it lifted it up above the destruction.   It will happen, so preparation for entrance to the second and spiritual Ark is essential.   For further information on this topic read: "Noah's Ark".

This discloses a similarity of today.   There are some that do not comprehend, or understand how God is removing the bride of Christ.   *** This is a great mystery that further reading will reveal.   The bride is being selected and she's on the move--right now--today!   Only the Spirit of God will allow discernment of this.

We hear a similar message today as they did with Noah.   We have heard for many, many, years that Jesus is returning.   Some hear it so often they begin to take it for granted.   Others believe they go to church, work, pray, fast, pay tithes and this is what it takes.   It is enough?   Are you carrying your cross?   Are you taught how to carry your cross?

The result will be the same as with Noah.   The second flood of destruction is approaching.   As a matter-of-fact, it is moving rapidly upon this earth.   Even the most carnal people can visualize how corrupt the world has become.   Jesus vows the Son of Man will come at such a time as this.   He tells us to be prepared and ready for this day.   He gives us signs to look for in Matthew Chapter 24.   The Spirit that dwells within allows us to realize He is moving now and He's coming for His bride!   For those who are not preparing for the arrival of Jesus, for those who are not awake (spiritually) it will be to late.   God will have ushered in His chosen, the bride of Christ, the elect, and shut the door.   They will have missed the boat, or the Ark, so to speak.

Genesis 6:11-13, The earth was so corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.   And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted His way upon the earth.   And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth."

This earth is once again filled with corruption and violence.   For that reason the returning of the Lord can not be far from us.   He will not allow this to continue forever.   He will once again destroy them with the earth.   However, He promised it would not be with water the second time.   This communicates the type and shadow of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

God was angry because of the evil on the earth.   Abraham asked if God was going to destroy the righteous with the wicked.   He asked that if there were fifty righteous, would God destroy and not spare them.   As Abraham kept speaking to God, the number of the righteous kept descending until it arrived to ten (which reveals the shadow of the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13) and God said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake" (Gen. 18:22-33).

Those who were righteous were to be removed.   God stays and communes with Abraham and sends two angels (a type of Jesus and the Holy Ghost) down to Sodom and Gomorrah (a picture of the earth today).   Only Lot and his family were found to be righteous, so the angels pulled Lot into the house with them and shut the door.   They caused the ones outside the door to become blind. This blindness reveals there are massive amounts of Spiritual blindness in the religions of the world. The angels instructed Lot to hurry and get his family, wife, sons-in-law, sons, daughters and they said, "Get out of this place for the Lord will destroy this city".   However, Lot's sons-in-laws made fun of him and they did not go.   This discloses the shadow that you and your family will be saved and includes their spouses.   However, it still remains their freewill choice.

With mornings arrival (a new day) the angels hurried Lot telling him to get his family.   While Lot lingered the angels grabbed onto his hand and the hand of his family and they brought them outside the city.   The angels BROUGHT THEM OUT! These shadow reveals how God will remove the bride of Christ, which is the same way that God removed Enoch (Gen. 5:22-24).   He will place His hand upon the bride and bring them out of the city (earth) that will be destroyed.

The angels instructed Lot and his family not to look behind, but to escape or they would be consumed.   Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven (Gen. 19:15-24), and destroyed all the inhabitants.   This rain of fire and brimstone on this ungodly city is a shadow and it reveals the second destruction of rain of fire that is impending and coming upon this earth.   This latter day rain of fire will destroy and consume everything that it touches (Rev 20:9).

Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and he walked with God (Gen. 6:9).   God showed Noah a pattern in which he was to build this Ark, which was a safe haven for him and his family.   This, of course is the first and natural.   God gave him a fashion or pattern to follow just as He did with Moses when he built the Tabernacle on the Mount.   They were to follow these specific patterns exactly and were not to differ.   The shadows of the Tabernacle and of the Ark reveal what the second and heavenly Tabernacle and Ark will resemble.   The Ark will have one door, one window above, and three levels.   The second Ark will be the Spiritual Ark.   I refer to it as the Ark of Safety.   It lifts us up above the destruction and tribulation that will cover the earth.   This is symbolic of the Lord gathering His people.   He will lift them up, ascending, above destruction to safety, heaven.   Some refer to this as the rapture other think using this word is deplorable. Regardless of your choice of wording the word used to define this is caught up and it is defined as; caught up, take by force, carry off by force.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.   Wherefore, comfort one another with these words.

Those of us who are alive when this event transpires will be caught up, taken by force in the clouds, together with those who have already gone on by way of the grave, and we will meet the Lord in the air, and be with the Lord forever.

The Tabernacle Moses built had three levels of entrance.   The outer court was for everyone.   The inner court was only for the priests of God.   Here the priest performed the services of God by their washing and sacrifices.   It was only the High Priest who was allowed entrance through the first veil to the Holy Place.   This is where he put on his garments.   After that that he went through the second veil to the Tabernacle, which is called the Holiest of all.   This happened once a year and he brought blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people (Heb. 9:1-7, Exodus Chapter's 25: through 40:).

Hebrews 9:8-9 & 11, The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while the first tabernacle was yet standing.    Which was a figure (shadow) for the time then present.   To verse 11, But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, buy a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.

The tabernacle foreshadowed the spiritual Holiest of all, the Tabernacle and High Priest--Jesus Christ.   However, this was not made known while the first tabernacle (the natural) was still standing. The old tabernacle was a pattern for them then, but it tells us about Christ who is our High Priest.   He is a Perfect Tabernacle not created by man, but by the Power of God

Hebrews 10:19-20 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.   By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated (prepared) for us, THROUGH THE VEIL that is to say HIS FLESH.

Now, we are to boldly enter into the Holiest of all and this is because off what Jesus did for us.   He shed His precious blood for our sins.   However, we also, are required to go through the veil, that is to say--our flesh.   Scripture tells us to pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus.   Follow the steps He put before us for if we take the same steps that He took we will also be where is at.   Jesus prepared a pathway and if we follow it we will escape the great tribulations coming upon this earth.

Matthew 25:1-13, Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the Bridegroom.   And five were wise, and five were foolish.   They that were the foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.   While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.   And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet Him.   Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.   But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.   And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.   But He answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.   Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.

Although there were ten virgins waiting for the return of the Bridegroom, there were five that did not have enough.   By the time they went for more oil and returned, it was to late.   The Bridegroom came, collected His Bride, and shut the door.   Christ did not know them for they were not His bride.   Similar to the door that was shut on Noah's Ark.

Revelation 3:7-8, And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is Holy, He that is True, He that hath the Key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.   I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou has a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name.

The church of Philadelphia is a highly commended group of people who possess brotherly love. Jesus has the authority to open and shut and no one is able to oppose it.   He tells us that He knows (perceive, see) our works (deeds, labor).   He has secured an open door for us (Jesus is the Door - John 10:7) that no man is able to shut it.   What does Jesus say about the other six churches?   Read Revelation 2:4-5; 2:9-10; 2:13-16; 2:19-25; 3:2-4; and 3:15-17.   For more about this topic read, "Key of David".

Jesus has these Words for the over-comer, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (people)."   The over-comer conquers, prevails, and gains victory.   It's not merely sitting in the comfortable recliner of salvation.

"…To Him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God" (Rev 2:7).

"…He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death" (Rev. 2:11).

"…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" (Rev 2:17).

"And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:  And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father" (Rev. 2:26-27).

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels" (Rev. 3:5).

"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the Name of My God, and the Name of the City of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God, and I will write upon him My New Name" (Rev 3:12).

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne" (Rev. 3:21).

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son" (Rev. 21:7).

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" (Rev. 2:7).

Strong's defines stone with #5586.   In the ancient courts of justice the condemned were accused by the black pebble and acquitted by the white.  This was called casting lots.  They would place the stones in a bag and choose one and this was what decided the outcome.

Jesus states if you have your Spiritual ears open, and are willing to hear the truth, having the faculty of perceiving with the mind of understanding and knowing, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches (people).   He affirms those that overcome that He will grant them hidden, Spiritual food to eat. He will teach us of His Truth and reveal what is hidden in His Word from the world of religion.   Strong's states the blessed and angels are fed with this Spiritual food.

Jesus will give him a white stone being found to be innocent and forgiven.   In the stone a new name is recorded, which no man knows, understands, or perceives except he that receives this new name. His Bride will have her name changed.

In a traditional wedding the new bride releases her maiden name and receives the last name of her new husband. Jesus attests no one will know this new name except he that receives it.   To attend the wedding feast of the Son of God requires an invitation and a name change.   Listed are some accounts of name changing events in the Bible:

Abram to Abraham Genesis 17:5
Sarai to Sarah Genesis 17:15
Jacob to Israel Genesis 32:27
Saul to Paul Acts 13:9
Peter to Cephas John 1:14
Lucifer to Satan Isaiah 14:12 and Revelation 12:9

Matthew 3:11-12, I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:  He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:  Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

John the Baptist tells us he used the baptism of water for the remission of sins to repentance.   He tells us that Jesus would come later and baptize us with the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God the Father, and with fire, and the fire means there the struggle, which is going to get considerably hot.   There is more to do than accept the simple plan of salvation, as a means of entering into heaven as the bride of Christ.   There is a war to win a battle to be won.   We are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus (walk in His footsteps), overcome our flesh, if we plan on gaining the prize (crown) of the high calling of God., the elect.

John tells us Jesus has the fan in His hand.   This fan was used long ago to separate the wheat from the debris from threshing, which is exactly what He is using the fan in His hand for here.   Jesus will gather His wheat into the garner, or barn (heaven), and He will burn up the debris with unquenchable fire.   This account is also found in Luke 3:17.   Yet, many people do not believe in hell and eternal fire, but nevertheless, what saith the Scriptures (Gal. 4:30).

Revelation 19:20-21, And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image, these both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Revelation 20:10, And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:15, And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Apostle John first states there is a beast and he has a number, which is 666.   He also reveals it is the number of a man.   Therefore this beast is man or mankind (Rev. 13:18).   Using the plural form, he tells us that mankind will deceive by many that are teaching false doctrines (Rev 13:18).   He clarifies that the same thing was happening when the wheat (God's people) and the chaff (those who are not God's) are separated.   The chaff will be burnt up with an unquenchable fire and tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10 & 15).   To explore more about the topic of the beast read "Mark of the Beast".

Revelation 3:12, Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name.

Jesus is stating to those that overcome (carry their cross-crucify their carnal ways), He will make a pillar in the Temple of God.   These are not servants for they will carry His name.   A wife is a helping partner who supports her husband.   Jesus states He will write upon him, His bride, the name of His God, and tells us what the name of God is New Jerusalem, which will coming down out of heaven from God.   Jesus declares He will write upon these over-comers (the new bride), His New Name.   Therefore, He too will also have a New Name.

John 10:3-5, … and the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.   And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His Voice.   And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Jesus affirms His sheep will listen to His voice for they understand His Words.   He will call their name and lead them out.   He has already gone before them preparing the way so they can follow Him.   Jesus states they will not follow after strange voices, but will flee from them.   They do not understand the speech of these strangers.   It will not make sense to them for it will be as though they were listening to a foreign language.

Acts 15:14, Simeon hath declared how God at first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His Name.   After this I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down.

Apostle Peter declares how God came to the Gentiles to remove a people for His Namesake, Jesus Christ.   He's removing a bride for His Son.   Then it states after this event He will return and build, also establish again, the second and Spiritual Tabernacle of David, because the first one has fallen. The second and Spiritual Tabernacle will have Jesus Christ as King of King and Lord of Lords.

Ephesians 5:32, This is a Great Mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Apostle Paul is proclaiming that he is speaking of a GREAT MYSTERY.   Yet, what he is talking about is Christ and the church.   The Scriptures from Ephesians 5:21-31 are metaphorical for it discloses the marriage of Jesus Christ and the church, His bride.

Webster's Dictionary defines mystery: a supernatural thing, divine secret, something unexplained, unknown or kept secret, any thing or event that remains a secret or obscure as to invite curiosity, any religious truth known to man only through divine revelation and to be accepted on faith, is applied to something beyond human knowledge or understanding.

It is the Spirit of God that administers wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of Scriptures with comprehension (James 1:5 and 1 John 2:27).   Everything He teaches you will be the Truth.   Paul states that Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep (1 Cor. 15:51).

*** Friends stay with me for we are getting into how this mystery unfolds.   We are getting to the meat of the Word.   Paul is disclosing a mystery right here!   He proclaims that we shall not all be asleep.   It is necessary to stop in the middle of this secret mystery that he is speaking of, and go back to Adam so we can determine what is happening in this shadowed event for it tells us about the bride of Christ!

*** Genesis 2:18-25, And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.   To verse 21, And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.   And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.   Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.

God saw that man was lonely so God said that He would make him, Adam, the first and natural, a helpmate.   Follow the SPIRITUAL as this unfolds.   God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam.   This is where the Scripture in 1 Cor. 15:51 connects, saying we shall not all be asleep. This will be explained in more detail as we progress.

While Adam was in a deep sleep, God opened up his side and removed a rib portion.   This rib portion is what was used to create Adam's bride.   Then Adam announces she is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.   She was called woman because she was taken, or removed from Adam, the first and natural son of God.   Adam continues stating that a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife for they are now considered as one flesh (1 Cor. 15:44-49).

This pattern reveals, by shadows, that Jesus will leave His Father (God) and Mother (Heaven) and shall cleave to His New Bride.   Jesus stated that, To him, (His Bride), that overcome will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne.   He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Rev. 3:21-22).   This is the place we will find a crown laid up for us if we overcome our carnal nature!   There are two separate and distinct thrones established.   We have a choice with the high honor of sitting with Jesus on His throne.   The throne is prepared to receive the bride of Christ.

Using 1 Corinthians 15:44-49, let's explore what occurred with Adam and his rib, his bride or wife, as a type and shadow.   It is disclosing, and revealing, an event all heaven has been anticipating.   The shadows of Adam and Eve explain the second, which always comes after the first has been established and it is always the Spiritual.

*** God saw that His Son, Jesus, the second and Spiritual Son, was lonely.   God desired that Jesus have a Bride that has chosen to love Him.   Keep in mind they are similar but not literally the same because they are allegories and shadows.   The first, or the natural bride Eve, was created and formed but it was not by her choice.   However, the second and Spiritual, bride for Jesus will be those who choose to love Him.   This also discloses the shadow of what transpired with Isaac and Rebekah.

Before the bride or the rib portion is removed for the wedding celebration of Jesus it is necessary for the body of Christ to be placed into a deep sleep.   It is necessary to have the body in a deep sleep for it displays the shadow of the first event that took place with Adam.

*** Isaiah 29:10-12, For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath He covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the Words of a Book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying "Read this, I pray thee."   And he saith, "I cannot; for it is sealed."   And the Book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, "Read this, I pray thee."   And he saith, "I am not learned."

Isaiah is taking about the inhabitants of Jerusalem if you read back to verse one of this chapter.   He explains that God has poured out a spirit of deep sleep upon them, just as the deep sleep that came upon Adam.   God has closed the eyes of the prophets, rulers, and intelligent men.   He caused their understanding, when reading the Bible, to become words from a Book that is sealed. Though they deliver this Book to the most intelligent of men they will not be able to comprehend (Spiritually) what God has concealed in Scripture for the Bible remains concealed from them.

Remember, the order of God is established.   The natural enters and then the Spiritual (1 Cor. 15-44-49).   God opened up the flesh of Adam to remove his bride and what He did was remove a rib.   So how does that shadow relate to Jesus Christ?

John 19:34, But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

John 20:25, Except I shall see in His hands the prints of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.

This is where they get the phrase "doubting Thomas" and this was after Jesus' resurrection.   John 20:27 & 29, Then saith He to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing."   To verse 29, Jesus saith unto him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."   Just as Rebekah had never seen her bridegroom Isaac, but she believed and went to a land far away to marry him.

*** John tells us that while hanging on the cross at Calvary Jesus had His side opened up.  After His resurrection Jesus displayed that His side was still open for He ask Thomas to thrust his hand into His side.   *** At this very time, Jesus is disclosing that His Body has already been prepared to have the rib portion, His bride, removed from His body!   This demonstrates the order and sequence of the shadow of Adam and his new wife, being the first and natural, to the body of Jesus and His New Bride, which will be the second and Spiritual.

At this present time the only thing holding us back is the final preparations of the bride who is in the process of making herself ready for the wedding!   Jesus, the Bridegroom, is returning for His New Bride, the rib portion, which is being removed, from His body, the Church!    Just as Adam and Eve has revealed through Scripture.

You might say that a rib portion is not very big when you compare it to the whole body, and it's not! But, what do the Scriptures say?   Jesus tells us that "many are called but few are chosen" (Matt. 20:16).   The body of Christ and the church are now united as one.   However, when the rib portion (the Bride) is removed this will identify her and it will separate the bride from the Church, or the remainder of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 1:22-23, And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His Body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.

Now it is necessary to separate the church (His bride) from His body.   This Scripture is expressing that right now the church and the body are one.   While Adam was in this deep sleep he was complete and one until the rib portion was removed, which created his wife.   A small rib portion was removed from the rest of his body (Gen. 2:21).

2 Corinthians 11:2, For I am jealous over you with Godly jealously: for I have espoused you to One Husband, that I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ.   But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Paul THE Apostle to the Gentiles.   Through Paul we have become engaged to One Husband, Jesus Christ and we will be presented as a chaste virgin.   This pure virgin will be the ones who fully overcome their fleshly carnal ways.   They have died out to their own will and have positioned Jesus Christ as their Lord.   He is the Master and Ruler of their every thought, speech, or movement.  They will only speak the words the Holy Ghost urges them to speak. They have become totally submissive and obedient to the Spirit of God.

How is the church world being deceived today by Satan?   What same lie is he still telling that multitudes of people are continuing to believe?   Paul stated he was afraid that by the same method as the serpent mislead Eve through his craftiness that our minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.   Strong's Concordance defines #3834 subtilty: craftiness, a specious or false wisdom.

Consider exactly what Apostle Paul is saying!   He is stating he is fearful that just as the serpent, who is totally knowledgeable of Scripture, mislead Eve by his cleverness that likewise, after this same manner, that our perceptions and thoughts should be lured from the clarity that is in Christ. Paul is expressing his concern about the church being deceived in the same fashion that Satan used to deceived Eve.   Exactly how did Satan deceive Eve and what lie did he convince her to believe was truth?

Genesis 2:17, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 3:1 & 3-4, Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.   And he said unto the woman, "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"   Eve's response; to verse 3, "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."   And the serpent said unto the woman, "Ye shall not surely die".

The serpent was craftier than any beast.   God had given instructions to Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree in the midst of the garden, nor even touch it lest they die.   However, Satan added one little word and said that ye shall not surely die.

Genesis 3:6-7, When the woman saw the tree was good for food, and it was pleasant to the eyes; a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.   And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

The reason they were naked was not because they lacked clothing, but because they lost the covering of God when they disobeyed and this was sin.   This is where sin was conceived and created. Eve partook of sin.   She believed Satan's lie, which was conceived and brought into existence.   She gave birth to it for this lie reproduces and it produced an offspring whose name was called Cain.   1 John 3:12, Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother… Scripture clearly states that Cain was not from God and that he came from the wicked one, Satan. Eve said, "I have gotten a man from the lord (Satan was her lord for she obeyed him instead of God) and she again bare his brother Abel (Gen. 4:1-2).   She did not conceive, again Cain and Abel were twins.   Eve gave birth to Good and evil.

Cain, a murderous brother, destroyed the very first keeper of the sheep (Shepherd).   Cain was of the symbolic bloodline of disobedience - sin was conceived and brought forth.   Eve believed Satan and his lie.   She conceived this sin by her willful (her choice) disobedience of God.   Birth was given to this lie and deception and she called his name Cain.   For the murder of his brother God placed a mark upon Cain (Gen. 4:15).   This mark still remains today and it is identifiable through the Spirit. To learn more about this subject read "Mark of the Beast".

Genesis 5:1-3, This is the book of the generations of Adam.   In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam in the day when they were created.   And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth.

When man was first created it was in the likeness and image of God. God made him male and female and called their name Adam.   *** They all had one name and this is important.   One day we will once again have the same name, just as one day we will not be known as male and female for this will not be a issue in heaven.   Do you know what that one name will be?   Think about this. It will become clearer as we proceed.

Adam knew his wife again and she bare a son and called his name Seth, "For God" said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew (Gen. 4:25).   Adam's second son was the likeness and image of Adam, who is the image of God, and he called his name Seth (Gen. 5:3).   Remember first with God is always the natural, and the second is always the Spiritual (1 Cor. 15:44-49).   This was Adam's second son as Cain is not from God he was from the wicked one, Satan.   This second son reveals the shadow of the second Son of God, Jesus, which discloses the Spiritual.   However, keep in mind these are allegories and are not literally alike.

These shadows reveal even more!   Cain had a son named Enoch (Gen. 4:17).   Additionally, Seth had a son through his descendants named Enoch.   The first Enoch (Cain's) was the first earthly and natural.   There was even a natural city named after him (Gen. 4:17).   However, Enoch, the son of Seth, was the second Enoch.   This reveals by shadow that the second and Spiritual, and what will happen once again.   All the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five (365) years, and Enoch walked with God, and he was not (found), for God took him (Gen. 5:23-24).   This discloses what will happen to the bride of Christ one-day soon.

Hebrew 11:5, By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Strong's Concordance defines translated with #3346: carry over, remove, and change. #3331 his translation: changing, removing, transfer from one place to another.  By the assurance and belief of Enoch, he was translated, removed, or changed, and that he should not see the death of his body. Because of his faith he was not found for God had transferred him from one place to another. Before his translation he had this witness and testimony that he pleased God.   This is what will happen to the bride of Christ. One moment you will see her and the next you will not for God will have removed her to safety just as He did Enoch (1 Cor. 15:52).

Adam and Eve disobeyed God's commandments and listened to the lie Satan was luring them with "YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE".   This is still the reason for the fall of mankind today.   As we continue, this will become more apparent.

Ephesians 5:23, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the church and He is the Saviour of the body.

Paul states the husband is the head of the wife in the same likeness that Christ is the Head, or Husband of the Church, His bride. In addition to this Christ is Savior of the body.   The bride is the rib portion and those who make up His body are those who only have salvation.   These are two separate offices they are not one and the same.

The little word and is the conjunction which links the two sentences together.   This Scripture is connecting two individual sentences.   A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses (sentences) joined by conjunctions, by punctuation, or by both.   The two clauses of this sentence, being independent, can stand alone as complete sentences.

This is the lie that is thriving today!   Everywhere one hears if one has salvation then they are going to heaven and be in the bride.   The Scripture related that Jesus is only the Savior of the body, which has salvation.   However, He is Lord of the bride, their Head or Husband. The ones with salvation, which remain alive, will be martyred.   The only way they will preserve their salvation is if they continue to confess Jesus through tribulation and great tribulations.   To read more about this topic read "Lord and Savior."

Revelation 7:9-15, After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues, stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;  And cried with a loud voice, saying "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb."  To verse 13, And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, "What are these, which are arrayed in white robes: and whence came they?"   And I said unto him, "Sir, thou knowest."   And he said to me, "These are they, which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.   Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His Temple: and He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them.

Reading in the Book of Revelation we discover that the church, the bride of Christ, is gone by the end of the third chapter of this book.   God will take her and she will not be found (like Enoch) until she is presented and revealed as the Bride of Christ, sitting beside Him on His Throne.

If we continue to read in Revelation we will understand why it is so vitally important to be considered as righteous before God, and worthy enough to be included in the rib portion of the church.   The rib portion, or Bride of Christ, will escape all the tribulations and destruction that is approaching this earth.   This great multitude no man can number are those which are crying with loud voices saying, salvation to our God and to the Lamb.   This great multitude is joyous because they have achieved salvation.   They are referred to as tribulation saints.

The Scriptures reveal those servants who make it through great tribulation have a job to perform.   To achieve this salvation and become servants they have to go through tribulation and through great tribulation.   They have to wash and cleanse their garments and make them white by the Blood of the Lamb.

These great multitudes of people are servants who minister to God day and night in His Temple. They are not sitting on the Throne with the Lamb as His Bride, and in His Throne. Remember there are two separate and distinct thrones.   To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne (Rev. 3:21).

The great multitude crying salvation, are NOT chosen with the honor of sitting on the Throne with Jesus Christ.   They are servants and NOT the bride of Christ.   The rib portion, of the church, are those who overcome their flesh (their will), and they will be seated with Jesus on His Throne.   Jesus attests He was required to overcome His flesh and He accomplished this mission.   By doing this it gives us our example to show it can be done.   Overcoming His flesh commissioned Him with Authority and Power and enabled Him to sit down with God the Father, in His Throne.

To recognize and identify the bride, she will be qualified to wear the Crown of Righteousness.   She is counted as righteous in the eyes of God, which makes her in total submission and obedience.   She has placed Jesus as Lord, Head, Ruler, and Husband.   It is the same crown that Apostle Paul stated was laid up for him and not for him only, but to those also who love the coming of the Lord (2 Tim. 4:8).

Jesus has already established our patterns and examples to folloow.   His body went by way of the grave. Therefore, the body of Christ will also go by way of the grave.   The only way, other than the grave, is to die out to our flesh (our will), now while we remain alive.   It is essential to overcome our corrupt vile carnal ways while we are still alive.   Otherwise we will literally and physically die and go by way of the grave, and if we do not pass on before Jesus returns, we are headed for tribulation and great tribulation, such as mankind has never seen before.

Remember the Scripture, which stated this corruption, must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality? (1 Cor. 15:53).   This is what the Scripture was referring to.   Fully overcoming the flesh (dying out to our will) is the only way out of here alive.   Paul relates we are in a race to achieve a prize of the high calling of God.   This requires much effort and work on our part.

Isaiah 26:20, Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast.   For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity…

Isaiah explains God has a place prepared for the bride.   She will be safely hidden, and the doors will be shut around her until His wrath is passes over the earth.   It states that God Himself will rise up off of His Throne to punish the inhabitants of the earth for all their sins.

Luke 21:36, Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Jesus tells us there is an escape route.   Watch and pray that we be counted as worthy to be counted as the bride, a rib portion.   Worthy to escape the flood of destruction coming upon the earth will require MORE than salvation.   Jesus tells us that MANY are called but FEW are chosen.   The entire body of Christ will not be in the bride.

Romans 5:9, Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Paul also declares that we can be saved from the wrath of God that is coming upon all the inhabitants of the earth.   We can achieve this by having the qualifications to enter the second Spiritual Ark.   To learn more about this topic read "Noah's Ark".   They that are admitted into the second and Spiritual Ark are those which are clothed with the garments of salvation, AND covered with the robe of righteousness (Isa. 61:10).   THE GARMENT OF SALVATION IS NOT ENOUGH to make it out of here alive.   To be in the bride, it takes both the robe of salvation and the robe of righteousness.   This apparel is necessary for permission to enter into the second and Spiritual Ark of Safety.

If we reflect on this Ark in shadows, this is what it reveals.   God instructed Noah to build the first and natural Ark.   God gives him a fashion or pattern to follow which was the pattern of the heavenly Ark.   The pattern of Noah's Ark reveals what the second and Spiritual Ark will resemble.   It will have one door, one window above, and three levels.   What this Ark will do is lift us up above the destruction coming upon the earth.   They will be lifted up, ascending, above the destruction to a haven of safety, aboard the Spiritual Ark and their destination is heaven.

Matthew 24:31, And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Jesus will send His angels and it will be announced with a sound as distinct as the sound of a trumpet.   Furthermore, His angels will gather together His elect (bride) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Colossians 1:9-13, … that ye be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.   That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.   Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.   Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His Dear Son.

Paul states his desire for us to be filled with the knowledge of the Will of God in all wisdom and Spiritual understanding.   By the knowledge of His will for us and with wisdom and understanding we might walk worthy in the sight of the Lord.   In doing this we become pleasing in the eyes of God.   We are to be fruitful in every good work we do while increasing in the knowledge of God. We are to be strengthened with all might, according to the glorious power of God.   God will bring us to and through patience and long-suffering.   We should be joyful and give thanks to the Father who has made us suitable to be the partakers of the inheritance of the saints of God.   God has delivered us from the power of Satan, and has translated us into the Kingdom of His Dear Son, Jesus Christ.

Who was translated before?  It was Enoch and Elijah.   Enoch was walking and God translated him, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven ( Heb. 11:5 & 2 Kings 2:11).   This reveals by the same likeness that the bride of Christ will be translated and not see death.   Enoch was walking and was not found because God took him.   Imagine out walking one day and you make a step, but before the next step occurs you are not on this earth any longer for God has removed you.   This illustrates it will occur as fast as a moment in the time it takes to blink an eye, as Apostle Paul foretold us in 1 Cor. 15:52.

2 Corinthians 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Paul states that the countenance of our face is as if we were a glass, which allows us to be seen by others as reflections and mirrors.   These reflections, emitting from us, will brightly reveal the glory of the Lord.   As the Spirit of the Lord works within us we become more and more like Him (2 Cor. 3:18).

Paul relates that we are not like those who were and are still under the Mosaic Law, who have their minds blinded.   He proclaims there remains, yet to this day, the same veil upon their face, which has not been taken away or removed by their reading of the Old Testament.   He states this veil is done away and completed in Christ, but you have to go through Jesus to get to the Father. Those under the Mosaic Law will one-day turn to the Lord and the Lord will remove the veil from their eyes.   He tells us the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor. 3:14-17).

Philippians 3:14-17, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.   Let us therefore, as many as be perfect be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.   Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained (achieved), let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.

Paul declares he is running a race.   He is moving forward and pressing toward the mark which is the prize of the high calling of God that is in Christ Jesus.   He is describing the bride of Christ, the elect, the high calling.   He expresses we are to be prepared (perfect) with a mind like he has.   He states that if you understand in a different way that God will reveal even this to you.   Paul declares he has attained the goal he was pressing towards, and for us to walk with this same confidence of rule; having the same thing on our minds.   He tells us to follow him and mark them which walk this same path for we have Apostle Paul and those like him, for an example, pattern, or shadow to follow.

2 Timothy 4:6-8, For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight of faith, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.   Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me.

Paul attests it was his time for him to depart from this earth.  He proclaims he has fought a good fight of faith.   This reveals there is a battle we must do to overcome this flesh we are enclosed in.   He states he finished his course.   This tells us we have this same course in which we must follow if we intend to finish as he did.   We should not rest until this is completed.   There was no doubt in Apostle Paul's mind, actions, and words he that had won this race.   He states he has kept the faith and this relates that through all the things he suffered through, he never let go of his faith in seeing the victory of running this race.   Furthermore, he proclaims there is a crown of righteousness laid up for him, but not for him alone.   This crown is for all that run this same race Apostle Paul was running. He conveys that we are to be diligent, hardworking, and persevering to make every effort to arrive at where he is.   This foreshadows the Old Testament crown that Vashti gave up and, which went to Esther.

Romans 11:13, For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.   If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

Paul states that God has chosen him to be a special messenger to the Gentiles.   He puts much emphasis upon this responsibility.   He tells us the reason is to provoke some of his natural kin, the Jews, by jealousy of what the Gentiles have that they may too may desire what the Gentiles have and might save some of them.

2 Corinthians 11:23-33, Are they ministers of Christ?   (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.   Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.   Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;  In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.   Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak?   Who is offended, and I burn not?   If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things, which concern mine infirmities.   The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that, I lie not.   In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:  And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Apostle Paul went through a lot.   He relates that he did not have time to recline in his easy chair of salvation.   He relates there is much more required then attending church once, twice, or perhaps three times a week.   It involves more than going home and waiting until it is time for you to return so the preacher will tell you what the Bible says.

Apostle Paul was a man who was used greatly by God.   He went through tremendous afflictions. He placed all his effort into laboring for Jesus.   Scriptures proclaim how Paul suffered beatings above measure.   He faced death many times.   He was shipwrecked and spent a day and night in the sea.  He journeyed often and during these journeys he experienced great perils.   These dangers came by water, robbers, his own relatives, heathens, cities, wildernesses, sea's, and being among false brothers.   He suffered from weariness and pain and he often had sleepless nights.   He was hungry and thirsty, for he often went without food and water.  He shivered from the cold for he did not have enough clothing to keep him warm.  Besides all of these afflictions, he was in constant worry and concern in overseeing the churches.   Paul is appointed and authorized to direct and oversee the churches.   This is the reason he was not counted and included with the other apostles. Apostle Paul's work has placed him seated next to Jesus wearing a royal crown with the bride of Christ.   He proclaimed there was a crown waiting for him.   He will present the bride to Jesus!

Isaiah 61:9-10, And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord be blessed.   And I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath clothed me with the robe of righteousness, as a Bridegroom decketh Himself with ornaments, and as a Bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Isaiah states the descendants shall be known among the Gentiles.   They shall acknowledge these Gentiles are the offspring or children, which the Lord has blessed.   When this occurs he will rejoice in the Lord and his soul will be filled with joy.   The reason for Isaiah's jubilation is because he comprehends, as well as the bride of Christ, that they have been clothed with the garments called salvation, and also clothed and covered with a robe called righteousness.   These garments, salvation and righteousness, are accurately defined as a Bridegroom who has adorned Himself with precious stones and as the bride has adorned herself with jewels.   The bride has more than salvation for she is also righteous before God.

1 Corinthians 15:51, Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.

We realize Apostle Paul desires our immediate attention.   He is displaying and revealing a mystery. He clarifies we shall not all be asleep.   He is stating that not all of the body of Christ will be asleep. The rib portion is fully awake!   The ones who are not asleep shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:52-58, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruption must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.   So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,  Death is swallowed up in victory.   O death, where is thy sting?   O grave, where is thy victory?   The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.   But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.   Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

WOW! Apostle Paul states this is going to happen fast.   As fast as you can blink your eye.   We will be changed, altered, or refashioned.   The dead in Christ shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed!   This corruptible body must put on, or be clothed, with something else and he calls it incorruption.   This mortal body must put on, or be clothed, with something else and he calls it immortality.  When we put on incorruption and immortality the Scripture is then fulfilled that stated, "Death is swallowed up in victory".   Death will no longer have authority or dominion over us for we have attained victory over it thanks to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Analyze this!   He did not say this was accomplished through our Lord and Savior, only LORD.   Paul finishes by stating as of a result of this be steadfast, firm, and established.   Be unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.   There is definitely a work and job to do. He tells us that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, For the Lord Himself shall descent from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.   Then we, which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.   Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

As I previously stated rapture is not mentioned in the Bible, but it all means the same thing.   It is defined caught up: catch up, take by force, carry off by force, and snatch out or away.   And Strong's #260 together: at the same time, at once, together with them. Apostle Paul affirms the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.   The dead in Christ will rise first, those who have gone by the way of the grave. THEN we who are alive will be caught up, carried away by the force of God.   This will be together with those who are gone by way of the grave.   We will all meet Him in the clouds, which signifies the immediate presence of God and forever live with the Lord.   God often appears in the form of clouds (Ref. Exodus 16:10, & 19:9, 24:15-16 & 18 & 40:33).

When will all of this happen?   When can we expect the prophecies to come to pass?   Everyone is looking for the end of the two thousand years, which God allocated to the Gentiles.   If we are truly looking for signs and wonders they are plain to see for they are happening everywhere.   After the two thousand years, or two days, God will be returning.

Acts 15:14-16, Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name.   To verse 16 God says, "After this I will return, and will build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down."

God is visiting the Gentiles to remove out of them a people for His Name or Namesake, which is Jesus Christ.   After this, He will return and rebuild the Tabernacle of David, which has fallen.   He will build the second and Spiritual Tabernacle with Jesus Christ set up as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 20:9-16, And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.   But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.   And when they had received it, they murmured against the Goodman of the house.   Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.   But He answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with Me for a penny?   Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.   It is not lawful for Me to do what I will with mine own?   Is thine eye evil, because I am good?   So the last shall be first and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.   

 Also read Matthew 20:1-4 and Matthew 20:5-8.     Jesus relates in these parables that it's not too late to accept Him as Lord and Savior.   Those who have dedicated their entire life will not receive any more reward than those who have began their labor for the Lord in the last hour.   The last shall be first and the first shall be last.   Many were called to this wedding but there will be very few who are actually chosen.   A reference, to the previous Scripture, is repeated in Matthew 22:1-14.   Although they are different parables Jesus is speaking about and referring to the same thing.   They are metaphoric of each of each other similar but not literally alike.

Next I want to briefly touch on how the third day time frame applies.   This next Scripture defines where Jesus will be and when He will be there.   It begins with Luke 2:41 with Joseph and Mary looking for Him.   After their trip to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover they were returning home but Jesus had stayed behind.   They turned back to Jerusalem seeking Him.

Luke 2:46 & 49, And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.   To verse 49, And He said unto them, "How is it that ye sought Me?   wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?"

After three days Jesus will be found in the Temple.   He tells them they should have understood He would be about His Father's business.  

Esther 5:1, Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

The Book of Esther reveals that on the third day the New Bride will be attired in her Royal Apparel. It states she is standing in the inner court of the King's House, and that the King was sitting upon His Royal Throne in the Royal House.   This depicts God and His Kingdom.

Hosea 6:2, After two days He will revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight.

We will be raised up (rapture-caught up) to live in the sight of God in the third day.   After two days He will revive us, which means to bring back to life.   These Scriptures are shadows and they disclose events, which will follow.   God will raise us up just as He raised Jesus early at the beginning of the third day ( Mark 16:2-6).   For further information about this topic read "The Third Day".

The bride of Christ is being revived or woke up after this two day period or two thousand years, so be prepared and ready for the third day, which is approaching when, we will also be raised up.  The body is not revived until the rib portion has been removed just as the shadow of Adam revealed.   Adam the first and natural shadow of Jesus remained in a deep sleep until his rib portion or bride was removed.   While Adam slept God removed one of his ribs and then He closed up the flesh of Adam.   From the rib, which God removed from Adam, He created or made a woman (wife, bride).   God then brought her and presented her back to Adam (Gen. 2:21-22).   This foreshadows Jesus for Apostle Paul states, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Eph. 5:27).

After the removal of Adam's rib or bride, he awakened from his deep sleep.   This reveals that after the rib portion is removed the body of Christ will be awakened from its deep sleep.

Matthew 25:6, And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet Him.

The cry will go out at midnight!   The Bridegroom is coming be prepared and go out to meet Him. When is midnight?   It is the exact time when a split second defines the departure of one day and the beginning of a new day.   God is calling out the bride for His Son NOW!   Come out of her my people (Rev. 18:4).   Jesus is calling His bride out of the religions of this earth.   This calling is for the elect of God, the bride of Christ, and she is already moving-get ready!

The Scriptures tell us to consider the ant and the sluggard.   The sluggard is to watch the ant and consider her ways, and be wise.   The ant has no guide, overseer, or ruler yet she provides her meat in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.   What is the sluggard doing?   A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep (Proverbs 6:6-10).   If anyone considers they have ample time to conduct themselves as the sluggard they will be rudely awakened when they realize Jesus Christ has returned, collected His Bride, and gone.   We are to consider the ways of the ant and be wise!   She works hard to provide her meat in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.   She has no idle time for she is busy preparing for what she knows is coming!

Understand the eleventh hour work has begun and this tells us the midnight hour is UPON US-AT THE DOOR!   At the stroke of midnight the call went out proclaiming the Bridegroom has come. Those who were ready and prepared went in with Him to the marriage and the door was shut.  The others had to go back for more and when they returned Christ stated He did not know them as His Bride (Matt. 25:1-13).

The stroke of midnight brings an end to one day and the beginning of another new day.   It only takes a millisecond, for this to happen just as out literal clock reveal.   The period of time from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. IS ONLY A MOMENT.

Remember Apostle John had previously stated that Jesus, while hanging on the Cross-at Calvary, had His side opened up.   After His resurrection He appeared to Thomas with His side still opened (John 20:25-27).   At this specific time, Jesus discloses His Body has been prepared to have the rib portion removed.   This displays the order and sequence of the shadow of Adam and his new wife, which were the first and natural, which also reveals the body of Jesus and His new bride, the second and Spiritual.

Jesus Christ waits for the time when His bride will be removed to join Him.   Jesus' side will remain opened until His bride has been removed, then God will close up the flesh just as He did with Adam (Gen. 2:21).   When the rib portion is removed and God closes up the flesh of Jesus, the time for overcoming the flesh has come to an end.   It is the closing (ending) of overcoming the flesh.

All people that remain when the Holy Ghost removes the bride of Christ will be martyred and slain for Christ in order to keep their salvation.   This is the exact position Satan has the majority of the Christian world RIGHT NOW!   He is telling everyone that whosoever believes in the Son of God has salvation (John 3:16), and are prepared for the position of bride.   Know and understand your enemy!   Satan knows the Scriptures well. He is so bold that he used them on Jesus and he still uses them today.   He will shift one's focus from the true meaning if they do not seek the Truth from the Father themselves.   Satan cannot tell the truth; it is impossible.   He will twist the Scriptures just as he did with Eve.   He lures people in by using partial or half-truths then he skillfully begins to feed them on leavened bread, which is actually a lie.   For more on this topic read: "Leaven and Unleavened".

Remember Apostle Paul's warning that he was fearful, that by the same method that the serpent mislead Eve through his deceiving skills so our minds should be polluted from the clarity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).   It is importance to recognize this enemy and his tactics.   Be attentive for he will use these same tactics on the bride of Christ.   Satan will put forth his all into deceiving the elect (bride) through his lies and falsehoods, just as he once did with Eve.   Remember Satan used Scripture on Eve, he used Scripture on Jesus, he is non-changing, so he is using leavened Scripture today.   The Bible states that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump", or a lie (little or big for it makes no difference a lie is a lie) makes a lie the whole thing a lie.

The only thing holding back the gathering of the elect, the bride of Christ is the final preparation of the bride.   This blessed event is positioned, and it could happen at any moment!

2 Peter 3:8-9, But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.   The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

One day with the Lord is equal to a thousand years, and a thousand years is equal to one day.   He states the Lord is long-suffering and is not slack concerning His promises.   It is not God's will that any should perish, but all should come to repentance.   However, He does not force His will on us. We are offered choice and it is up to us to accept Him.   Just as God waited patiently while Noah was building the Ark, He again waits patiently while the second Spiritual Ark is being prepared that will carry the bride of Christ to safety.

Revelation 20:4-7, And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.    But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.   This is the first resurrection.   Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.   And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.

John sees this awesome vision.   He sees the thrones they sit on and those whom judgment was given to.   He observes the resurrection of the dead, and sees the souls of them who were slain for witnessing Jesus the Word of God.   He sees those who did not worship the beast or his image. These people did not receive his mark upon their minds.   They remained true to the unleavened, unadulterated Word of God, and did not refashion what the Spirit of God was teaching them.   They were not seduced and deceived by lies from this beast, nor did they perform any of his work with their hands.   For more on this topic read, "Leaven and Unleaven".

All of these, the resurrected dead and the elect of God (bride of Christ), live and reign with Christ for one thousand years.  For a period of one thousand years, this group of people, or souls will be eating of the unadulterated Word of God.   The bride of Christ will know, understand, and comprehend every Truth of His Word.   They will be priests of God and will teach the walls which surround this New City-New Jerusalem.

The wall is composed of one hundred and forty four thousand of the twelve tribes of (Jacob) Israel (Rev. 21:12).   They will go out into the earth and preach and teach the Truth of the Word of God. They will not be hampered or disturbed by Satan during this period of time for he is bound and will not have any influence upon them (Rev. 7:1-8).   This wall has twelve foundations, which are the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Rev. 21:14).   To explore more about this subject read: "Natural Jew and Spiritual Jew".   However, after the thousand years Satan will be loosed for a little season (time) and shall go out to deceive the nations, which are in the four quarters of the earth.   He will gather them together to battle and the numbers of them will be as the sand of the sea (Rev. 20:8).

Revelation 19:7-10, Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.   And He saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they, which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.   And He saith unto me, "These are the True sayings of God." And I fell at his feet to worship him.   And he said unto me, "See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."

Be glad and rejoice give honor to God for the marriage of the Lamb of God has arrived, and His wife has prepared herself.   The bride is arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, and it is the righteousness of His people.   They are blessed, which are called to the marriage supper of the Jesus.   They are shown and know the True sayings of God.   The bride of Christ understands with Spiritual comprehension, the Truth from the Word of God.   They were not deceived into believing the lies of Satan, which is hiding behind many of the pulpits of religion.   They dug into God's Word and allowed the Spirit of God to teach them the Truth in all areas.

Mark 13:22-23, For false Christ's and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.   But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Jesus forewarns about what to expect.   These are people who lie about the Scriptures and claim to be anointed of God, for Christ means Anointed.   There will also be false prophets that shall arise.   They will show signs and wonders to deceive and lure one, just as Satan seduced Eve into believing his lie from the very beginning.   They will do amazing prophecy and signs.   If it were possible, even the elect (bride) would be fooled into believing their lies.   Jesus issues a warning! He tells us to take heed, beware, for He has already told us ALL things.

2 Peter 3:14, Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Be diligent, careful in works and hardworking.   Our work (we all have work) is to be completed with steady effort, and painstaking care.   We are to be hardworking with careful and unwavering effort that we may be found in peace, without spot, and blameless in the sight of God.   Pick up our cross and follow the steps of Jesus.

Joel 2:16, Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children and those that suck the breasts: let the Bridegroom go forth of His chamber, and the Bride out of her closet.

Joel writes about future events he is seeing.   All the people must be gathered and the congregation sanctified, the elders assembled, the children and infants gathered, for the Bridegroom has gone forth out of His Chamber and His bride has come out of her closet.   He comprehends it is time for the wedding to begin!

Revelation 21:2, And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

The New Jerusalem descending down from God out of heaven is prepared just and she resembles a bride adorned for her husband, for she is the bride of Christ.

Revelation 21:9-10, …Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.   And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the Holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God.

The Scriptures continue to describe the beauty of this new bride called the Holy Jerusalem.   She will be within this great city Holy Jerusalem, which descends out of heaven from God.   Her beauty is comparable to precious stones.   The wall that surrounds her has twelve foundations and the names of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Rev. 21:14).   It will have twelve gates, twelve angels, with their names written who are the twelve tribes of the children of (Jacob) Israel (Rev. 21:12).   There is no temple within the city for the Jesus is the Temple of it.   This city has no need of sun or moon for the Glory of God lights it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Don't let the door shut on you for God is at the door ready to announce LET THE WEDDING BEGIN!

Are you ready?   Are you clothed with the proper clothing, the garments of salvation and the robe righteousness?   The righteousness of saints is the wedding garment.   Have you your cross upon your shoulders?   Are your follow the example and pathway of Jesus?

Blessings from Christ our Lord,
D. S. Mattingly

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