Revelation 19

“Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. The fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:7-8 (HCSB)

Jesus, as the “Bridegroom,” is found in many places in Scripture.  

The Song of Solomon describes the intimate and passionate love between Solomon, the King of Israel, and his Shulamite wife. Most Bible commentators have seen The Song of Solomon as a typical representation of the loving relationship between the Messiah and His people.

In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus taught the parable of the King who gave a wedding feast for His Son. This is an apparent reference to the union between Himself and His believers.  

Matthew 25:1-13 gives another parable of the ten virgins who met the bridegroom, typifying the Church going out to meet Jesus when He returns.

John the Baptist said of Messiah, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.” John 3:29 (NKJV)

The apostle Paul wrote, “For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2 (HCSB)

Today’s passage in Revelation describes the marriage ceremony between Jesus and His bride.  

Often in the Bible, the unfaithfulness of God’s people is referred to as infidelity or spiritual adultery. Everyone has sinned and been unfaithful to God. That is why Messiah’s redemption is so valuable… “in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.” (Romans 3:23). Perhaps another reading of Hosea is in order.  

God's great grace allows us (collectively, His bride, the Church) to be clothed in white linen despite our past infidelities. His grace is not simply a cover-up. Upon receiving the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we are literally washed white by His blood and are considered spiritually “virginal” to God. So, at the marriage of the Lamb, will you be among those wearing white or sackcloth?