This describes a vision of the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. In these verses, a great celebration is depicted in heaven, symbolizing the ultimate union between Christ (the Lamb) and His redeemed people (His bride).
- Key Points:
Rejoicing and Giving Glory: The passage begins with an exhortation to rejoice and be exceedingly glad, emphasizing the joy and celebration associated with the upcoming event.
Marriage of the Lamb: The central theme of these verses is the marriage of the Lamb, which signifies the union between Jesus Christ (the Lamb of God) and His bride, the Church. This union is often interpreted as the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant between Christ and His followers.
Bride's Preparation: The passage mentions that the Lamb's wife has made herself ready. This readiness represents the preparedness and holiness of the Church as it is presented to Christ.
Fine Linen: The bride is described as being arrayed in bright, pure, fine linen. This linen is explained as the righteous acts of the saints. This imagery suggests that the bride's garments are symbolic of the righteous deeds and holiness of believers.
- Significance:
Union with Christ: The marriage of the Lamb represents the ultimate union between Christ and His Church. It symbolizes the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the eternal relationship between Christ and His followers.
Holiness and Righteousness: The mention of fine linen as the righteous acts of the saints underscores the importance of a life characterized by holiness and good deeds. Believers are to be prepared, pure, and righteous in their conduct.
Joyful Celebration: The call to rejoice and give glory reflects the joy and celebration that will accompany the ultimate victory of Christ and the eternal fellowship with Him.
- Application:
Holiness and Righteousness: Believers are encouraged to lead lives of holiness and righteousness, as symbolized by the fine linen. This includes living out their faith through righteous actions and deeds.
Anticipation of Christ's Return: These verses remind believers of the anticipation and joy associated with the return of Christ. It encourages them to eagerly await His return with hearts full of joy.
Fellowship with Christ: The marriage of the Lamb symbolizes the eternal fellowship between Christ and His followers. Believers are encouraged to nurture their relationship with Christ and look forward to the day when they will be united with Him forever.
Cross-References:
Ephesians 5:25-27: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for it, that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." This passage in Ephesians speaks to the sanctification and purity of the Church as the bride of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2: "For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ." Paul's letter to the Corinthians also uses marriage imagery to describe the relationship between the Church and Christ.
Revelation 19:7-8 portrays the joyous celebration of the marriage of the Lamb, symbolizing the ultimate union between Christ and His redeemed people. It emphasizes the preparedness, holiness, and righteousness of the bride (the Church) and encourages believers to lead lives that reflect these qualities in anticipation of their eternal fellowship with Christ.
Revelation 19:7-8. Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready. It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.