Rev 19:9 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.

Revelation chapter 19 and 20 bring the climax of the Book of Revelation: Victory in Jesus. We see a multitude in heaven praising God for judging the great Harlot and avenging the blood of the martyrs (v.1-5). We also see the marriage supper of the Lamb (v.6-10).

In the midst of the celebration, John sees a white horse with Jesus riding out on it. He is called Faithful and True (v.11), the Word of God (v.13), and “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (v.16). And the armies of heaven, all arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, followed Him on white horses (v.14). John sees the final judgment of God on the beast and those that worship his image; they were cast into the lake of fire (v.18-21).

We are introduced to the fourth beatitude in the book of Revelations in verse 9: “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

It is always exciting to receive a wedding invitation. It is even more exciting if the wedding is your own. To some of your guests, the day may be of relatively minor importance. But for the bride and groom, it is a unique and special day in their lives for it marks the consummation of their love.

We have come toward the end of the violence, cries, bloodshed, darkness, death, and judgment that have characterised the book of Revelations. Now, we are seeing light and rejoicing: “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready” (v.7).

His wife hath made herself ready - I observe that in any wedding, the bride is the one busiest with the preparations. While the groom can sleep until the sun shines in his room, the bride is up at three in the morning getting her hair done, her makeup done, and her gown ready. The groom just needs to brush his teeth, comb his hair, put on his suit and pants, and he is ready to go, all within fifteen minutes. And, when he reaches the wedding venue, there his bride is, standing there beautiful, and ready to walk down the aisle with him. I doubt if there is a bride who is not ready by then.

The church is the Bride of Christ. The wedding day has arrived. Is the Bride ready? Am I ready? Are you ready? God never said the journey to the altar would be easy, but He did promise it would be worth it: “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” (2 Timothy 4:8).

The apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:2: “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” The word “espoused” means “to give one in marriage.” Christians are given in marriage to Christ at their conversion. The wedding is held in heaven. Paul is seen here anxious that all who are espoused to Christ should be presented pure at the wedding. We recall that Joseph intended to call off the marriage when he learned that Mary was pregnant (Matthew 1:18, 19). That’s because he suspected his wife-to-be of unfaithfulness.  Likewise, anytime we give our hearts to something other than God, we are committing “spiritual adultery” during the period of our engagement. How then can we be a chaste virgin at the wedding?

John sees the saved with Jesus in “white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean” (v.14). White and clean linen on the Bride signifies her purity. Paul wrote: “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” (Ephesian 5:27). We must keep ourselves pure for the wedding.

Is your garment white, clean, and spotless when Christ comes for His Bride?