[ ] 1/7/2001 #358
MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB
Revelation 19:1-9
INTRODUCTION: The first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding when He turned water into wine. In the New Testament we discover that Jesus is betrothed to a Bride who is the church. In this chapter we read of the consummation of this marriage and the great supper to be held in heaven.
II. THE BRIDEGROOM
A. JESUS IS THE BRIDEGROOM.
1. Testimony of John the Baptist. (John 3:27-30)
2. Teaching of Paul. (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32)
B. JESUS IS THE LAMB.
1. Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb. (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:26)
2. Jesus is the substitute Lamb. (1 Peter 1:18-19, 2:24, 3:18)
III. THE BRIDE
A. THE BRIDE IS THE CHURCH.
1. Anticipation of the Bride. (Titus 2:13; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Thess. 1:10)
a. Bridegroom comes for the Church in the rapture. (1 Thess. 4:13:-18)
b. Rapture can occur at any time. (1 Cor. 15:51-53; Matt. 25:1-13)
2. Announcement concerning the Bride. ( Eph. 5:26-27)
3. Attire of the Bride.
a. Garment of salvation. (Isa 61:10; Rom. 3:21-22; Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor.5:21)
b. Garment of righteous deeds. (v. 8)
1. Appearance before judgment seat of Christ. (2 Cor. 5:10)
2. Works of believers are tested by fire. (1 Cor. 3:12-15)
3. Bride cleansed. (Eph. 5:26-27; 1 Cor. 1:8; Jude 24)
c. Garments that are defiled. (need of living righteous lives)
1. Danger of defilement. (Rev. 3:4-5; 16:15)
2. Garments spotted by the flesh. (Jude 23)
3. Consequences of defiled garment causes shame. (1 Jn. 2:28-29)
B. THE BLESSING OF THE CHURCH
1. Bride is loved by Christ. (Ephesians 5:25)
2. Bride is a chaste virgin married to Christ. (2 Cor. 11:2)
3. Bride's eternal home with Christ. (Revelation 21:2,9; John 14:1-3)
IV. THE BANQUET
A. THE HOST OF THE BANQUET IS THE HEAVENLY FATHER.
B. THE GUESTS INVITED TO THE BANQUET.
1. Those saved in Old Testament. (such as John the Baptist in John 3:29)
2. Those saved during tribulation. (Rev. 7:9-17)
LESSONS FOR LIFE.
1. Our works must be done in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Christ.
2. The believer's garment is his righeous deeds.
3. Believers "are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."