Invitation To The Kingdom Of God (The Parable Of The Wedding Banquet)

[@maxdiaz-page722]

Thank you so much, I was having a panic attack and I felt the Lord pushing me to read scriptures as I lay in my bed debilitated by this mental challenge I was facing. When I opened the book to this parable I started to read it and I became increasingly ashamed by the time I finished it, feeling like I was this guest at the wedding who just blindly assumed that God will do all the work and I am just here to sit back and enjoy the free food without any part of me having to be sacrificed. It wasn't until you guys explained what the wedding robes represented that I could see what good was trying to tell me. He wanted to show me that when I am following him I must be covered head to toe in his gospel,love, and commands. I am not to enter into his kingdom believing that he owes me anything but infact it's the other way around I owe my entire being to him and I must dedicate my mind body and soul to him. Thank you so much for helping guide me to this realization, you guys have helped carry out the lord's word and I can't thank you guys enough for that.

[@tibid6087]

Another way to look at it is that the clothing provided by The King represents The Holy Spirit, that is given to us so we may prepare for the wedding(Christ’s second coming)

[@36742650885]

Amen, Please Lord Jesus come upon me, Please forgive me for not letting you lead me,

[@u7617]

So you can come as you are, but cannot stay as you are and expect to participate in the benefits eligible to those who honour the invitation

[@thestoryandtheshape]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@AQueenRedeemed]

This was so helpful! I have always wondered why this man was thrown out! Thanks for allowing God to use your channel!

[@atonementandreconciliation3749]

Excellent! God has standards of personal righteousness. We do not get to wear someone else's righteousness. "...the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints." Revelation 19:7-8

[@YakmonSaysItLikeItIs]

You're wrong. We get the righteousness of Jesus Christ. You're own "personal righteousness" is nothing but filthy rags. You are not good enough to get to heaven. I'm not either. We all need Jesus.

[@atonementandreconciliation3749]

@@YakmonSaysItLikeItIs God says nothing about being good enough to get to heaven. That is an idea that started in the Reformation. A lot of bad theology and psychological manipulation is based on the “filthy rags” passage by removing it from its context. Isaiah 64 is a prayer of Isaiah to God that begins in chapter 63, verse 15. Isaiah is praying for the nation of Israel in his day, as it had gone into great wickedness. Notice that Isaiah speaks in terms of a group: “we have all,” “all our,” “we all,” “our iniquities,” and “taken us.” This would be no different than what a righteous man today would be saying when praying for his nation. He is a member of that nation, and so he includes himself in the prayer. In verse 9 Isaiah even specifies, “…we are all your people.” So, it is within this context that Isaiah is saying that they are so far from God that even what they as a nation are hypocritically claiming as “righteousness” is still “as filthy rags.” It is a condition that describes this group of people, the nation of Israel at that time. Notice what Isaiah says in the same chapter, verse 5, immediately before this popular “filthy rags” verse: “You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways.” So, there were individuals who worked righteousness within the nation of Israel, and God rejoiced in them and met with them! Verse 5 shows that God recognizes the individuals within the group and acknowledges them. The group as a whole is filthy, but when examined within the group, there are a few exceptions. Our righteousness is like wearing filthy rags IF we are doing good deeds as an external façade, a deception, a show to make ourselves look good. Some theological lines of thought claim that until Jesus died there was no ability to resist sin, that it is only through him that we have any power to resist at all. However, we read in Genesis 4:7 that God told Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” Cain had the ability to stop his sinful thoughts and behavior, thousands of years before Jesus! God forgave (past tense) people before Jesus too: “You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin” Psalm 85:2. God’s principle is in Is. 55:7, “Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.” An excerpt from the book “Atonement and Reconciliation”.

[@YakmonSaysItLikeItIs]

@@atonementandreconciliation3749 i hear yuh bro. 100% we should live a life moving toward God and obeying Him and departing from iniquity. We are not saved by works though. We are saved by faith in Christ alone in my point.

[@YakmonSaysItLikeItIs]

@@atonementandreconciliation3749 Romans 4:5 King James Version 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Ephesians 2:8-10 King James Version 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Romans 3:28 King James Version 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 11:6 English Standard Version 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

[@YakmonSaysItLikeItIs]

@@atonementandreconciliation3749 Romans 3:20-31 King James Version 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

[@sanashakeel9624]

This is so awesome, not only for adults but for kids as well. Introducing the kingdom of God this way, I appreciate the effort. You both doing great work of God, much love and prayers. Keep continuing this work to expand the work of the kingdom of God.

[@Suchitra.R-x4e]

praise the Lord brother ☺ very usefull video I understood this parable peace be to you

[@melaniedaniel7255]

Thank you for this wonderful explanation, I read it over and over and could not quite grasp the meaning, but thanks to your video, I now understand.

[@AutoKnight02]

I struggled so much with understanding this parable, but now I do!!!

[@sigmasiren7]

Definitely helpful. Thank you.

[@samsfog3591]

Missing one part. The king was furious with the invitees who abused and murdered the servants so he sent his troops out to kill the murders and burn down their cites. This is to say that Gods wrath will reign on those who persecute His people and deny His will when they are called to be with Him. Otherwise great video👍🏾

[@eleanor7242]

I think the wedding garment is the clothing of righteousness that God provided for us by accepting Jesus in our hearts and believing that his blood made us righteous and washed our sins away . Our God is a King of the Universe. I can not imagine what kind of garments he prepared for us to wear, my best clothes here on earth are ‘ filthy rags’ compare to god’s wedding garments for us.

[@theroyalone5765]

It gives proof to the fact that “once saved always saved” is a doctrine of devils that’s for sure.

[@JesusIsKing373]

Brilliant! Thank you ✝️💙✝️

[@ronnywanjala9082]

Thank you 🙏🏾🙏🏾 understood it perfectly

[@chrissmith1668]

Very interesting! I have never heard this before.

[@sheem.2450]

"Hope you found this video helpful..." Me: HELPFUL?!!!! 😱 No! I found this EXTREMELY helpful! Thank you so much. I just read the parable and I was so confused. When you broke down eastern culture it made more sense. I was reading it from our western culture. "You're mad he doesn't have clothes?!!" I really didn't get it. 😂 Thank you❤

[@sithembilengccobo]

This was so helpful for me too!!!! got disappointed in God for a minute that he kicked him out

[@TheQueensClosetSerritha]

Thank you! I was so confused after reading that parable....why would the king invite him and then kick him out for not having on the right clothes...but, the king supplied the proper clothing...so not wearing the wedding garments was disrespectful and possibly an act of defiance...Thank you!

[@rthompson968]

I needed this today 🙏

[@chiagenevievemarah3472]

Thank so much for this. God deeply bless you

[@onlylove556]

Proving once saved always saved is unbiblical 💯

[@ndz7372]

Thank you sirs

[@Rapture_Ready_Rabbit]

God Bless you both Paul and David!! 🙏🙏

[@elizabethsheets5514]

Thank you so much for explaining this so well.

[@bradbrown2168]

Really well done! Animation a real plus. Shorter presentations easier to grab the concept. Strength and Courage.

[@motorob450]

Nice work lads. Well done.

[@jaimepope4030]

I like your video and definitely see truth in how we are to live after accepting jesus I did heard it said one time that the meaning of the scripture was people that made it through the tribulation / rapture without accepting Jesus Aka people that didn't take the mark and maid it threw but didn't believe in Jesus They got called out at the wedding I also know we are to pick up our cross and follow him And this is easier said than done Thanks for the video

[@bradbrown2168]

Excellent, Brothers!

[@victoriaflorence8522]

Thank You Jesus Amen

[@Cristinepedraza01]

I think it’s speaking about the Jews who are not clothes in Jesus righteousness but trying to enter the wedding feast 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@theroyalone5765]

Jesus would’ve said “Jews” but he didn’t, he was definitely speaking to the fact that just because you say you’re saved doesn’t mean you’re saved.

[@ptt7000]

I am going to keep following your uploads to see what you say about some of the things in Revelation. I see some things happening after Armageddon. (excluding chapters 20&21) we know they are after. But I think Jesus is on his way down when we meet him in the air and clouds. (not meet in heaven). That his Bride is also pictured as a bride not a wife yet even in Rev. 22 so the doctrine of being in heaven to attend the wedding before armageddon causes questions. So I am so glad I found someone that is willing to look at what the Bible actually says and not traditional beliefs. Shalom

[@Rona-l4b]

This symbolises what you said about the Bride marrying Yeshua kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppeQoH6LprKoocU

[@dmullins301TWM]

A very good video. Thank you.

[@reglagirl5802]

So interesting

[@HereWeald]

God bless you all, i understand now.

[@BlakeWashington_]

Thank you

[@zadian6043]

thanks I just got to reading this and I was not grasping the concept. This was an amazing explanation.

[@PictureLady100]

Agreed!!!

[@Psalm_18_2]

wonderfully explained. Thankyou

[@sajnathomas9221]

Thank you so much for the understanding delivered...

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Glad it was helpful!

[@reglagirl5802]

❤

[@hotgreenchillies]

Can you do more like these? This made my children overjoyed bit sadly only one like this.

[@raymondswamy4581]

Very nice explanation

[@CoffeeCrazy]

Pretty good ! Wished it was longer. Lol I have been going over this parable for a few days and the garment verse made me ponder long and hard. While there may some significant to the King supplying the garment, which I’ve heard about, either way the garments representation means a lot. I also think about clothes, how we wear them according to activities. Likewise this person should have known the acceptable clothes to wear at a Royal wedding even if the King did not supply them. Showed his lack of reverence for the King and his Son and the event. I think about us today how there are so many who create their own idea of Christianity and Spirituality that does not represent the true image of Christ. Especially in today’s culture. I could go on as this has really touched me.

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Exactly. Regardless of the source of the clothing, it represents the attitude of the guest, which was not acceptable. Something we should take seriously

[@Dyani]

Wow, So good! ♥️🔥

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Thanks!

[@nyeshalaurant847]

🙏🙏🙏

[@efrains.5494]

Any recommendation for commentary, teaching, etc. on the book of Romans that is not the traditional “Roman’s road” perspective?

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Have a look at Scot McKnights “Reading Romans Backwards”. Also Dr Matthew Halsted has just started a series on Romans on his podcast “The Bible (Unmuted)”, the first 2 episodes so far are about the gospel in the opening verses of Romans (gospel of Jesus is Messiah, descendant of David, raised from the dead)

[@efrains.5494]

Yes!!! thank you. I checked both these sources out and both are helpful.

[@mosesbond-c5w]

This parable has mostly to do with the return of Jesus in the end. Its about putting on the garments washed white as snow in the blood of Christ. The servants are all true believers who are those who Christ dwells in, born again, walking with Christ there King every morning all day and night until the new day and start again. They could be your neighbor, your fellow church family members, your doctor, church leaders pastors the taxi driver, the waitress serving you, Better to be hot or be cold for if you are lukewarm I shall spit you out. No cities in history have been destroyed just for killing Gods servants for sharing the Gospel alone. This parable was spoken to the Pharisees, as an illustration of them and how they would not accept Christ as the messiah the son of The king. From there arrogant prideful unrepentant behavior. This is just a reflection of how nothing will have changed when Christ returns. The Christian churches leadership and accountability is void. They promote loving money, pride and are of the same sins as the Pharisees 2000 years ago. The Jewish church today and the Christian church grafted has identical sins in leadership and members. Many members of the Christian faith say they believe and follow Christ, yet much of there teaching if not all, is watered down lacking the holy spirit of truth. Much of there actions outside church and in the church today prove this. The Catholics and there sexual perverted priests, the un repentant acceptance of homosexual and lesbian behavior in the Protestant, Anglican and so many other church denominations. The money loving power hungry that have private leer jets and live like royalty. The fake healings and the gathering of information, behind the scenes and acting like a prophet only deceiving many in the Pentecostal movement and so many others There sinning continues without any repentance, proving they are not fully converted yet confessing they are. While they absolutely know what the word says and disregard it. The leadership of most of the Christian world is equal to the Pharisee and Sadducees of Israel when Christ was nailed to the cross. These are the invited and called, they who call themselves believers who attend church and love to tell of there deeds. Those that gossip and slander and judge un righteously those that covet. They beat there children and there wives or husbands and beat there chests mocking God, there drunkards, addicts, gamblers. Those very wealthy, and the love of money is number 1. As well as many of the wealthy church members expect better treatment and get it, because they have seeded so much money to the church. Oh yes The adulterers, liars, thieves, sexually immoral, the ones never giving to the poor, always taking what they can from the storehouse first. They can be and are teachers and pastors and elders and leaders of the churches the members of congregations around the world, and all denominations who claim the Christ. They attend church putting on a show for years purposefully deceiving there own selves and others, con artists. double minded, unforgiving, prideful never repentant full of sin who maybe sitting beside you. There are the millions who say, they are believers, who may go once a year to church, or as a child there ancestors like Grand parents or Great grand parents faith was Christianity. Sure if they had to choose a faith, they would say Christian or Catholic. Most likely or probably baptized as an infant They had a family bible locked in a trunk in the attic, or in the living room on a shelf. They never removed the dust on it or once read it. This Parable is about them the invited the claimers of faith in Christ. The servants of the king are sent to give the message of invitation to start getting prepared, shape up, get right and repent be cleansed put the wedding garments of Christ on and come to the Great feast of the bride and groom. Most of this group refuse for many reasons. They couldn't be bothered to change are full of excuses or because they don't fully believe and have put many idols before God or they don't take it serious enough or have hardened their hearts just full of pride or the false belief that they have money and satisfied so who needs God. Those servants from God give stern warnings to repent of there way's to many. Some are killed and tortured. These who are true followers of Christ his servants, and heed the call of duty to do Gods will. More servants are sent out again everywhere to bring all those to come good and bad to the feast. The gospel will have reached every person on earth at this time. There could be hurricanes and floods earthquakes and wars going on we don't know true believers will here the call of the lord to do his will. The Holy Spirit will be very strong on the chosen and many thousands will be murdered for their belief in Christ. Those who do not accept Christ will not be accepted even the one false Christian who snuck in will be revealed and thrown out. The outer darkness is where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. This place is assuredly not on here on this planet. I believe as the wedding hall was filled that some serious things are going probably world war and the fear that comes to the nations peoples and millions will readily accept the Gospel. I believe it will happen quickly in a year maybe less to gather all in the highways and bi ways as the the parable says. Many are called few are chosen. This is The parable of the Wedding Feast.

[@JeanV1986]

Very good writeup, and I wholeheartedly agree.

[@inpursuitoftruth4905]

So what is the requirement? Regeneration or sanctification? Or both? Sorry to say this but i don't think you have made this clear at all.

[@uscitizen1035]

Would have been nice if they would have first given the definition of the kingdom of God for those who don’t know. Nice video though.

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Thanks for the feedback. We have another video on the Kingdom Of God you can watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4CtfKGQj5qVrLc

[@ricklamb772]

simple ,he wasnt born again.

[@zephozepho5336]

So could I be wrong to say that the one who was thrown out of the wedding was satan though the BIBLE DOES NOT SAY SO Also relate it with the book of JOB coz satan also went with other ANGELES its only a Question??????

[@tims.449]

Jesus always preached the coming kingdom. The parable of the robe is about this; These are they which came out of great tribulation. No robe = no entry in to the kingdom. After the tribulation comes the kingdom. We are spared the tribulation. We, those of this age or neither Jew of Gentile the is neither Jew or Gentile. Gal.3 [28] 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 Gal.5 [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Gal.6[15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. That means at one time there WAS a difference. But we who are a new creature in Christ are not subject to the day of Jacob. Read Jer. 30 about who is being punished with the wrath of God. Jer.30 [7] Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Those Jews after the rapture who now can see that Jesus is the Christ will be saved from the tribulation. There is safety and eternal life in the kingdom but the Jews of Jesus's ministry would not believe, for the most part, who He was and is. Matt.23 [37] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! So the kingdom which was prophesied to come by the prophets and about the Christ was rejected. The part of Israel that wakes up to realize they were wrong about Jesus now believe and will exclaim in [39] For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. They see Him when He returns with the Kingdom. The tribulation purges the world of any unbelieving Jews. Isa 59:20 is referenced in Romans 11 [26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: [27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. This is what Peter says about it - Acts.3 [19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; All the nation is saved. That is what the tribulation did. It got rid of the unbelievers. But some Gentiles are to survive the tribulation who did not trust what Christ did for them according to the gospel that Paul taught. That is when Paul's gospel was in effect. Peter in the book of Acts understood the times to a degree and continued in the Jews religion with the law of Moses. Look at his behaviour in the first 10 chapters of Acts. He will not go to a Gentile with the gospel of the kingdom, no way. And so we read about the vision with the animals and his statement to Cornelius. The kingdom has eternal life in it. The those Jews who are granted entry into the kingdom then go to all the world and preach the gospel of the kingdom and everlasting life. When all of Israel is saved. ABOUT THAT GUY WITH NO ROBE - Rev.7 [9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [14] 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. The tribulation is punishment but it serves no purpose for us. 1 Thess. 1 [9] For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; [10] And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. Why punish those who are forgiven? Col.2 [13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

[@Jorge-sp9yk]

You are conflating the kingdom of God with the kingdom of heaven. They are not the same kingdom. One is spiritual and the other is physical.

[@thestoryandtheshape]

The Bible begs to differ

[@IsaacNussbaum]

The phrases," kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" are used interchangeably in parallel passages of the Gospels, Jorge. (Example below.) ✴ _And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”_ Matthew 19:23-24 (NASB) ✴ _And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the KINGDOM OF GOD! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”_ Luke 18:24-25 (NASB)

[@charliemichaels452]

Jesus’ parable of the Wedding Feast (Matt 22:1-14) continues to cause a great deal of confusion because the traditional, calvitarded rendering of the Koine plural adjective eklektoi in Matt 22:14 - "chosen" - is *wrong.* We know that translating choice is as wrong as it is agenda-driven by examining the Koine verb rendered "chosen" in 2 Thess 2:13: heilato, which is the past participle of the verb haireó, meaning "to choose from." Given the context, i.e., given verse 22:8 where the King's specifically invited guests were described as "not worthy," we know the plural adjective eklektoi should have been rendered "deserving," or “laudable.” “Chosen” in Matt 22:14 is just one in a long list of agenda-driven, dubious translating choices whose purpose was to "reform" 16th century ecclesiology, and soteriology. For the last 5 centuries Protestant English translators have slavishly incorporated most of the same beloved, agenda-driven, and dishonest translating decisions made by their predecessors. So the theological and soteriological confusion caused by the Reformers’ (well-intentioned) translating mischief rages on, unabated.

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Interesting. Do you have any references you can point us to? The translation choices you prefer would certainly make this verse less confusing. Several of the commentaries I've read on this passage interpret the meaning of "chosen" (while still using that translation) in a non calvanistic manner anyway though, and suggest that Matt 22:14 essentially means, "Many are called but few respond in a worthy manner."

[@charliemichaels452]

@@thestoryandtheshape here's another example of the type of agenda-driven, translating legerdemain I'm talking about. In Ephesians 1 the versatile Koine preposition ἐν was (ab)used to advance the Reformers' anti-Roman Catholic Church agenda. Transliterated "en," the preposition ἐν has variously and legitimately been rendered in English as following: in, on, at, by, with. It is a *translator's choice,* a choice which is usually based upon the surrounding context - except when it's based upon something else, e.g., an a priori commitment to a certain advantageous soteriology and/or ecclesiology. William Tyndale, the disciple of Martin Luther, decided the preposition "in" worked best in Ephesians 1, i.e., that preposition jived well with his and Luther's ecclesiology, and soteriology. Savvy Protestant English translators have obediently followed Tyndale's translating choice ever since for the past 500 years. But return to Eph 1 and substitute "with" for "in" and see how many times that substitution not only works lexically, but creates an entirely *DIFFERENT* exegetical outcome. Go ahead, see for yourself. 😉

[@Jacobjoyemusic]

@@thestoryandtheshapecan you share what/ where this commentary is? Would love to read it.

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Hi @@Jacobjoyemusic I have a Logos (Bible study software) package which contains quite a few commentaries, so I usually compare a dozen or so. The ones I tend to look at the most are from the New American Commentary series and the Socio-Rhetorical Commentary Series.

[@jamaicanjoe1133]

if the feast is the kingdom of God, so that guy was in the kingdom and so called "saved" but continued to behave like an unbeliever so was kicked out ?

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Yes

[@investfluent4143]

Ever notice that everyone from John the Baptist, to the disciples, to the ten virgins, to this guy who gets kicked out, and every parable Jesus told on the subject, states that we will be guests at a wedding? We are never referred to as the Bride of Christ. But the New Jerusalem is the Bride of the Lamb. It is crazy consistent that the Church is not the bride of Christ throughout scripture. There are two places where you could get confused, like when Paul says we are to love our wives as Christ loves the church. But we are always displayed as guests at the wedding. Similarly, if you were to believe you are the Bride of Christ and the Body of Christ and yet the wedding is in the future.... you would really only be the fornicator of Christ. That is actually a pretty glaring over site on the part of most christians. And it simply isn't something that God would overlook as a basic truth or metaphor. Christ marries a city. It may be strange, but it is also stated plainly in Revelation.

[@thestoryandtheshape]

Hmm very interesting point! I’ll have to look into it some more, thanks!