Prophetic Pulpit: the Bride has made herself ready

                            A very special anointing 

Hi friends. Every eschatologist knows the frustration of so many Christians not taking eschatology seriously. The common remarks are, "It isn't that important. The gospel is." "Eschatology only distracts the church from focusing on reaching people with the gospel." "We are not going to be here for the Tribulation, so what's the big deal?" These are just a few of the remarks. Ughhh! 

However, I can tell you the study of "the latter days" is very important for latter day Christians.

Most do not realize that 28% of the bible is prophecy. In the Old Testament, Christ's return is emphasized in no less than 17 books and the New Testament authors speak of it in 23 of 27 books. 

So the bible itself declares its importance. 

So why is it so important? In a future blog I may share various reasons,  but in this blog I want to give you my favorite one. When we read scriptures centered around bible prophecy and Christ's return we clearly see there is a special anointing upon it to inspire God's people to live godly lives. Isn't it amazing that in the New Testament, every time the return of Christ is mentioned, an exhortation for holy living follows. 

1 John 3:2 Now we are the children of God, and what we shall be has not been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

2 Peter 3: 11, 12...what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives, looking for and hastening the coming of the Lord

What is so wonderful about studying last day bible prophecy? There is a special touch of the Holy Spirit upon it to stir the Lord's people to consecrated living.

And here is what I want us to understand: bible prophecy does not inspire us to live holy lives out of fear and dread: Oh my! Jesus is coming! He is going to punish me if I am not living an absolutely perfect godly life! No. The inspiration is that of a bride so excited for her wedding day that she spends time preparing her wedding gown. 

It is not fear. Rather, it is joy and excitement.

Revelation 19:7-9 Let us rejoice and exult him and give him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Do you see the words, Let us rejoice? 

If you have been to as many weddings as I have, you know a bride will never look as beautiful as on her wedding day. This is the one moment she wants everything to be perfect. From her hair to her shoes, everything is in place and exquisite. Why? Because of fear and dread? No. Because of love and joy. 

This is my big day! This is the day I am finally going to be joined to my beloved! I can't wait!

Friends, on this side of heaven will we ever be perfect? No. The process of sanctification will last until we die or are raptured out of this world. However, when bible prophecy is being preached or taught under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, it causes something in our hearts to say, "My beloved is right at the door! My heart is overflowing with joy and expectation! I am preparing by separating myself to godliness, perfecting the beauty of holiness. Come quickly, Lord Jesus."