THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB.
By J. O. Corliss
THE kingdom of heaven is set forth by Christ in many different parables. It is said to be like treasure hid in a field, a net gathering fish from the sea, a grain of mustard seed, a pearl of great price, and many other things. All these, however, simply represent various phases and operations of the kingdom in all time, each parable showing some particular part of its working. But at a certain time the heavenly kingdom assumes another aspect, and so must be represented by another picture. After pointing out the conditions of society, and the religious situation of the world at the time when He is soon to return to earth, Christ says, “Then shall the kingdom of ‘heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went ‘forth to meet the bridegroom.” Matt. 25:1. This scene, and more connected with it, was portrayed in another parable, setting forth the likeness of the kingdom to its King making a marriage for His Son. Some of the invited guests excused themselves from attendance on the ground of their own more pressing business. But the wedding was at last provided with guests, and when the King came in to see them, one was there who had not on the prescribed garment for the occasion. When asked why he appeared at the royal ceremony in such plight, he had nothing to say, and so was cast out from the happy company, into darkness. Matt. 22:1–13. In this narrative one traces the work of God, through Christ, for the salvation of sinners, and the judgment of those not prepared to stand before the Lord. It all goes to tell that the Bridegroom of the occasion is none other than the Lord Jesus. The bride may be identified as easily. An angel said to the revelator, “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” The seer was then taken to an exceedingly high eminence, and there directed to look at the holy city, the New Jerusalem, as it descended out of heaven from God, to be located on the new earth, which had been specially prepared to receive it. Rev. 21:1–3, 9, 10. The marriage of Christ with the capital city of the earth made new, and necessarily with the kingdom in which it is located, is solemnly, yet beautifully, described in the prophetic Scriptures. Daniel saw it, and says that in the ceremony, immediately following the decisions of the final judgment, the Son of man was brought before the Ancient of Days—Jehovah—when there was bestowed upon Him, dominion, glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve Him forever. Dan. 7:13, 14. Referring to the instruction of the Lord Himself concerning this matter, we find Him using a parable, evidently referring to Himself, in which He says that “a certain Nobleman went into a far country to ‘receive for Himself a kingdom, and to return.” Luke 19:12. This can be applied to none other than the passing to heaven of the Saviour, and His second return to bestow rewards upon those who have been found faithful in their Master’s service. But in making another reference to His return to the earth, Christ exhorts His followers to be like men who wait for their Lord when He shall return from the wedding. Luke 12:36. This confirms the thought that the reception of the kingdom is identical with the nuptial ceremony, since it is the glad reunion of the Lord with His chosen people, who are to constitute the unchanging subjects of His eternal reign. This brings us again to consider the parable of the virgins who were waiting to greet the Bridegroom on His return from the wedding. Eastern ways had established the custom of the bridegroom going to the home of the bride to have performed the nuptial ceremony, and immediately to return to his waiting friends, with whom he then partook of the marriage supper. The ten virgins, representing the churches of earth, represent those who were to be waiting and watching for the Bridegroom. In the midst of night’s darkest hour, the word is passed along the ranks, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh.” At once all arise from slumber to trim their lamps, when a part of them find, to their dismay, that the oil is not only burned out of their lamps, but that they have neglected to bring an emergency supply. In other words, they were not ready to meet the bridegroom. They tried to borrow from those who had enough with which to keep their lamps ablaze, but could not. They were directed to go and fill their vessels from the original source of supply. They went; but before getting what was necessary for their preparation, the ceremony was over, and they were left out of the festivities of the grand occasion. The fulfilment of this began in 1843. Word was sounded in that year that the Lord would return from His wedding at a given time, not far in the future. As the set time drew near, however, all were not sure of their position; and as soon as the period passed, it was readily seen that the end of the 2300 days was not due until the autumn of 1844. At the first cry, some who were held in worldly positions, from various causes, were not ready to meet the Lord, and were much troubled over the matter. Just before the tarrying time arrived, they thought they would break away from earthly ties, and seek needed grace. But as the excitement of near expectancy lulled, and the time was being re-adjusted, these lost their interest, and never returned to their former desires. The others, who patiently waited on the Lord, were soon rewarded by the sanctuary vail being drawn aside, which gave them a view of the judgment work being carried on in the holiest apartment before the ark of God’s Ten Commandments. Rev. 11:19. Into this place of judgment, and bestowal of the kingdom, the true worshipers went joyfully, by faith, to rest in the recognition of the Lord’s approving smile.