Clothed in  White

Intro 

We have all been there. The rousing music begins to play and she appears slowly coming down the aisle—clothed in white. I’ll be back in a moment with the prophetic perspective on “Clothed in White.”

Message

Hello, this is Cody Francis with Prophetic Perspectives. Weddings are one of the happiest events that we can attend. As two people unite their lives in one, all can share in the joy that beams from their faces. We can all think back to when the bride appeared, clothed in a streaming white gown and a glowing face as she walks toward the one she loves. Weddings have taken place for thousands of years and so it is not surprising that the Bible pictures weddings, as well. In fact, the Bible begins and ends with a marriage and it is this ending marriage that we want to turn our attention to today. What does prophecy say about this final wedding? Who is married? Who is clothed in white and what does it mean for us today? Shall we pray as we investigate this essential subject.

Outline

I.        Revelation reveals Jesus’ bride through the centuries.

A.     John saw a spectacular sign in heaven – Rev. 12:1, 2

1.      Woman = God’s people – Jer. 6:2; Is. 51:16

2.      Bride of Jesus! – 2 Cor. 11:2

3.      Clothed w/sun=robe of righteousness – Is. 61:10

4.      Standing moon – Bible sure foundation

B.     Fiery red dragon appears on the scene – Rev. 12:3, 4

C.     Ruthless attacks turned upon church – Rev. 12:13

1.      Totally failed w/Jesus – attacks Jesus’ bride

2.      Used popular churches to attack bride–Rev. 13:7

D.     Jesus takes care of His bride – Rev. 12:14

1.      Mountains of Europe; shores America

2.      Jesus has tender care & interest– Deut. 32:10-12

3.      Gates of hell no prevail – Matt. 16:18

E.      Church = where truth is found

1.      Beast – multitudes, drs., schools, etc.

2.      True church – small persecuted group in hiding!

3.      True church had truth – 1 Tim. 3:15

4.      Do not go church find truth; but Bible

5.      Not majority, popular, spectacular BUT TRUTH

6.      Not music, age group, preacher, closeness

7.      Where is truth from Bible found?

8.      Not just pleasant truth, but present! – 2 Pet. 1:12

9.      Noah & Jesus day, many churches “nice things”

F.      Jesus has always had a bride holding the truth

1.      Throughout darkest ages– Rev. 2:13, 24, 25; 3:4

2.      Throughout OT – small minority: Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah

3.      NT – apostles & believers faithfully keep Law

4.      Throughout Dark Ages, still obedient souls

a.       Eastern churches held Word of truth

b.      Patrick – Celtic Christianity

c.       Marco Polo – Nestorians in India & China

d.      Jesuits in Ethiopia

e.       Waldenses, heart of Europe

f.        Held truth of Bible; kept Sabbath

5.      God has always had a faithful bride

G.     Willing to give everything for truth – Rev. 12:11

1.      Are we will give everything? Car, house, family

2.      Truth so precious them, is it to us?

II.     Revelation climaxes by revealing Jesus’ last-day bride.

A.     Jesus’ last day bride is revealed – Rev. 12:17

1.      After persecution 538-1798, comes in open

2.      Two distinguishing points

a.       Keeps commandments

b.      Testimony of Jesus

B.     Must keep all commandments

1.      In a church, no keep ALL, not in bride

2.      No keep, liars – 1 John 2:3, 4

3.      Break one guilty of all – James 2:10

4.      Rich young ruler, only 1 point – LOST

5.      No matter how many good points, no keep commandments, not Christ’s bride

C.     Must have the testimony of Jesus

1.      Must teach & preach Christ & Him crucified

2.      Gift of prophecy – Rev. 19:10

D.     Jesus’ bride must match these points

1.      Age ecumenism is popular, Bible clear—CANNOT unite w/error

2.      Every road no lead heaven; as w/Rome

3.      Many good people all faiths: various Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists

4.      Only ONE TRUTH; will we stand for it?

E.      You have privilege – becoming part bride Christ

1.      Not born SDA; studied points & took a stand

2.      Believe SDA movement matches

3.      God’s church is clothed in white & you can be, too – Rev. 19:7, 8

a.       Jesus is ready, are you coming?

b.      Cooperate grand final work – Rev. 10:11; 14:6

c.       Want be a part of this Elijah message?

d.      Jesus calling true sheep, calling you? John 10:16

4.      Make choice now, follow Jesus & be ready?