Page 22 - February 2026 - Truth & Tidings

the Church, concluding with this famous witness the intimate association “when
statement, “This is a great mystery: but I he shall come to be glorified in his saints,
speak concerning Christ and the church.” and to be admired in all them that believe”
If we had only this Scripture, it would (2Th 1:10). The kingdom of Christ will be
be impossible not to conclude that the established and the festivities of the Mar-
Church is being revealed as the bride of riage Supper of the Lamb will commence.
Christ. The Unending Union of Christ
Turning back to Ephesians 1:20-23,
Paul by the Holy Spirit informs us that, and His Church
incredibly, Christ in Manhood is pres- It’s at this point that Old Testament
ently in heaven incomplete. He teaches saints rise from their graves singing (Isa
that Christ's completion will not occur by 26:19-21). This, along with Daniel 12:1-
having saints from any other dispensation 2 and Revelation 20:4, makes it crystal
by His side. No! Paul is at pains to instruct clear that the resurrection of OT saints
us that it is the Church who complements and tribulation saints only occurs after the
Christ. The Church alone will “fill up” tribulation, at the commencement of the
Him who, paradoxically, is already the Millennium. This shows the impossibility
source and sum-total of all things. of their forming part of the bride, the mar-
Not long ago, devout British mon- riage already having taken place in heaven
archists were riveted to their screens, (Rev 19:7). That’s why John the Baptist
eagerly viewing the wedding of Prince (who belonged to OT Saints) identified
William and Kate. How heartwarming to himself as a “friend of the bridegroom”
see a girl, having come from the home of (Joh 3:29), distinct and separate from the
a commoner, now elevated and joined in bride which is the Church.
matrimony to the king-in-waiting. Media As we close, we return to the faint
gathered with cameras poised, ready to picture of Christian marriage. If our
showcase the festivities of the marvellous marriages, in spite of the flesh, can (and
occasion, bringing to the world a sight of should) experience the joy of reflecting
the dress, to capture the first kiss. Imag- Christ and the Church, what will be the
ine the anticlimax if Prince William had true paradise of marital bliss with Christ?
emerged from the cathedral or appeared Revelation 21:2 informs us that following
upon the royal balcony without his bride. the millennial honeymoon, 1000 years af-
It will be no less when Christ is revealed ter the nuptials take place in heaven, this
from heaven. What universal thrill as bride is still described as one “adorned
Christ unveils His bride, God Himself for her husband.” As the dispensations
having waited patiently through dispen- of time close and we step forth into the
sations of heartache and disappointment utopian bliss of eternity, this marriage
for this astonishing moment when we are will never grow dry, nor know death,
presented “a glorious church, not hav- disappointment or divorce. Every trace of
ing spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; sin, suffering and sorrow is forever gone,
but that it should be holy and without and the Lord Himself shall perpetually
blemish” (Eph 5:27). The world will gaze nourish and cherish His bride, the Church
upon the magnificence of the wedding (Eph 5:29). “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”
dress (righteous deeds of the saints) and (Rev 22:20).

54 TRUTH kTidings February 2026