The Lamb's Wife Has Prepared Herself

So n ow, after almost 2,000 years, all 144,000 of the bride class have made themselves ready. But at what point of time may it be said that 'the Lamb's wife has prepared herself? Progressively, from Pentecost 33 C.E. on, believing anointed ones "were sealed with the promised holy spirit," this in view of a coming "day of releasing by ransom." As the apostle Paul expressed it, God "has also put his seal upon us and has given us the token of what is to come, that is, the spirit, in our hearts." (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22) Each anointed Christian is "called ans chosen" and he has proved himself "faithful." -Revelation 17:14.

After decades of testing, Paul himself could declare: " I have fought the fine fight,I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness , which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved this manifestation." (2 Timothy 4:7, 8) The apostle's sealing appears to have been complete, even though he was still in the flesh and would yet face martyrdom. Similarly, the time must come when all remaining ones on earth of the 144,000 will have been sealed individually as belonging to Jehovah. ( 2 Timothy 2:19) This will be when the Lamb's wife will have fully prepared herself - the great majority of the 144,000 having already received their heavenly reward and those still on earth having been finally approved and sealed as faithful ones.

At this point in Jehovah's timetable, when the sealing of the 144,000 has reached completion, the angels release the four winds of the great tribulation.l (Revelation 7:1-3) First, judgment is executed on harlot like Babylon the Great. The victorious Christ next moves on quickly to Armageddon to destroy the rest of Satan's organization on earth and, finally, to abyss Satan and his demons. (Revelation 19:11-20:3) No doubt, anointed ones who survive on earth will soon enter into their heavenly reward to join their fellow members of the bride class. Then, amid a setting of universal peace, the marriage of the Lamb can take place!

The prophetic description of events in Psalm 45 confirms that order. First the enthroned King rides forth to the conquest of his enemies. (Verses 1-7) Then the marriage is performed, the heavenly bride being attended on earth by her virgin companions, the great crowd. (Verses 8-15) Next the marriage becomes fruitful, with resurrected mankind being raised to perfection under oversight of "princes in all the earth." (Verses 16, 17) What glorious blessings accompany the marriage of the Lamb!

Next time: Happy Are Those Invited.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988