“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”– Revelation 19:7 (KJV)
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.”– Revelation 19:7 (NLT)
“The time has come for the wedding celebration. The Lamb has bride has prepared herself.”– Revelation 19:7 (MSG)
What Does Revelation 19:7 Mean?
Revelation 19:7 holds a significant meaning as it represents the joyous celebration of the union between Christ and His church, often referred to as the Bride of Christ. In this verse, we see a call to rejoice and honor God because the time has arrived for the marriage of the Lamb. The ‘Lamb’ refers to Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for humanity. This imagery of Christ as the Lamb signifies His role as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. The preparation of the bride suggests that the church, composed of all believers, has been made ready for this divine union.
This verse emphasizes the importance of readiness and preparation. Just as a bride prepares for her wedding day, putting effort into her appearance and planning, believers are called to prepare themselves spiritually for their encounter with Christ. The preparation signifies purity, dedication, and commitment to living a life pleasing to God. Therefore, Revelation 19:7 serves as a reminder to all of us to diligently pursue holiness and righteousness as we await the return of our Savior.
Revelation 19:7 Explanation and Commentary
In Revelation 19:7, we are met with an invitation to rejoice, which is a powerful and uplifting call. The thought of a wedding is often associated with joy, celebration, and love. This is exactly what God desires from His children—to rejoice in Him and to celebrate His goodness. The phrase “Let us be glad and rejoice” echoes throughout the Bible, reminding us to find joy in God’s presence. For instance, Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” God calls us to delight in His plans and promises.
The term ‘marriage of the Lamb’ signifies the eternal union between Jesus and His followers. Throughout the New Testament, we see this analogy of the church as the bride of Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27 highlights this beautifully, emphasizing Christ’s love for the church and His desire to present her as pure and blameless. As believers, it’s important to recognize that our relationship with Christ is more than mere belief—it’s one rooted in love and commitment. This love compels us to adhere to His teachings and follow His example.
The phrase “his wife hath made herself ready” alludes to the responsibility of believers to live in preparation for Christ’s return. This concept of readiness takes on serious importance. It calls us to examine our lives and assess our spiritual devotion. Are we living in ways that reflect our commitment to Christ? Are we cultivating the fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23? Our daily choices matter significantly in the grand picture of our relationship with God. We must be intentional in living out our faith, demonstrating genuine love, kindness, and humility.
As Revelation unveils the finality of God’s plan, it’s comforting to remember that there will come a day when the struggle of faith will give way to eternal joy and fellowship with God. This hope invigorates us to persevere through challenges, knowing that a grand celebration awaits us. The ‘marriage feast’ indicates the reality of eternal life with God—a promise rooted in countless biblical assurances. John 14:2-3 reassures us of a place prepared for us in heaven, highlighting that our preparation does not go unnoticed.
Context of Revelation 19:7
Understanding the context of Revelation 19:7 is vital to grasp its meaning. This verse is nestled within a series of divine revelations given to the Apostle John. The book of Revelation involves prophecies regarding the end times, wherein God reveals His ultimate victory over sin and evil. Throughout the preceding chapters, we see vivid imagery of judgment and hope as God enacts His plan for redemption.
Revelation 19 marks a turning point in the narrative, leading to the climactic return of Christ. Before this verse, we encounter the fall of Babylon, which symbolizes the collapse of evil systems and ideologies standing against God’s will. The contrast between Babylon’s destructive nature and the beauty of the Lamb’s marriage ceremony illustrates the triumph of good over evil. This celebration of the marriage of the Lamb signifies a new beginning for humanity where we will dwell with God forever, free from sorrow, pain, and sin.
Examining the surrounding verses also sheds more light on the nature of this wedding feast. Revelation 19:6 talks about the loud voice from heaven proclaiming God’s authority. This declaration invites all of creation to rejoice in the victory of God over evilness. It connects the themes of worship and celebration. Following this, verse 8 describes the purity and readiness of the bride, reiterating the theme of preparation that is prevalent throughout this chapter. Thus, as we place Revelation 19:7 amidst its surrounding context, we see the heart of God expressed through jubilant praise, emphasizing the joy of being united with our Savior.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 19:7
Let’s break down the key components of Revelation 19:7 for a clearer perspective. The verse begins with “Let us be glad and rejoice.” This collective call to joy implies that we are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. Instead, we come together as a community of believers to celebrate God’s goodness. Our faith isn’t just individual; it’s a shared experience that strengthens us all.
“The marriage of the Lamb is come” signifies a crucial moment in God’s redemptive plan. This sacred union is not a mere event but a profound expression of love between Christ and His followers. It reflects the depth of God’s care for us—He desires an intimate relationship with us, akin to that of a husband and wife. This imagery reminds us of the devotion we ought to have toward God, giving ourselves fully in love and trust.
The next part, “his wife hath made herself ready,” serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibilities as believers. We cannot afford to be passive in our faith. Instead, we actively participate in our spiritual growth—reading the Word, praying, and engaging with our fellow believers. The preparation symbolizes sanctification, as we allow Christ to transform us more into His likeness. Our readiness is not solely about avoiding sin; it’s about pursuing a vibrant relationship with God.
This readiness involves a journey of learning and growing. Philippians 2:12 encourages us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” urging us to take our faith seriously. This means we should examine our hearts, motives, and actions regularly. God is inviting us to not merely exist, but to thrive as we prepare for His return—actively seeking ways to share His love and hope with others. As we do so, we become more like Christ and build a beautiful community of faith.
Lessons to Learn From Revelation 19:7
Revelation 19:7 offers us profound lessons about our Christian faith. One of the most notable is the beauty of celebration within our faith journey. God desires His people to experience joy and happiness in His presence. Rather than viewing our relationship with Christ as burdensome or demanding, the invitation to rejoice sparks excitement. We can find joy even in our trials—James 1:2 tells us to count it all joy when we face challenges since such tests produce endurance. We ought to cultivate a spirit of joy as we wait for the return of Christ.
This verse illustrates the significance of preparation in our spiritual lives. Our readiness to meet Christ requires intentionality. We must develop our connection with God through prayer and studying His Word. This dedication not only enriches our individual faith but also our collective experience as a church. Acts 2:42 describes how the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship—something we should emulate today. Building each other up strengthens the body of Christ and enhances our readiness for the days to come.
Another lesson revolves around the nature of our identity as the bride of Christ. Embracing this identity can lead us to comprehend our worth and value in God’s eyes. We are cherished, loved, and set apart for a purpose. Understanding this love compels us to reflect that same love outwardly to others. By embodying love, kindness, and grace in our daily interactions, we represent Christ’s character to the world. We must be intentional about fostering a loving atmosphere both in our personal lives and our communities.
Lastly, Revelation 19:7 illuminates the ultimate hope we have as believers. The anticipation of Christ’s return fuels us with hope, especially in challenging times. We have promises from God that remind us that every tear and struggle will come to an end. As we endure difficulties, we can remain resolute in our faith, knowing that a glorious future awaits us. A beautiful wedding feast with our Creator is on the horizon. The knowledge of this promise encourages us to keep our eyes focused on eternity, allowing our hope to cultivate resilience amid life’s challenges.
Final Thoughts
Revelation 19:7 invites us to rejoice and celebrate the extraordinary plan God has for His people. We find comfort in understanding that we, as the church, are cherished and prepared for an eternal union with our Savior. This verse instills us with hope, igniting our passion for living a life dedicated to Christ. As we look forward to this marriage feast, let us actively participate in our spiritual growth and foster joyous relationships within the body of Christ. We are being readied for a beautiful celebration, and this divine union is what we will forever cherish. As we wait, let us continually encourage one another, share God’s love, and embody hope. For the day is coming when we will rejoice together, honoring our Lord and Savior. Amen.
For those eager to explore more topics about faith and spiritual growth, we invite you to check out 1 John 4:1 or 1 John 4:21. There are many more rich insights to uncover as we grow together in our journey with Christ.