Having officiated at a wedding for two dear friends this last weekend, raised to my mind this somewhat obscure scripture in the book of Revelation (19:1-7). It is rarely mentioned in any Bible study. But what is it? There’s so many diverse opinions as to what it is and when it takes place and who is involved, this Bible scholar can only offer his opinion after some research. If this were not the case, my question to critics would be to ask what are believers doing in heaven during the tribulation after they have been raptured?
Note that most of the verses in the book of Revelation refer to what has or will happen on earth. This ranges from the letters that Jesus wanted John to send to the seven churches to the end of the book. Angels administer specific curses or plagues on earth. The behavior of anti-God commerce and religion is recognized.
The rapture as part of this book, the prophecy has already taken place in chapter 4. Then follows all the attention that God gives to those who are unbelieving on the earth. This passage is one of a few parenthetical statements scattered throughout the book of Revelation. With so much attention paid to God’s reaction to the evil earth, these parenthetical statements are necessary to advise us what is also happening elsewhere or at other times.
By being parenthetical, it is this writer’s belief that these verses reflect back over the seven-year period of the tribulation. In other words, those who have believed in God as Savior from all times found themselves taken to heaven avoiding the curses of the tribulation. The main event that occurs during this heavenly occasion is called the marriage supper of the Lamb. It is a time of celebration, fellowship, and rejoicing with Christ. I have heard it said that it is during this time in which believers receive the rewards for how they lived their life for God on earth. However, the Scripture does not confirm nor deny this to occur at this particular event.
The idea of the marriage supper is reflective of the old Jewish customs in which the one-year betrothal is concluded by the actual marriage. At nighttime the groom came to the bride’s house and escorted her to his own home where the groom’s father offers a banquet of celebration. It was necessary for the bride and groom to be wearing special garb. It was necessary for the guests of the marriage supper to wear special garb. It was necessary for a group of females referred to by Jesus in a parable as the 10 virgins that they have sufficient oil in their lamps to light the way.
During the marriage supper of the Lamb the prophets of God and those who were martyred in his behalf offer praise to the Lord. A second group of people will offer praise to God who are referred to as the small and the great. These are the Christians no matter how intellectual they are their social grades or their stages of progress spiritually or materially, they join in the celebration in a universal Jubilee of all of God’s mighty works throughout history.
Those who attend the marriage supper of the Lamb are those for whom Christ shed his blood. Scripture says that the church, the bride of Christ, is clothed in fine white linen that is pure and shining. Opposite this is the great and horrible harlot on earth adorned with scarlet and gold. Very likely we could say that the white linen represents the good deeds or obedience of God’s people. Keep in mind that Jesus said he would not drink of the cup of the wine until he drank it new in his father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26: 29)
Here again are the two options that people face for eternity. At the time of the seven-year tribulation believers will be in celebration and worship with God. During that same those who have rejected Christ will suffer on earth the consequences and curses of that rejection. Those in heaven will continue through all eternity to enjoy the privileges of knowing God while those when eternity begins will continue forever the horrors of their own rejection of the Almighty. The choice has always been an individual’s as it is today.
Christian Writer 