http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2012/mercer75.htm

 

Dear John, Mercer and Doves -

 

Yes, you are going in the rapture, but you are not necessarily part of the Bride of Christ.  We are all betrothed to Christ, but it is possible to be "disqualified."  We are to "run the race with endurance" but does this not suggest, because we are free-will creatures, that some will not?

 

Read again the letters to the seven churches in Revelation and you will see that Christ Himself distinguishes between those who are "overcomers" and those who are not.  It's a choice.

 

Then consider the sort of bride that Jesus Christ DESERVES.  After all, this is not about our honor, comfort or safety.  It is about the glory of Christ.  Jesus does not deserve -- nor will He have -- a lazy, unmotivated, disobedient bride who sits on the sofa, eats bon-bons and watches soap operas.  He deserves and will have a bride who is 100% commited to the things of God.  Hopefully, that includes all of us.  But for those who think Christianity is more about believing the right things than it is about living the right life, perhaps you will want to re-think that:  Read The High Cost of Salvation by Peter Goodgame.

 

My own conclusion is that "Bride of Christ" in the ultimate sense is synonymous with "overcomers."  Do your own homework and come to your own conclusions, but time's a wastin'.

 

Best,

 

Steve

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