214 The Revelation of Jesus Christ rejoice, and many "hallelujahs!" :will arise. People today are ' afraid of that word "hallelujah!" Even the good old shouting Methodists have ceased using it, but they will say it in heaven! Again and again the glad shouts will ring out, even as John tells us in verses 5-7: ' "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready" (19:5-7). THE BRIDE There are different interpretations as to the identity of the bride of Christ. We shall not argue the point, but let us see what the Scriptures say concerning it. Some Christians be lieve that the remnant of Israel will be the bride. · But let us not forget that the scene which is depicted in this connection is a heavenly scene. The faithful remnant is still upon the earth, looking up and awaiting the return of the Lord. It is true that in the Old Testament Israel is referred to as the "divorced wife" of Jehovah, divorced because of her wicked ness; and it is true that she will be taken back in the day when as a nation, she repents and turns to God. But she will not be a bride again. As I understand the Scriptures, they teach that the church, which Christ loved, and for which He gave Himself, will be the bride in that day when He shall sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb. What a day that will be! Wonder of wonders that you and I, with these vei;y eyes, shall behold the face of the One who nineteen hundred years ago walked this earth, and on Calvary's cross poured out every drop of His blood, in order that we might reign with Him in glo!'y! What a prospect! What a hope! What a Saviour! How that "blessed hope" drives away the clouds of depression which settle around us! Let us look up, children of God, and rejoice, and give honor to Him, and make ourselves ready for that glorious occasion!
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