Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ten Stages of a Jewish Wedding

I was reviewing this with my class today. These are the ten stages of a Jewish wedding and their significance to the Church.

1. Betrothal - This often took place when the couple was still yet children. The agreement was made between the parents. Application: The Bible says that we are betrothed to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2).

2. Visit with the Father of the Bride - Once the groom was ready for marriage, he would leave his father's home and go and visit with the bride's father to express his intentions and request permission. Application: Jesus left his Father's home to visit with us and express his intentions (Matthew 11:28).

3. It was at this time that a dowry or a purchase price was agreed to. Application: Jesus paid the purchase price for us (1 Corinthians 6:20).

4. The groom would then return to his father's house and begin making preparations for when his bride arrived. Application: Jesus has returned to the Father were he is currently making preparations for our arrival (John 14:2-3).

5. In the meantime, the bride never knew the date of the grooms arrival and was therefore required to live in anticipation. Application: We do not know the day nor the hour of Christ's return, so we much be ready (Matthew 25:13).

6. On the appointed day, the groom would go and get his bride and bring her to his father's house for the wedding ceremony. Application: Jesus will return for us in the Rapture and we will be taken to the Father's house for the ceremony (Matthew 25:13).

7. The marriage would then be consummated. Application: As the marriage was consummated and the proof of virginity presented, so too, we will experience the Judgment Seat of Christ at which time our faithfulness will be presented (2 Corinthians 5:10).

8. The wedding feast would begin. Application: At that time, we will sit down to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

9. The bride stayed in her bridal chamber for seven days. Application: The Church will be hidden away for seven years while the Tribulation is taking place on Earth (Revelation 3:10).

10. She would then be allowed to come out of the bridal chamber. Application: After seven years, the Church will come out of her bridal chamber and appear with Christ at the Second Coming (Revelation 19:7).

There are many more references than those given. Look them up for yourself. I know that you'll be blessed.

2 comments:

  1. Can you give us Bible verses for each of the 10 stages? Also wondering if you are familiar with "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty" which I found while Googling. Monty

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  2. Monty, I did go back and place some of the references that I used during my class. However, there are several more for each point. No, I've never really checked out the site that you mentioned. I've studied all sides of the issue and am firmly a pre-tribulationalist. I respect the other views, but don't agree with them. I have a paper that I wrote on the other views that I think I'll go ahead and post. I'm sure that there are others who have questions as well. God bless you!

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