We can sum up our destiny by saying that God will bring us into his presence (II Cor 4:14) and give us a vision of Jesus that will make us like Jesus (I John 3:2). Theologians refer to this vision as the beatific vision. But is that the end of our destiny? Scripture teaches that there is something more: spiritual marriage with Christ.
The supremacy of spiritual marriage with Christ is seen in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 19:7-8 the great multitude declares “…the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.” The marriage comes after the purification. This purification is essentially equivalent to the Christformation mentioned so often in the New Testament. The marriage supper of the Lamb represents God’s highest goal for humans. In the New Creation we will live every moment in this marriage, which will produce the eternal community of love with God and His followers.
Thus, after Christformation (purification), we experience spiritual marriage with Christ, which also unites us with God since Christ is divine. We also see this principle in Ephesians 5:22-23 where Jesus cleanses the Bride so he can present her to himself. The beatific vision and Christformation are not ends in themselves, rather they are preparation for spiritual marriage. Are you longing for this? It is far greater than any other blessing you will have in this life.
The idea that the people of God are the bride of God or Jesus is a major biblical theme. Some of the most prominent passages are: Ps. 45:10-15; Isa. 54:5-8; 62:4-5; Jer. 2:2; 3:1; Ezek. 16, 23; Hosea 2; John 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:22-32; Rev. 19:6-9; 21:2, 9-27; 22:17.
God is a God of relationship and community; love is his glory. God wants to be united with us in love; this is the highest good for which we were created. This is implied in the Great Commandment to love God with all our hearts. If the highest ethic is to love God then it follows that God’s highest goal for humans is to be united with him in love. He does not stop at giving us the vision of his Son, nor at transforming us into his Son’s image. He propels them into a marriage with Christ, his Son.
This marriage with Christ and God is the deepest longing of our hearts and the complete satisfaction of our being. All our seeking of Him and all our ministry should lead to this destination. We aim our entire lives towards this wonderful consummation.
How much do you think about your marriage with Christ? Will you take time to reflect on it and make it a core desire? How will embracing spiritual marriage affect your life decisions? How will it affect your human relationships?
