The Bride

The Father Seeks a Bride for His Son
-Betrothal Secrets-

The awesome teaching of a special brother – Bill

http://www.thewayprepared.com

Are you a ‘seeker?’ So is YHWH!

YHWH is a seeker, and He is seeking a Bride for His Son!

For those of us who are seekers, let’s consider the following questions:
Why is much of the New Covenant spoken in a “hidden” way?
Why are there many ‘mysteries’ and ‘hidden things’ and ‘dark sayings’ in Scripture?
Why did Yahushua speak in parables?
Why does Yahushua first close the eyes of all of mankind, and then open the eyes of some?
Why does Yahushua tell His Disciples that His Word is hidden to some, but revealed to others?
What did the apostle Sha’ul see that was not ‘lawful’ to be uttered?
Why is it unlawful to ‘compel’ anyone to obey any part of the New Covenant?
The answers to all the above questions are in the Scriptures, and they appear to be centered around YHWH’s activities of seeking out and selecting a Bride for His Son. Let’s consider some things revealed in Scripture:

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The Study – ‘The 3-Fold Harvest’, is an overview of the Harvest, and reading this first will give proper perspective to all the others. The Husbandman awaits the harvest now ripening. This study is an overview of the One Harvest of YHWH’s people, and how it occurs in three separate phases. The timing of each phase is revealed in the three Harvest Feasts of YHWH.
◊ The 3-Fold Harvest ◊

Page Navigation

The Marriage Covenant

The Seal of the Betrothed

Courting Encounters for the Betrothed

Hidden From View

The Journey

Who is the Bride?

The Preparation of the Bride

Warnings for the Bride

Entering the Promised Land

Bride of Christ in The Jewish Wedding- video

Additional Reading

The Marriage Covenant

YHWH’s overall purpose is to redeem sinful mankind, and to bring people into fellowship with Himself, through His Son Yahushua. When Yahushua was crucified, he was wounded, and spilled His Blood, and died on our behalf, thereby paying the penalty each of us owed for our sin. Then by His resurrection, He made it possible for each of us to receive Him (become ‘Born-Again’), so that He might live His life within us (Rom 5:9-10; Col 1:27).

YHWH also releases His people from the yoke of Bondage to sin, in the same manner that YHWH released His people from bondage in Egypt — by the applying of blood of a slain lamb over the doorposts of each house. This release occurs when a person believes in, and receives for themselves, the Blood sacrifice Yahushua made as the Lamb provided by YHWH.

After a man has been set free from a yoke of Bondage, that man is NOT to be brought back under (compelled to) bondage again. He may, however, choose to serve a Master, by his own free-will choice. (Ex 21:2-6; Ps 116:16; Jer 34:13-17; Gal 5:1). This is a fundamental Truth of the New Covenant, which is a Marriage Covenant based on the free-will choice of each party.

YHWH is looking for a Bride for His Son, to be chosen from among those He releases from bondage. Yahushua desires to bring His Bride into a Marriage Covenant with Himself.

However, the Marriage Covenant is a form of ‘voluntary’ yoke of bondage. In marriage, both parties voluntarily place themselves under the yoke of ‘Bondage’ of the Marriage Covenant, each under the yoke of bondage to the other.

The New Covenant is just such a Marriage Covenant. The Bridegroom requests the Bride to voluntarily place herself under the yoke of bondage to the Bridegroom (Eze 20:37; Mt 11:29-30). However, this is a ‘new’ yoke, and unlike the motivation for obedience seen under the ‘old’ yoke, Yahushua will not force her, or compel her, to comply. Just as required in Exodus 21:5-6; Joshua 24:15, the choice to serve the Master must be voluntary.

Since the Marriage Covenant (the New Covenant) is voluntary, it would be a violation of Torah to ‘require’ anyone to come under any of its provisions. YHWH will always abide by His own Torah, and His desire is toward those who do likewise.

The Old (external) version of YHWH’s Covenant was a covenant of ‘required’ or compelled obedience, with its blessings and curses based on obedience or disobedience. The New (internal) version of YHWH’s Covenant is one of ‘voluntary’ obedience.

The new version of YHWH’s covenant is ‘new’ in a similar sense of how Scripture describes the ‘new’ moon. The Hebrew thinking sees the moon ‘renewed’ or refreshed every month, and calls it a ‘new’ or renewed moon. We know from modern science that the ‘old’ moon is not destroyed at the end of its cycle every month, and replaced by a ‘new’ moon created at the beginning of each new cycle. No, the same old moon remains. The old moon is seen month by month. As it is renewed and refreshed each month, the beginning of each new cycle is called the ‘new’ moon.

YHWH’s ‘New’ covenant is described just as the ‘new’ moon in Hebrew thinking. YHWH’s covenant today is the same covenant He made with Abraham (Gal 3:14,16,29), but with many ‘renewed’ provisions and Better things, as detailed in the Book of Hebrews (Heb 7:19, 22; 8:1-10; 9:13-14, 23; 10:8-12). The New Covenant is ‘new’ in the sense of refreshed or renewed, but many of the same provisions of the old version of the Covenant remain in force as provisions of the New Covenant, as Yahushua reminds us (Matt 5:18; Matt 19:17; Rev 12:17). And because the ‘New’ covenant must be voluntary in nature, we see much ‘exhortation’ in the New Testament, but no ‘compelling’ or required obedience.

As the Father’s Servant (the Set-apart Spirit) continues to look for a Bride for His son, He must determine who truly loves His Son. He watches to see who diligently seeks out, and then voluntarily chooses to walk in obedience to the New Covenant provisions that have been ‘hidden’ for the Bride to seek out and find, some of which are hidden within the Old Testament!

The Seal of the Betrothed

The wedding engagement ring is a special symbol of the covenant relationship between the Bridegroom and the Bride. It is only for the Bridegroom and the Bride — it is not for others. The ‘wedding engagement ring’ in modern culture has become the sign or visible ‘seal’ of the Betrothal between the Bridegroom and the Bride. This ‘seal’ openly and visibly identifies the one who is Betrothed, and is a continual reminder or remembrance for the Bride, as she awaits the return of her Bridegroom, and the fulfillment of the Marriage.

Scripture tells us the ‘seal’ is applied by the Set-apart Spirit to the Believer (Eph 1:13; Eph 4:30). But what is the seal? A thorough search in all of Scripture tells us exactly what it is. This seal consists of Covenant issues written by the Set-apart Spirit onto the heart and mind of the Believer, based on the free-will choice of a potential Bride-Candidate (Jer 31:33). This ‘seal’ applied by the Set-apart spirit also becomes a visible sign or ‘seal of Betrothal’ for all to see – as we might describe the wedding engagement ring.

In Scripture, we are told this same seal is given specifically to Yahushua’s ‘Disciples’ (Isa 8:16); and finally we see that this seal is a ‘signet’ or sign, which Scripture tells us (Ex 31:13) is our (voluntary) participation in His Biblical Sabbath Days!

In a fitting display of this Truth, notice that the Set-apart Spirit was given to Yahushua’s Disciples on one of YHWH’s Biblical Sabbath Days — the annual feast of Shavuot, also known to the Greeks as Pentecost. The Set-apart Spirit was given to the Believers as they obeyed the words spoken by Messiah before He ascended, which were in accordance with the requirement of Scripture for all of YHWH’s people!

These special days are the ‘appointed times’ of YHWH, and are occasions of communion and refreshing between the Bridegroom and His Betrothed One. These weekly Sabbaths, and the seven annual Sabbaths (Biblical Holidays or ‘Set-apart-Days’) are days the King has made a personal appointment for us to be with Him in a special way! The Bridegroom’s special days are also as jewels of gold, and as raiment given to the Bride at her Betrothal, for they are the spiritual adornments that will ultimately distinguish the true Bride from the false Bride.

These are not ‘Jewish’ Sabbaths, as proclaimed by old-wives-tales and Doctrines of Men. These are called ‘MY’ Sabbaths as proclaimed by YHWH Himself, in 15 separate passages of Scripture!

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Hosea 2:19-20

Courting Encounters for the Betrothed

The Bridegroom’s special days are, in effect, ‘courting’ encounters with his future Bride. These courting encounters with the Bridegroom are only for those who desire to be among His Betrothed. These Betrothal encounters are occasions of love and communion for the Bridegroom and the Betrothed Bride. Like the wedding ring, these encounters are not for others, but only for His Betrothed.

The feast of Passover is one of these encounters with the Bridegroom, and marks the beginning of the “I will” journey of the Bride-to-be, with the partaking of the Betrothal acceptance cup of wine. The false Bride would ensnare many with a substitute Betrothal cup. The true Bride, however, will not swerve away from her Bridegroom’s true covenant Betrothal bread and cup of Passover. Is there any wonder why the Passover cup is called the cup of communion?

Some readily participate in these Betrothal encounters. Others refuse them; for the Bridegroom will not allow others — either non-Believers or foolish virgins — to enter into intimate communion with Him. Men have placed labels on these days, such as “They’re Jewish/Ceremonial/Done-away-with/Old-Testament/Law/Works/Not-New-Testament.”

Father has allowed these labels to remain as banners of the Doctrines of Men, in order to prevent the half-hearted and unbelieving from coming near to Him during these Biblical Holidays. The Doctrines of Men serve as guards, to keep unauthorised people at arm’s length.

For this same reason Father holds the eyes of all closed, even the eyes of His Disciples — that they might not ‘know’ Him — even as happened to the Disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:16). It is not until such time as Father allows, that ones eyes are opened (Luke 24:31). Thus many Scripture truths remain hidden to many, but opened and revealed to those who seek Father in Scripture, and who begin to walk with Yahushua, in obedience, even though remaining ‘blind’ in a sense.

It is for this reason also that Yahushua spoke in parables (Mark 4:11). The unauthorised would not understand, and so would not know Him in intimacy. Only those who earnestly seek Him, and who desire to have Messiah formed within them, will embrace obedience to His Word. It is only the fervent seekers who will overcome and prevail, and find victory over the many popular Doctrines of Men.

And so it is, that only the overcomers will press in to participate in these special days, in order to truly know the Bridegroom!

Hidden From View

Thus we see these Sabbath Days as a ‘hidden’ provision of the New Covenant, a provision found only by those who first become “DO-ers” of keeping the Biblical Sabbaths, and afterwards begin to understand the Scriptures about them (John 7:17). It is these, from whose eyes the scales fall, as happened to the apostle Paul; and whose eyes were opened, as happened to the Disciples on the road to Emmaus. It is these who diligently seek the Truths of the Scriptures, and who find them.

YHWH will open our eyes to understand, only after we have begun to walk in simple obedience to His Word, taking baby-steps to obey — even though we do not fully understand.

The understanding and knowledge of the Sabbath — as well as other hidden provisions and secrets of the Bridegroom found in Scripture — ultimately come to those who willingly obey, even while not understanding.

The knowledge and understanding come later, only after a time of obedience and testing. The truths of Scripture begin to be understood only after the seeker begins to walk in them, and as he seeks them out in Scripture, with wrestling and prayer.

It is only through the narrow Way of obedience that the Bride will enter into the Marriage Covenant. The enablement for this obedience comes only by allowing ‘Messiah-in-you’ to become the ultimate identifying mark of the Bride.

In this way, all others will be identified by the absence of fullness of ‘Messiah-in-you.’ Father sees the avoidance of keeping His appointed times as a lack of voluntary obedience to Torah, showing Him that Messiah is not yet formed or manifest in that virgin.

Non-Believers and foolish virgins will choose to remain far away from these Marriage Betrothal encounters. Moreover, some of the foolish virgins will offer ridicule to those who would be among the Bride company, providing valuable opportunities for the Bride to exercise her overcoming abilities.

The Journey

We are all on a journey, as the Prodigal Son returning to our Father. We have been living among the swine, as it were, but now it is time to return to our Father. We all begin our return-journey as a ‘foreigner.’ While we were yet sinners (transgressors of Torah – 1John 3:4), Father gave us His Forgiveness and our Redemption, by the shedding of the Blood of His Son.

When we return to Father, through the Blood of His Son, He then adopts us, and grafts us in, so that we are no longer foreigners, but a part of His Family, a part of His People. After grafting-in, we are no longer considered Jew or Gentile; all within the Body of Believers are grafted-in, and are called by the name ‘My People Israel.’ We are then expected to live as Israel, in obedience to the Scriptures, no longer living and walking as other Gentiles (Eph 4:17).

We must remember — there is only one New Covenant, and it is a covenant between YHWH and His People Israel. YHWH’s New Covenant with Israel includes those grafted-in as wild branches, and those grafted-in as natural branches. After grafting-in, all of His Redeemed ones are then expected to grow in His Favour, and learn how to walk in the New Covenant provisions YHWH has made with His People Israel (Jer 31:31-34).

Father also gives us His Set-apart Spirit, even when we are still in our rebellion, in order to bring us along the Way. It is “Yahushua-in-us” who is The Way. He gives us His Favour – His enablement from within, as we allow Him to live in us – so that we might walk in obedience to the (new) yoke of bondage to Him, and to His (new) Covenant.

Of those Redeemed, a small number will seek, and find, and travel on the narrow Way. A majority, however, will be as Ephraim — having been redeemed, but disobedient (Hosea 7:11-14). These of Ephraim had been redeemed, but as an example for us, we see (Rev 7:5-8) that they are conspicuously absent from those who enter in to the City of the King, the Set-apart City, the close-in realm of the Kingdom.

So it is, that Father seeks a Bride for His son. The chosen Bride will be one who is not compelled to obedience externally, but who desires to give herself to obedience to her Bridegroom, from the desires of her own heart. It is because she first called His Sabbaths a pleasant, exquisite ‘Delight’ (Isa 58:13), that she later found the One in whom is all her Delight.

These are those whom the Father seeks, as the Father seeks a Bride for His Son.

If you know these teachings, blessed are you if you do them.
John 13:17

Who is the Bride?

There are many pictures of both the False Bride and the True Bride, to be seen throughout Scripture, for our learning and example. In this section the qualities and characteristics of the True Bride are presented, as revealed in Scripture, in various personalities and groups of people.

Chavah (Eve) – The Book of Genesis reveals the overall plan of YHWH for taking out a Bride for Himself.

Elijah & Elisha – One prophetic view of the Bride’s planning and preparation, as well as many Bride characteristics and features, can be seen in Elijah and Elisha.

Lepers of 2Kings 7 – The Lepers in 2Kings exhibit many Bride characteristics to be seen in our day.

Gideon’s Army – YHWH’s plan of calling and separating of the Bride Candidates out from the larger group can be seen in the prophetic example of Gideon’s Army.

Ruth & Boaz – Further Bride characteristics and prophetic truths can be seen in the example of Ruth and Boaz.

Joshua & Caleb – Joshua and Caleb “together” reveal the only ones allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Hadassah (Esther) – The Fascinating story of the various people seen in the Book of Esther, and how they portray various people today who either help, or oppose, the Bride. We see the King, and his kingdom; and Haman as a leader, who brings error into the King’s household; and the Queen Vashti, who refuses the King’s Commandment; the Wise Men; the Seven chamberlains; and Esther, who portrays the Bride in her preparation.

The Woman of Proverbs 31 – This last chapter of Proverbs is rich in Bride characteristics and features.

Bride Covering Principles – YHWH’s requirements for covering His Glory. The Bride is identified by her covering.

The Preparation of the Bride

A look at the Bride’s preparation, both by the Set-apart Spirit and by the Bride herself.

The Making of an Overcomer: (Part 1) The Wrestling of Rachel – (For Those Who are Wrestling over Doctrinal Issues). In the messages addressed to the called-out people in the 7 cities in Revelation, all the promises are for those who overcome. A look at some Scripture showing the issues of contention today, and how Born-Again Believers are exhorted to prevail, and overcome. A look at Rachel, as an example of the Bride, for our learning.

The Making of an Overcomer: (Part 2) The Wrestling of Jacob – (For Those Who are Wrestling over Doctrinal Issues). A continuation of Part 1, showing more Scripture on becoming an Overcomer. A look at Jacob who, after he prevailed, received both a Blessing, and a new name. Jacob is seen as an example to all Born-Again Believers who desire to overcome and prevail, that they might receive the promises stated in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.

The Bride Makes Herself ready – There is much preparation to be done before the Bride is considered “Ready” to go in to the presence of the Bridegroom. An overview of How and when the Bride becomes prepared for her Bridegroom.

How Does the Bride Prepare? – A detailed look at how the Bride prepares herself for the Bridegroom. This preparation is related to the preparation the Wise Virgins undergo, that separates them from the foolish.

The New Covenant Passover – An overview of Passover from the Bride’s perspective – how participation in Passover is the primary item of preparation for the ‘First-Born’ of Israel: The Bridegroom as Firstborn of many brethren, and the the Bride Company as a kind of first fruits of the entire harvest of Believers.

The Wise and Foolish Virgins – Based on the Parable in Matthew 25. A look at what Scripture reveals as the real differences between the Wise and Foolish Virgins, with a warning for those desiring to be wise.

The Wise and Foolish Virgins: The Separation of the Wise – Based on the Parable in Matthew 25, and the Wisdom Verses of Scripture. The Scriptures reveal a 2-step process of separation from the multitudes, for those who would grow in Wisdom. Many Scriptures show a contrast between the Wise and the Foolish, so that those who seek Wisdom may know exactly what they may choose to do, in order to prepare for the arrival of the Bridegroom.

The Wise and Foolish: According to Yahushua – The words of Yahushua spoken in the Gospels tell us in clear terms who is wise, and who is foolish, but we have simply not understood what He was telling us. Yahushua is now calling us to return to being “DO-ers” of His word, according to the examples seen in His life, and in the life of the apostle Paul, and according to the words of all the Prophets.

The Wise and Foolish Virgins: Steps to Obtaining Wisdom – The Scriptures are full of instructions for those who would gain Wisdom. A brief overview of Scriptures that show characteristics of Wisdom, and of the Fear of YHWH, and of Knowing YHWH, and how we might gain each of these qualities as our own.

Contending for The Faith – We are exhorted to contend, to fight to remain in The Faith that was originally given. Scripture shows what The Faith is, why we must contend for The Faith, and how we are to contend. Overview of how the adversary attacks the foundation of the Faith. Examples of contending for The Faith.

Are You in The Faith? Examine Yourselves: The Simple Scripture Test – Continuation of Contending for The Faith. We are warned to examine ourselves, to test ourselves, to see if we are in The Faith. Scripture tells us what the test is, and clearly reveals the examples for us to imitate, and by which we may test whether we are in The Faith.

Righteousness as the Light– Based on the Parable in Matthew 25. A brief look at how Scripture reveals Light as the result of the Wise Virgins having Oil in their Lamps, and no Light as the result of the Foolish having no Oil. A warning is given for those today desiring to have Oil and Light.

Oil for the Light – Based on the Parable in Matthew 25. A detailed look at Scripture that reveals exactly what the Oil for the Lamps is, and what it is NOT, for our warning today.

Those Who Sell Oil– Based on the Parable in Matthew 25. A brief look at the Oil, and who are those today that continue to “Sell the Oil” to the Foolish Virgins. This writing is a warning to the bride, so she might avoid these Dealers of the “Anointing.”

Warnings for the Bride

There are many warnings given to the Bride, alerting her to those things that could hinder her preparation, and things that could prevent her entering in to the Kingdom. For each warning given in Scripture, we are given a list of consequences for not heeding the warning, as well as the corresponding remedy.

The Book of Revelation: A Prophetic Overview – What is the purpose of the Book of Revelation- and to whom was it written? A look at the wording of Revelation tells us that it was written to the Bride, for the purpose of warning her of hidden “spots and wrinkles,” as she goes about preparing for the Bridegroom; and to give her vision, hope, and encouragement during a critical time period.

The Error of Balaam – One of the hidden “spots and wrinkles” issues revealed in the Book of Revelation is the Error of Balaam, a poisonous infection that progresses to become the Doctrine of Balaam. We will discover in this detailed writing that the Error of Balaam is NOT greed, as many have been told. We will look first at the warning of the Doctrine of Balaam given in Revelation, and then we will see in detail what Scripture reveals about the Error of Balaam, so that we might remove it from our lives.

The Doctrine of Balaam Today: A Warning to the Bride – The Book of Revelation is warning the Bride today against the “Doctrine of Balaam,” which is now being discovered as the Bride prepares for the Bridegroom. A brief overview of what this Doctrine is, and how it has been embraced by most Believers today. A brief look at how the initial Error of Balaam progresses to the Way of Balaam, and finally becomes the Doctrine of Balaam, bringing a plague on entire congregations. A look at examples of the crippling effects of the Doctrine of Balaam, and how YHWH will fight against all who continue to hold this error.

Eating Things Sacrificed Unto Idols: A Warning to the Bride – The Bridegroom gives a Double-Warning to the Bride. One of the most common reasons the Bridegroom will “have a few things against” His people is the widespread practice of (unknowingly) eating things sacrificed unto idols. An examination of Scripture reveals what this is, what causes it, and how we might repent of this Sin.

The Strange Woman: A Warning to the Bride – The Light of the Scriptures has removed the cloak hiding the wiles of the enemy, who has used the Strange Woman, seen throughout Scripture, to bring a subtle and great deception upon YHWH’s people. This Strange Woman has quietly deceived, and taken captive much of the Evangelical World, and is promoting a very subtle, counterfeit ‘New Covenant’ that looks much like the true New Covenant of Scripture. The Scriptural antidote to guard against this deception and captivity is given. Features of the Strange Woman are summarised, to help the Bride-Candidates discern the man-made, false Covenant, from the Scriptural, true Covenant. Scriptures reveal how treading the path of a false ‘New Covenant’ affects the promised inheritance.

Entering the Kingdom: The Two Love Tests – Not everyone that says, “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom, but only those who “do”…. Scripture is clear that there will be final exams given, in order to test each one who would desire to enter. Yahushua tells us what these tests are, so that we might study the material, and perhaps pass the test when it comes.

Who is the Chaste Virgin? – The Scriptures portray the betrothed Bride as a Chaste Virgin. The Bridegroom has a plan for the Bride: that she might remain chaste. The serpent also has a plan for the Bride: to remove her chaste condition by various forms of corruption. Scriptures reveal what it means to be chaste; and gives us warning of the kinds of corruption to avoid, and the antidote for these corruptions, in order to remain chaste.

Entering the Promised Land

An overview of Scripture, and the words of Yahushua, on how we may enter in, and how we may not enter in, depending on our choices. Includes detailed, clear and simple instructions by Yahushua, and New Testament warnings given for our instruction.

The Promised Land-How to Enter In:The Words of Yahushua – The words of Yahushua, and indeed all the Scriptures, give us clear and pointed instruction on how New Covenant Believers must first come out by the Blood, and then enter in by obedience, all by Grace. Detailed examples are given from Scripture.

The Promised Land: Choosing to Enter In – The entire Scriptures reveal the great plan of YHWH, whereby we are given freedom to choose whom we will serve, and then may choose to enter in, by His Grace, or we may choose not to enter in, depending on all our choices. New Testament “Warnings” are given for our instruction.

Below is an execellent 15 part teaching on the Bride of Yahushua – this is the Intro and Part1.

Links to the other 14 parts are:

Part 2 : Part3 : Part 4 : Part5 : Part 6 : Part7 : Part 8 : Part9 : Part 10 : Part11 : Part 12 : Part13 : Part 14 : Part15