When we are in the perfect image of God, perfect union with God is possible. When union takes place, fruitfulness follows. Fruitfulness results in rulership. When our fruit remains we can ask what we will and it shall be done.

So it is in Christ. As the saints are created in His image they can enter union with Him. As we abide in untroubled union in Spirit with the Lord Jesus, the image of Christ is created in those whom we are influencing. The end result of the union of the saints with Christ is the filling of the heavens and the earth with the Presence and will of Christ, to the Glory of God the Father.

Eve was married to Adam as she came into existence. Eve had no life apart from Adam because she was formed from Adam. We are married to Christ as we come into existence, for we are being fashioned from His body and blood. The reason Jesus loves us as He does is that we are being formed from Him. We are being fashioned from His Substance and Life.

Christ is the Head, the Strength, the Lord. The Church is the Glory of Christ, His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. We are His complement, His completion.

Christ is from God. We have been born of God and are being fashioned from Christ.

In order for all that God has commanded to come into being, the Lamb and His Wife must be brought into complete and perfect union. Then there will be the Divine image, fruitfulness, and dominion. Then joy will fill Christ, the Father, the Church, and the remainder of the creation. The image, union, fruitfulness, and dominion have come forth from the Father's love. In Abraham's Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.

We have stated that the overcomers are pressing now into the Kingdom of God, into eternal rewards, into the restoration of the lost inheritance. The careless Christians will be thrown into outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).

We now are in a time of redemption, of personal restoration. There are opportunities for growth, for character formation (particularly in the areas of resisting sin and denying self-will), for rewards, for rulership, for possessing the Kingdom of God, that may never again be available to any creature of God. This is apparent in the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation, which speak directly to the Bride, to the victorious saints.

The reason why such conquering strength and Kingdom rewards can be attained now and not at a later time is that the crucial battles and struggles are upon us now. Now is the time when the saints are being taught by the Holy Spirit and are being empowered by the Spirit to take the Kingdom. Many are called to the Kingdom but few are chosen to the first ranks. Many who are last in time will be first in the Kingdom of God.

Those who "help the Lord" in His struggle against the enemy will be rewarded amply when He comes back to earth and takes His place on the Throne of David, as was true of David's "mighty men."

Such "throne" opportunities never again will be available, according to our understanding. Let every reader take full advantage now of the promises of Christ to "him who overcomes."

To be continued.