The conduct of the majority of God's people through the ages has not been righteous. They have been forgiven through the blood but their robes are not suitable for marriage to the Lamb. Therefore they must be ministered to by the Lord's firstborn, His firstfruits, until they are ready to be revealed to the world as the new Jerusalem. This is the way we see it.

It is of note that when the whole glorified Church appears it is termed "Jerusalem." This is because God deals only with Israel. For a Gentile to enter the family of God's elect he or she must become "Israel" through marriage to the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is only one Olive Tree, only one Seed of Abraham, and that is Christ and all who are part of Christ.

Now, where does it say in the Bible that there is a part of the Church that is not ready for marriage but will be assisted by others.

We have a young sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister for the day she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar. I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. (Song of Solomon 8:8-10—NIV)

The problem with the "young sister" is she is not able to nourish children. Therefore there is a concern when she is spoken for in marriage.

There is a concern regarding the majority of God's people today. They are not mature enough to nourish spiritual children, to reproduce the image of Christ in other people. Therefore they are not prepared for marriage to the Lord.

But there are a few who are making themselves ready for marriage to Jesus, a warlike remnant of saints in whom Christ is being formed, believers who will be robed in the radiantly white linen of their righteous acts.

We recently read a letter from David, an inmate in a California state prison. David had another prisoner write the letter because David is blind from being beaten by the police.

David is a Jewish Christian, wanting to enroll in Larry's correspondence course, stating that other prisoners will read the text to him.

David tells us that his blindness is his own fault because he abused the officers verbally. He is blaming no one except himself for his blindness.

How many believers do you know who would be free from bitterness, recognizing that his own actions had caused the pain he is experiencing.

Without addressing the justice or injustice of the situation, let us say that when the Lord returns, David's attitude of forgiveness toward those who caused him to lose his sight will be a brilliant radiance shining from the robe with which he is dressed.

If the majority of the Christian in America were to be robed in their own behavior we would see a parade of gossip, slander, covetousness, idolatry, love of pleasure, dishonesty, lying, immorality, violence, suspicion, pride, haughtiness, bitterness, unforgiveness, and sometimes drunkenness, drug addiction, addiction to pornography, and a willingness to molest children.

To be continued.