10.2 The marriage of the Lamb

The marriage of the Lamb follows directly after the bride has been caught up to heaven. The image of the eschatological marriage feast is found in Revelation 19: 6-9. It refers to the everlasting fellowship of the firstlings with their Lord and their partaking in His glory (Colossians 3: 4; 1 John 3: 2).

The image of the Lamb is already used in Isaiah 53: 4-7. It demonstrates that the coming Messiah will bring His sacrifice, in submissiveness to the will of God, for the redemption of mankind. John the Baptist refers to the Son of God with the words: "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1: 29).

The book of Revelation makes frequent reference to Christ as the Lamb. Revelation 5: 12 expresses that the slain Lamb has gained the victory. This means that the abased and crucified Son of God is both the Triumphant and Victorious One. The crucified Christ is the returning Lord, the bridegroom (see 10.1.3).

During the marriage of the Lamb the people remaining on the earth will have to endure the rule of Satan, the great tribulation.