1. The Mystery of the Bride & The Restoration of Israel

2. Credits Revelation Illustrated Copyright Pat Marvenko Smith 1982, 1992 http://www.revelationillustrated.com/default.asp Revelation Illustrated Copyright Pat Marvenko Smith 1982, 1992 http://www.revelationillustrated.com/default.asp http://www.revelationillustrated.com/default.asp Jerusalem Prophetic Art Copyright© 2003-2008, Pamela Suran. http://www.jerusalempropheticart.com/default.asp “permission requested” Jerusalem Prophetic Art Copyright© 2003-2008, Pamela Suran. http://www.jerusalempropheticart.com/default.asp “permission requested” http://www.jerusalempropheticart.com/default.asp All Other Content Property of Maud Taylor © 2008* All Other Content Property of Maud Taylor © 2008*Outline pt. 1. Introduction: The 5 Mysteries in the Bible pt. 1. Introduction: The 5 Mysteries in the Bible pt. 2. The 1st Mystery: The Bridegroom pt. 2. The 1st Mystery: The Bridegroom pt. 3. The 2nd Mystery: The Bride pt. 3. The 2nd Mystery: The Bride pt. 4. Interlude: The Blindness & the Glory of Israel pt. 4. Interlude: The Blindness & the Glory of Israel pt. 5. The 3rd Mystery of Lawlessness and the 4th mystery of Godliness pt. 5. The 3rd Mystery of Lawlessness and the 4th mystery of Godliness pt. 6. The 5th Mystery of Unity: One reconciled Bride pt. 6. The 5th Mystery of Unity: One reconciled Bride pt. 7. Interlude: The Blind Spot and the Apostasy in the Church pt. 7. Interlude: The Blind Spot and the Apostasy in the Church pt. 8. The Birthpangs of Messiah and the Glory of the Persecuted Bride pt. 8. The Birthpangs of Messiah and the Glory of the Persecuted Bride pt. 9. The Apocalypse (Revealing) of the Bridegroom and the Bride pt. 9. The Apocalypse (Revealing) of the Bridegroom and the Bride

3. Rev 19:7-8 Like the petals of a rose, the Mystery of the bride is a mystery among mysteries that can’t be unveiled without unveiling all the mysteries contained in the Bible with the Holy Spirit of G-D as our guide, each petal like a layer reaching into the heart of the whole counsel of G-D.

4. What is a Mystery? A “mystery” is not something that nobody understands. A mystery is something that some understand, and others do not.

5. Functions of a Veil Dim divine radiance Ex 34:35; Job 22:14 Dim divine radiance Ex 34:35; Job 22:14 Modesty Gen 38:14, 18; SofS 4:1,3 Modesty Gen 38:14, 18; SofS 4:1,3 False modesty Is 47:1-3; Ezekiel 13:18-21 False modesty Is 47:1-3; Ezekiel 13:18-21 Intentional Concealing of the Truth Intentional Concealing of the Truth May be permanent or temporary Is 6:9-11 May be permanent or temporary Is 6:9-11 Veil Over Israel Deut. 29:4, Isaiah 29:10, Is 6:10 = Mt 13:10-16, Rom 11:8, 2 Cor 3:14-16 Veil Over Israel Deut. 29:4, Isaiah 29:10, Is 6:10 = Mt 13:10-16, Rom 11:8, 2 Cor 3:14-16 Veil Over nations Is 25:7; 2 Cor 4:2-4; Rev 20:3 Veil Over nations Is 25:7; 2 Cor 4:2-4; Rev 20:3 Human Revenge or Divine Vindication Lam 3:64-66 Human Revenge or Divine Vindication Lam 3:64-66 G-D reserves for Himself the right to enlighten or darken our understanding as the result of our deeds and motives. His Judgments are righteous altogether!

6. “Thy Will Be Done” Submission/Dependence v. Rebellion/Autonomy? Only 2 kinds of people Those who say to G-D “Thy will be done” God enables them to overcome temptation Those to whom G-D says “Thy will be done” G-D releases them into their own cycle of self-deception & self-destruction Only the Master of All can set a slave free from his taskmasters From Lies with Truth Out of Darkness into the Light Turning Evil into Good Conquering Death with Life A man cannot serve 2 masters “Thy will be done”

7. Mysteries in the Bible Mystery of the bridegroom Mystery of the bridegroom Mystery of the bride Mystery of the bride Mystery of lawlessness Mystery of lawlessness Mystery of g-dliness Mystery of g-dliness Mystery of unity & reconciliation Mystery of unity & reconciliation How are we are part of each mystery? How does each mystery transform us? “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the L-RD's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the L-RD, who is the Spirit” 2 Cor 3:18

8. G-D’s Fatherly Love For His Creation  Bridegroom’s Desire for His bride Holy Creative Desire (His Pure Image inside Us) Holy Creative Desire (His Pure Image inside Us) Protective & Nurturing (male & female) Protective & Nurturing (male & female) Compassionate & Merciful (El-rahum v-hanun) Compassionate & Merciful (El-rahum v-hanun) Slow to anger & Longsuffering (patient) Slow to anger & Longsuffering (patient) Abounding in lovingkindness (chesed) & truth Abounding in lovingkindness (chesed) & truth Steadfast & Sacrificial (covenantal love) Steadfast & Sacrificial (covenantal love) Jealous (El-kana) Jealous (El-kana) Unfathomable (infinite depths) Unfathomable (infinite depths)

9. G-D's Heartbrokenness “The decision to have a child is to accept that your heart will forever walk about outside of your body.” – Katherine Hadley How many parents have ever considered kicking a wayward child out of home? G-D kicked his children (Adam & Eve) out of home, “paradise” (Gan Eden) because He had to: They disobeyed & bit into the lie of idolatry & mistrust They refused to own up, hid, & marred His image in them He took off His own right arm (Yeshua) and sent Him down as a sin offering (broken for us) to retrieve His wayward children How many parents are willing to die for their children to be restored? So we would wake up every morning and go to school on time (the school of the Holy Spirit) To love good, forsake evil, grow up in faith… To conform to His likeness, be restored in intimacy and live...

10. Intimacy or Religiosity? Yeshua the Messiah did not come to found a religion! He first came to: Confound religiosity Woo His bride back to Him Redeem His compromised (lost) bride Build her up in true intimacy with the living G-D His soon coming return signals: Not the climax in the conflict of religions Not the triumph of one religion over another Nor the triumph of one denomination over another But the defeat of all idolatries, both secular and religious

11. He Desires Intimacy With Us “Yada” = “They shall all know Me” Jer 31:34 Knowledge thru the 5 senses = intimacy Verb ‘yada’ used as in a man who knows his wife (sexual relations) ‘daat’ = noun It’s all about relationship, not my “spirituality” or religious belief “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6 Let him who boasts, boasts this– that he ‘yadas’ me. Jer 9:23-24; Moses: “Let me know your ways that I may know you so I may find favor in Your sight ” Ex 33:13 How do you know the L-RD? Not what image have you made of Him, but what have you done with His Image in you (Imago Dei)? Gen 1:26-27; Gen 9:6; Is 40:18; Jas 3:9 He has made Himself known through His Son,Yeshua, the image of the invisible G-D, the firstborn over all creation Col 1:15 Is it a one or two-way street interaction? Do we yield to our destiny to be transformed in His Image through His Son? Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; Php 2:1-2 Are you resisting G-D’s transformation in you? When G-D in Us is exchanged for idolatry (false identity), we lose sight of what G-D had for Us (our destiny) How deeply do you know Him? Acknowledge (yada) before G-D what you have done: He looks at the , not your gifts or accomplishments. “Behold, You desire truth in the inner parts” Ps 51:6 “Behold this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel … that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” Luke 2:35 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven 1 Cor 15:49

12. This is a Test! Can you hear me now? Does it work? How long is the warranty? Trust this brand name? Do I know you? Bride tested: The righteous will live by faith – Hab 2:4; Rom 1:17; Heb 11:1-3,6 “God has come to test you so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” – Ex 20:20; Dt 4:33-35; Dt 8:2,16; Dt 13:3; 1 Chr 29:17a; 2 Chr 32:31 Abraham: A heart tested, tried and true – Gen 22:1-12 Why do you put the Lord to the test? – Ex 17:2; Ps 78:18-22; Mt 4:6-7 Test Him for your faith, not G-D’s: Ask Me, Test Me in this, says the Lord – Is 7:11-13; Mal 3:10 Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind – Ps 26:2 “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” – Job 23:10 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD – Lam 3:40 I have refined you … I have tested you in the furnace of affliction – Is 48:10; Jer 9:7; Zec 13:8-9 Having no root, these believe for a while and depart in a time of testing – Luke 8:13, Ps 31:20 Results when The L-RD tests the  – Pr 17:3 He may vindicate you: “You who judge righteously and test the heart & mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause” – Jer 11:20; Lam 3:37-40, 61-66 He may vindicate your enemies: “I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!” – Mt 7:21-23 "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation. The one who trusts will never be dismayed [act hastily]” – –– – Is 28:16

13. Descending & Ascending The Riddle of Incarnation (Kenosis: He emptied Himself) The Riddle of Incarnation (Kenosis: He emptied Himself) Offer of life: Man needs not ascend to get it Deut 30:11-12 Offer of life: Man needs not ascend to get it Deut 30:11-12 “I will ascend above … I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:14 “I will ascend above … I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:14 Righteousness by faith does not ask “Who will ascend? Who will descend?” Rom 10:6 Righteousness by faith does not ask “Who will ascend? Who will descend?” Rom 10:6 Humility & Reproach of the Servant as pattern of evangelism Ps 69:6-7; Php 2:3-11 Humility & Reproach of the Servant as pattern of evangelism Ps 69:6-7; Php 2:3-11 The Ascent (To give gifts to men) The Ascent (To give gifts to men) Who may ascend the hill of the L-RD? Ps 24:3-4 Who may ascend the hill of the L-RD? Ps 24:3-4 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! John 6:62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! John 6:62 Ascending, He led captives in his train Eph 4:7-8; Ps 68:18 Ascending, He led captives in his train Eph 4:7-8; Ps 68:18 He who descended is He who ascended … in order to fill the whole universe Eph 4:9-11; Ps 68:19 He who descended is He who ascended … in order to fill the whole universe Eph 4:9-11; Ps 68:19 Like the bridegroom, the bride must descend and not stop halfway with “me,” but reach beyond herself to the other, the lost humanity

14. G-D’s dream of Bridal Love 1. 1. Incarnational love Pursuing Pursuing Yeshua’s descent into humanity (G-D’s dream: to make the bride look more like Him, His Image) 2. 2. Devotional love Pursuing Pursuing intimacy with the L-RD (G-D’s recurring dream: Can you hear me now? Can you see me?) 3. 3. Communal love Pursuing Pursuing relational wealth, not possessions (G-D’s recurring dream: how can the bride live a life of simplicity) 4. 4. Missional love Pursuing Pursuing the kingdom lifestyle, near and far (G-D’s recurring dream: make the bride shine, not hide her light) 5. 5. Marginal love Pursuing Pursuing at the edges (G-D’s recurring dream: how can the bride serve the poor & captives with compassion) I remember with gratitude the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, when you trustingly followed me into the wilderness, into a land unsown Jer 2:2

15. A Jewish Love Story (1) Betrothal Betrothal Arrangements made by parents (matchmakers) Gen 3:15; Is 59:16=63:5; 2 Cor 11:2 Arrangements made by parents (matchmakers) Gen 3:15; Is 59:16=63:5; 2 Cor 11:2 Terms offered by the groom include a bride price (mohar) to be paid Gen 22:8-13; Rev12:5 Terms offered by the groom include a bride price (mohar) to be paid Gen 22:8-13; Rev12:5 Groom visits and the ceremony is sealed by sharing a cup of wine Mark 14:23; 1 Cor 11:25 Groom visits and the ceremony is sealed by sharing a cup of wine Mark 14:23; 1 Cor 11:25 Then he returns home John 6:62; 20:17 Then he returns home John 6:62; 20:17 Betrothal is the same as marriage without cohabitation 1 Cor. 6:19-20 Betrothal is the same as marriage without cohabitation 1 Cor. 6:19-20 She is now set apart: only divorce or death can break covenant 1 Cor 1:2; 6:11; MJ 10:10; 13:12 She is now set apart: only divorce or death can break covenant 1 Cor 1:2; 6:11; MJ 10:10; 13:12 Preparation time Preparation time Preparation can last a year or more if needed Preparation can last a year or more if needed She wears a veil which lets others know that she keeps herself for another She wears a veil which lets others know that she keeps herself for another She is continually chaperoned to guard her virginity Eph 5:26-27, 29 She is continually chaperoned to guard her virginity Eph 5:26-27, 29 She prepares for her future duties as wife & mistress of a household She prepares for her future duties as wife & mistress of a household He prepares a home within his father’s house (inheritance) John 14:2 He prepares a home within his father’s house (inheritance) John 14:2 Father, not son will be the final judge of readiness for wedding Father, not son will be the final judge of readiness for wedding The Wedding The Wedding The bride watches for the groom to return for her The bride watches for the groom to return for her Friend of groom announces the wedding banquet, & consummation of marriage Jn 3:29 Friend of groom announces the wedding banquet, & consummation of marriage Jn 3:29 Shout precedes bridegroom’s arrival 1 Thess. 4:16 Shout precedes bridegroom’s arrival 1 Thess. 4:16 Bridegroom returns for her at night and takes her to her new home John 14:2-3, 1 Thess. 4:17 Bridegroom returns for her at night and takes her to her new home John 14:2-3, 1 Thess. 4:17 Wedding banquet at expense of bridegroom lasts 7 days Wedding banquet at expense of bridegroom lasts 7 days On 7 th day, marriage is consummated & bride is unveiled Jdg 14:10,17; Col 3:4 On 7 th day, marriage is consummated & bride is unveiled Jdg 14:10,17; Col 3:4

16. Bridegroom & Bride in the Jewish Feasts (1) 1st SpringHarvestCovenantWedding HaMatzot Unleavened Bread Holiness Sinless offering PesachPassover Innocent lamb Bride price HaBikkurim Former first fruit (barley) Resurrection of Bridegroom Firstborn of the Dead Sefirat haOmer (50) Counting the sheaf Awaiting promised gifts of harvest 1st Rains ShavuotPentecost Latter firstfruit (wheat)Sanctification 1 tutor, 1 chaperon Torah & Holy Spirit Betrothal Birth of Israel Birth of Bride If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy Romans 11:16

17. A Jewish Diary (The 1 st Rains) At At the 1 st 1 st Pesach, Pesach, the L-RD redeems His bride from the bondage of Egypt and brings her into the wilderness at Mt Sinai to covenant with him. At At the 1 st 1 st Shavuot, Shavuot, the L-RD betrothes Israel to Himself and gives her the Torah as tutor, chastizes her in the wilderness until she enters into the Promised Land. But there she is unfaithful, becomes disunited and He divorces her, and sends her into temporary exile. Then Then at Sukkot, Sukkot, He sends his son (from tribe of Judah) to her as the promised bridegroom born in a frail tabernacle of flesh. At At Pesach, the bridegroom seals the covenant of betrothal at the Last Supper and pays the bride price by giving his life for Israel, leaves, promising to send the chaperon for His bride in his absence. Shavuot, Shavuot, the chaperon arrives, The Holy Spirit that writes the Torah in the heart of the Bride. He will remain with her to comfort, teach and counsel and protect her virginity until the bridegroom returns for her, in short to write the Word in her heart.

18. Bridegroom & Bride in the Jewish Feasts (2) Fall Latter HarvestCovenantWedding Interim Absence Fruit, nuts, olive, vegetables, etc. Latter rains Bride prepares self HaTeruah Trumpet Blast 1st resurrection Bride called up Bridegroom returns Days of Awe (10) Repentance Awaiting promised salvation Awaiting promised rewards Yom Kippur Day of Atonement 2 nd resurrection & Judgment Book of Life opened Sukkot Booths (Tabernacles) G-D among His people Bride made ready Wedding banquet

19. A Jewish Diary (The Latter Rains) During During the interim period between the Spring & Fall Feasts, Feasts, the L-RD builds, matures and sanctifies his firstfruit bride to include offspring remnant from all the nations. Meanwhile she prepares herself for his return in each generation, by keeping her lamp trimmed & full, by heeding the commission to spread the good news of the kingdom in all the earth, and by inviting all to dress for the banquet of the bridegroom when He returns. On On Yom HaTeruah, HaTeruah, the friend of the bridegroom sounds the trumpet announcing the return of the bridegroom for His bride who is raised up from Great Tribulation as all the nations gather against her. During During the Days of Awe, Awe, various judgments begin on those who remain, but they refuse to repent. Then there is silence for half an hour… At At Yom Kippur, the bridegroom appears to all and descends upon the Mount of Olives, bringing judgment upon all the nations that sought to destroy her, revealing himself to his brethren for a last harvest. The book of the Lamb is opened and believers receive their rewards. A 2 nd 2 nd judgment of unbelievers will take place at the end of the Millennial reign of Messiah. At At Sukkot, Sukkot, the bridegroom establishes His millennial Kingdom over all the earth by setting His throne in Zion, elevated by an earthquake. There his glorified bride will descend from heaven, revealed in her glorified state as a redeemed community of saints. She becomes his companion and co-regent during his reign of justice which turns the earth into a great garden of Eden (Tikkun Olam). The nations come and offer their tribute and worship every Sukkot receiving blessing while the L-RD dwells with his people and returns to each tribe and nation their due inheritance. After the final rebellion and 2 nd 2 nd judgment, the earth will be destroyed by fire and replaced with a New Creation where Adonai will reign forever allotting heavenly mansions for His bride forever. STAY TUNED!