“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Revelation 19:8 KJV).
In one sense, God’s people might view their earthly journey as a period of betrothal, a time of preparation and anticipation before they enter eternity to begin a new life with Christ. As Jesus Himself said in John 14:2-3, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
So, much like the groom who leaves to prepare a home for his beloved, God’s people are likened to a bride who awaits a future home with her betrothed. In this analogy, Jesus is the “groom,” and the marriage relationship symbolizes the life He seeks to enjoy with His people.
We should also note another highly illustrative portion of this verse: “…his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints)” (NIV). Since a bride is often the center of attention at many wedding ceremonies, it is significant that our bride from Revelation 19:8 is arrayed in clean, bright, fine linen. This imagery draws our attention to the cleansing work that Christ does within us.
This reference to the “…righteous acts of the saints” is significant as well. For instance, the New Testament book of Ephesians offers insight into this passage when it tells us, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Once we are reconciled to God through faith in Christ, we can truly fulfill the purposes for which God created us; those “good works” or “righteous acts” that are befitting these clean, bright garments. That brings us to a rather enigmatic section of Revelation nineteen…
“And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy'” (Revelation 19:9-10).
Why would John include this uncomplimentary exchange in this record of his experience? We’ll consider that question next.