2 Corinthians Chapter 11;1-4, The Adulterous Wife And The Virgin Bride; Should the bride of Christ be devoted to Jesus or anyone else?; Is Mary Co-Redeemer, Co-Redemptrix?; Theistic Evolution Is Not Biblical; Mariolatry; A Different Jesus, Gospel, Or Spirit; the Church the Bride of Christ; A chaste virgin; Fatima

1. 2 Corinthians 11
The Adulterous Wife And The Virgin Bride; Should
The Bride Of Christ Be Devoted To Jesus Or Anyone
Else?; Is Mary Co-Redeemer, Co-Redemptrix?;
Theistic Evolution Is Not Biblical;
Mariolatry; A Different Jesus, Gospel, Or Spirit, the Church the
Bride of Christ, A chaste virgin Lady Fatima;
Idaho sky, 2017

2. Let’s read 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
• Paul's concern for the Corinthians
• Strategic information concerning the devil

3. 2 Corinthians 11:1, Bride Of Christ
• NAU 2 Corinthians 11:1 I wish that you would bear with
me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with
me. 2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I
betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might
present you as a pure virgin.
• NAU Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her…
27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her
glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that
she would be holy and blameless.
• NAU Revelation 19:7 …the marriage of the Lamb has come
and His bride has made herself ready."

4. 2 Corinthians 11:1, Bride Of Christ
• NAU Revelation 19:9 Then he said to me, "Write,
'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage
supper of the Lamb.’”…
• NAU Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say,
“Come.”…
• The Church is the “Bride of Christ”, even though the
actual phrase “Bride of Christ” does not appear in
Scripture. Just as the word “Trinity” and “Bible” do
not appear in the Bible either.
• So, it’s reasonable to conclude that the Church is
both the body and the bride of Christ.

5. THE TWO SHALL
BECOME ONE
FLESH
NAU Ephesians 5:31
…SHALL BE JOINED TO
HIS WIFE, AND THE
TWO SHALL BECOME
ONE FLESH.
NAU 1 Corinthians
6:16 …For He says,
"THE TWO SHALL
BECOME ONE FLESH."
5

6. 2 Cor 11:2, The Church Is The Bride
Ed Hindson, World Prophetic Ministry
• “Sometimes people ask me, "Ed, why do you and Dr.
Reagan and David Jeremiah, Chuck Swindoll, and
Charles Stanley, etc, why do you all believe the Rapture
has to occur before the time of Tribulation? Hasn't the
Church always suffered persecution and trouble and
martyrdom and wrath?" Yes, from men, and from the
Devil, but not from God. The Church may be the object
of the wrath of Satan, she may be the object of the
wrath of men, but she's not the object of the wrath of
Jesus. Jesus loves the Bride. He died for the Bride. He
gave Himself to death for the Bride. If you have a high
enough view of the Bride you'll
6

7. 2 Cor 11:2, The Church Is The Bride
Ed Hindson, World Prophetic Ministry
• understand that you don't beat up the Bride of Christ in the
Tribulation period and then take her to the marriage. That
doesn't make any sense at all symbolically.
• No, Jesus is going to come one day for His Bride, and when He
comes, all the persecution will come to an end. All the
resistance will come to an end because Jesus takes the Bride
home to the marriage and she receives the white robe. She
receives the blessing of God and the rewards of God at the
judgment seat of Christ. Then, robed in white, she will then
march out of Heaven in Revelation 19 with her warrior
Husband to come back to reign and rule on earth and fulfill her
ultimate destiny that she rules over the nations. God has a
wonderful plan for His Bride. He has a wonderful plan for His
Church.”
7

8. 2 Corinthians 11:2, Bridegroom
• John answered in John 3:29 "He who has the
bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the
bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices
greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. So
this joy of mine has been made full.
• NAU Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said to them,
"The attendants of the bridegroom cannot
mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them,
can they? But the days will come when the
bridegroom is taken away from them, and then
they will fast.

9. • John 3:29 "He who
has the bride is the
bridegroom…
2 Cor 11:2,
Bride

10. The Adulterous Wife And The Virgin Bride
• Q. …a Bible teacher …says that God has a wife,… Israel. Next, he
says that Christ has a separate Bride….
• gracethrufaith.com, “A. I don’t know how this teacher presented
his view, but in the Old Testament God called Israel His
adulterous wife (as in Ezekiel 16:32), and in the New Testament,
the church is called the virgin bride of Christ (2 Cor. 11:2). These
are terms that symbolize the difference between the Law and
Grace. God often described Israel’s disobedience as spiritual
infidelity, especially when it involved idolatry. To Him worshiping
idols is like cheating on Him. But when Jesus went to the cross He
took all of our sins with Him washed us clean with His blood. Now
He sees the Church as if we’ve never sinned at all, as if we’re as
pure as He is (Ephesians 5:25-27). If the truth be told we’re no
better than Israel, because we worship things other than God,
too. Instead of statues, we worship money or material
possessions or other things of this world. So it’s God’s view of us
that’s different, and that happened because of what He did for us
on the cross, not because of anything we’ve done for Him.”

11. 2 Corinthians 11:2
Bridegroom and Bride
11

12. 2 Corinthians 11:3, Simplicity
• NAU 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that,
as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness,
your minds will be led astray from the
simplicity [haplotes] and purity of devotion to
Christ.
12

13. Since we are the “bride” of Jesus,
who should we be devoted to?
• Should the bride of Christ be devoted to anyone
else?
• NAS NAU …purity of devotion to Christ.
• NKJ KJV …the simplicity that is in Christ.
• NIVO NET ESV CSB … pure devotion to Christ.
• ἁπλότητος noun genitive feminine singular common from ἁπλότης…
[GING] ἁπλότης… ἡ simplicity, sincerity,
frankness Eph 6:5; Col 3:22; 2 Cor 1:12 v.l. ἁ. εἰς
Χριστόν sincere devotion to Christ 2 Cor 11:3.
Sincere concern of people…

14. 2 Corinthians 11:3, Simplicity
• NAU 2 Corinthians 11:3 …the simplicity
[haplotes] and purity of devotion to Christ.
• Strong’s <572> ἁπλότης haplotes
• Meaning: singleness, hence simplicity
• Usage: liberality(4), simplicity(1), sincerity(2)…
• Should we be devoted to Mary?
14

15. 2 Corinthians 11:3, Is Mary Co-
Redeemer, Co-Redemptrix?
• Heather Clark wrote, “The International Marian Association has requested
that the leader of Roman Catholicism, …Pope Francis, refer to Mary as “co-
redemptrix with Jesus the redeemer” during the 100th year anniversary of
the purported apparitions of Mary in Fatima, Portugal.
• The Theological Commission of the Marian Association, which is comprised
of 30 supportive entities… the Mariological Society of America, recently
released a 10-page document outlining why Mary is deserving of the title.
• It states that Mary passed on her sinless nature—given to her by God at
conception—to Jesus [DLK adds Mary said in Luke 1:47 “And my spirit has rejoiced in God my
Savior.” You only need a Savior if you’re lost.], that He might redeem the world from
sin. Through her willing human participation in the Father’s divine means
of saving wicked men, the Commission contends, she is the “New Eve” just
as Jesus is the “New Adam.”
1
5

16. • “Mary, the ‘full of grace’ (Lk. 1:28) was providentially prepared by the Father
through her Immaculate Conception to participate with the Son in the
crushing of the head of Satan and redeeming humanity from sin, and to pass
on to her divine Son an immaculate human nature like her own in order to
accomplish the mission of redemption,” the document asserts.
• “Within the rich tradition of the Church the patristic concept of Mary as the
‘New Eve’ who uniquely worked with Jesus, the ‘New Adam,’ to restore the
life of grace to the human family contains within itself the doctrine of Mary’s
unique participation with Jesus in the redemption,” it states. “Declared
‘Mother of the Church’ by Pope Bl. Paul VI, Mary ‘cooperated in initiating
God’s kingdom’ and thus manifested her motherly co-redemption for the
Church.”
• The Commission clarifies, however, that the title of co-redemptrix does not set
Mary as equal with Christ, as it believes such a concept would be heresy.
• “The philosophical and theological meaning of ‘participation’ includes the
understanding of an inferior being ‘taking part in’ (partem capere) the
perfections or qualities of a superior being,” it outlines. “Thus, Mary’s
participation in the redemption of Christ in no way diminishes His perfect
divine redemption, but rather in a human feminine and maternal expression,
partakes in its divine power and efficacy.”
1
6

17. • The Marian Association therefore requests that “Pope Francis would kindly grant
public recognition and honor to the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as ‘co-redemptrix
with Jesus the redeemer'” during the Fatima observance in May. It says that the
recognition would provide a means for humanity to consider how God used men as a
vessel as He carried out His purposes in the plan of salvation.
• “We believe that a public acknowledgement of Mary’s true and continuous role with
Jesus in the saving work of redemption would justly celebrate the role of humanity in
God’s saving plan; foster greater devotion to the mother of God; and lead to the
release of historic graces through an even more powerful exercise of our lady’s
maternal roles of intercession for the Church and for all humanity today,” it writes.
• [They included a reply by Mike] Gendron
• While the Association says that title would point the eyes of the people to the cross
of Christ, some beg to differ. Mike Gendron of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries in
Plano, Texas told Christian News Network that the Roman Catholic religion often
attributes many of Christ’s characteristics to Mary.
• “They teach that both were conceived without sin and lived sinless lives, and both are
our advocates. They proclaim that Jesus is the source of grace, Mary is the channel of
all grace; Jesus is the Mediator, Mary is the Mediatrix; Jesus ascended into glory,
Mary’s body was assumed into glory; Jesus is the King of Heaven, Mary is the Queen
of Heaven; Jesus is the Prince of peace, and Mary is the Queen of peace,” he
explained.”
1
7

18. • Gendron said that these doctrines are unbiblical. Further considering Mary now as co-
redemptrix, he opined, rather takes God’s rightful glory and gives part of it to man.
• “Nowhere in Scripture is Mary referred to as co-redeemer or co-mediatrix,” he
declared. “It was the Lord Jesus, not Mary, who gave His life as a ransom for many
(Mark 10:45). It was Jesus, not Mary, who redeemed those who were once slaves to sin
and purchased their freedom so that they are no longer in bondage to sin. Jesus gave
Himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his
very own (Titus 2:14).”
• “For anyone to refer to Mary as co-redemptrix not only violates the truth of God’s
Word, it also dishonors the Lord Jesus Christ and robs Him of the glory, honor and
praise that He alone deserves,” Gendron stated.
• Pope John Paul II referred to Mary as co-redemptrix on several occasions, but some
worried that it would impede the ecumenical unity that Catholics were seeking with
Christians.
• “There is great spiritual danger for Catholics when they look to Mary and not Jesus,”
Gendron said. “Paul warned, ‘But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the
serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure
devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).’ I pray that Catholics will heed the exhortation
from the book of Hebrews: ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat
down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).'”
1
8

19. Mariolatry, Mary’s assumption into
heaven?
• “Where does it say that Mary was assumed into heaven? I
have read in the Bible about Enoch and Elijah, but where
does it say God called Mary to heaven?
• Answer: If you are looking for direct scriptural proof of this
dogma, you will not find any. Mary’s Assumption was not
explicitly recorded in Scripture. However, Pope Pius XII
formally defined the dogma of the Assumption in his
apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deuson November
1, 1950: “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin
Mary [Matthew 1:25 but kept her a virgin until…], having completed the
course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into
heavenly glory” (MD 44).”
• http://catholicsay.com/where-in-the-bible-does-it-say-that-mary-was-assumed-into-heaven/
19

20. 2 Corinthians 11:3
Theistic Evolution Is Not Biblical
• NAU 2 Corinthians 11:3 …the serpent deceived
Eve by his craftiness…
• NAU Mark 10:6 "But from the beginning of
creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE.
[from the beginning, not 15 billion years after]
• NAU 2 Peter 3:6 …the world at that time was
destroyed, being flooded with water.
• NAU 1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man is from the
earth, earthy… [not pond scum]
• NAU 1 Timothy 2:13 … Adam who was first
created, and then Eve. [literally]

21. NAU
1 Corinthians
15:39 All flesh is
not the same
flesh, but there is
one flesh of men,
and another flesh
of beasts, and
another flesh of
birds, and another
of fish.
21

22. 2 Corinthians 11:3
• 2 Corinthians 11:3
…as the serpent
deceived Eve by his
craftiness…

23. 2 Corinthians 11:4,
A Different Jesus
• NAU 2 Corinthians 11:4 For if one comes and
preaches another Jesus whom we have not
preached, or you receive a different spirit which
you have not received, or a different gospel which
you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.
• “The Jesus that men want to see is not the Jesus
they really need to see.”
• --G. Campbell Morgan (9 December 1863 - 16
May 1945, British evangelist, preacher, and a
leading Bible scholar)
23

24. 2 Corinthians 11:4, Another Jesus
• 2 Corinthians 11:4 For if one comes and
preaches another Jesus whom we have
not preached…
• Matthew 16:13…Caesarea Philippi, He
was asking His disciples, "Who do people
say that the Son of Man is?“
• Good question! Ask this of everyone you
meet.
• Listen to find out if they’ve got “another
Jesus”.

25. A Different Jesus,
Gospel, Or Spirit
• NAU Galatians 1:6 I am amazed that you are
so quickly deserting Him who called you by the
grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
• NAU 1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone advocates a
different doctrine and does not agree with
sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
25

26. Who Called You?
• NAU Galatians 1:6 …deserting Him [God, the Father, or the Holy
Spirit?] who called you by the grace of Christ…
• NAU John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father
who sent Me draws him…
• NAU John 6:65 …no one can come to Me unless it has been
granted him from the Father.”
• NAU John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will
draw all men to Myself.”
• NAU Acts 7:51 "You …stiff-necked and …are always
resisting the Holy Spirit…
• NAU Acts 13:2 …the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me
Barnabas and Saul… 4…being sent out by the Holy Spirit…
• 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Hebrews 3:7, 1 Peter 1:12

27. A
Different
Jesus,
Gospel,
Or Spirit,
27

28. So, in
conclusion
Applies to
shopping also
28

29. The End
NAU 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
2
9

30. BIBLE IN FIVE
Pastor Dave Kooyers
Valley Bible Fellowship
Box 433
Boonville CA 95415
http://www.slideshare.net/dkooyers
www.ValleyBibleFellowship.org
(707) 895-2325
God bless you as you examine His Word,
Your servant in Christ, 2Cor. 4:5
These Microsoft PowerPoint presentations are provided "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ"
(Ephesians 4:12-15). To help Christians to "to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ." So that "we are no longer...tossed here and
there...by every wind of doctrine." They may be downloaded and modified free of charge.
Matthew 10:8 …Freely you received, freely give.

31. 2 Corinthians 11:3, Is Mary Co-
Redeemer, Co-Redemptrix?
• Heather Clark wrote, “The International Marian Association has requested that the leader of Roman Catholicism, Jorge
Bergoglio, also known as Pope Francis, refer to Mary as “co-redemptrix with Jesus the redeemer” during the 100th year
anniversary of the purported apparitions of Mary in Fatima, Portugal.
• The Theological Commission of the Marian Association, which is comprised of 30 supportive entities, including Vatican
Secretariat of State Florian Kolfhaus, Andrew Apostoli of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), Elias Mary of the
Our Lady of Guadalupe Sanctuary in Wisconsin, and Michael O’Neill and Christopher Padgett of the Mariological Society
of America, recently released a 10-page document outlining why Mary is deserving of the title.
• It states that Mary passed on her sinless nature—given to her by God at conception—to Jesus, that He might redeem the
world from sin. Through her willing human participation in the Father’s divine means of saving wicked men, the
Commission contends, she is the “New Eve” just as Jesus is the “New Adam.”
• “Mary, the ‘full of grace’ (Lk. 1:28) was providentially prepared by the Father through her Immaculate Conception to
participate with the Son in the crushing of the head of Satan and redeeming humanity from sin, and to pass on to her
divine Son an immaculate human nature like her own in order to accomplish the mission of redemption,” the document
asserts.
• “Within the rich tradition of the Church the patristic concept of Mary as the ‘New Eve’ who uniquely worked with Jesus,
the ‘New Adam,’ to restore the life of grace to the human family contains within itself the doctrine of Mary’s unique
participation with Jesus in the redemption,” it states. “Declared ‘Mother of the Church’ by Pope Bl. Paul VI, Mary
‘cooperated in initiating God’s kingdom’ and thus manifested her motherly co-redemption for the Church.”
• The Commission clarifies, however, that the title of co-redemptrix does not set Mary as equal with Christ, as it believes
such a concept would be heresy.
• “The philosophical and theological meaning of ‘participation’ includes the understanding of an inferior being ‘taking part
in’ (partem capere) the perfections or qualities of a superior being,” it outlines. “Thus, Mary’s participation in the
redemption of Christ in no way diminishes His perfect divine redemption, but rather in a human feminine and maternal
expression, partakes in its divine power and efficacy.”
• Connect with Christian News
3
1

32. , Does God forbid divorced men
from being in pastoral roles?
• Bible Questions Answered,
• QUESTION: "Does God forbid divorced men from being in pastoral roles? Does not 1st Timothy 3:2 say divorced men
may not serve as pastors?"
• ANSWER: I write this answer with full disclosure that I have no ax to grind with anyone. I have never been through a
wedding much less ever petitioned a court for divorce or been through a court for any divorce. Nonetheless, this topic
causes me so much grief. No, to directly answer your question that is not what the Bible ever says. The text you ask
about never once uses the term divorce. I'll give a detailed analysis below. But for the short and simple answer here it is
easy to see that Paul did not say that. Had Paul wanted to say the episcopas could not be divorced he could have very
easily used those exact terms and said: "a man who has not been divorced." Had Paul said that the debate would be
over, at least for honest men and women who revere Scripture. But Paul never said that. And for those who interpret
that verse in that way they do so without having a single word in Scripture to support that view. It is a clear addition to
Scripture out of an effort that is often done to try and maintain some high standard for the office of pastor and to
uphold the sacredness of marriage. Though noble efforts, which is commendable, such a stance exudes hypocrisy and
insurmountable inconsistencies with the doctrines of grace, justification, and God's own covenant standards.
• Additionally, this misunderstanding has caused a lot of extra biblical traditions to be set upon the body of Christ that God
never intended. Many people have been taught they should not sit under any divorced teacher or pastor or minister.
Many are taught they should oppose divorced people from entering into the ministry. Just last week I heard two major
leaders in two of the largest seminaries in the nation state that no divorced man would ever be promoted for pastoral
ministry from their seminaries. That was so sad to hear. What a tragedy for overall godly ministers to adopt such a weak,
unsubstantiated, and ungracious view. Such a view shows people that sin is more powerful than grace and robs the
people of God from being led by people who understand the real pains and struggles of life. It adds a human tradition to
Scripture. Furthermore, it means that a strong theology is built from one or two verses of Scripture that do not even
directly use the term divorce. In other words, it builds a theology from inference and establishes that inference as a
standard for all of God's people.
32

33. Concubines, Monogamy, Concubinage, Does The
Bible Endorse The Use Of Concubines, Fredric A.
Carlson
• Concubines were common in Old Testament times, and children of concubines were valued. But in God's view, as plainly
expressed in Scripture, concubinage is but one form of fornication. Concubinage, fornication, and adultery are separated
by only technical legal nuances.
• That statement is based on solid foundations. The first is the way God champions the family unit, the basis for all healthy
society. Family is founded on a lifelong monogamous marriage of a male and a female. The protection of that family
arrangement dictated three of the ten great commandments of God's eternal Law: the fifth, the seventh, and the tenth
(Exodus 20:12, 14, and 17). This ideal is held throughout Scripture (Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:1-9; 1 Corinthians 5:1-
12; 7:1-11; Ephesians 5:22-23; 6:1-4; Leviticus 19:3; 20:9; etc.), in its praise of those who achieved its highest fulfillment,
in its sad reporting of its most deadly failures inspired by Satan's hate-filled destructive influences against it, and in its
prohibitions against conduct that disrupts or weakens any family tie (Exodus 20: 14, 17; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy
22:24; Exodus 21: 15, 17; Leviticus 21:9; etc.) or thwarts its purpose to fill earth with those who properly reflect God's
likeness.
• The second foundation is God's repeated definition and descriptions of ideal marriage and family, reinforced by laws and
sad descriptions of what violates them. In addition to the previous Exodus references, see at least Genesis 1:27-28; 2:22-
24; 18:19; Exodus 21:7-11; Joshua 24:14-15; Ephesians 5:21-33; and Revelation 19:9.
• It is true that a number of the otherwise godly men whose lives are described in the Bible apparently got away with
having concubines. However, the Bible nowhere states that God approved or blessed those relationships. It was in His
grace that He sometimes used the children of concubines to fulfill His will. Yet, it must be acknowledged that without
condoning or approving concubinage, God did accommodate it by legislating protections for women, girls, and the
children of concubines from even worse treatment. These laws are of the same character as the law of divorce, which
did not approve of breaking up families, but intended only to protect women and their children who were its victims
from the worst of men's treatments (Exodus 21:10-11; Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9). Under these
rules, a child of a recognized concubine was recognized to carry its father's name, thus protecting it from the stigma of
illegitimacy (Genesis 22:24; 1 Chronicles 1:22).
3
3

34. 2 Cor 11:2, Bride Of Christ
• http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher
• The Body And The Bride
• Sunday, January 19th, 2014Interpreting Verses
• New Testament
• Q. Where does it say that the Church, the body of Christ, is the bride of Christ? It says in revelation 21 starting v9, come let me show you the bride of
Christ and John is shown the holy city of Jerusalem adorned as a bride. I would just like to know are we the body of Christ or the bride of Christ or
both?
• A. In 1 Cor. 12:27 Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.” And in Ephesians 4:11-12 he spoke of special
abilities being given to those among us to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up. From these examples
it’s clear that the Church is the body of Christ.
• As for being the bride of Christ, you have to read all of Rev. 21 to realize that when the angel said, “Come, I will show you the bride , the wife of the
Lamb” inRev. 21:9 he then spent most of the chapter describing the Bride’s dwelling place. (The phrase, “prepared as a bride” in Rev. 21:2 indicates
that just as is the case with a bride on her wedding day, no expense has been spared to make the New Jerusalem look as beautiful as possible.)
• Nothing in the Bible allows us to conclude that Jesus will marry a structure, but there are several places where it’s implied that He will marry the
Church, even though the actual phrase “Bride of Christ” does not appear n Scripture.
• For example, speaking of the Church Paul said, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised (espoused, betrothed) you to one husband, to
Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him” (2 Cor. 11:2).
• In Ephesians 5:25-27 he wrote, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her
by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy
and blameless.”
• And in Rev. 19:7 we read, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory, for the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteousness of the saints.)
• The implication of these verses is clear. Jesus will marry the Church. And sure enough, near the end of his description in Rev. 21, the angel shifted
from the structure to those who dwell within it.
• In Rev. 21:27 he said, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are
written in the Lamb’s Book Of Life.” This description can only refer to the redeemed and perfected church.
• Therefore it’s reasonable to conclude that the Church is both the body and the bride of Christ.

35. 2 Cor 11:2, The Church Is The Bride Of
Christ
• Pre And Post Rapture Believers
• Thursday, May 15th, 2014Church
• Daniel's 70th Week
• Rapture
• Q. Re: Your commentary on Revelation 7: 9 – 17. What is the scriptural substantiation for: (1) your separation of believers
into two classes, pre-rapture and post rapture, and (2) the notion that the Church will enjoy greater blessings and rewards in
Heaven than the post rapture believers? We know that faith alone is the only requirement for entry into Heaven and He
makes no distinction based on when one came to the Lord.
• A. My Scriptural substantiation comes partly from Rev. 7:9-17 itself. These believers are not called either Kings or Priests, but
serve God day and night in His Temple. They won’t live in the New Jerusalem with the Church because there is no Temple in
the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:22).
• In addition, only the Church is the Bride of Christ (2 Cor. 11:2). Only the Church is seated on His Throne with Him (Ephes
2:6). Only the Church is the joint heir with Christ in His inheritance (Romans 8:16-17). Only the Church will be seen as the
example of the incomparable riches of God’s grace (Ephes. 2:7).
• The Age of the Church will end at the Rapture, prior to the beginning of Daniel’s 70th Week. Rev. 7:9-17 takes place during
the 70th Week. Your comment that the Lord makes no distinction as to when one comes to Him is only correct during the
Church Age. Just as there were believers before the Church was born, so there will be believers after the Church is gone. But
neither of these groups is part of the Church, and neither will enjoy the blessings set aside for the Church.
• http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/pre-and-post-rapture-
believers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gracethrufaith+%28GraceThruFaith%2
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36. 2 Cor 11:2, Tribulation Believers
Bride Of Christ, Chaste Virgin
• Tribulation Believers. Follow up.
• Wednesday, June 11th, 2014Church
• Faith
• holy Sprit
• Q. Re: Tribulation Believers. You mention that the difference between the Church and tribulation believers lies in the basis of our faith. You wrote
“we believe though we have not seen”, “we” being the Church. How then do you explain the apostles and all who came to faith as a result of being
with Jesus and witnessing the miracles during his ministry on earth? I believe they are considered a part of the Church since the old testament saints
end with John the Baptist. Jesus even specifically mentions to Thomas when he needed to see His hands and feet for proof, saying “Because you have
seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” This leads me to believe the difference between the two believers
lies solely in the Holy Spirit, which seals us as we are reborn into a new creation. What are your thoughts?
• A. I’ve received several questions like this, and my response is that you’re trying to turn a general principle into a hard and fast rule. The fact that
there have been people who came to faith after having some kind of personal encounter with the Lord, whether knowing Him as the disciples did, or in
a vision or dream as many more have, does not negate the statement He made to Thomas in John 20:29.
• This is similar to the statement in Hebrews 9:27 that man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment. By my count the Bible mentions 8
people who died, then were brought back to life, and then died again. And who knows how many more have had the same experience throughout the
Church age? Does that mean Hebrews 9:27 is false? No. It means the writer was stating a general principle that has been born out in human
experience.
• The Church has been blessed beyond any other group because the overwhelming majority of born again believers have become so by faith alone. This
too is a general principle that has been born out in human experience.
• Having the seal of the Holy Spirit as a deposit that guarantees our inheritance is one of these blessings, but it’s not the only thing that makes us
different from all other believers. Only the Church is the Bride of Christ. Only the Church is exempt from having to give evidence of our faith through
outward acts of obedience. Only the Church will dwell in the New Jerusalem. Only the Church has been designated as Kings and Priests. Only the
Church is seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, and only the Church will be held up in ages yet to come as God’s demonstration of the
incomparable riches of His grace.