Lesson 13 of 13
The Things to Come
The chapter presents the Church as Christ’s bride, preparing for eternal intimacy with Him in the place He has promised. Through his reported vision, the author describes the bride as a conduit of creation’s worship and connects that future calling to holiness, childlike gentleness, and marriages that portray Christ and the Church. Readiness for Jesus’ return involves putting on Christ through practiced faith, trusting rather than forcing circumstances, and making public and private life an expression of worship.
What you will learn
- Explain the connection between eternal intimacy with Christ and present holiness.
- Describe how the chapter applies Christ-and-Church imagery to marriage.
- Identify practices of faith and trust that prepare the bride for Christ’s return.
Key concepts
Eternal Intimacy and Worship
Jesus promises to prepare a place and receive His people to Himself. In the author’s reported vision, the bride receives creation’s worship and conveys it to Jesus, whose response flows through the bride to creation.
Holiness and Childlike Gentleness
The author connects future responsibility with present purification through the Holy Spirit. He contrasts a gentle, childlike heart with rage and a desire to control, which he describes as dangerous in the exercise of power.
Marriage as a Living Picture
The chapter calls wives to foster honor for their husbands and husbands to love sacrificially, provide safety, and treat their wives with understanding. Within the author’s framework, these practices show children, family, and the world a picture of Christ and the Church.
Putting On Christ
The author uses preparation for a wedding and the application of makeup as illustrations of spiritual readiness. Practicing faith despite doubt, turning from sin, and confessing what God’s Word says are described as ways of putting on Christ.
Resting in Trust
The chapter urges believers to pray with thanksgiving and trust God instead of forcing circumstances to fit their own plans. This trust includes acting faithfully on the gifts, talents, and opportunities God provides.
Scriptures in this chapter
Chapter review
Answer 4 of 5 correctly to earn the badge
1. According to the chapter, what is the ultimate hope expressed in Jesus’ promise to prepare a place?
2. What does the author identify as the primary revelation of his vision?
3. Why does the chapter emphasize developing a childlike heart?
4. Which combination best describes the chapter’s application of Christ-and-Church imagery to marriage?
5. What does the author mean by practicing 'spiritual makeup'?
Reflect and apply
- How might the chapter’s connection between future responsibility and childlike gentleness change the way you respond to frustration at home or in ministry?
- What current difficulty invites you to pray with thanksgiving, act faithfully on an available opportunity, and trust God rather than force your preferred outcome?