Marriage is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His Church, and Jesus Himself prepares His bride to stand holy and blameless before God. Ephesians 5 and Revelation 7 remind us that purity cannot be earned through human effort, but only received through the blood of the Lamb.

Altared: God’s Design in Life and Relationship
The White Dress - Purity as Preparation
Ephesians 5:22-27, Revelation 7:9-14

How can people like us be made ready for the presence of God?

Marriage is a Mirror (Ephesians 5:22-25a)

Ladies -Submission is willing Partnership…
“I will willingly trust, support and honor you”
Men – Christ-like love is centered on Sacrifice…
“I will sacrificially provide, protect and serve.”)

Christ Prepares His Bride (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Justification - When our Belief in the Gospel IMMEDIATELY makes us right before God 

Sanctification - When the Word of God and the Spirit of God CONTINUALLY makes us more
and more like Christ

Only by the Blood (Revelation 7:9-10, 13-14)

Human effort cannot produce the purity that God demands.