Sunday, March 24, 2013

Bridal-Priestly Garments By Mike McClung


And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (Rev. 22:17a).

It is imperative that the church enter into the “bridal” identity designed for her by the Father on behalf of the Son.  It has been the Father’s intention, from all eternity, to have the Son’s desire for an eternal companion fulfilled. (John 17:22-26.)  The theme is continuous from Genesis through Revelation, and all throughout human history, that the purpose of humanity is to be the eternal companion of the Son of God.

The “bridal identity” of the church, by default, means entering into our identity as intimate, passionate lovers and partners of the Lord Jesus, in His Person and His work.  The bridal identity of the church is summed up in the reality of becoming a kingdom of priests. (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.)  Priestly ministry primarily involves worship and intercession.  The principle ministry of the Lord Jesus, right now, is as the great Intercessor. (Heb. 7:25.)  It is imperative that the bride enter into the fullness of her priestly identity before her “kingly” authority can be fully released.  Jesus is the King-Priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Psalm 110:4; Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:15.)  Therefore it follows that we, the bride of Christ, are made of the same royal priesthood, called to exercise authority and dominion.  This is first and foremost expressed through agreement with who God is (worship) and what God wants to do (intercession).  From this place of unwavering agreement in worship and intercession, the authority, power, grace, mercy and justice of the Lord are released from heaven to earth.  This happens as the bride of Christ faithfully agrees with the Lord in worship and intercession.  This bridal agreement creates an opening between heaven and earth, and the kingdom of God invades earth bringing transformation and harvest.