As
these, then, of the bride class come to a knowledge of the fact that the
bridegroom is present, they join in the cry: "Behold the Bridegroom!"
And they hasten to prepare to meet him. During the time of the harvest
of the gospel age, during the second presence of the Lord, members of
the wise virgin class coming to a knowledge of the truth of his presence
have rejoiced greatly because the Lord has returned; and the joy of the
bride class has increased as the members have marked the ever-increasing
evidence manifesting the Lord's presence and the preparation for his
kingdom. And as they have cried out, "Behold the Bridegroom!" they have
been zealous in presenting the message of truth to others, that their
hearts might be refreshed. The Lord has a special reward for those who
love his second appearing, as the Apostle plainly stated. (2 Timothy 4:8)
There will not be a great number of this bride class. On the contrary,
they are small in number. Jesus said there would be but a little flock.
(Luke 12:32) Through the Revelator he designates the number as
144,000.--Revelation 14:1.
[461]Some of these dear saints, however, have been developed from time to
time throughout the gospel age, beginning with the apostles at Pentecost.
These have died and waited for the return of the Lord. Since the
Scriptures show that the dead know not anything until the resurrection,
it would be reasonable to expect the Lord to do something for these who
had died faithful to their covenant and to expect that he would do
something for them early in the time of his presence.
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