God’s Image Study • Commandment 7: You Shall Not Commit Adultery
Having examined bread and its provision, we return to clothing. Revelation describes both the harlot’s adornment and the Bride’s preparation. Following those details helps us examine the difference between an impressive appearance and faithfulness.
Christ Gives Himself for Her
Ephesians 5 describes Christ loving the church and giving himself up for her. His purpose includes sanctifying her, cleansing her through washing with the word, and presenting her holy and blameless.
Keep the relationship in view: he loves her, cleanses her, nourishes her, and cherishes her. Her preparation proceeds through his care. Read Ephesians 5:25–29.
Paul also identifies believers as members of Christ’s body and draws upon Genesis 2:24 when describing union. He then explains that the mystery concerns Christ and the church. We retain the relationship and the members within it as we follow the passage. Read Ephesians 5:30–32.
She Makes Herself Ready—and Receives
Revelation announces:
“His bride has made herself ready.”
— Revelation 19:7, LSB, excerpt
The next verse describes what was given to her: clothing of bright, clean linen. It then explains:
“the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”
— Revelation 19:8, LSB, excerpt
Both details matter. She makes herself ready, and the clothing is given to her. The passage connects that clothing with righteous acts.
Verse 9 also speaks of those invited to the marriage supper. The Bride and the invited ones have distinct descriptions within the account. We should follow those relationships carefully as we continue our earlier Bridegroom and Bride study. Read Revelation 19:7–9.
What Does the Harlot’s Adornment Conceal?
Revelation 17 presents another woman clothed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. Yet the golden cup she carries contains abominations and uncleanness.
Her appearance must be read alongside what she carries and does. The account also associates her with the blood of the saints and Jesus’ witnesses. Read Revelation 17:4–6.
The costly adornment does not establish holiness.
What Are We Becoming Joined To?
These descriptions bring our examination of spiritual unfaithfulness into sharper focus. What attracts us can appear beautiful, established, or worthy of honor. We must still examine what it teaches, what it produces, and how it treats those belonging to God.
The comparison also turns inward. Am I willing to receive cleansing and correction? Does my conduct agree with the faithfulness I claim? Do I value an appearance of righteousness more than the changes righteousness requires?
Our attention remains on the relationship, the preparation, and the conduct Scripture describes.
Threads to Follow
Faithfulness in practice: Examine how love and obedience reveal the allegiance we claim.
Bride and invited ones: Preserve their distinct descriptions as we follow their relationship.
Babylon’s adornment: Carry the contrast between appearance and uncleanness into the Babylon Study following this commandment.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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