Circular Letter March/April 2014
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Heb 13:8)
I wish to extend my heartfelt greetings to all true Bible believers worldwide in the precious and Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Scripture addressed to the prepared Bride who will partake of the marriage supper:
“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Rev 19:8).
This text reminds me of the mighty experience in January 1981, when I was taken out of my body and experienced the Rapture along with all those who were ready. It caught my attention that all were young and looked to be about 17-18 years old. But I was particularly impressed by the brilliance of their white garments.
Of our beloved Savior it is written: “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” (Mat 17:2).
The garments of the Redeemed who will take part in the Rapture and the marriage supper will have the same brilliance. It is one thing to read about it, but it is an entirely different thing to experience it personally. Seeing a preview of the prepared Bride as she was taken up was, and still is, something very special to me. That is how the Apostle John must have felt on the Isle of Patmos when he saw, heard, and witnessed what he then wrote down.
The Apostle Paul also wrote of the transformation: “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed …” (1 Cor 15:51).
Just as the Redeemer was changed bodily, the Redeemed will likewise be changed bodily. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” (1 Cor 15:22-23).
The Apostle John admonished us: “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 Jn 2:28).
It is a blessed assurance: “… but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 Jn 3:2b).
Brother Branham spoke several times about how he was taken up into glory while he was still alive, and saw the multitude dressed in white and in the bloom of youth. In his experience “Beyond the Curtain of Time,” one of the young sisters said to him, “I was past ninety when you led me to the Lord. Look at me now!” He often emphasized with great seriousness that the women should not cut their hair short. In my wonderful experience, I also noticed that all of the sisters had long hair which cascaded down over their shoulders.
In his experience, Brother Branham heard the all-penetrating words: “Only perfect love enters here!” In Rom 12; 1 Cor 13, and many other Scriptures, the practiced love is shown to us. Has all of this already been manifested in us and through us? Let us go one step further: According to what the Lord revealed to Brother Branham, the true sign that someone has really received the Holy Spirit is that he or she believes every Word of God (Broken Cisterns). The love of God is the love of the truth. Amen. And only what is written in the Bible is God’s Word, which is revealed to us in love by the Holy Spirit.
Job, the sorely tested man of God, said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth …” (Job 19:25). In chapter 33 he spoke of the advocate who testifies of his righteousness and makes an atonement for him so that his body shall return to the days of his youth (vv. 23-28). In the resurrection and transformation, we shall be returned to the bloom of youth. There will be no more trace of sin and sickness. In perfection and eternal bliss we will be with the Lord. After completing our redemption, He went to prepare a place for us. He will return, as He promised, and take us unto Himself.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (Jn 14:1-3).
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev 22:14).
All who are part of the Bride Church are experiencing the complete preparation and will appear without spot and without wrinkle in shining white garments before the Lord (Eph 5:27). Oh, what a day that will be!