The Warrior Bride

Putting on Christ

The Message and the Messenger!

When Christ was here on earth He had the Glory of His heavenly Father resting upon Him. Jesus Christ being the IMAGE of the invisible God, the BRIGHTNESS or radiance of His Glory and the expressed image of His person, the EXACT REPRESENTATION of the Father's likeness in every way (Heb.1:1-3). The Father is the FARMER who planted Jesus in the earth as the VINE, and we being the FRUIT of His LIFE (having become his BRANCHES) might make other branches, they being the fruit of our lives as we abide in the VINE (John 15:1-27). The Father is the husbandman and Jesus Christ is the true vine and we, the Church, are His living branches which is simply an extension of the TRUE VINE. Jesus Christ is the Representative of the Father, and we are the many Representatives and/or Ambassadors of the Son (Rom.8:29). An Ambassador is an official envoy or authorized messenger or representative, having the legal power to stand and/or speak on behalf of the one they are representing in his LIKENESS and IMAGE. The word IMAGE means to reflect as a mirror, to copy or to have a likeness. The word LIKENESS means comparable, alike, resembling in characteristic or uniform, a counterpart, a person very closely alike or corresponding to another person. We are Predestined and Called to be CONFORMED to the IMAGE and/or LIKENESS of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Just as the Son is the EXACT REPRESENTATION and EXPRESSED IMAGE and PERSON of the Father in all His BRIGHTNESS and GLORY sent to STAND IN HIS PLACE, so must we be in Christ's STEAD or on his BEHALF.

Now let's take a look at a VIVID PICTURE of the CHURCH as the MESSENGER having the Glory of the Son of God resting upon her, and ministering in the POWER and ANOINTING of the message which is Christ!

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and SIGNIFIED it by His ANGEL unto His servant JOHN: Who BARE RECORD of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all THINGS that he SAW."

Revelation 1:1-2 KJ

The book of Revelation (its message) was given to the Apostle John by the Lord Jesus Christ by sending His Angel, in a VISION, during a time of great persecution on the Church. The book of Revelation is an apocalypse or an unveiling of Jesus Christ and as such is expected to be understood. Even though much of the book points to a future final fulfillment of this age; the message is designed to draw attention on the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth as the Bridegroom to call and gather together His glorious Church or purified and prepared Bride. Much of its message is frighteningly clear while some SYMBOLS are explained others are not. It is important to notice carefully the words "like", "as", and "as it were", for these words indicate a comparison and not necessarily an identification. The revealing or unveiling of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ is the central focus or focal point of the entire message. It is He who directs the Churches on the earth, and it is He who is the slain risen lamb to whom all worship is directed. The judgment of the coming seven year period of tribulation on the earth is a display of the wrath of the Lamb. Both the second coming of Christ and the one thousand years of reigning on earth in the kingdom millennial age is a revealing and/or unveiling of the purpose of God in and through Christ Jesus. The book is a REVELATION of Jesus Christ! God making known to man what would otherwise remain unknown. An UNCOVERING or unveiling and/or revealing of the Truth that was and is and is to come (Rev.1:19).

"And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. AND I FELL AT HIS FEET TO WORSHIP HIM. And he said unto me, SEE THOU DO IT NOT: I am thy FELLOW SERVANT, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Revelation 19:9-10 KJ

"And he said unto me, these sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets SENT HIS ANGEL TO SHOW HIS SERVANTS the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. AND I JOHN SAW THESE THINGS, AND HEARD THEM. "And when I had HEARD and SEEN, I fell down to worship before the feet of the ANGEL which SHOWED ME these things. THEN HE SAITH UNTO ME, See thou do it not: for I am thy FELLOW SERVANT, and of thy brethren the PROPHETS, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand...And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last... I JESUS HAVE SENT MINE ANGEL TO TESTIFY (Bear Witness, or to SERVE as EVIDENCE or PROOF) UNTO YOU THESE THINGS IN THE CHURCES. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Revelation 22:6-10, 12-13, 16-17 KJ

"I was IN THE SPIRIT on the Lord's day, and HEARD BEHIND ME a great VOICE, as of a TRUMPET, SAYING, I am Alpha and Omega, the FIRST and the LAST: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia...And I turned to see the VOICE that SPAKE with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one LIKE unto the SON of MAN, CLOTHED with a GARMENT down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his VOICE as the SOUND of MANY WATERS. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I SAW HIM, I fell at his feet as dead; And he laid his right hand upon me, SAYING unto me, Fear not; I am the FIRST and the LAST: I am he that liveth, and was dead and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things WHICH THOU HAST SEEN, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

Revelation 1:10-20 KJ

"AFTER THIS, I looked, and, behold, a DOOR was opened in heaven: and the FIRST VOICE (the First Voice "as the sound of a trumpet" opposed to the Second Voice "as the sound of many waters") which I heard was as it were of A TRUMPET talking with me (the trumpet was used to HERALD the arrival of another, namely the Second Voice); which said, Come up hither, and I will SHOW thee THINGS which must be hereafter. And immediately I was IN THE SPIRIT; and, behold, a THRONE was set in heaven, and ONE SAT ON THE THRONE . . . And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, STOOD A LAMB AS IT HAD BEEN SLAIN..."

Revelation 4:1-2; 5:6 KJ

Now notice in verse one that Christ, sent the MESSAGE or REVELATION unto John by sending His ANGEL. Jesus Christ did not personally deliver or communicate this message or revelation to John. He sent an ANGEL or MESSENGER who delivered and communicated both the MEANING and IMAGE of the REVELATION. In other words, John received a PERSONAL GUIDE to walk him through these series of visions, to walk with him through the receiving of these revelations that he might have the WHOLE MESSAGE. Now notice in verse one, it says that His ANGEL would SIGNIFY the Revelation unto his servant John! The word SIGNIFIED means: to show by a sign, to represent by a sound, mark, signal, or image. In other words a sign, sound, and/or image would communicate the message! Jesus Christ sent His angel to communicate his message to John by a SOUND, SIGN, and IMAGE! Jesus sent His angel or MESSENGER to John to SIGNIFY or to SHOW by a SIGN or IMAGE the REVELATION or MESSAGE of the VISION of Himself. These signs, images and symbols represent something and/or represent someone. The book of Revelation is full of signs, symbols and images. The purpose of the CHURCH by the Spirit of Prophecy is to RISE UP in the POWER of the MESSAGE, which is Christ, not only in WORD, but in DEED as well; and having the MANTLE of the Glory of the very PERSON of the SON of God, the Lord Jesus Christ RESTING UPON THEM. The Church is supposed to represent him in both SIGHT and SOUND. Now notice that the ANGEL that accompanied John as his PERSONAL GUIDE made the confession that he was the same as John, a FELLOW MINISTER of the Dispensation of Grace or Church Age, having the same TESTIMONY or message which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind that angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to them who are heirs of salvation (Heb.1:14). Remember the term angel simply implies messenger.

Notice in chapter one verse ten, that John heard a GREAT VOICE which sounded like a TRUMPET, SAYING! As John turned to see the one who spoke to him, he saw one like unto the son of man, who was CLOTHED with a GARMENT or UNIFORM if you will. Remember the term LIKE indicates a COMPARISON and not an IDENTIFICATION. Then John lists the various characteristics of the IMAGE HE SAW. It is clear that what John SAW was the IMAGE of the PERSON of the Risen Living Savior, the GLORIFIED CHRIST. But notice in verse fifteen that the VOICE of the IMAGE, as the SOUND OF MANY WATERS that John heard, was different from the VOICE of the one who FIRST SPOKE TO HIM in verse ten, which SOUNDED LIKE A TRUMPET. Now looking at chapter four verse one, we see the SAME VOICE, as a TRUMPET SAYING to John, Come up here and I will show you what must be hereafter. Then immediately John was caught up into heaven and saw the very throne room of God and SAW THE FATHER sitting on His Throne; and round about the throne were twenty-four other thrones and seated on those thrones were twenty-four elders with crowns on their heads. Four living creatures encircled the throne crying Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come. A rainbow encircled the throne, and coming out from the throne was lightening, rumblings, and peals of thunder. There was a sea of Glass and SEVEN LAMPS ABLAZING, and surrounding the entire celebration was an innumerable number of angels worshipping God and the LAMB. Now what John SAW at the center of the entire celebration was a LAMB as it had been SLAIN, taking the scroll out of the right hand of Him (God) who SAT on the THRONE. Now John OBEYED the VOICE he HEARD as a TRUMPET and was caught up to heaven and SAW Christ as a LAMB SLAIN receiving worship for his Work in Redeeming Mankind. This same VOICE HE HAD FIRST HEARD when he turned around TO LOOK at the IMAGE in Revelation Chapter one, verse ten.

Jesus SENT and SIGNIFIED the MESSAGE or REVELATION of HIMSELF by his ANGEL or MESSENGER through both SIGHT and SOUND. See, when John first turned around what he saw was the MESSENGER: someone LIKE (comparison) unto the Son of Man, CLOTHED with a GARMENT and that garment was Christ. John first SAW THE MESSENGER, then without delay, he, John, was caught up in the MESSAGE which was Christ. The MESSENGER was the ANGEL, but the REVELATION or IMAGE, which the angel wore like a UNIFORM WAS CHRIST (the heavenly holy warring angels of God bearing the Light of the Lord Jesus Christ as body armor). The GARMENT that was WORN by the MESSENGER (the angel) was the IMAGE of CHRIST in both SIGHT and SOUND. Everything John HEARD and SAW was CHRIST, even when he bowed down, he was BOWING DOWN to the MESSAGE (Christ) and not the MESSENGER (the angel). The Garment of Christ is power! To put on the Garment of Christ is to put on the image of His Person, in both, character, and power and glory, because as he is, so are we in this world (I John 4:17; Col.3:8-17).

CHRIST is both HIGH KING and PROPHET-HIGH PRIEST. As a Prophetic People we REIGN with His AUTHORITY as KINGS, and OPERATE in the PROPHETIC INFLUENCE of our God as PROPHET, and LIVE in the PLACE OF MERCY as a PRIEST or INTERCESSOR like Christ, the GREAT INTERCESSOR/GREAT HIGH PRIEST. The MANTLE or COAT of his Glory and honor rests upon us! The GARMENT of His Glory that rests on us is POWER and AUTHORITY (this garment is Christ's empowerment upon His people). We are Christ's Representatives and Ambassadors sent forth to represent his EXPRESSED IMAGE, his EXACT PERSON in both CHARACTER and POWER! Just as you put on a UNIFORM, the believer is supposed to put on Christ, walking in all that He is, the attributes that are alone, Christ (Gal.3:27).

A key to successful Prophetic Warfare is how we are CLOTHED! The POWER is not ours but His! We are being sent as AMBASSADORS, His representatives to serve the will of God, CLOTHED in His MESSAGE and as His MESSENGER sent to walk in his POWER and to PERFORM His MIRACLES. As long as the messenger does not get in the way of the message we can expect to walk in the demonstration of the power of the kingdom of God, and to see and experience, and encounter the manifested presence of the SHEKINAH GLORY, even the CLOUD of our GOD.

Now just as Christ "the Message" walked in the midst of her "the Church" God will raise up from among them (the seven golden candlesticks) "a messenger" (a REMNANT of Spiritual Warriors, an army of Prophets/Intercessors) who will be CLOTHED with the GARMENT of Christ! These WARRIORS will be taught by the Lord Himself; and these WARRIORS through Christ's empowerment will not FEAR the ENEMY: nor turn aside from the BATTLE: men like Stephen, who were, FULL of faith and power (Acts 6:5, 8). Keep is mind, His angel, could be a reference to a created being chosen for a unique service to the Lord Jesus Christ himself; but as well, could be a direct reference to the Third Person of the Godhead, the Person of the Holy Spirit (John 14/John 16) and/or both!


Garment of Vengeance

Prophetic Warfare is how we are being CLOTHED!

"Wondered that there was no Intercessor: His ARM Brought SALVATION"..."He put on the GARMENTS of Vengeance for Clothing," "Clad with ZEAL as a CLOAK" "He will REPAY, Fury to his adversaries, RECOMPENSE to his enemies; " So shall they FEAR the NAME of the Lord!" "When the ENEMY shall come in like a FLOOD, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a STANDARD against him." "And the REDEEMER shall come to ZION (the Church). (Kinsman-Redeemer: One who is related by Blood to those he REDEEMS, indicating the necessity for the incarnation or the NEED to be made like unto His Brethren. Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:14-16)."

Isaiah 59:16-20 KJ

The Bible tells us that God WONDERED (Was Astonished) that there was not anyone AVAILABLE (Which means: Willing and Able - having sufficient power, skill and resource to accomplish the necessary task at Hand) to INTERVENE (to come in or between, in order to stop, settle or modify a given situation). Since God couldn't find an Intercessor: no one to stand in the Gap and to make up the DIFFERENCE (make up the hedge: enclosure; to surround; protect; to make up the wall), He decided that by His own POWER and MIGHT He would bring about SALVATION. His ARM speaks of the STRENGTH & SKILL (Right Hand) that He (God) has at His own disposal to bring all of this to pass (His Own ARM Worked Salvation), and His ARM points to that STRENGTH being found in the PERSON of the Lord Jesus Christ working the Father's Plan of Redemption in the earth at His FIRST ADVENT.

Now the SCENE quickly changes from SALVATION (mercy toward his people) to VENGEANCE (judgment upon the enemies of God) as He prepared for WAR! Notice that the ARM of God (Christ) put on ARMOUR for BATTLE (Isa.59:17) and clothed Himself with VENGEANCE as a UNIFORM, and wrapping Himself with ZEAL as a CLOAK. ZEAL speaks of the great INTENSITY of FEELING, as well as illustrating the EXTREME PASSION that this MIGHTY WARRIOR would experience as He entered the BATTLE. The Glory or ZEAL of God is as a CONSUMING FIRE (Deut.4:24; 9:3; Heb.12:29), Jesus Christ was clothed with GLORY; clothed with ZEAL; clothed with GREAT INTENSITY (passion); clothed with REVENGE and/or the vengeance of God! This is what The Book of Revelation is referring to when it speaks of the WRATH OF THE LAMB!

God's ARM bringing salvation points to Christ coming as the GREAT MEDIATOR/INTERCESSOR; standing in the gap and revealing the Lord God's gracious intervention toward His people whom He loves. It is important to understand that the very WORK OF SALVATION IS WARFARE IN AND OF ITSELF! The Work of Salvation brought about by the SHEDDING OF CHRIST'S BLOOD was, and is, and still is a Declaration of WAR! An ACT of VIOLENCE! Speaking on salvation, in the same breath, God said He would REPAY FURY (wrath and violence) on his enemies. The word REPAY means: to PAY BACK VIOLENCE FOR VIOLENCE (act for act, deed for deed). VENGEANCE means to AVENGE, or to SEEK OUT REVENGE, to return LIKE for LIKE or to RETALIATE. The word RECOMPENSE is RETRIBUTION, and means: the PUNISHMENT OF. The Work of Salvation is a PAY BACK! Salvation and the Garment of Vengeance work together at the Place of Mediation (the Cross). Not only does it work to save the INNOCENT from their OPPRESSOR; but it also SEEKS TO REPAY THE EVIL DONE AGAINST GOD'S LAW AND HIS ELECT. At His first Advent, Christ came NOT into the world to CONDEMN SINNERS, BUT TO CONDEMN SIN (John 3:17); and at the same time and in the same breath, He said, that the PRINCE OF THIS WORLD IS CAST OUT (John 12:31-33). Now is come SALVATION, STRENGTH, the KINGDOM and POWER of His CHRIST: and as a result the ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN IS CAST DOWN (Rev.12:7-11). The Prince of this World is JUDGED and NOW STANDS CONDEMNED!

"HE (Jesus, Making War) was Clothed with a VESTURE (Garment of Vengeance) dipped in (His Own) blood (Points to the Cross) . . ."

Revelation 19:13 KJ

"Lest the AVENGER of the BLOOD pursue the SLAYER, while his HEART is HOT, and overtake him," "But if any man HATE his neighbor, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him...deliver him into the HAND of the AVENGER of Blood, that he may DIE!

Deuteronomy 19:6, 11-12 KJ

What we see in Revelation chapter nineteen is the CULMINATION of all that Christ had begun on the CROSS of Mt. Calvary. The GARMENT that was worn, a VESTURE dipped in His Own BLOOD points to both the WARFARE of the CROSS and the JUDGMENT EXECUTED upon the enemies of the Lord God (the Powers of Darkness) at His DEATH. At the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: He is coming as the AVENGER of BLOOD and will FINISH what He had STARTED. AVENGING His BLOOD as well as the BLOOD of the SAINTS (Remember He is a Kinsman-Redeemer). The Bible gives us in the Old Testament a beautiful prophetic picture of the VENGEANCE of our God upon Spiritual Wickedness (the Powers of Darkness) taking place between the First and Second Advents of Christ, this DISPENSATION (Numb.35:9-29; Deut.19:1-13; Josh.20:1-9; I Thess.4:1-8) and then the FINAL Destruction coming upon His ENEMIES (Wicked Angels and Sinful Unrepentant Men) at His RETURN to Earth (Rev.19: 11-21).

Israel was commanded by God to set up SIX CITIES OF REFUGE (shelters) for the purpose of providing protection to anyone who accidentally SHED BLOOD (happening without intent). Three of these CITIES were in Canaan, and the other three were located on the other side of the Jordan. The FUGITIVE (one who flees) would immediately drop everything he was doing and PURSUE AFTER the nearest SHELTER before the AVENGER OF BLOOD (the near kinsman) caught up with him to take out his REVENGE. It is important to understand that both the CITIES OF REFUGE, as well as the AVENGER OF BLOOD point to Christ (The cities of Refuge also point to the ultimate purpose or design for the Church in the earth). "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge" (Prov.14:26). To the INNOCENT he becomes a SAFE-HAVEN, but to the GUILTY He becomes an EXECUTIONER! The Avenger of Blood could not take the LIFE of the GUILTY (the accidental slayer) who had SHED BLOOD, as long as the SLAYER stayed in the City of Refuge (Ps.62:7; 71:7; 91:2, 9; 94:22; Heb.6:9, 11-12, 18-20) until the HIGH PRIEST (Heb.3:1; 6:20) who was ANOINTED with the HOLY OIL (John 3:34) DIED; then and only then could the SLAYER go free and return to the land of his possession. The GUILT of the SLAYER would not be removed until the DEATH OF THE HIGH PRIEST (Heb.2:14-17). No other RANSOM (something paid) would be accepted (Acts 4:12). Understand that the AVENGER or KINSMAN (a near relative, or a family member related by blood, book of Ruth) was also a REDEEMER. The word REDEEM means: to free from; to remove; to ransom; to recover, or to rescue. The Bible teaches that Christ died for the sins of the whole world and in doing so: He was able to REMOVE THE GUILT OF BLOOD-SHED UPON ALL WHO CAME BELIEVING IN HIM. Remember Christ SHED HIS OWN BLOOD FOR OUR SINS; that means ALL COMMITTED SIN IS BLOOD SHED! HIS BLOOD SHED! These SIX CITIES had been SET ASIDE to provide shelter for the innocent. The number SIX is the number of MAN. It is not for the ANGELS he helps, but ABRAHAM'S DESCENDANTS (Heb.2:16); this is why He, Jesus, had to be MADE like unto HIS BRETHREN or MANKIND in order that He might become a MERCIFUL and FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST in service to God, making ATONEMENT for the SINS of the people (Rom.5:11). These SIX CITIES were designed for ALL THE PEOPLE!

See the AVENGER OF BLOOD was a KINSMAN-REDEEMER and had to be RELATED by BLOOD; that is why Christ had to become a MAN that He might be a KINSMAN (John 1:14) but He is also a REDEEMER: Jesus Christ being the HIGH PRIEST anointed with the HOLY OIL, which represents the SPIRIT of God upon him, without MEASURE (John 3:34). His DEATH was payment in order to RECOVER MAN by RANSOM, which means something had to be PAID! Christ had to give up His own LIFE as something paid in order to REDEEM, any other way was a THIEF and a ROBBER (John 10:1-2, 7-9). As long as the ACCIDENTAL SLAYER would stay in the CITY and keep his eyes on the DEATH of the High Priest could he ever expect to go FREE and be REDEEMED. Notice that THREE of the CITIES were located on the other side of the Jordan OUTSIDE the Land of Promise, which points to the POWER of this RANSOM (Matt.20:28; I Tim.2:6) being far reaching and designed to go to work even if the life of the one being SAVED is in a STATE of CONTINUAL BACKSLIDING. The POWER OF THIS RANSOM is limitless able to reach anywhere in order to RECOVER anyone in need of RESCUING.

Notice that I keep on saying: ACCIDENTAL SLAYER or the INNOCENT who have SINNED OUT OF IGNORANCE. The text reveals TWO DIFFERENT SLAYERS. The accidental and the PRE-MEDITATED (deliberate) SLAYER. The Accidental Slayer had a SAFE-HAVEN to run to which is Christ; but the COLD and CALCULATED KILLER FOUND NO REDEMPTION. Both were GUILTY of blood shed, but only one had an Ark of SAFETY to run to. Satan or Lucifer, Son of the Morning, was perfect in all his ways from the day he was created, UNTIL INIQUITY (sin) WAS FOUND IN (or within) HIM" (Isa.14:12-17; Ez.28:11-19). As a result of this SIN and the SINS that would follow, he, Satan, was GUILTY of Christ's BLOOD SHED. Satan OPERATES much like the PRE-MEDITATED (deliberate) SLAYER would operate, where SIN (intent) was found in (or within) HIM. Lucifer being a covering Cherub which stood in the presence of the GLORY of the Godhead: KNEW THE RAW TRUTH OF GOD. Thus, his act of REBELLION was pre-meditated and deliberate! Satan and the Powers of Darkness committed a PRE-MEDITATED and DELIBERATE ACT OF VIOLENCE against God and His LAW! Man on the other hand, out of his own IGNORANCE, was deceived by what he didn't FULLY UNDERSTAND. You could say that man SINNED KNOWINGLY: yet at the same time, UNKNOWINGLY.

At the CROSS, we find a SAFE-HAVEN for MAN, as well as the EXECUTIONER for the POWERS of DARKNESS! The WRATH OF THE LAMB OF GOD (remember that the Avenger's HEART was HOT: Rev.6:16) reveals the identity of Christ as both AVENGER OF BLOOD and KINSMAN-REDEEMER. To the one who has made him their SAFE-HAVEN He is the LAMB; but to the unrepentant as well as SATAN'S KINGDOM HIS HEART IS HOT! At the CROSS, Christ came to recover man and yet at the same time to EXECUTE VENGEANCE upon His ENEMIES. This brings us to another very important point. The word EXECUTE means TO CARRY OUT FULLY. How is this to be carried out fully? And what part do we have in this, if any?

The Bible tells us that God (the Holy Spirit) will LIFT UP A STANDARD that will cause the ENEMIES of God to RUN FOR COVER! As long as the earth remains the CHURCH is that STANDARD. Whenever the ENEMY comes in like a FLOOD; the Church (filled with the Holy Spirit of God) at that very moment should immediately GO TO WORK to push back the TIDE OF INIQUITY and the onslaught of the ENEMIES ATTACKS by the POWER of that ANOINTING resting in and upon them to BREAK EVERY YOKE. Wherefore take unto you the WHOLE ARMOUR of God that ye may be able to WITHSTAND in the EVIL DAY or on the DAY OF BATTLE (Eph.6:10-18). The Church is called to WARFARE: and the DESIGN of God for her IS BATTLE! "Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armory whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men." "...and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" "The book of the Song of Solomon: the Bride of Christ; SS.4:4/Matt.16:18; but that battle is not against FLESH and BLOOD. The Church is called to LOVE: and in doing so she must be KINDLY AFFECTIONATE ONE TO ANOTHER! The Church must not RECOMPENSE (reward) no man EVIL for EVIL. "Be not OVERCOME BY EVIL, but OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD". Vengeance is mine; I will REPAY, saith the Lord. AVENGE not yourselves! Rather if thine ENEMY HUNGER, feed him; if he THIRST, give him drink: for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head" (conviction: Rom.12:12-21). There is a WARFARE for the PEOPLE of God; but the BATTLE that we will ENCOUNTER is against principalities, and powers, against rulers of the DARKNESS OF THIS PRESENT WORLD, against SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS or SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL at work in the ATMOSPHERE in the first & second heaven.

The Church must now ENFORCE what God has already worked in the earth by WAY OF THE CROSS: pertaining to SALVATION and JUDGMENT. The coming of the Holy Spirit to the earth will REPROVE the WORLD of SIN, and of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and of JUDGMENT. Of RIGHTEOUSNESS, points to the Father accepting the SACRIFICE MADE and RANSOM PAID by His own Son in REDEEMING MAN. Of SIN points to not only the error of man's ways, but also of man's failure to receive what has already been ALLOCATED through the SHED BLOOD a safe-haven. The Bible tells us that mankind is CLOTHED with a GARMENT spotted by his own FLESH, and as a result marked for JUDGMENT (Jude 23). Of JUDGMENT because the POWERS of Darkness NOW STAND CONDEMNED! The word REPROVE means to convict; or to convince: to refute, rebuke and censure. Not only does the Church with the help of the Holy Spirit, work to CONVICT the world of sin, but at the same time, the Church must REFUTE, even STAND AGAINST every EVIL WORK of the ENEMY. The Church is given the power to CENSURE (to reprimand and bring correction to) the world's actions and demonstration of this AUTHORITY is PARAMOUNT!

"...for he hath Clothed me (the believer) with the GARMENTS of Salvation (Blood Dipped Righteousness), he hath covered me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

Isaiah 61:10 KJ

"And having in a readiness (Prepared for Use or Action) to revenge (Retribution: Punishment Of) all Disobedience (Sinful Acts), when your OBEDIENCE is fulfilled (Complete)."

2 Corinthians 10:6 KJ

Understand that the BELIEVER has been CLOTHED with the GARMENT of SALVATION, which represents BLOOD DIPPED RIGHTEOUSNESS. This GARMENT worn by the BELIEVER is a REFLECTION of the GARMENT worn by Christ. Remember this GARMENT points to the BLOOD Christ SHED on the CROSS for the REDEMPTION of all MANKIND. Not only does it REFLECT the goodness and mercy of God to usward; but this GARMENT also REFLECTS the WARFARE of the Son of God, FOUGHT both in the GARDEN (Gethsemane) and on the CROSS of Mt. Calvary. Not only the BLOTTING OUT of the ORDINANCES that, was against us, by NAILING them to the CROSS; but by this same CROSS Spoiled (disarmed/Stripped/dismantled) principalities and powers. And did so openly (public demonstration) and by this same CROSS triumphing over all the POWERS of DARKNESS (Col.2:14-15). That same VICTORY won by Christ on the CROSS of Mt. Calvary against PRINCIPALITIES and POWERS is now RESTING UPON US; and We, the Church are to assume, to PICK-UP where Christ ended. "For this PURPOSE the Son of God was MANIFESTED, that He might DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL" (I John 3:8). Jesus plundered the enemy (the devil) at the Cross of Calvary, stripping him of all power and authority. When Christ rose victorious from the grave, he led an innumerable host of redeemed captives out of Satan's grasp. And that blood-bought procession is still marching on today! Yet, amazingly, Christ's triumph at Calvary gave us even more than victory over death. It gained for us incredible spoils in this life: grace, mercy, peace, forgiveness, strength, faith. All of which are the resources needed to lead an overcoming and abundant life, to fulfill His purpose for our lives in the earth (He has made every provision for the maintaining or sake-keeping of His people through the warfare of the Cross) "Out of the SPOILS won in battle did they dedicate to maintain the house (people) of the Lord" (I Chron.26:27).

Paul said, HAVING READINESS TO REVENGE! Revenge what? Surely not PEOPLE! What is the Apostle Paul referring to, when he said, having readiness to revenge! The Church is called to OPENLY DEMONSTRATE THE DEFEAT OF THE ENEMY IN A VERY DECISIVE MANNER BY DISMANTLING PIECE BY PIECE SATAN'S KINGDOM. The word DECISIVE means having the power to decide, the power to act; and having along with this the determination to do so. We the Church are to REVENGE or PAY BACK every disobedient ACT by COUNTERACTING SIN by every OBEDIENT ACT; and having FULL AUTHORITY to COMBAT every attempt of the Enemy to set up his kingdom (do his will) in the earth. And we being ready to punish every act of disobedience, once our obedience is complete. The word READINESS means prepared for use, or prepared for a specific action. THIS IS A CALL TO THE CHURCH FOR HOLINESS! Until we come to a place of spiritual development both in our LIFE and PREPARATION (character) and our WORK (exercising His power, authority and spiritual ability) we are not READY TO REVENGE or bring punishment to, or even be used as a VESSEL or CARRIER OF HIS GLORY in the PLACE of SPIRITUAL BATTLE.

The GARMENT OF VENGEANCE worn by Christ is part of what DECORATES the ARMOR of the believer (like war paint or ceremonial dress) and must be worn CLOSE to the HEART; because, it is only by the ZEAL (passion) of the Lord of Hosts will He PERFORM IT. The Church is not BATTLING FOR VICTORY, but BATTLING FROM VICTORY. The putting on of the whole ARMOR of God being decorated by the GARMENT OF VENGEANCE worn by Christ is a SIGN and a REMINDER to the enemy of his PRESENT DEFEAT and ULTIMATE DEMISE! The ARMOR of God being DECORATED BY SPIRITUAL WAR PAINT, being our ceremonial dress worn in battle; is an OPEN DISPLAY to the enemy of our SPIRITUAL RIGHT as the People of the Most High God to ENFORCE CHRIST'S VICTORY! "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light ...put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Rom.13:11-14: God has placed a touch of His glory, anointing, and authority upon each and every piece (aspect) of the Armor of God, worn by those who have been washed in His blood, and AWAKENED and empowered by His Spirit, and CALLED to the battle).

Foot notes: (a). Reference: The RYRIE Study Bible, NIV; the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Copyright: 1986 Charles Caldwell Ryrie "The introduction to the Book of Revelation" Page 1718. (b). Reference: Time Square Pulpit Series "The Spoils of Spiritual Warfare" by David Wilkerson, World Challenge, Inc. Publications, Lindale TX.