What Is the Wedding Supper of the Lamb?

The wedding supper of the Lamb is one of the most beautiful images in the Book of Revelation, portraying the future celebration when Christ is united with His bride, the church, in the fullness of His kingdom. In Revelation 19:6-9, John hears what seems to be the voice of a great multitude, like the voice of many waters and mighty thunderings, crying: 'Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 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.' The image draws on Old Testament wedding customs. In ancient Jewish weddings, the groom would come for his bride, and a great feast would follow the marriage ceremony. The bride would be adorned in beautiful garments prepared for the occasion. This imagery is woven throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God described His relationship with Israel as a marriage. 'For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name.' When Israel worshipped idols, God called it adultery. In the New Testament, Christ is the bridegroom and the church is His bride. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that the marriage relationship reflects Christ and the church. John the Baptist called himself the 'friend of the bridegroom' who rejoiced in the bridegroom's voice. The wedding supper of the Lamb represents the consummation of salvation history. It is the moment when all the promises of God are fulfilled, when the church is glorified, and when Christ receives the reward of His suffering. It is a supper of joy, honor, and perfect communion. Those invited are 'called, and chosen, and faithful.' The wedding supper follows the great tribulation and the defeat of evil. It inaugurates the millennial kingdom and ultimately leads into the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with His people forever. For believers, the wedding supper is a source of hope and motivation. We prepare ourselves now, 'arrayed in fine linen, clean and white' — the righteous deeds of the saints — so that we will be ready when the Bridegroom comes.