Author, Teri Copley has had many visions of heaven, here she lists the best way to prepare yourself to be the Bride of Christ.
All around, we hear that we are living in the End Times. About four in ten U.S. adults believe we are “living in the End Times,” according to a study by the Pew Research Center, and we hear of many of Revelation’s End Times signs taking place across the world.
If the End Times are upon us, then how do we, as women of God, prepare? How do we ensure that we will be “a bride made ready?” (Revelation 19:7, 21:2, paraphrase).
In one of my first visions of heaven, I found myself excited to be standing on lush, vibrant green grass, surrounded by four female angels. After a bit of conversation (recorded in my book), the angels told me, “We are waiting for you to be commissioned.” I responded, “Yes, I have so much to learn.”
Similar to a bridal party, Jesus’ angels prepare us for him, our groom
Then I paused, looked closer at them and asked, “Who are you?” One angel responded, “We are ministering angels, and just as a bride has a bridal party, so we prepare the bride for the groom.” I was stunned. Now I see it makes sense that ministering angels would prepare the bride.
Similar to a bridal party, Jesus’ angels prepare us for him, our groom. The Spirit yearns for the Bride to put on her garments of holiness. The apostle Peter stands at the pearl gate as we enter the city of God (Rev 21:21). What is his cry for us?
To be holy, for God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). To grow in holiness and intentional preparation for heaven:
1. Study scriptures with a friend. Search out and discuss the Greek and Hebrew meanings and roots of the words in any verse that stands out to you. The Bible Hub phone app and website put all the information from The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, also known as Strong’s Concordance, at your fingertips. May we love God with all our heart, soul and mind.
2. Worship God through song with all your heart. Just like we hear something that reminds us of someone we love in the natural, music about God can help stir up our love for him and guide us in how to convey it. Find songs that move you and sing your heart out to the Lord. Praise him with all your being (Psalm 103:1).
Choose a spot in your house where you can be alone with God, and ideally where you have room to stand up, sing loud, and even dance.
a. Pick a meeting place. Choose a spot in your house where you can be alone with God, and ideally where you have room to stand up, sing loud, and even dance. “… But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you…” (Matthew 6:6).
b. Schedule recurring appointments. Set a time, at least a half hour, to meet with God every day. It’s like exercise for your spirit, and the results are so long-term, they’re eternal! If your flesh makes excuses, stand up to it. You tell your flesh what to do, not the other way around.
c. Let go of yourself! You are in the safest place you can be. Take your mind off yourself and release fleshly control. Be free to stand, kneel, dance, clap, and raise your hands. Let His presence fill you afresh and lead you in spirit and truth.
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3. Keep your mind focused on Him. Ask him to help you visualize Bible verses and stories and even see Jesus looking at you. Keep your thoughts fixed on him. Fight to do that! And it is a fight; the war for your mind is real. “(I pray that), the eyes of your understanding being enlightened …” (Ephesians 1:18).
4. Listen to Scriptural sermons. Make it part of your everyday life by listening to Bible-based sermons while cleaning, driving, and other tasks. You can even listen to sermons while “getting ready” and adorning yourself physically, knowing that simultaneously, you are getting spiritually ready for what is to come.
5. Purify your life. As you read the Bible, ask God to use it like a mirror to show you yourself as you really are (2 Corinthians 3:18 and James 1:23-24). The Holy Spirit can convict us of sin and show us where we need to change. Confess any sin God shows you; he will be faithful and just to forgive and purify you (1 John 1:9). Let him refine you, that you may come forth shining as gold! You will be taught, strengthened and prepared to step forth as an adorned bride, ready to experience the greatest adventure designed from the foundations of time and stand in faith in the darkest hour. You shall be a bride made ready.
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