~ the relationship between Christ and the Church is as we have learned through the N.T. a Covenant reality of a nuptial imagery. Our Lord wanted us to believe as True as His Word, how glorious it is to our God, making, by the power of the Pure Lamb of God, His spotless Bride … Oh, how priceless His Covenanted Love! The Heavenly Bridegoom making a Heavenly Bride, and the Spirit reminding us we are members of the Body of Christ . . Didn't Christ also promise the thief on the cross that he would be with Jesus in paradise that very day?! TR I think 'Paradise' Jesus was referring to was the 'holding place' where the O.T. saints were waiting for their Messiah to come ~ ~~~~ then at Christ's full resurrection, that holding place was 'lifted' up and made as the 'outskirts' (Paradise) of Heaven. ~ ~ as part of Christ's Prepared Place, near the Heavenly Wall, it was 'gated' just outside the Heavenly Jerrusalem City ~~ Christ's promise remained for that thief! To be absent from the body, present with the Lord! Though Christ's body was in the grave for three days, He was not! After he returned to the grave He was resurrected, and then he presented himself to the Father in a glorified body! TR ~ ~ ~ how appropriate is this 'headline': "... Fox News was saying re: "Saving Ukraine: "Looking for a world leader to stand up" ~ ~ ~ Published March 7, 2022 7:28pm EST.
