Shalom, It is important to understand that within Christianity today, there are three distinct categories of believers. Knowing and recognizing these groups can help each of us assess where we stand—and what steps we must take to be on the safe side of eternity. 1. The First Group: Nominal Christians This group consists of people who call themselves Christians, perhaps because they were born into Christian families or have simply adopted Christianity as a religion or identity. But they have no relationship with God. They are indistinguishable from the rest of the world, except for the name “Christian.” They know nothing about God or spiritual matters. Ask them about the Rapture, and they’ll say, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ask if they are born again, and they’ll say, “That’s not part of my belief.” They don’t pray, they don’t attend church, and they have no spiritual hunger—yet they take pride in being “Christian.” Sadly, this is the largest group in the modern church. 2 Timothy 3:5“Having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2. The Second Group: Lukewarm Believers These are believers who know the scriptures and attend church, but live double lives—half for God, half for the world. They are lukewarm. They are represented by the foolish virgins in the parable found in Matthew 25, who had lamps but no extra oil—symbolizing a lack of spiritual depth and personal preparation. The Bible calls them companions (or concubines) but not the bride. They will be the ones who mourn deeply when they realize they’ve been left behind after the Rapture. Though they expected Christ’s return, they will be rejected because they lacked zeal. Revelation 3:16“So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Matthew 25:10-12“And the door was shut… Truly, I tell you, I don’t know you.” 3. The Third Group: The True Bride of Christ This group consists of genuine, dedicated Christians who are fully committed to walking in the ways of Christ. Christianity is not just their religion—it is their faith and life. These are the wise virgins in Matthew 25 who took oil in jars along with their lamps. They are the ones being prepared by Christ for the wedding feast. They are few in number. Matthew 7:14“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Only this third group will be taken up in the Rapture to attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Christ is not coming back for lukewarm followers or for those with only a religious label—but for His pure, prepared bride. Revelation 19:7“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” How to Recognize the True Bride of Christ To understand this better, we turn to the story of how Abraham found a wife for his son Isaac in Genesis 24. This is a prophetic shadow of how God the Father is seeking a bride for His Son, Jesus Christ. Abraham, representing God the Father, sent his trusted servant Eliezer (a picture of the Holy Spirit and the ministers of God) to search for a suitable bride—not from among the Canaanites (symbolic of Israel), but from a distant land—foreshadowing the calling of the Gentile Church. Eliezer’s journey with ten camels symbolizes the effort and preparation involved in finding the true bride. Genesis 24:12-14“Let it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac.” Rebekah arrived before Eliezer even finished praying. She not only offered him water but also watered all ten camels. This was not a small task—a camel can drink up to 200 liters (50 gallons) of water, and she did this voluntarily, without complaint, and for a stranger. This act symbolized her servant heart, readiness, and sacrificial love—the same qualities found in the true Bride of Christ. The Prophetic Meaning for Today’s Church Eliezer represents all the true servants of God, sent to preach the Gospel and prepare the Bride for Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2“I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him.” And just like Eliezer had a clear sign to recognize the bride, the ministers of God today can recognize the true bride by her attitude, sacrifice, purity, and spiritual hunger. If we hear the Gospel but make no personal effort to seek God for ourselves—if we don’t pray, study the Word, or develop a personal walk with Christ—then we are not the Bride, but merely foolish companions. The Bride of Christ goes the extra mile. She’s not satisfied with just Sunday sermons. She seeks the Lord daily. She prays, fasts, serves, and grows in holiness. Philippians 2:12“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Matthew 25:4“The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.” Conclusion: Are You Part of the Bride or Just a Companion? These are perilous times. The number of those who will be raptured is very small. The call to be the bride of Christ is a call to sacrifice, holiness, and total surrender. Let us pray and strive diligently so that we may be counted worthy to attend the wedding feast of the Lamb. Luke 21:36“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” May the Lord bless you abundantly.If you’d like to join our Bible teachings, click here >> WHATSAPP