Page 55 - The Remnant Bride

our consciences cleansed from evil, but we must choose to appropriate what God has done

for us. This calls for action and response on our part as is shown in the following scriptures.

Matthew 16:24-27
Then Yahshua said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny

himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life
shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man

be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man
give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His

Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds.”

As was mentioned in the last chapter, all those who are saved are offered an invitation
to advance further into the temple or tabernacle, towards the presence of God. In verse 24

of the preceding scripture, we are told that those who would come after Christ must deny
themselves and take up the cross. Further entrance into the tabernacle requires embracing

the cross. Since the Bride’s residence is in the Most Holy Place, the Bride consists of those

who have embraced the cross.
Again, in verse 27 we are told that reward will be meted out to every man ““according
to his deeds.” This passage links together the three elements of; pursuing Christ, taking up

the cross, and reward. These three are inextricably bound up with one another.

What does it mean to take up the cross? Much understanding can be gained from the
above passage. Taking up the cross involves denying oneself. It requires refusing to save
one’s life. The literal meaning of life in this passage is soul life, which includes self-will,

personal desires, and ambitions. We can also ascertain from the passage that taking up the

cross is the antithesis of trying to gain what the world has to offer.
Going back to the image that we have already used, the new believer in Christ stands

at the Outer Court of the tabernacle. At his back is the world with all its allure and its idols.
At his front is the tabernacle wherein is the presence of God. These two stand in opposition

to one another. They are both beckoning to him. He must choose which way he will go.
Reward or loss hangs on his decision.

Satan would like the believer to think that having arrived at the Outer Court, having
received the forgiveness of sins, that there is nothing else to be concerned about. The truth,