But, the “church” did not exist until after the death of Christ. The Ecclesia are the believers in Christ.
For the Old Testament believers, their faith was accounted unto them as righteousness. In other words, GOD deemed their faith in GOD to be sufficient to allow their spirit to enter into Paradise (prior to the time of Christ), where they awaited the Messiah who would take them on into Heaven.
Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, was waiting in Paradise for Jesus to arrive. I can barely imagine Joseph’s excitement to see the little boy he helped to raise enter into Paradise as the Messiah.
The Bride of Christ is the focus of the Church Age, the gap between Daniel’s sixty-ninth week and the seventieth week. Not until God removes His Spirit which is in the Christians will/can the seventieth week begin. Perhaps what we ought to be discussing is ‘when will the marriage feast occur in Heaven?’ Look at the groups that will be in attendance. Not one will be there except that the Grace of God is extended to them thus they wear the wedding garment to the feast celebrating Jesus and His Bride. I find it interesting that Jesus gave this analogy BEFORE the Jews could figure out whom He is. He pinned Himself and His Grace to a Jewish ceremony of dedication, for their edification.
And even during the Church Age, God has a way of measuring the heart of man, such that His Grace can be applied to non-bride humans even as His Grace was/is applied to the Jews whose belief was/is counted for them righteousness. Unless the Garment of His righteousness is upon you, you cannot enter where ONLY perfect righteousness dwells.
AMEN!
It is so nice to see someone post who understands Sheol and Abraham's Bosom. I suspect that not understanding this and what the gates of hell refers to has led to thinking there is a purgatory.
You are Petros, and upon this rock I will build My CHURCH....still talking and still very much allive!!