Calvinism is the predominant doctrine of the 'Protestant' world. It teaches that man is born with Adam's sin {Total Depravity}. That a certain number have been chosen of God, arbitrarily, to be saved and all others lost {Unconditional Election}. This leads to the necessity that Jesus died not for all men but only for the 'elect' {Limited Atonement}. Since the number of the saved has already been sealed by God, then they have no responsibility or choice in the matter {Irresistible Grace}. Finally, if all of this is true, then this elect group cannot fall from grace {Impossibility of Apostasy}.

This is the logical end of the 'A.D. 70' doctrine. No doubt many that embrace this doctrine will deny emphatically that this is true. Notice the following scriptures.

2 Corinthians 11:2 - "For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

Ephesians 5:25-27 - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."

Here in these verses, we have the church likened to a bride who is to be given to her husband in marriage. Actually, in this context we also have Christians spoken of as the 'one flesh' wife of Christ and this is BEFORE A.D.70{v 30}; {Rom.7:1-3}The point being that both metaphors are used to describe the relationship of Christians to Christ.

Of course the reference on the marriage of the Lamb that most are familiar with is found in Revelation 21:2. I realize that whether the Revelation of John is referring to a judgment against Rome or Jerusalem is a never ending source of discussion for many. My own thoughts are that in this context the primary meaning is that of comparing the God given victory of Christ's kingdom over evil Rome to a joyous celebration {a marriage}. There is also a secondary application of heavenly rewards to the righteous.

In the former verses given, we have a future event alluded to. Notice in 1Cor. 15:23-24 - 'But each one in his own order; Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.'