The Spirit and the Bride Say ‘Come’

Awakening Love, Longing, and Preparation

The final cry of the Church in Scripture is not silence—it is a call. And that call is not solitary. It is the unified voice of the Spirit and the Bride, crying out together in holy longing:

“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’”
— Revelation 22:17

This is not a call of doctrine, but of devotion. It is not a theological statement—it is a bridal ache for the Bridegroom. The Church, filled with the Spirit, does not merely await the return of Christ—she cries for it. She prepares herself and calls others to come to Him.

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The Spirit Awakens Love

“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…”
— Romans 5:5

The Spirit is not merely a power or influence. He is the living Person of God within us, igniting our hearts with love for Jesus and longing for His appearing.

• He reminds us of the Bridegroom’s voice (John 14:26)
• He stirs a deeper hunger for holiness
• He quickens us to pray, worship, and obey
• He prepares our hearts to love what Christ loves

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The Bride Longs for His Return

“Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior…”
— Philippians 3:20

The early Christians prayed, “Maranatha”—Come, Lord! Their love for Christ was greater than their love for comfort. Persecution did not weaken their cry—it purified it.

“Let us yearn for the day of His return, that we may be found ready, not resting.”
— Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 23

They lived as those betrothed. They kept their lamps burning.

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The Bride Calls Others to Come

“Let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come…”
— Revelation 22:17

This cry is not just upward—it is outward. The Bride does not only long for the Groom—she invites others into the wedding feast.

• Evangelism is a bridal call: Come to the King!
• Discipleship is bridal preparation: Be made ready!
• Worship is a bridal anthem: Even so, come!

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What We Can Learn

1. The Spirit awakens love and longing for Christ’s return.
2. The Bride does not wait passively—she cries out actively.
3. Our witness is not obligation—it is invitation.
4. The call of the Spirit and the Bride is the same: Come.

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Sources:

• The Holy Bible — Revelation 22:17; Romans 5:5; Philippians 3:20; John 14:26
• Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 23
• Didache, ch. 10
• Hermas, Similitudes 9
• Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Romans

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