As Altya showed, Revelation shows that we are the bride... the New Jerusalem, the true Israel.
Let me ask you another question, Gerry,...when Christ says in Rev 3:12 that "he who overcomes" He will make " a pillar in the temple of" God, does he really mean He's going to make us into architecture?
Reread my above statement one more time...and let me see if I can expound here:
As I've said before, the most important thing one must realize when understanding Scripture is that our own logic and wisdom is absolutely useless. (Check out 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 for more on that). Once that is done, things that were once mind-boggling mysteries become childlike and unbelievably simple concepts which, at root, are
founded on Faith. The best example of this is the Trinity. An atheist can hope to imagine he understands the concept, but he cannnot ever accept is as a real and plausible existance because to his worldly mind it does not make any sense. Yet, the person filled with Spirit accepts the idea on Faith, and suddenly the skewed misunderstanding is as clear as crystal and the Truth couldn't be more clear!
This way of accepting God's Word without putting our own spin on it (which can only come as God's gift, and, Praise Him, destroys pride!) is essential to a whollistic reading of Scripture.
Now...back to the question. If we are the guests, who is the bride? Well, Rev. says we are. ...
but the parable said we're the guests ...so how is that possible?
Answer: Because God is God. His ways are not our ways nor are His thoughts our thoughts. His power is so omnipotent that things which we see as blatantly impossible (like being man and God at the same time and then coming back from the dead) are within His glorious power to do! If one can accept that He did that, surely He can make us both the bride and guests at the same time.
Once a person accepts this Truth there is nothing more beautiful in the world, and indeed, the world becomes lackluster and petty. This is the freedom Christ set us free for...to be truly free of ourselves, up to and including our own minds and thoughts. What a blessing to receive! What an honor to have bestowed! To be able to know and understand the magnitude of God! Hosanna!
So...Gerry...does that help? I can try again if you like. Just remember, parables and symbols are there to hint at the Truth. The Truth itself is far more grander and beautiful than we could ever imagine here. We just have to be still and know that He is God, and in His time all things will be made clear.
Peace to all who seek it,
<><