Throughout the gospel age, two classes are being developed that will receive a spirit resurrection in heaven. The first is the bride class, also referred to as “the little flock,” “the faithful,” “the wise virgins,” “the body of Christ,” “the spiritual house,” and “144,000.” (Revelation 21:9; Luke 12:32; Revelation 17:14; Matthew 25:8-10; Ephesians 1:22, 23; I Peter 2:5; Revelation 7:4) The other class, those less faithful Christians, is referred to as “the bride’s companion,” “the foolish virgins,” “the tribulation saints,” “the great multitude,” (Psalms 45:14; Matthew 25:2; Revelation 7).
The bride class are those who are faithful to the Lord in every aspect of their lives for they follow the lamb wherever he leads (Revelation 14:3,4). They keep themselves chaste from the world, keep their robes spotless and without wrinkle, rejoice in tribulation (Romans 5:3) count it all joy to suffer with and for the body of Christ.. (Colossians 1:24) These are the ones who take extra oil (Holy Spirit) for their vessels (Matthew 25:4) in order to endure the testings. Obedience through trials will prove whether they will be of the bride class or not.
The second class are those who don’t prove as faithful, and therefore do not qualify for the bride class. To them, life was a great tribulation. (Revelation 7:14) Their robes became soiled with the cares and deceitfulness of riches of this world (Mark 4:19, Ephesians 5:27). When it comes time for the marriage to the bridegroom, they are found lacking. But because they are virgins and companions of the bride, they do get invited to the marriage supper (guests). “The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.” (Psalms 45:13,14)
