Marty a Cauley

Misthological Models Part 3 Marty a Cauley

In preparation for the heart of the discussion, which focuses on the identity of the Bride of Christ, Misthological Models Part 3 (MMP3) begins by reiterating, expanding, and confirming the earlier analyses in this series regarding the already-not-yet duality found in multiple biblical themes, such as the present mystery form of the kingdom. MMP3 is primarily a counter to Dillow's use of synecdoche to argue that the Bride is composed of all believers, only some of whom are properly clothed. Appeals to synecdoche are encouraged within MMP3. In fact, both Dillow and MMP3 appeal to synecdoche regarding the Bride. But MMP3 documents the abuse of the synecdoche argument by limited-atonement advocates and Lordship Salvationists and demonstrates that Dillow's position has similar shortcomings. MMP3 shows that proper use of synecdoche confirms that the Bride is only composed of some of the saints in contradistinction to Dillow's claim that only part of the Bride is properly clothed. Additionally, MMP3 argues that only faithful believers have co-glorified bodies that are suitable to being bridal co-rulers. Thus, externally and internally, only faithful believers qualify as the Bride of Christ. Only they fulfill the terms of the bridal contract and thus consummate the misthological union.