Here is Dallas Theological Seminary's take on
Mat. 22:8-14, specifically why was the Wedding Guest, was REJECTED, in the undelined part.
(quote) Mat. 22:8-14. The wedding banquet, however, was prepared. Since
those who were first
invited had rejected the invitation, opportunity to attend was then given to a broader group. Though the invitation was extended to
both good and bad, individual preparation was still necessary. This was evidenced by the fact that one guest at the banquet had not made adequate preparation. He had failed to appropriate what the king provided for
he was not wearing the proper wedding clothes. (Apparently the king gave them all wedding clothes as they arrived, for they came off
the streets [
v. 10].
A person must respond not only outwardly, but also he must be rightly related to God the King by appropriating all the King provides.) Consequently this guest was cast out into a place of separation and suffering. (For
comments on
weeping and gnashing of teeth, see
13:42.) While the kingdom had now been expanded to include individuals from all races and backgrounds (
many are invited), there is an election (
few are chosen). And yet individual response is essential.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty. (end quote)
My PERSONAL BELIEF is the BRIDEGROOM CHOSE THE BRIDE, and made a contract with the FATHER to REDEEM the BRIDE, and we were BOUGHT WITH THAT PRICE. That to me Convinced me BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT, we are THE BRIDE, and CHRIST PAID THE BRIDE PRICE FOR US.
Now, I JUST NOW LOOKED UP J. Vernon McGee comments on this PORTION OF SCRIPTURE, for the first time in my life. He seems to HAVE NAILED IT, AS FAR AS, WHAT IS THE PROPER WEDDING GARMENT. It solidifies that we are the BRIDE.
(QUOTE)
What is that wedding garment? The King's invitation is for everyone, but there is a danger of coming without meeting the demands of the King.
That wedding garment is the righteousness of Christ which is absolutely essential for salvation, and it is supplied to all who believe. The apostle Paul speaks of this imputed righteousness: "But now the righteousness of God without the law [that is, apart from the law] is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of [from] God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all [it comes down upon all] them that believe: for there is no difference" (
Rom. 3:21-22).
All have to have a wedding garment.
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee. (End QUOTE)
In Rev. 22:4 is CLEAR evidence that all true believers of all time, that we will BE THE BRIDE of CHRIST.
THE BRIDE REIGNS WITH THE KING.
Revelation 20:4 (NASB)
4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I
saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and
they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.