Who Is the Bride of Christ?

 

“Who is the bride of Christ?” A question asked by believers, both young and old. The answer is deeply embedded into our purpose as Christians. When we try to understand who the bride of Christ is, we’re peering into ourselves, as God’s Church, and the marriage due.

Throughout the Bible, numerous texts refer to God’s people as His bride.

In Ephesians, the apostle Paul uses this analogy to set an example for how husbands should treat their wives.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Ephesians 5:25-33

Metaphors and parables are excellent devices that help people understand religious concepts better. Metaphorical language is cryptic and fascinating. Author Judith Lyon Kesselman, in her book and the 2^nd installment of her Trilogy “Eternity to Time and Time to Eternity,” The Bride Made Ready, dives deep into the powerful analogy of Christ’s bride being the Church.  

Kesselman explains how the word “marriage” is translated from the Greek word gamos, which translates to “intimate union with Christ.” It is not limited to an occasion or a meal but symbolizes a deepening fellowship.

The “marriage” being referred to here is Christ’s Second Coming. It is the day we will become truly one with Him.

As the time edges closer, how do we prepare for the forthcoming marriage?

Luckily, God provided marriage instructions for all mankind in the very beginning. Each instruction was for natural mankind, yet also a spiritual instruction for His redeemed family, the Church. In the natural, two in marriage are one in flesh (Gen. 2:24, Eph. 5:31), yet our marriage with Jesus is our union with Him in spirit (John 17:21-23) and an ever-changing soul into His likeness.

Hence, we are to live in oneness with God, reflecting His character, so the world may easily recognize Him by our words and lifestyle. God also gave natural instructions to Israel as His Old Covenant wife, the Ten Commandments. These natural laws also contain spiritual instruction for New Covenant believers to endure in intimate fellowship with Jesus. For example, entering His rest (Heb. 4:9-11) is not merely attending a weekly service, though we do. It is also our true rest of living peacefully in trust and faith in Christ Jesus in an anxious, fear-ridden world.

Now, what are the characteristics of the Bride of Christ?

Jesus does not want a toddler bride but one who is radiant, loving, and mature. A bride of Christ is expected to live and move in His full stature and mindset.

Are we prepared?

The Bride Made Ready conveys God’s preparation for the Church’s ending days on earth. It focuses on our continuing maturation and transformation in the likeness of Jesus as His faithful bride. We are intended to be watchful and ready for our Groom to escort us to His heavenly home before the worldly followers of darkness are judged on earth in the Tribulation years. Jesus does not wish any of His family members to be left behind. Therefore, we must not stray from the Word even when enticed by the coming new worldly order.

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