The Nature of the Church
The Bride of Christ
Prepared for the Bridegroom
Description
The church is the bride of Christ, betrothed to Him and awaiting the marriage supper of the Lamb. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her, presenting her to Himself as a glorious church without spot or wrinkle. The marriage relationship between husband and wife is a mystery that points to Christ and the church. John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' This imagery speaks of intimacy, covenant faithfulness, and eternal union.
Key Verses
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.