Lesson 31 June 29, 2003
B. The Church as the BRIDE:
- The figure of the church as the bride of Christ is commonly used even though there are not many references that refer to it as such.
1. Scripture: 2 Cor 11:2; Rev 21:9; Eph 5:23-32 (main);
2. The Mystery Church of the present is the BRIDE.
a. This of course is the same as those who make up the body of Christ, both bring into focus the inseparable and vital union with Christ.
- focus of the body metaphor is a relationship of life while the bride metaphor is a relationship of love
b. It includes all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ from Pentecost to the Rapture.
- The Church age is the espousal, the engagement period.
3. The first implication: Infinite love of the bridegroom for the bride.
a. The Lord Jesus Christ is called the Bridegroom Mt 9:15; Mk 2:19-20; Lk 5:34-35; Jn 3:29.
b. As the God/Man His love is perfect and infinite.
- its based on His character, not limited or effected by the object.
c. His love necessitated an overt act which demonstrated that love - the cross Eph 5:2; 5:25-27; Act 20:28; 1 Jn 3:16a.
d. Such love is best illustrated and portrayed by Divine Institution #2 marriage. Eph 5:23-32
Marriage was designed by God for the protection of the human race;
The analogy of the relationship of husband and wife in marriage and the Church's relationship with Christ points out how important from God's vpt that marriage is.
Always has been down through the ages that man has distorted and corrupted the principle of marriage. God has established high standards for this union.
- Man's love is emotional and dependant on the object and therefore is very subjective.
e. His love is amazing in the light of:
1) the infinite distance between the lover and the beloved Eph 2:4,5
2) the lack of the beloved's ability to benefit the lover in any way 1 Jn 4:10,19.
- as we consistently apply BD it produces glory for J.C. which will be revealed at the JSC.
3) the inherent sinfulness of the one loved - Eph 2:1-3; Rom 5:6-10a
- As you think about love remember God doesn't need us, He is totally sufficient in Himself, in His essence and character but we need Him big time!
f. Such love demands a love response as seen in the prayer of Paul in Eph 3:16-19.
g. This response comes only from (learning - growing - application summed up by obedience) Jn 14:15,21,23,24; 17:16; Eph 5:2.
h. Never was there any love so beneficial to the one loved. Therefore greater love then His is impossible - Jn 15:13; Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 3:16.
4. Second implication: The exalted position of the bride.
a. Background is the three stages of an oriental marriage (Edershiem)
The betrothal, the ceremony and the feast. Throughout it points out the exalted status of the bride. [unusual in ancient world]
b. Christ purchased the church with His own "blood", the dowry, therefore the Church is betrothed to Him - Acts 20:28; 1 Cor 11:2;
Eph 5:27; from vs:26 the washing of the water of the word is what cleanses and prepares the believer experientially for the presentation without spot and blemish.
This parallels the first stage of the oriental marriage which was legally binding as to inheritance, adultery, and the need for formal divorce.
- M. Mielziner, former professor of the Talmud wrote that "a betrothal is not a mere promise to marry but it is the very initiation of the marriage."
c. Duration of the espousal period, no given length, is parallel to the history of the Church age. The Church-age is the espousal period the wedding not yet taken place and only the bride-groom is glorified in resurrection body.
d. The bridegroom then came from the father's house usually at night wearing his good clothes and accompanied by friends and took her to his house for the wedding. Jn 14:3.
e. The presentation of the bride to the Father's house - heaven - is fulfilled at the rapture. 1 Thess 4:15-18.
f. In Eph 5:27 Paul describes the glorified bride as without spot or wrinkle (no OSN) and no overt defects (human good) anything obnoxious to the plan of God but conformed to His glorified humanity. also 1 Jn 3:2
g. The glory of the groom shines through the Church for all generations for ever and ever. Eph 3:21.
h. The Church is made ready for the wedding at the J.S.C. 1 Cor 3:8; 4:5; 2 Cor 5:10 The wedding ceremony takes place in heaven but the wedding feast takes place on the earth. Rev 19:9; Mt 22:1-14; Lk 14:16-24; Mt 25:1-13.
i) The bride metaphor exalts the Church-age Saints to the highest imaginable position.
Summary:
This metaphor illustrates for us the splendor and glory manifested in the bride.
It manifests the knowledge surpassing love of Christ for the church.
And it establishes for us the exalted position of the church both now and for eternity.