Reply To: Ecclesiology Discussion Board

[Ben]

Absolutely sister Wechie. The expression “bride of the Lamb” which is feminine for the Church, is a function of metaphor and imagery to communicate our union with the Lord Jesus Christ and the futuristic culmination of this union. Just like how we can get a proper understanding of a fact by engaging our imagination, the idea of referring to the Church as the bride of Christ can be fully appreciated by understanding the marriage system practiced in the days of Jesus (Jewish tradition). This further explains why we are best seen as the Lord’s bride.

In Jewish tradition, a wedding began with the betrothal. The bridegroom would pay a dowry to show his dedication to the bride. Spiritually, this is mirrored by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He paid the ultimate price for the sins of humanity, securing His Church as His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). The Church has come into union with the Lord Jesus Christ by virtue of her acceptance of the price Jesus paid to have her to himself (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, John 15:5).

Right after the betrothal, there was a period of preparation. The bridegroom would leave to prepare a place for his bride. The bride, during this time, would prepare herself for his return, not knowing exactly when he would come to get her. This time of preparation parallels the current state of believers, as Jesus, the bridegroom, has ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3). The Church, as the bride, is in a period of anticipation and preparation, waiting for Christ’s return.

Old Testament saints in heaven are best referred as friends of the bridegroom and guests during the feast. John the Baptist, a good representative of these saints was referred to as a friend and not part of the bride (John 3:29, Revelation 19:9).