Q:
People call the church the “bride of Christ,” but I
cannot find it explicitly
in the scriptures.
The church is called
the “body of Christ,”
but where is it likened
to Jesus’ bride?
A:
In addition to last
week’s answer, it
is also noteworthy
to examine Jewish
wedding customs of
that day. Jesus said,
“In my father’s house
are many dwelling
places, and I go to
prepare a place for
you. I will come again
and receive you to
myself, that where
I am, there you may
be also,” (John 14:1‑3).
The
Jewish bridegroom
negotiated the mohar,
or price, for the
bride with her dad.
Jesus paid for the
church with His life.
Once the price was
paid, the marriage
covenant was established.
They drank from a
cup of wine, much
like the communion
cup, as the betrothal
benediction was spoken.
The bride was set
apart, and they were
regarded as husband
and wife for the next
12 months.
The
groom then departed
to his father’s house,
as Jesus has ascended
to heaven while the
church awaits His
return.
The
son built an addition
onto his father’s
house where he would
bring his bride, as
noted in John 14:2.
The bride lived in
expectancy of the
groom’s return, but
never knew the exact
day.
The
groom, his best man
and other escorts
would leave his father’s
house with a torch‑light
procession to get
the bride. The groom’s
arrival was preceded
with a shout. A large
wedding party would
return to the groom’s
father’s house. (See
1Thes 4:13‑18.)
As the bride and groom
consummated the marriage
with their physical
union, the church
will consummate the
marriage with Christ
by spiritual union
after arriving in
heaven.
Upon
hearing of the consummation,
the wedding party
and guests would begin
the feast for seven
days, sometimes called
the seven days of
huppah. The bride
would remain hidden
during this time.
The church will remain
hidden for seven years
of great tribulation
back on earth. After
seven days the groom
would bring out the
bride. After seven
years Jesus will return
to Earth and all will
see His true bride.
(See Col 3:4.)
“Come,
my people, enter into
your rooms and close
your doors behind
you. Hide for a little
while until indignation
runs its course. For
behold, the Lord is
about to come out
from His place to
punish the inhabitants
of the earth for their
iniquity; and the
earth will reveal
her bloodshed and
will no longer cover
her slain.” (Isaiah
26:20).
Today
people wonder about
their purpose on earth.
The human race was
created to provide
an eternal companion
for the Son. Messiah
came to give birth
to His church, and
thus obtain His bride.
We
appreciate David Hocking
for much research
on this subject. We
thank God who blesses
beyond anything.
