A Bride Anticipates Her Groom
A Christian and a bride share some commonalities. Anticipation. Exuberant enthusiasm at the prospect of having hope realized. A bride staring at the closed sanctuary doors as “Here Comes the Bride” resounds eagerly anticipates, with a measure of fear, the prospect of uniting with her groom. Many months have gone into the preparations for this glorious event. With earnest expectation, she realizes that shortly everything will change. The life she has known will no longer be the same. Joyfully she submits to the care of another. Together they will live in complete union and communion experiencing unimaginable blessings.
I am a part of the bride of Christ.
As a Christian, I am a part of the bride of Christ because I am beloved of God. Christians individually comprise the bride of Christ collectively — the church. But what does it mean to be the bride of Christ? During biblical times Hebrew marriage traditions illustrated the sanctification process of the bride of Christ. Just as a bride was selected for the groom, God has chosen me in Christ.
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
John 6:37 NIV
Christ is the groom.
Christ paid the price for His bride.
“You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.”
1 Corinthians 7:23 NASB
God also promises continual faithfulness, strength, and protection to His bride.
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NASB
A choice must be made.
As a result of being chosen by the groom, the bride makes her choice.
“We were also chosen to belong to him. God decided to choose us long ago in keeping with his plan. He works out everything to fit his plan and purpose. We were the first to put our hope in Christ. We were chosen to bring praise to his glory.”
Ephesians 1:11–12 NIrV
Christ also made His choice. Consequently, the Lord’s Supper reminds believers of Christ the Passover lamb (Ex. 12:1-11, 1 Cor. 5:7) who sealed the covenant of our redemption.
“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Matthew 26:28 NKJV
In like fashion Hebrew traditions share a cup of wine to seal the marriage covenant. With eternity in view Jesus further elaborated on His covenant promise by stating, “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29 NKJV).
Christ gives wonderful gifts to the bride.
While waiting for the future consummation of the promised union, Christ bestows abundant gifts on His bride.
“The free gift of God’s grace makes all of us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free.”
Romans 3:24 NIrV
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 NKJV
The Holy Spirit is a gift for the bride of Christ.
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Acts 2:38 NASB
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.”
1 Corinthians 12:4 NIV
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:4–8 NIV
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17 ESV
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV
How amazing it is that throughout history God has given illustrations of His loving plans for His people! As a result, even in wedding customs and church traditions, we may be reminded of His immeasurable love and devotion. Therefore, as a follower of Christ, my life is to be a living testimony of His relevant truths.
Insight Journal
- Daily I eagerly anticipate . . .
Excerpts from Marriages that Minister by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis. Available from your favorite book retailers, including Amazon and Redemption Press. (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)
Would you like a more in-depth study of Marriages that Minister? Enroll now in our Teachable Marriages that Minister class.
Read more about Marriages that Minister: A Portrait of Christ and His Bride.
If you would like to be reminded how Christ is relevant to every area of life, subscribe to our email list. You will be asked to verify your request by jumping through a few hoops, but that is for your safety!
POST A COMMENT about your insights on your journey toward spiritual maturity! We would love to connect with you!
