Introduction
The Church is called the Bride of Christ — a beautiful picture of the intimate relationship between Christ and His body. This mystery was hidden in the Old Testament but revealed in the New Testament.
The Husband and the Wife
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."
— Ephesians 5:23
Christ Loved the Church
"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."
— Ephesians 5:25-27
The Marriage of the Lamb
"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."
— Revelation 19:7-8
A Great Mystery
"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."
— Ephesians 5:31-32
Conclusion
The relationship between Christ and the Church is pictured as a marriage — the most intimate of relationships. Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it, that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church. The marriage of the Lamb is coming, and His Bride is making herself ready.