Chapter 2 of Ginger Plowman’s book, Heaven at Home, got me to thinking about the bride of Christ. Plowman encourages women to think of themselves as Christ’s beautiful bride. Plowman is not the only woman I’ve heard say this, or write this as the case may be. It seems that this is a common thing among women who minister to other women, as it helps with self-esteem and self-worth issues so rampant among us women.
So it got me to asking several questions. Just who is the Bride of Christ? Does it refer to individuals, or to a specific group? If it refers to a group, is it wrong to use the metaphor when referring to individuals? Where does this term come from anyway? I hope I can find some answers this weekend. Until I get another chance to post, what say you?
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Leslie Wiggins 
2 responses to “The Bride of Christ”
Hey! I look forward to hearing what others say! Though you already know most of my thoughts on this : ) I don’t want to bore you again, but just for the record : ), we think it’s both. : ) We feel like the bride of Christ is the church, BUT individuals make up the church (you and I), so it could be said that we, personally are the bride of Christ. Though the latter shouldn’t be the MAIN focus – the CHURCH, as the bride of Christ should be the main focus : ) Short answer : )thanks so much for praying for us!!! We love Justin Taylor too! We used to go to church with him and his family!! : ) They are wonderful!
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God used many figures of speech thoughout Scripture to describe the initmate love relationship between Himself and His chosen people. He uses the tender term of “bride”. Revelation 19:7 “…let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready”. Rev. 21:9…”Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife”. Throughout the Bible God’s people are likened by God to a bride for His Son. Hosea 2:16, 19-20…”And it shall be in that day,” says the Lord, “that you will call me ‘My Master,’ I will betroth (marry) you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in loving-kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord”. I got this from http://www.onmission.com Winter 2007 issue. The issue is dedicated to The Bride of Christ. I know that I have been taught that individually we are to prepare for the Groom (Jesus) and His return, but also corporately as “the church” we are to prepare and live our lives as one getting ready for a marriage. The word that comes to mind the most in this area is being “pure” in everything. We won’t be without blemish because of our sinful ways, but through the saving blood that Jesus shed we can be presented as blemish free in front of God. Any questions, just come on over and ask. Hope this helps. ; )
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