Jesus And His Church

At one time or another, most of us have attended a wedding. Whether it was our own, or a close friend or family member the union between a man (husband) and woman(wife) is ordained and sanctified by God. The celebration of marriage depicted throughout the bible symbolizes a wedding between Jesus and His church, which is comprised of the body of believers.

Paul references this union in his letter to the church of Ephesus (5:25-32), Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

In biblical times, there was a betrothal period when man and woman would be separated as they awaited the marriage. As believers, we too, are (temporarily) separated from Christ until His return. And just like a bride, we need to make ourselves ready for the return of the Bridegroom. In reading the Book of Ephesians, we see the need to PLAN for Jesus' return. Specifically in verse 27, present her to Himself a glorious church. We must also PROTECT ourselves as His church (bride). Look in 2 Corinthians 11:2,  For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. As believers, we need to show spiritual purity, faithfulness and devotion to Jesus. And lastly, we need to PREPARE ourselves for the Bridegroom. The Book of Revelation (19:7) speaks of this preparation. How wonderful to look forward to our upcoming union with Jesus.

Are you preparing for a wedding today?

Pastor Aaron