THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

[dcontroversal]

The Greek word that is translated (the) is a definite article and points to what IS KNOWN and is absolute when used in context such as....

THE God of heaven
The Savior of the world
The wicked
etc.

When it comes to THE BRIDE of Christ and the modern teaching the permeates society I have questions...and please note the following....


Revelation 21:9-10 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying , COME THITHER, I will shew thee THE BRIDE, the LAMB'S WIFE. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me THAT GREAT CITY, the HOLY JERUSALEM descending out of heaven from God.

Revelation 21:1-2 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God, out of heaven, prepared as A BRIDE adorned for HER HUSBAND.

John, under inspiration of God calls New Jerusalem the Bride, the Lambs wife and states that she has been prepared and adorned as THE bride fro her husband (Jesus)

Why are such words used if the Church is THE BRIDE of Christ?

Not being mouthy or contentious as I am asking why these words are used.

I know everybody uses the book of Ephesians to teach that (the church) is the bride and will remind all that Paul in Ephesians does not say that the Church is the bride, but rather we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. With the comparison being drawn between the love a man would have for his wife as compared to the love that Christ has for his church(es).

 

[jkalyna]

These are some tough questions that need direct seeking of the Holy spirit. I hope some answers post, but all I have now is pic. of the Bride of Jesus. Hope you like them, but it makes us feel more adorned with his loving glory, as he truly makes us feel worthy, and beautiful.
​

 

[watcher2013]

great post DC....

Jesus is the Head...
the Church is the Body:
The new Jerusalem is the Bride....

Soon at the marriage they will become One...

From the very beginning that was the purpose...God dwelling with his people...

First In the garden...then in the wilderness (tabernacle)..then the temple in Jerusalem and then (the flesh temple of God - Jesus Christ)..then we are looking for that New Jerusalem the New Bride where God will dwell with his people.

 

[dcontroversal]

great post DC....

Jesus is the Head...
the Church is the Body:
The new Jerusalem is the Bride....

Soon at the marriage they will become One...

From the very beginning that was the purpose...God dwelling with his people...

First In the garden...then in the wilderness (tabernacle)..then the temple in Jerusalem and then (the flesh temple of God - Jesus Christ)..then we are looking for that New Jerusalem the New Bride where God will dwell with his people.

You know, that is the conclusion that I have come to. The unification of God with his people in New Jerusalem. Thanks for the reply and the thoughts!

 

[LovePink]

The structure, the words are about the building and the structure of the family and the household. There are levels to the fitting of inheritances and realms of predestination. The Jerusalem which is above is likened to the bride & as the mother. Honor thy father & thy mother.

There structure is also about the kingdoms. The kingdoms are likened to one flesh. That which God joins together.

This is a good topic, hope to see and share in more posts/participation and Scripture.

 

[dcontroversal]

The structure, the words are about the building and the structure of the family and the household. There are levels to the fitting of inheritances and realms of predestination. The Jerusalem which is above is likened to the bride & as the mother. Honor thy father & thy mother.

There structure is also about the kingdoms. The kingdoms are likened to one flesh. That which God joins together.

This is a good topic, hope to see and share in more posts/participation and Scripture.

Definitely a lot of deep thought and teaching in the bible associated with the theme of this post for sure.....

 

[ThomistColin]

The Greek word that is translated (the) is a definite article and points to what IS KNOWN and is absolute when used in context such as....

THE God of heaven
The Savior of the world
The wicked
etc.

When it comes to THE BRIDE of Christ and the modern teaching the permeates society I have questions...and please note the following....


Revelation 21:9-10 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying , COME THITHER, I will shew thee THE BRIDE, the LAMB'S WIFE. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me THAT GREAT CITY, the HOLY JERUSALEM descending out of heaven from God.

Revelation 21:1-2 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God, out of heaven, prepared as A BRIDE adorned for HER HUSBAND.

John, under inspiration of God calls New Jerusalem the Bride, the Lambs wife and states that she has been prepared and adorned as THE bride fro her husband (Jesus)

Why are such words used if the Church is THE BRIDE of Christ?

Not being mouthy or contentious as I am asking why these words are used.

I know everybody uses the book of Ephesians to teach that (the church) is the bride and will remind all that Paul in Ephesians does not say that the Church is the bride, but rather we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. With the comparison being drawn between the love a man would have for his wife as compared to the love that Christ has for his church(es).

Turn to Hosea 1 and 2, and you will find that God in the OT promises the Samaritans that He will betroth Himself to them in tru fidelity as a husband to his bride. Christ also uses the analogy in the story of the Maidens with Oil Lamps. John the Baptist calls himself the friend of the Groom, referring to Christ. St. John the Apostle consistently uses the imagery of Christ as the Husband and the Church as the Bride. It comes down to one major point, I am the Bride of Christ, you are the Bride of Christ, We are the Bride of Christ. Meaning that the Bride of Christ is extremely personal, but is openly shared with all of God's children.

Also, remember that the New Jerusalem is where we are to live. So, the New Jerusalem is dressed as a Bride, meaning to me, the New Jerusalem is the Wedding Gown, we are still the Bride.

 

[Vernon]

and the two shall become one flesh.

 

[dcontroversal]

Turn to Hosea 1 and 2, and you will find that God in the OT promises the Samaritans that He will betroth Himself to them in tru fidelity as a husband to his bride. Christ also uses the analogy in the story of the Maidens with Oil Lamps. John the Baptist calls himself the friend of the Groom, referring to Christ. St. John the Apostle consistently uses the imagery of Christ as the Husband and the Church as the Bride. It comes down to one major point, I am the Bride of Christ, you are the Bride of Christ, We are the Bride of Christ. Meaning that the Bride of Christ is extremely personal, but is openly shared with all of God's children.

Also, remember that the New Jerusalem is where we are to live. So, the New Jerusalem is dressed as a Bride, meaning to me, the New Jerusalem is the Wedding Gown, we are still the Bride.

I appreciate you points and still ask why the definite article in Revelation as applied unto the following...

Revelation 21:9-10 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying , COME THITHER, I will shew thee THE BRIDE, the LAMB'S WIFE. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me THAT GREAT CITY, the HOLY JERUSALEM descending out of heaven from God.

Revelation 21:1-2 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God, out of heaven, prepared as A BRIDE adorned for HER HUSBAND.

Not that I disagree with you, but I think it is a blending or more than what modern theology makes of it.

 

[Yahshua]

I think God's plan operates on multiple dimensions and depending on the purpose that God means to accomplish, I think The Church either represents "Christ's body" or Christ's *1st* bride...but I don't think it is *THE* Bride (New Jerusalem).

- Jacob is called "Israel",

- Israel is called "God's firstborn",

- But Christ is truly God's firstborn (in fulfillment)...

So I believe the story of Jacob's labor with Laban (in genesis) prophesies the plan of God through Christ, and details that Christ has "two brides".

----

The story of Jacob's labor details two wives given to him. Jacob was promised his beloved Rachel for his initial labor but was instead given Leah as his bride. Leah wasn't the bride he wanted...he wanted his beloved Rachel, so he had to labor some more until he was finally given her. So Jacob had two brides: the one given to him first and the one he actually wanted, given to him last. And even though he loved them both, his last bride was his "beloved".

Jacob's first wife couldn't see very well but gave him the most offspring, while his second wife was barren, giving him no children. In the mean time, Jacob was given bond maidens to birth more offspring until God finally opened the womb of his second wife, giving him the least offspring...but they were his favorites.

Christ desires the city of New Jerusalem but was instead given The Church for now, whom he still loves...but it's not his beloved city. Christ was then tasked with more work to receive the bride he desired all along.

The Two Brides split by the Groom’s labor (prophesied by Jacob)​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]1. Jacob (called “Israel”) wanted Rachel but is given Leah for his initial labor[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]1. Christ (called “Israel”) was given his bride (the church) for the initial work he “finished”[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]2. Jacob works some more for Laban to receive his beloved...[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]2. I believe this is Christ ascending to God to “prepare a place"; New Jerusalem[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]3. Jacob finally received his beloved Rachel as his bride AFTER additional labor[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. Christ will come again to receive his beloved New Jerusalem AFTER he’s finishes his additional work[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


We can go even deeper with this scripture’s comparisons for more prophetic details...

The Children of God received from each bride (prophesied by Jacob's sons)​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]1. Leah ("Israel’s" first bride) had "poor eyesight", but birthed the most sons (6)[/TD]
[TD]1. Unable to see well, Christ’s early church couldn't understand the timing of the kingdom (Acts 1:7), but through them gave Christ the most followers/children of God[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2. Jacob was given bondmaids for (4) more sons, while beloved Rachel was still barren[/TD]
[TD]2. Christ was given the gentile nations to produce more followers/children; while New Jerusalem is still barren as the world awaits the "children of God" to manifest (Romans 8:9)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3. Rachel (the desired bride) finally conceived last, giving "Israel" the fewest sons (2)...but they were his favorites.[/TD]
[TD]3. New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2), the bride Christ wants, will birth last and give him the fewest "children" (144,000; Rev 7) compared to all of his other children (The Great Multitude; Rev 7)...and they'll be his closest.[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

The kingdom of God is his children, but just like with Jacob's sons, each group will have different characteristics based on the "woman/nation" they came from:

- The shining city of New Jerusalem (Rachel) is the Bride Christ truly desires, but she's currently barren and/or hasn't been given to Christ.

- For his initial labor Christ was given The Early Church from Israel (Leah), whom he still united with in love (i.e. baptism of Holy Spirit) to produce the most children. And having characteristics of their "mother" (Israel); these children couldn't see the timing of the kingdom, but obeyed the oracles of God, had the faith of Christ, but they still had corrupt flesh and still died.

- Then Christ was given The Gentile Nations (bond maidens) in the mean time whom he also united with in love (i.e. baptism of Holy Spirit) to produce more children. And having characteristics of their "mothers" (gentiles/pagan backgrounds); these children do not obey the oracles of God, but still have the faith of Christ. Yet they also still have corrupt flesh and still die.

- Again New Jerusalem (Rachel) is barren. But when she is finally given to Christ - and her womb opened - she will produce beloved children who obey the oracles of God (unlike the gentiles because she's not a bond maiden), have the faith of Christ, and also have incorruptible flesh and will never die.

-----

OR from the perspective/dimension of Christ's work, I think The Church more so represents Christ's Body, because of these parallels:

As a whole, the church fulfills Christ’s passion​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]1. Christ's body is broken during his scourging, like the bread he broke.[/TD]
[TD]1. Body of Christ is broken into multiple denominations; many daily breads[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2. Christ is blindfolded and doesn't prophesy when asked[/TD]
[TD]2. Body of Christ can't see prophecy nor speak it accurately[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3. Christ is given a crown of thorns over his head (thorns = "cares of world, riches & lusts" Matt 13:22; Mark 4:18-19)[/TD]
[TD]3. Body of Christ (as a whole) is more distracted by the cares of this world, attaining riches and lusts of things.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]4. Christ is severely beaten until image is unrecognizable (Isa 52:14)[/TD]
[TD]4. Because of persecution by the world, Christ's original image is no longer recognizable in Body of Christ as a whole[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]5. Christ is given a purple/scarlet robe to wear, depending on gospel (Matthew 27:27-28; John 19:1-2)[/TD]
[TD]5. The Great Whore wears purple/scarlet color in Rev 17:4 [Catholicism is included in The Body][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]6. Christ is given a staff and mocked as an authority by Roman soldiers[/TD]
[TD]6. Body of Christ is mocked as a religious authority by the nations[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]7. All sin falls on Christ and he becomes the serpent on the pole (Jn 3:14)[/TD]
[TD]7. Body of Christ (generally speaking) integrated pagan/mystery rituals & doctrines; falling away from the pure gospel[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]8. Holy Spirit of God leaves Christ during his crucifixion[/TD]
[TD]8. No significant Holy Spirit miracles for Body of Christ during this time, unlike early church[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]9. Judgment falls on Christ for world's sins, and he dies...for God so loves the world.[/TD]
[TD]9. I believe tribulation has and must fall on the body of Christ for the world's sins, because how can the world be judged if it wasn't taught the pure truth from God's priests?[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]10. Christ was dead for 3 days/nights; and rose back to life on 3rd day[/TD]
[TD]10. Body of Christ has been going to the grave for 2 days (2000 yrs per 2 Pet 3:8) so far. The very next millennium is the 3rd day when Christ body will rise again.[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


Of course there are exceptions but on the whole, I feel Christ's body is crucified and sown into the world to reconcile the world to God in fulfillment of Christ's own crucifixion and burial; that's the body's task (to follow Christ, its head)...and then THE Bride is taken from Christ's Body as the body sleeps (in death/grave) in fulfillment of Adam and Eve from Genesis. Finally, when the bride is fully created, Christ's Body will wake from its sleep (resurrection) and enter into the marriage supper with The Bride, again in fulfillment of Adam and Eve.

The Creation of the Bride (prophesied by Adam & Christ)​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]1. God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]1. Christ (the 2nd Adam) entered into the sleep of death (on the cross)[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]1. The Body/Carcass has been dying for 2 days [Matt. 24:28][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]2. Adam's side was opened; out came a rib from his body[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]2. Christ's side was pierced open (by the soldier); out came blood & water.[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]2. A portion of Christians will be removed (or set apart) from The greater Body.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]3. The rib was molded into a woman (i.e. “from the man”)[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. It is written that Christ's bride would have "the living water"[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. I believe this portion becomes the 144,000, separate from The Great Multitude/The Body[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]4. The woman was named "Chavah" (Hebrew; translated to Eve) which means "life"[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]4. The blood & water are the symbols of "life"[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. This group will not die/sleep, but will remain alive [1 Cor. 15:51][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]5. The man awakes & the woman became his bride in marriage[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]5. The Bridegroom resurrects & ushers in kingdom w/the early Church (bride)[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]5. The Body of Christ will resurrect (from death) and those who remain alive join them in the air to be changed (Marriage to Christ)[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

------

I believe both of these views of The Bride may be true depending on the perspective.

 

[dcontroversal]

I think God's plan operates on multiple dimensions and depending on the purpose that God means to accomplish, I think The Church either represents "Christ's body" or Christ's *1st* bride...but I don't think it is *THE* Bride (New Jerusalem).

- Jacob is called "Israel",

- Israel is called "God's firstborn",

- But Christ is truly God's firstborn (in fulfillment)...

So I believe the story of Jacob's labor with Laban (in genesis) prophesies the plan of God through Christ, and details that Christ has "two brides".

----

The story of Jacob's labor details two wives given to him. Jacob was promised his beloved Rachel for his initial labor but was instead given Leah as his bride. Leah wasn't the bride he wanted...he wanted his beloved Rachel, so he had to labor some more until he was finally given her. So Jacob had two brides: the one given to him first and the one he actually wanted, given to him last. And even though he loved them both, his last bride was his "beloved".

Jacob's first wife couldn't see very well but gave him the most offspring, while his second wife was barren, giving him no children. In the mean time, Jacob was given bond maidens to birth more offspring until God finally opened the womb of his second wife, giving him the least offspring...but they were his favorites.

Christ desires the city of New Jerusalem but was instead given The Church for now, whom he still loves...but it's not his beloved city. Christ was then tasked with more work to receive the bride he desired all along.

The Two Brides split by the Groom’s labor (prophesied by Jacob)​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]1. Jacob (called “Israel”) wanted Rachel but is given Leah for his initial labor
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]1. Christ (called “Israel”) was given his bride (the church) for the initial work he “finished”
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]2. Jacob works some more for Laban to receive his beloved...
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]2. I believe this is Christ ascending to God to “prepare a place"; New Jerusalem
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]3. Jacob finally received his beloved Rachel as his bride AFTER additional labor
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. Christ will come again to receive his beloved New Jerusalem AFTER he’s finishes his additional work
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


We can go even deeper with this scripture’s comparisons for more prophetic details...

The Children of God received from each bride (prophesied by Jacob's sons)​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]1. Leah ("Israel’s" first bride) had "poor eyesight", but birthed the most sons (6)
[/TD]
[TD]1. Unable to see well, Christ’s early church couldn't understand the timing of the kingdom (Acts 1:7), but through them gave Christ the most followers/children of God
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2. Jacob was given bondmaids for (4) more sons, while beloved Rachel was still barren
[/TD]
[TD]2. Christ was given the gentile nations to produce more followers/children; while New Jerusalem is still barren as the world awaits the "children of God" to manifest (Romans 8:9)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3. Rachel (the desired bride) finally conceived last, giving "Israel" the fewest sons (2)...but they were his favorites.
[/TD]
[TD]3. New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2), the bride Christ wants, will birth last and give him the fewest "children" (144,000; Rev 7) compared to all of his other children (The Great Multitude; Rev 7)...and they'll be his closest.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

The kingdom of God is his children, but just like with Jacob's sons, each group will have different characteristics based on the "woman/nation" they came from:

- The shining city of New Jerusalem (Rachel) is the Bride Christ truly desires, but she's currently barren and/or hasn't been given to Christ.

- For his initial labor Christ was given The Early Church from Israel (Leah), whom he still united with in love (i.e. baptism of Holy Spirit) to produce the most children. And having characteristics of their "mother" (Israel); these children couldn't see the timing of the kingdom, but obeyed the oracles of God, had the faith of Christ, but they still had corrupt flesh and still died.

- Then Christ was given The Gentile Nations (bond maidens) in the mean time whom he also united with in love (i.e. baptism of Holy Spirit) to produce more children. And having characteristics of their "mothers" (gentiles/pagan backgrounds); these children do not obey the oracles of God, but still have the faith of Christ. Yet they also still have corrupt flesh and still die.

- Again New Jerusalem (Rachel) is barren. But when she is finally given to Christ - and her womb opened - she will produce beloved children who obey the oracles of God (unlike the gentiles because she's not a bond maiden), have the faith of Christ, and also have incorruptible flesh and will never die.

-----

OR from the perspective/dimension of Christ's work, I think The Church more so represents Christ's Body, because of these parallels:

As a whole, the church fulfills Christ’s passion​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]1. Christ's body is broken during his scourging, like the bread he broke.
[/TD]
[TD]1. Body of Christ is broken into multiple denominations; many daily breads
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2. Christ is blindfolded and doesn't prophesy when asked
[/TD]
[TD]2. Body of Christ can't see prophecy nor speak it accurately
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3. Christ is given a crown of thorns over his head (thorns = "cares of world, riches & lusts" Matt 13:22; Mark 4:18-19)
[/TD]
[TD]3. Body of Christ (as a whole) is more distracted by the cares of this world, attaining riches and lusts of things.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]4. Christ is severely beaten until image is unrecognizable (Isa 52:14)
[/TD]
[TD]4. Because of persecution by the world, Christ's original image is no longer recognizable in Body of Christ as a whole
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]5. Christ is given a purple/scarlet robe to wear, depending on gospel (Matthew 27:27-28; John 19:1-2)
[/TD]
[TD]5. The Great Whore wears purple/scarlet color in Rev 17:4 [Catholicism is included in The Body]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]6. Christ is given a staff and mocked as an authority by Roman soldiers
[/TD]
[TD]6. Body of Christ is mocked as a religious authority by the nations
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]7. All sin falls on Christ and he becomes the serpent on the pole (Jn 3:14)
[/TD]
[TD]7. Body of Christ (generally speaking) integrated pagan/mystery rituals & doctrines; falling away from the pure gospel
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]8. Holy Spirit of God leaves Christ during his crucifixion
[/TD]
[TD]8. No significant Holy Spirit miracles for Body of Christ during this time, unlike early church
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]9. Judgment falls on Christ for world's sins, and he dies...for God so loves the world.
[/TD]
[TD]9. I believe tribulation has and must fall on the body of Christ for the world's sins, because how can the world be judged if it wasn't taught the pure truth from God's priests?
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]10. Christ was dead for 3 days/nights; and rose back to life on 3rd day
[/TD]
[TD]10. Body of Christ has been going to the grave for 2 days (2000 yrs per 2 Pet 3:8) so far. The very next millennium is the 3rd day when Christ body will rise again.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


Of course there are exceptions but on the whole, I feel Christ's body is crucified and sown into the world to reconcile the world to God in fulfillment of Christ's own crucifixion and burial; that's the body's task (to follow Christ, its head)...and then THE Bride is taken from Christ's Body as the body sleeps (in death/grave) in fulfillment of Adam and Eve from Genesis. Finally, when the bride is fully created, Christ's Body will wake from its sleep (resurrection) and enter into the marriage supper with The Bride, again in fulfillment of Adam and Eve.

The Creation of the Bride (prophesied by Adam & Christ)​

[TABLE="class: cms_table_outer_border, width: 550, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]1. God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]1. Christ (the 2nd Adam) entered into the sleep of death (on the cross)
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]1. The Body/Carcass has been dying for 2 days [Matt. 24:28]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]2. Adam's side was opened; out came a rib from his body
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]2. Christ's side was pierced open (by the soldier); out came blood & water.
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]2. A portion of Christians will be removed (or set apart) from The greater Body.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]3. The rib was molded into a woman (i.e. “from the man”)
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. It is written that Christ's bride would have "the living water"
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. I believe this portion becomes the 144,000, separate from The Great Multitude/The Body
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]4. The woman was named "Chavah" (Hebrew; translated to Eve) which means "life"
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]4. The blood & water are the symbols of "life"
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]3. This group will not die/sleep, but will remain alive [1 Cor. 15:51]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]5. The man awakes & the woman became his bride in marriage
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]5. The Bridegroom resurrects & ushers in kingdom w/the early Church (bride)
[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]5. The Body of Christ will resurrect (from death) and those who remain alive join them in the air to be changed (Marriage to Christ)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

------

I believe both of these views of The Bride may be true depending on the perspective.

Brother, I really appreciate the in depth post and it gives a lot to ponder and consider. Thanks a lot mi amigo.

 

[watcher2013]

Turn to Hosea 1 and 2, and you will find that God in the OT promises the Samaritans that He will betroth Himself to them in tru fidelity as a husband to his bride.

He did betroth himself to them "Jerusalem" that is why Jesus (with his body - the Church) will marry the New Jerusalem.

Christ also uses the analogy in the story of the Maidens with Oil Lamps.

The maidens are (virgins) meeting the bridegroom not the Bride meeting the bridegroom...

John the Baptist calls himself the friend of the Groom

Friend of the Groom not the Bride...look also Mat 9:15

referring to Christ. St. John the Apostle consistently uses the imagery of Christ as the Husband and the Church as the Bride.

If you are going to really look at the verses...
the Husband and wife were figuratively used as case for authority...the headship of Christ to the Church (the Body)
this is consistent with 1Cor 12
1Co_12:27
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

It comes down to one major point, I am the Bride of Christ, you are the Bride of Christ, We are the Bride of Christ. Meaning that the Bride of Christ is extremely personal, but is openly shared with all of God's children.

Maybe its time to change you belief to match the bible, rather than change the meaning of the bible to match your belief...

We are the Body of Christ...MEMBERS in PARTICULAR.

Also, remember that the New Jerusalem is where we are to live. So, the New Jerusalem is dressed as a Bride, meaning to me, the New Jerusalem is the Wedding Gown, we are still the Bride.

That is when Jesus with the Church marry the Bride..the New Jerusalem...
Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

 

[watcher2013]

I think God's plan operates on multiple dimensions and depending on the purpose that God means to accomplish, I think The Church either represents "Christ's body" or Christ's *1st* bride...but I don't think it is *THE* Bride (New Jerusalem).

- Jacob is called "Israel",

- Israel is called "God's firstborn",

- But Christ is truly God's firstborn (in fulfillment)...

So I believe the story of Jacob's labor with Laban (in genesis) prophesies the plan of God through Christ, and details that Christ has "two brides".

----

The story of Jacob's labor details two wives given to him. Jacob was promised his beloved Rachel for his initial labor but was instead given Leah as his bride. Leah wasn't the bride he wanted...he wanted his beloved Rachel, so he had to labor some more until he was finally given her. So Jacob had two brides: the one given to him first and the one he actually wanted, given to him last. And even though he loved them both, his last bride was his "beloved".

Jacob's first wife couldn't see very well but gave him the most offspring, while his second wife was barren, giving him no children. In the mean time, Jacob was given bond maidens to birth more offspring until God finally opened the womb of his second wife, giving him the least offspring...but they were his favorites.

Christ desires the city of New Jerusalem but was instead given The Church for now, whom he still loves...but it's not his beloved city. Christ was then tasked with more work to receive the bride he desired all along...

I think you are better believing that the Church is the body rather than "the 1st Bride"....
You are stretching the verses of the bible to suit this belief...
If you are going to used "leah and Rachel" as figuratively the bride..
how about "bilhah (Rachel's maid) and Zilpah (Leah's maid)..you also need to add concubines...

stay with the bible do not stretch it too much.

 

[The_highwayman]

The Greek word that is translated (the) is a definite article and points to what IS KNOWN and is absolute when used in context such as....

THE God of heaven
The Savior of the world
The wicked
etc.

When it comes to THE BRIDE of Christ and the modern teaching the permeates society I have questions...and please note the following....


Revelation 21:9-10 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying , COME THITHER, I will shew thee THE BRIDE, the LAMB'S WIFE. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me THAT GREAT CITY, the HOLY JERUSALEM descending out of heaven from God.

Revelation 21:1-2 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God, out of heaven, prepared as A BRIDE adorned for HER HUSBAND.

John, under inspiration of God calls New Jerusalem the Bride, the Lambs wife and states that she has been prepared and adorned as THE bride fro her husband (Jesus)

Why are such words used if the Church is THE BRIDE of Christ?

Not being mouthy or contentious as I am asking why these words are used.

I know everybody uses the book of Ephesians to teach that (the church) is the bride and will remind all that Paul in Ephesians does not say that the Church is the bride, but rather we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. With the comparison being drawn between the love a man would have for his wife as compared to the love that Christ has for his church(es).

Show me where it says in black, white or red that the modern day Gentile church is the Bride of Christ.

The Bible clearly tell us in black and white the bride of Christ is Jerusalem. Paul is doing a lot of things in EPh 5, but he never, ever said in black and white and in direct terms the Gentile Church is the bride.

Stones will fly, but the word is the word.

 

[dcontroversal]

Show me where it says in black, white or red that the modern day Gentile church is the Bride of Christ.

The Bible clearly tell us in black and white the bride of Christ is Jerusalem. Paul is doing a lot of things in EPh 5, but he never, ever said in black and white and in direct terms the Gentile Church is the bride.

Stones will fly, but the word is the word.

Read down a few more post and open your eyes brother as I agree with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never said it was and if you read all my responses you will see that I don't buy modern day theology about the bride and who it is!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dcontroversal]

Show me where it says in black, white or red that the modern day Gentile church is the Bride of Christ.

The Bible clearly tell us in black and white the bride of Christ is Jerusalem. Paul is doing a lot of things in EPh 5, but he never, ever said in black and white and in direct terms the Gentile Church is the bride.

Stones will fly, but the word is the word.

Originally Posted by watcher2013

great post DC....

Jesus is the Head...
the Church is the Body:
The new Jerusalem is the Bride....

Soon at the marriage they will become One...

From the very beginning that was the purpose...God dwelling with his people...

First In the garden...then in the wilderness (tabernacle)..then the temple in Jerusalem and then (the flesh temple of God - Jesus Christ)..then we are looking for that New Jerusalem the New Bride where God will dwell with his people.
You know, that is the conclusion that I have come to. The unification of God with his people in New Jerusalem. Thanks for the reply and the thoughts!

You know, that is the conclusion that I have come to. The unification of God with his people in New Jerusalem. Thanks for the reply and the thoughts!

 

[The_highwayman]

Read down a few more post and open your eyes brother as I agree with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never said it was and if you read all my responses you will see that I don't buy modern day theology about the bride and who it is!!!!!!!!!!

sorry DC I was heading out as I typed this, so no offense or anything, I had no time to read other things, just was getting the reply out and it was not meant to be rude or anything!

 

[lookuptoseeJesus]

Ezek 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
Ezek 11:20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

the new covenant
the new Jerusalem

Keep my word and I will keep you...

Jer 32:39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
Jer 32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
Jer 32:41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

God's WHOLE SOUL he will give to us
sounds like individual marriage to each part of the body, one body many fingers and toes

 

[dcontroversal]

sorry DC I was heading out as I typed this, so no offense or anything, I had no time to read other things, just was getting the reply out and it was not meant to be rude or anything!

No biggie mi amigo and no problem!

 

[watcher2013]

what sad about this:
even though the bible clearly identify the Bride as the New Jerusalem...there are still believers out there that will ignore this truth and continue with their belief that the bride is the church without even have a direct reference in the bible.