THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

What I am about to say is my opinion, my theory, as to the identity of the Bride of Christ.  It is not meant to be taken as biblical truth.  It is merely my understanding of God's Word. 

The Old Testament clearly states that Israel is their Creator's bride: 

"For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called" (Isa. 54:5).

And yet, the New Testament is equally clear when it says: 

"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 hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:9)! 

Does God have two brides?  Is Israel the Father's bride, and the Church the bride of Christ?  It is possible, but I doubt it.  Remember, the Lamb is the Creator (Jn. 1:1-3, 29, 36; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1-2).

First, let's look at a description of the Bride.  I believe that Revelation 21:9-21 is a metaphorical description of the Bride of Christ.  After all, the Bride is said to be a single city, the New Jerusalem (v. 10).  The walled city will have twelve gates, each one having the name of one of the twelve Tribes of Israel (v. 12).  The wall, itself, will be built on twelve foundations, each one having the name of one of the twelve Apostles of the Church (v. 14).  That means, at least to me, that the Bride of Christ will be made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ.  In other words, the Church (2 Cor. 11:2; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 22-33; Col. 3:11), and Messianic Jews, whose eyes are opened during the Abomination of Desolation, which takes place in the middle of the Tribulation (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15; Rom. 11:25; Rev. 12-13). 

Also, I find it very interesting that what began with lost mankind being cast out of God's presence, ends with saved humanity spending eternity with Him!  It appears the heavenly city will be like the Garden of Eden after Adam sinned, when God placed angels (plural, and yet only one sword) to prevent sinners from entering (Gen. 3:24).  However, here in the New Jerusalem, there are twelve gates, which never close (Rev. 21:25), and there is only one angel stationed at each, to welcome God's children home (Rev. 21:12; 25-27).  One book (the Word is the sword) kept Adam out, and one book (the Lamb's Book of Life) will ensure our eternal access!

 

Praise God!  We are His children; we are His bride; and we are His workmanship!