The Bride of Christ

Ephesians 5:25-27
Revelation 19:6-9

This is a picture that looks forward to the future age, when our relationship with Jesus becomes complete and perfect. Like a bride on her wedding day, the very imperfect Church that we know (a bit like Cinderella – dirty, despised, and dressed in rags) will be ‘made-up’ and dressed in her best to become a creature of dazzling beauty.
The relationship between Christ and His Church is one of love. He died for her in the first place, and He now cares for her and is in the process of transforming her into a partner who is fully worthy of Him.

The same picture of a bride is used of the nation of Israel in the Old Testament (e.g. Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 2:2). Unfortunately Israel tended to play the part of an unfaithful wife, turning away from God to worship fertility gods and other idols (Hosea 3:1). And Satan is still trying to lead the Church astray by means of false teachings (II Corinthians 11:2-4).

No self-respecting woman would fail to make the necessary preparations for her wedding day! The Revelation passage tells us that we are to be dressed in ‘righteous acts’ – an outfit that Christ will give to us, but we still have to put it on!