The Most Beautiful Bride


I have recently been involved in a summer Theology class studying Christology and the analogy of the Church as the Bride of Christ. I have been reminded of many astonishing and refreshing details along the way, such as the analogy in Ephesians 5 regarding Christ and the Church as compared to a husband and wife. It is so awe-inspiring and convicting to re-learn all of the things that should characterize the Church, as well as recognize God's never ending love and faithfulness for His bride.
I am reminded of the Old Testament narrative of Hosea and Gomer in Hosea 1-3. Hosea was an upstanding, loyal prophet, while Gomer was a prostitute. Nonetheless, God commanded Hosea to take Gomer as his wife and be faithful to her, despite her unfaithfulness. Hosea obeys and he and Gomer have three children together, whose names are symbolic of God’s feelings toward Israel. Then the bad gets worse and Gomer goes back to her life of prostitution and is finally placed on the auction block. However, Hosea is not allowed to give up. In obedience to God he goes to Gomer and buys her back. She was his wife, but he proceeds to purchase her back. He then speaks lovingly to her, telling her to leave her life of prostitution and be faithful to him as he is to her. God used the story of Hosea and Gomer to act as a depiction of His undying love and faithfulness to Israel, in the midst of her unfaithfulness and worship of false gods. In the same way, Christ is faithful and loving to the New Testament Church as His bride, despite her mistakes and flaws.
On another personal note, I never dated anyone in high school and neither did my college roommate. However, we both got boyfriends around the same time during my junior year and her sophomore year at Moody. We went through many of the same emotions and feelings of excitement at being cared for by two godly young men. As our relationships progressed, my roommate and I shared with each other times we had messed up or things we had to tell our boyfriends that we were not looking forward to; but we each noticed that even when these things happened our guys still expressed their love and care for us. We confided in each other the feelings of unworthiness and awe at their seemingly unconditional love, even after we hurt them or acted less than lady-like. As these feelings continued I was reminded of Christ’s love for His children; His bride. We do not deserve or earn the love and faithfulness of Christ. There is nothing we can do to merit this gift. Rather, Romans 5:8 says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Despite our mistakes and sin He continues to purify us and put us in a right relationship with Him, so that one day we will reign with Him as His spotless bride. I was amazed by my boyfriend’s love and care for me, but how much more awesome and beautiful is the love, care, and faithfulness of a perfect, holy God? I cannot even fathom it. 
 I anxiously await the day the Bride of Christ takes her place with the Bridegroom and the relationship is fulfilled to completion. Until then, I will continue to marvel in this relationship of unparalleled love and faithfulness.

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