What does it mean when Christians are called the bride of Christ?
Here's the answer:
Sometimes God's Word gives us examples of things we know about to help describe something God wants us to understand. We know what marriage is, so in the Bible God uses that as an example to help us understand our relationship with Him.
A husband and wife love each other very much, and God loves us even more than that! When a man and woman are engaged, that means they are promising one another that soon they will be together forever. Right now, Jesus is waiting for us in heaven just like a groom waits to marry his bride. One day, Jesus will come back for all Christians—even the ones who are already dead! He will take Christians to live with Him, just like a bride and groom live together after they are married.
The book of Revelation talks about the time when Jesus comes to get us like a wedding: "Let us be joyful and glad! Let us give him glory! It is time for the Lamb's wedding. His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear" (Revelation 19:7–8). While we wait for Jesus to come for us, we can get ready by obeying His words and following Him closer and closer each day!
Bible Truth
"Husbands, love your wives. Love them just as Christ loved the church. He gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God. Believe in me also. There are many rooms in my Father's house. If this were not true, would I have told you that I am going there? Would I have told you that I would prepare a place for you there? If I go and do that, I will come back. And I will take you to be with me. Then you will also be where I am" (John 14:1–3).