St. Paul uses the phrases ‘the body of Christ’, ‘the temple of Christ’ or ‘the bride of Christ’ to express the relationship between Christ and the Church. "I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure bride to her, one husband" (2 Cor. 11:2) "Christ is the head of the church, His body and Himself its savior. Moreover the church is the bride of Christ" (Eph. 5:22-33).

We can see the glory given to the Bride here (Eph. 5:26-27). "That he might sanctify her having cleansed her by the washing of water, with the word that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing that she might be holy and without blemish." So it is clear that the bride should stand without spot or wrinkle but with splendor. That is why he sanctified her and cleansed her by his sacrifice on the Cross.

Christ, the bridegroom, is so much interest in us that he is ready to accept us as his bride. So we should accept him and should lead a holy life. As members of the church each one of us is the bride of Christ. The bride should act only in accordance with the likes and the dislikes of the bridegroom. The bride should love all whom the bridegroom loves and should be loyal and faithful to Him.

Our bridegroom has gone to set a home for us. He will come back in glory as a King. We should be holy so that we can stand uncondemned in His second coming. As individuals and in group we should become perfect as the bride of Christ. It is His promise that he will come again and take us as His bride.

Memorization: (Psalm 45:10-11)
"Hear, O daughter consider and incline your ear. Forget your people and your father’s house, and the King will desire your beauty. Since he is your Lord, bow to him."

Questions:

1. What are our responsibilities as the bride of Christ?
2. What is our hope as the bride of Christ?