CHRIST LOVES HIS CHURCH WITH INCOMPARABLE LOVE. The measure of His love for His church cannot be reckoned. It is the love of One who is the very essence of love. He is all that the word love implies and then far greater. The human mind cannot comprehend such extreme love. Calvary is but one aspect and expression of His love. That love reaches its climax in a marriage. The marriage of Christ and His church is the grandest event ever to be consummated in this world. This is THE GREAT MYSTERY. That Christ should desire marriage with His church is in itself a mystery. His great desire toward that accomplishment is constantly expressed in the Word of the Lord. His anticipation of the marriage may be seen in His ministry. His first miracle was at a wedding. What was mere water was created a new and made to be the best of wine. Truly, the best has been reserved for the last days. Many of His parables and statements related to marriage. Eph. 5:22 It is my purpose to borrow the words of Paul; < Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel >. Eph. 6:19 It is not an easy subject to present to the church. Not all are willing to receive the message of a union between Christ and His church, in marriage. Not only is it the mystery of the gospel it is the heart and focus of the Lord. It is the reason for the whole plan of salvation. It is the achievement of His eternal goal.
THE BRIDEGROOM. Interesting that John the Baptist would from the very beginning of His ministry refer to Him as the bridegroom. John was just the friend of the bridegroom and acknowledged Jesus to be the anticipated one. It is the bridegroom who is to receive the bride as His one and only. John 3:29 Paul was jealous over the church with a godly jealousy. which poses the question, is God jealous? Yes, extremely and righteously so. He has stated; < I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God >. Ex. 20:5 This emotion is stirred in Him when His beloved turns to idols and other gods. He even expresses greater indignation by stating that His name is < Jealous > and that He is a jealous God. Ex. 34:14 Paul had committed the church to Christ and to Him only. She is already promised, engaged to the Lord Jesus. In Bible times that was a strong and full pledge. Living in the hour of the marriage, how great our covenant of marriage should be with Him. He would present the church to Christ as a pure, uncontaminated virgin. What an importance holiness before the Lord is to the church. 2 Cor. 11:2 The unhindered, the virgins focus is on the Lord and the affairs of the Lord. She is devoted to the Lord in spirit and body, total promised to Him.1 Cor. 7:34 The emphasis of Ephesians five is on the relationship between the man of true love and His lover, his bride to be, the church. This chapter is excellent for our human relationships and marriages. It should be observed and practiced in all Christian marriages. But, the greater message is that blessed union between two beings, in whom the love of God dwells. Eph. 5:32
THE NATURE OF THE BRIDE. Her actions that prove her to be a member of the bride. There are certain divine requirements, which if lacking, would exclude one from being a member of the bride. Submission is mandatory. That which is required of the natural is greatly increased in the spiritual. Eph. 5:22 We note that the natural, carnal mind is in hostility to the Lord. It will not, nor can it submit to the will of God. Those who live in the flesh and are motivated by the wants and desires of the flesh, whether in or outside of the church, cannot please the Lord. Therefore they will be excluded from the Bride of Christ, by their own will and actions. Rom. 8:7 The church is to be in full submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. She is to live and manifest perfect obedience unto Him. Submission or obedience unto Christ pleases Him. The more we please Him the more He pours out of His love, grace and Spirit upon us. In return, the greater we love Him and surrender unto Him. Then, our joy and love is increased by leaps and bounds. It becomes a very pleasant circle of growth and increase in the Lord. His bride will be in submission to Him, in every aspect of her life. Her life is His life, lived in her. Eph. 5:24