THE CHURCH IS NOT THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

[Doug]

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Paul here is not saying the church, the body of Christ, is the bride of Christ. Paul is using espousal to illustrate the faithfulness and purity of the church unto Christ Jesus.

[2Corinthians 11:3-4 KJV] 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

In the above verses Paul is admonishing the church for following other apostles and another gospel. He was exhorting them to remain faithful to Christ as they received him from Paul.

[Ephesians 5:23, 32 KJV] 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ... 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

The relationship the church has with Christ is expressed by marriage. Christ is the head of the church just as the husband is head of the wife.

[Isaiah 62:4-5 KJV] 4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. 5 For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

[Isaiah 54:5 KJV] 5 For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

[Hosea 2:19-20 KJV] 19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

A number of verses express a marriage relationship with Israel as seen above.

[Revelation 21:2, 9-10 KJV] 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ... 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The holy city, the new Jerusalem is described as being the bride, the lamb's wife; this is the bride of Christ, not the church, the body of Christ.

[Rev 21:12 KJV] 12 And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

The twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates.

[Rev 21:14 KJV] 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The names of the twelve apostles of Israel are written in the foundations.

[Rev 21:24 KJV] 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Some Gentile nations will be saved to enter the kingdom on earth depending on how they treated Israel in the tribulation (Matthew 25:31-34); the nations that will enter the holy city will do so as a result of the ministry of the priesthood of believing Israel in the kingdom on earth (Zechariah 8:22-23 Exodus 19:6 Revelation 5:10 20:6).

 

[ScottA]

Ugh!

Why do you attempt to separate what God has joined together in blessing "all the nations of the earth" only beginning with Abraham and Israel? Do you not understand that in the marriage, all become "One?"

 

[Doug]

Ugh!

Why do you attempt to separate what God has joined together in blessing "all the nations of the earth" only beginning with Abraham and Israel? Do you not understand that in the marriage, all become "One?"

[Eph 1:10 KJV] 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

All things will be in one

 

[Brakelite]

True.
“35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. ”
Luke 12:35-38 KJV

Unfeigned Bible

Unfeigned Bible

www.unfeignedbible.app

See also the parable of the ten virgins.

Jesus, when He comes, is returning from the wedding. He has received His kingdom, adorned as a bride for her husband. Then He, the Bridegroom, returns for the guests, the 5 wise virgins, and we will be brought together to the marriage supper of the Lamb (not the wedding), if we are dressed appropriately, that being in the righteousness of Christ.

 

[ScottA]

The passages here regarding the marriage, the bride, and the servants, are given in translation which does not translate well on a timeline. Which has the effect of making it appear that the servants are not the bride, but this is not so. Just as it is correct to say we "were" crucified with Christ, yet live and die in our different times, it is also correct to say and to understand that we "were" in the wedding--which did not actually occur on this timeline of history as it would seem, but was/is only experienced that way by the nature of this world as revealed over time.

The same is true of the Lamb that "was" slain before the foundation of the world.

In other words, matters of time versus those of eternity, are both written--both as they truly are. But the one is told according to God's timeless truth, and the other according to the times of this world in the order of their revealing. Both are true--but mixing them does not make for the truth--but rather "rightly dividing" them. Such is "the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

 

[R.C.Jones]

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Paul here is not saying the church, the body of Christ, is the bride of Christ. Paul is using espousal to illustrate the faithfulness and purity of the church unto Christ Jesus.

[2Corinthians 11:3-4 KJV] 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

In the above verses Paul is admonishing the church for following other apostles and another gospel. He was exhorting them to remain faithful to Christ as they received him from Paul.

[Ephesians 5:23, 32 KJV] 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ... 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

The relationship the church has with Christ is expressed by marriage. Christ is the head of the church just as the husband is head of the wife.

[Isaiah 62:4-5 KJV] 4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. 5 For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

[Isaiah 54:5 KJV] 5 For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

[Hosea 2:19-20 KJV] 19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

A number of verses express a marriage relationship with Israel as seen above.

[Revelation 21:2, 9-10 KJV] 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ... 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The holy city, the new Jerusalem is described as being the bride, the lamb's wife; this is the bride of Christ, not the church, the body of Christ.

[Rev 21:12 KJV] 12 And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

The twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates.

[Rev 21:14 KJV] 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The names of the twelve apostles of Israel are written in the foundations.

[Rev 21:24 KJV] 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Some Gentile nations will be saved to enter the kingdom on earth depending on how they treated Israel in the tribulation (Matthew 25:31-34); the nations that will enter the holy city will do so as a result of the ministry of the priesthood of believing Israel in the kingdom on earth (Zechariah 8:22-23 Exodus 19:6 Revelation 5:10 20:6).

Let’s critique the argument point by point, using SP principles, textual logic, and full Scriptural integration.

---

CLAIM BEING MADE:​

“The church is not the bride of Christ. Revelation 21 says the bride is the holy city, New Jerusalem, not the body of Christ.”

Let’s break this down into sections, evaluate each, and offer a response.

---

SECTION 1: 2 Corinthians 11 — Espousal, not Identity​

“Paul is using espousal merely as a metaphor for faithfulness—not literal identification.”

SP Response:​

• The language Paul uses: “I have espoused you to one husband” is not merely metaphorical. He is acting as a father presenting a virgin bride.
• In SP, espousal language is covenantal language. That is, it signifies a joining, not just an illustration of moral conduct.
• 2 Corinthians 11:2:
  

  “...that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
  The phrase “present you” is Levitical priestly language—used in offerings and bridal betrothals (cf. Gen 2:22, Ex 29:24).

This is more than a comparison; it is a pattern repetition of Eve being presented to Adam.

---

SECTION 2: Ephesians 5 — Christ is head of the church, but not husband?​

The argument admits marriage language but avoids the bridal identification.

“The relationship... is expressed by marriage, but it doesn't say the church is the bride.”

SP Response:​

• Ephesians 5:31–32:
  

  “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
  “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”

The text does not say “is like” or “as if”—Paul explicitly says:

“This [Genesis 2:24] is a mystery... but I am telling you it's about Christ and the church.”

In SP, mystery = hidden reality made visible by Christ.
This is not analogy, it’s revelation.

---

SECTION 3: OT Bridal Imagery Applied Only to Israel​

SP Response:​

• Yes, Israel is called the bride in the OT (Isaiah 62, Hosea 2), because she represents the initial elect covenant people.
• But in SP, we must always ask:
  

  “Where is this pattern fulfilled in Christ?”

Christ marries:

• Those drawn from Israel (first bride)
• Those drawn from the nations (second bride)

These are united in the new creation woman, just as Adam received Eve from his side—bone and flesh.

OT Israel is a type, but not the exclusive referent of the bride.

---

SECTION 4: Revelation 21 – The New Jerusalem = the Bride​

SP Response:​

Yes—Revelation 21:9–10 says:

“Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife... and he showed me the holy city, New Jerusalem.”

But the conclusion that this means the bride is not the church is flawed.


Here’s why:

1. The New Jerusalem is a city composed of people.
   • See Hebrews 12:22–23:
     

     “You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem... to the church of the firstborn...”

2. The New Jerusalem is prepared as a bride:
   • Rev 21:2: “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband”
   • This is visual language—it means the city is made up of the redeemed, both OT and NT saints.
3. Twelve tribes + Twelve apostles:
   • This shows unity of the covenants—Israel and the Church are joined as one bride.

In SP, Revelation 21 is the final form of the bride—Eve built from the side of the last Adam—not two separate brides.

---

SECTION 5: Nations Entering the City (Rev 21:24) = Proof that Church ≠ Bride?​

Some Gentile nations are saved during the kingdom age, therefore the bride must be different from them.

SP Response:​

• This confuses access to the city with identity as the city.
• The nations bring glory into her because they were redeemed by her intercession (as in Zechariah 8:23).
• The bride is the city—but those outside are not her, even if they are saved.

---

Final SP Evaluation:​

Claim Made	SP Verdict

Church is not the bride

Contradicts Paul’s plain teaching (Eph 5)

OT Israel alone is the bride

She is a type, not the fulfillment

Revelation’s “city” is not the church

The city is the final form of the church

Paul only uses espousal metaphorically

He explicitly says it's about Christ and church

There are multiple brides

No SP pattern supports a polygamous Christ

Christ has one bride, formed from both Jew and Gentile, built into one body, presented as one chaste virgin, and united to Him in the heavenly city which is the church in glory.

 

[Doug]

Let’s critique the argument point by point, using SP principles, textual logic, and full Scriptural integration.

---

CLAIM BEING MADE:​

Let’s break this down into sections, evaluate each, and offer a response.

---

SECTION 1: 2 Corinthians 11 — Espousal, not Identity​

SP Response:​

• The language Paul uses: “I have espoused you to one husband” is not merely metaphorical. He is acting as a father presenting a virgin bride.
• In SP, espousal language is covenantal language. That is, it signifies a joining, not just an illustration of moral conduct.
• 2 Corinthians 11:2:

This is more than a comparison; it is a pattern repetition of Eve being presented to Adam.

---

SECTION 2: Ephesians 5 — Christ is head of the church, but not husband?​

The argument admits marriage language but avoids the bridal identification.

SP Response:​

• Ephesians 5:31–32:

The text does not say “is like” or “as if”—Paul explicitly says:




In SP, mystery = hidden reality made visible by Christ.
This is not analogy, it’s revelation.

---

SECTION 3: OT Bridal Imagery Applied Only to Israel​

SP Response:​

• Yes, Israel is called the bride in the OT (Isaiah 62, Hosea 2), because she represents the initial elect covenant people.
• But in SP, we must always ask:

Christ marries:

• Those drawn from Israel (first bride)
• Those drawn from the nations (second bride)

OT Israel is a type, but not the exclusive referent of the bride.

---

SECTION 4: Revelation 21 – The New Jerusalem = the Bride​

SP Response:​

Yes—Revelation 21:9–10 says:




But the conclusion that this means the bride is not the church is flawed.


Here’s why:

1. The New Jerusalem is a city composed of people.
   • See Hebrews 12:22–23:
2. The New Jerusalem is prepared as a bride:
   • Rev 21:2: “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband”
   • This is visual language—it means the city is made up of the redeemed, both OT and NT saints.
3. Twelve tribes + Twelve apostles:
   • This shows unity of the covenants—Israel and the Church are joined as one bride.

In SP, Revelation 21 is the final form of the bride—Eve built from the side of the last Adam—not two separate brides.

---

SECTION 5: Nations Entering the City (Rev 21:24) = Proof that Church ≠ Bride?​

SP Response:​

• This confuses access to the city with identity as the city.
• The nations bring glory into her because they were redeemed by her intercession (as in Zechariah 8:23).
• The bride is the city—but those outside are not her, even if they are saved.

---

Final SP Evaluation:​

Claim Made	SP Verdict

Church is not the bride

Contradicts Paul’s plain teaching (Eph 5)

OT Israel alone is the bride

She is a type, not the fulfillment

Revelation’s “city” is not the church

The city is the final form of the church

Paul only uses espousal metaphorically

He explicitly says it's about Christ and church

There are multiple brides

No SP pattern supports a polygamous Christ

Christ has one bride, formed from both Jew and Gentile, built into one body, presented as one chaste virgin, and united to Him in the heavenly city which is the church in glory.

[Rev 3:12 KJV] 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

Whoever overcomes will have the name of the new Jerusalem

[1Jo 5:5 KJV] 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Who overcomes? Whoever believes Jesus is the Son of God

[Jhn 20:31 KJV] 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

It is Israel that had to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.......Israel did not have to believe on the cross for their salvation during the ministry of Christ and the twelve......redemption by thr cross was not revealed until it was revealed thru Paul
.
[Rev 21:9-10 KJV] 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The verse plainly says the holy Jerusalem is the bride.......Paul never calls the church the body of Christ his bride....he call the church a chaste virgin

[Rev 21:14 KJV] 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The fact that only the twelve apostles are named and not Paul identifies it with Israel

[Rev 21:27 KJV] 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

It is believing Israel written in the book of life.....Paul never says the body of Christ is

 

[R.C.Jones]

[Rev 3:12 KJV] 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

Whoever overcomes will have the name of the new Jerusalem

[1Jo 5:5 KJV] 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

...

It is believing Israel written in the book of life.....Paul never says the body of Christ is

️ Who Is the Bride? Who Overcomes? A Look at Revelation and the Gospel

Someone recently pointed out:

• Revelation 3:12 says overcomers will be named with New Jerusalem, the city of God.
• Revelation 21:2, 9–10 calls this city "the bride, the Lamb’s wife."
• Revelation 21:14 lists only the twelve apostles on the city’s foundations—not Paul.
• Therefore, the bride must be believing Israel, not the Church.

It’s a compelling chain—but there’s more going on beneath the surface.

What If the Bride Is Both a Person and a Place?​

Revelation uses symbolic language. The bride is shown as a city—just like the Church is described as a body, as a temple, as a field. These images aren’t in competition. They reveal different aspects of our union with Christ.


The city is the final form of the bride—the community of redeemed people, transformed into a holy dwelling place for God. Jew and Gentile, made one in Christ.

Who Overcomes?

1 John 5:5 is clear:

“Who is he that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

That’s not limited to Israel. Anyone—Jew or Gentile—who believes in the Son is part of that overcoming community.

️ Didn’t Paul Say the Church Is a Virgin, Not a Bride?​

Yes—Paul says the Church is a chaste virgin (2 Cor. 11:2). But that’s because the marriage hasn’t happened yet. Revelation 19:7 says:

“The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.”

She’s a virgin now, but she’s promised to Christ. That’s why Paul also says:

“This is a great mystery... I speak of Christ and the Church” (Eph. 5:32).

She is the bride—soon to be revealed in glory.

But What About the Twelve Apostles—Not Paul?

Revelation 21:14 mentions the twelve foundations with the names of the Lamb’s apostles. That’s perfectly consistent:

• Paul wasn’t one of the twelve—but he wasn’t excluded from the Church.
• Ephesians 2:20 says the Church is built on all the apostles and prophets—Paul included.

The city honors those first witnesses who walked with Jesus. But Paul himself said Gentiles are now fellow heirs, of the same body (Eph. 3:6).

And the Book of Life?

Revelation 21:27 says only those written in the Lamb’s Book of Life can enter. Some say this is only Israel—but that’s not what Scripture says.

• Paul names his coworkers in Philippians 4:3 and says their names are written there.
• Revelation 13:8 refers to all whose names are not written—meaning it includes everyone.
• Revelation 3:5 promises that every overcomer will be written in.

The Book of Life is for all the redeemed, not just one nation.

The Big Picture​

The New Jerusalem is the bride.
The bride is the Church—Jew and Gentile made one in Christ.
Overcomers are all who believe in Jesus as the Son of God.
The cross wasn’t a side note—it was always the center.

When we see the cross as the key, all the pieces fit together. The symbols stop competing. The bride, the city, the body, and the temple are all telling the same story:

Christ and His people—made one, through death and resurrection.

---

Would love to hear your thoughts and keep exploring the layers together.

 

[Doug]

That’s not limited to Israel. Anyone—Jew or Gentile—who believes in the Son is part of that overcoming community.

No but this was preached to Israel

 

[Doug]

Paul wasn’t one of the twelve—but he wasn’t excluded from the Church.

What church......he was not included in the believing remnant of Israel and in fact persecuted it......he was on the way to Damascus to persecute when he was saved......Christ started the body of Christ with Paul's conversion

 

[amigo de christo]

Ugh!

Why do you attempt to separate what God has joined together in blessing "all the nations of the earth" only beginning with Abraham and Israel? Do you not understand that in the marriage, all become "One?"

lets lengthen the part that follows the comma . All become one , WELL ALL WHO DO BELEIVE IN CHRIST JESUS .
cause muhammed , budda and many other followers of Christ denying doctrine gonna end badly .
The marriage of the bride and bridgroom .
But if any be married to false religoins and other paths
Bad ending .
SO lets do an action and a reaction teaching .
ACTION , TIME for all to preach the only name whereby a jew or gentile can be saved
and TIME for all to beleive on that lovely name .
reaction . YE SHALL BE SAVED and will not perish .

 

[Doug]

• Ephesians 2:20 says the Church is built on all the apostles and prophets—Paul included.

It could be only the twelve ...........could be only the apostles and prophets in the body of Christ....could be both

 

[amigo de christo]

[Eph 1:10 KJV] 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

All things will be in one

Take note it says all things IN CHRIST
not all who rejected CHRIST . thems gonna wail my friend .
For now we have time and they still have time to repent to beleive .
But on a day and in an hour that DOOR gonna shut
and beleive me , ALL OUTSIDE are gonna wail . Lets preach JESUS shall we .

 

[Doug]

The city honors those first witnesses who walked with Jesus. But Paul himself said Gentiles are now fellow heirs, of the same body (Eph. 3:6).

the same body is the body of Christ

 

[Doug]

Paul names his coworkers in Philippians 4:3 and says their names are written there.

Paul had helpers who believed before Paul .....they were in the believing remnant

 

[Doug]

The cross wasn’t a side note—it was always the center.

The old testament saints knew nothing of the cross.......prophecy foretold Christ's crucifixion but wasnt clear to them............[1Pe 1:10-11 KJV] 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow....

Christ told the twelve of his crucifixion but they didnt understand it............[Luk 18:34 KJV] 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken...............if they didnt understand it how could they preach the cross at that time

The cross was only to forgive Israel's sin...............[Heb 9:15 KJV] 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance...........................[Mat 26:28 KJV] 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins............................shed for many not all

Paul revealed it was for all

 

[amigo de christo]

Ugh!

Why do you attempt to separate what God has joined together in blessing "all the nations of the earth" only beginning with Abraham and Israel? Do you not understand that in the marriage, all become "One?"

always remember scott universalism IS A FALSE go spell from hell .
Just keep that in mind cause we gots us false love on the move big time and believe me when i say ITS FALSE
and leadeth all to anti christ . Now to the trenches one and all . TIME to PREACH THE DIRE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
to BELIEVE on JESUS the CHRIST , and teaching all things HE did teach .

 

[Ronald Nolette]

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Paul here is not saying the church, the body of Christ, is the bride of Christ. Paul is using espousal to illustrate the faithfulness and purity of the church unto Christ Jesus.

[2Corinthians 11:3-4 KJV] 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

In the above verses Paul is admonishing the church for following other apostles and another gospel. He was exhorting them to remain faithful to Christ as they received him from Paul.

[Ephesians 5:23, 32 KJV] 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ... 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

The relationship the church has with Christ is expressed by marriage. Christ is the head of the church just as the husband is head of the wife.

[Isaiah 62:4-5 KJV] 4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. 5 For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

[Isaiah 54:5 KJV] 5 For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

[Hosea 2:19-20 KJV] 19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

A number of verses express a marriage relationship with Israel as seen above.

[Revelation 21:2, 9-10 KJV] 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ... 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The holy city, the new Jerusalem is described as being the bride, the lamb's wife; this is the bride of Christ, not the church, the body of Christ.

[Rev 21:12 KJV] 12 And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

The twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates.

[Rev 21:14 KJV] 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The names of the twelve apostles of Israel are written in the foundations.

[Rev 21:24 KJV] 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Some Gentile nations will be saved to enter the kingdom on earth depending on how they treated Israel in the tribulation (Matthew 25:31-34); the nations that will enter the holy city will do so as a result of the ministry of the priesthood of believing Israel in the kingdom on earth (Zechariah 8:22-23 Exodus 19:6 Revelation 5:10 20:6).

Sorry but you err.

JOhn writes of New Jerusalem as "as adorned as a bride"... He is making a comparision of the beuaty of New Jerusalem to the beauty of a bride on her wedding day.

the church is currently espoused to Jesus . but in the days of Paul- being engaged was being married without the consummation. If one had sex with someone else- it was adultery.

Teh church marries Jesus in Rev. 20!

 

[Doug]

Sorry but you err.

JOhn writes of New Jerusalem as "as adorned as a bride"... He is making a comparision of the beuaty of New Jerusalem to the beauty of a bride on her wedding day.

the church is currently espoused to Jesus . but in the days of Paul- being engaged was being married without the consummation. If one had sex with someone else- it was adultery.

Teh church marries Jesus in Rev. 20!

[Rev 21:9 KJV] 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

New Jerusalem is not just adorned as a bride but is called the Lamb's wife