Paul describes the relationship of Christians and Christ as a bride and her husband.

1. The Beautiful Bride of Christ Ephesians 5:21-33

2. Introduction In OT – Israel was the bride Jeremiah 3:14 "Return, O backsliding children," says the Lord; "for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. Israel was an unfaithful bride She forsook God – worshipped idols God pleaded with her to repent

3. Introduction There came a time when Jews were free to remarry Romans 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another--to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

4. Christ and His Bride Take on a new name Isaiah 56:5b Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off. Isaiah 62:2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name.

5. Christ and His Bride Take on a new name Acts 11:26b And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

6. Christ and His Bride There is one bride, thus one church John 3:29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

7. Christ and His Bride The church is the bride of Christ Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

8. Christ and His Bride Church is the body of Christ Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

9. Christ and His Bride Church is the body of Christ Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 1 Corinthians 12:20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

10. Christ and His Bride Church must remain pure Ephesians 5:25-27 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

11. Church is Engaged Church must remain pure 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

12. Church is Engaged Remember your wedding day ? Jeremiah 2:32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.

13. Wedding Day is Coming Time to get ready Ephesians 5:25-27 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

14. The church is the beautiful bride of Christ ! Are you ready for the wedding ?