Bible Studies

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The Church as the Bride of Christ

The discourse on the Church as the Bride of Christ is set in the context of the husband and wife relationship. (Ephesians 5: 22-33)

1. There is a relationship of Submission
Christ does not walk over the church nor treat her badly. He protects her, leads her and loves her. Submission is recognition of the order of things as divinely ordained. It should be noticed that Christ is in submission to the Father. He has chosen to be in the eternal way of things. Likewise, the Holy Spirit submits himself to Christ. It is a beautiful and godly characteristic which denotes strength rather than weakness.
Submission has a negative connotation in today's society, but where it is borne out of the desire for order, and out of deep respect, it is reciprocated by love.
We sing "He is Lord", but we must live this out in our lives - by seeking to live in a holy way.

 Commitment to holy living - dealing with anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, foul
language, back-biting etc.
 Commitment to the church - bearing with one another, being completely humble and
gentle, helping and encouraging one another.
 Commitment to the Lord - listening to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to us through
the Word and the Body, developing our relationship with Him prayer and walking with
Him 24/7.

2. There is the role of the Spirit in sanctifying us.
Paul speaks about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives from two perspectives; one of time and the other of eternity. In Romans and elsewhere He says we are predestined, called, adopted, justified, sanctified, and glorified. This is from the eternal perspective which takes in time past and time future. When Abraham believed and it was credited to Him as righteousness, the Father reached through time to the cross. He does this every time someone believes in Him and turns away from their sin. He appropriates the righteousness of Christ to them.
But every day, the Holy Spirit strives with us, working in our lives and moulding us to become daily more like Christ. In this, we work together with Him.

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