ELTBefore Zayin ז

ELTBefore Zayin ז [∞]

There are many verses in Scripture that align with the idea that the bride of Christ (the church) was chosen before the foundation of the world but was only revealed in later times. Here's a collection of such verses: Chosen Before the Foundation of the World

   Ephesians 1:4-5
   "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."
       This verse indicates that God chose His bride (believers) in Christ before the world was created.

   2 Timothy 1:9
   "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time."
       God’s purpose for His bride was established before time began.

The Bride Hidden and Revealed Later

   Colossians 1:26-27
   "The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
       The bride was a mystery, hidden for generations, but revealed through Christ.

   Romans 16:25-26
   "Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God."
       Paul speaks of the bride’s calling as part of a mystery revealed in Christ.

Symbolism of the Bride

   Revelation 19:7-8
   "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
       This prophetic vision shows the bride revealed and united with Christ at the culmination of time.

   Revelation 21:2
   "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."
       The bride, symbolized by the New Jerusalem, is revealed in glory at the end of the age.

   Revelation 22:17
   "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."
       The bride is revealed as the church in partnership with the Spirit, inviting others into God’s eternal plan.

Foreshadowing of the Bride in the Old Testament

   Genesis 2:22-24
   "Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.' That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
       Eve is a shadow of the bride of Christ, created for Adam, as the church was chosen and created for Christ.

   Isaiah 54:5
   "For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth."
       Israel, as a type of the bride, foreshadows the church’s relationship with God as her husband.

   Hosea 2:19-20
   "I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord."

   God promises a future, eternal betrothal, revealing His redemptive plan for His bride.

These verses reflect the eternal nature of God’s choice of the bride, the church, and her progressive revelation through history. L