ELTBefore Married לקח
The Church as the Bride of Christ
The Bible uses the idea of a bride to describe the church’s relationship with Christ, but it’s not actually talking about marriage as we know it. Instead, it’s about the close, loving bond between Jesus and His followers. The Hebrew word לקח (laqach), which means "to take" or "to marry," also means "teaching" or "doctrine." This reveals that what the Bible describes as "marriage" is deeply connected to the concept of learning and being transformed through teaching. (See Appendix 6.1: The Linguistic Basis of Laqach )
A Covenant of Teaching
In biblical times, marriage represented a covenant, a special promise that joined two people together. Similarly, the church is united with Christ through a covenant of salvation. But this covenant is more than just a bond of love—it’s also about learning from Christ. The word laqach points to this connection, showing that the oneness the church shares with Jesus comes from His Spirit living in believers and His teachings guiding their lives. (See Appendix 6:2: Marriage as a Teaching Framework )
Paul’s Teaching About Christ and the Church
Paul writes about marriage in his letters, but he makes it clear that he’s using it as a picture of something greater: the relationship between Christ and the church. For example, in Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Paul encourages women to learn from their husbands. But when he explains his meaning, he says that he’s really talking about how the church learns from Christ. (See Appendix 6.3: The Role of the Church as Learner )
In this picture, Christ is like a husband, and the church is like His bride. Just as a husband cares for, leads, and teaches his wife, Christ leads, cares for, and teaches the church. His teachings, found in the Bible, are how He helps His followers grow spiritually, live holy lives, and become more like Him. (See Appendix 6.4: Paul’s Writings and the Marriage Metaphor )
Learning and Growing Through Christ
Paul explains that the church is like a bride learning from her husband. But the focus is not on marriage itself—it’s on the church’s role as a learner. Christ is the teacher, and the church is called to listen, follow, and grow through His Word. This learning relationship is what strengthens the church and enables it to reflect Christ’s love and truth to the world. (See Appendix 6.5: Connection to Spiritual Transformation )
Marriage as a Picture of Teaching
The word laqach reminds us that marriage, as described in the Bible, isn’t just about love—it’s about teaching and growth. In the same way, the church is united with Christ not only by His love but also by His teachings. These teachings guide the church, helping believers grow in faith and live in a way that honors Him. (See Appendix 6.6: Practical Implications for Believers )
Conclusion: A Covenant of Learning
The relationship between Christ and the church is a powerful picture of a covenant built on love and teaching. Christ, as the "husband," nurtures and guides the church through His Word, helping His followers grow in faith and holiness. This picture reminds us that the church, as Christ’s bride, is called to learn from Him, reflecting His love and truth in everything it does. (See Appendix 6.7: Comparative Analysis )
Discussion
A Covenant of Teaching
- What does the Hebrew word לקח (laqach) teach us about the connection between marriage and teaching?
- How is the covenant between Christ and the church similar to a marriage covenant?
- Why do you think the Bible uses the image of a bride to describe the church’s relationship with Christ?
Paul’s Teaching About Christ and the Church
- In Paul’s writings, why does he compare the relationship between a husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the church?
- What does Paul mean when he says he’s not really talking about marriage but about Christ and the church?
- How does Christ “teach” the church, and why is this teaching important?
Learning and Growing Through Christ
- Why is it important for the church to learn from Christ’s teachings?
- What are some ways the church can “listen” to Christ today?
- How does following Christ’s teachings help believers grow in their faith?
Marriage as a Picture of Teaching
- How does the connection between marriage and teaching change the way we think about relationships?
- In what ways does the church’s learning from Christ show its unity with Him?
- Why do you think God uses marriage as a metaphor to explain the relationship between Christ and the church?
Conclusion: A Covenant of Learning
- What can we learn about God’s love for His people from the idea of Christ as the “husband” of the church?
- How does understanding the church as the bride of Christ affect the way we live as believers?
- How can we as individuals and as a church better reflect Christ’s love and truth in the world?
