Jesus the Bridegroom, New Jerusalem the Bride (3)
In John 3 the Lord Jesus is the Bridegroom (v. 26-30). “He must increase.” This increase is part of John the Baptists response to his disciples comment that “all are coming to Him [to Jesus].” This increase is the regenerated believers who have the eternal life (v. 5-6, 15-16).
In Ephesians 5 Christ loved the church, gave Himself for her, is sanctifying her now, and will present her to Himself glorious. The church here is the building together in life of all the believers in John 3. The church is His Body and He is the Head (Eph. 1:22-23).
The word “church” is often used in Acts and the Epistles. It is also common in Revelation chapters 1–3. After that it appears only once, in Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches.” After Revelation 3, what happened to the church?
The church, the living Body of Christ, is consummated in New Jerusalem. This city is mentioned in Galatians 4:26 and Hebrews 11:10. It appears once in Revelation 3 and then is the focus of Revelation 21–22. New Jerusalem is the conclusion of God’s revelation; it comes forth as a result of God’s will, God’s purpose, and God’s good pleasure.
This living city is also the consummation of the preparation of the bride in Ephesians 5. That preparation, by the Lord working in us, makes the bride glorious and this glory ultimately shines through New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:9-11).
Posted by Don on January 10, 2022
