Bride
Did you know that the followers of Jesus Christ are considered his bride? The relationship between husband and wife is one of the most intimate human experiences, and the Bible repeatedly asserts the importance of keeping this relationship pure and exclusive. The Old Testament prescribed severe penalties for husbands and wives who violated their promises to one another and to God. The Bible also provides a pattern for appropriate behavior for husbands and wives.

Because the marital relationship is so intimate and exclusive, God uses it to represent the relationship between himself and his people. He portrays himself as a lover, wooing his beloved (us). In the Old Testament, God often compared Israel's inclination toward idolatry to the behavior of an unfaithful wife running after other lovers. In the New Testament, the church is called the "bride" of Christ. Believers are like an expectant bride who is eagerly anticipating the appearance of her bridegroom. In his absence, the bride must wait patiently and faithfully, looking forward to the great celebration that will occur when he comes for her (see Matthew 25:1-13).

The Bible gives guidelines for wives and husbands.
Deuteronomy 22:22
Proverbs 31:10-31
Matthew 19:3-9
1 Corinthians 7:1-5, 10-16
Ephesians 5:22-28, 33
Israel is compared to a bride or wife.
Isaiah 54:4-6
Jeremiah 2:1-2
Ezekiel 16:32
Hosea 1:2 – 3:5
The church is pictured as the "bride" of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
Ephesians 5:25-27, 32
Revelation 19:6-8; 21:2, 9