The Bride of Christ & The Body of Christ | Lesson 134

In this sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki delves into the theological discussion of whether the church today is the bride of Christ or the body of Christ, as explored in Ephesians chapter 5, verses 22 through 33. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts through a contextual study of scripture, focusing on the use of similes and figures of speech to illuminate the spiritual relationship between God and His people. Pastor Strelecki analyzes biblical passages such as Isaiah 62, Hosea 2, and Revelation 19, illustrating the use of allegorical language to describe the union of Israel with God and the land, as well as the marriage supper of the Lamb depicted in Revelation. He argues that these scriptural references are not to be taken as literal definitions of either the bride or the body of Christ but rather as illustrative descriptions meant to deepen our understanding of the spiritual union with Christ.

Pastor Strelecki further explores the Apostle Paul's writings, particularly in Romans 7, 2 Corinthians 11, and Ephesians 5, to explain how Paul uses the analogy of marriage to articulate the transformative and intimate relationship between Christ and the church. He stresses that Paul's revelation of the church as the body of Christ provides a fuller understanding of the profound union with Christ, beyond the metaphor of a bride awaiting marriage. Strelecki encourages his audience not to be divided over the terminology of "bride" and "body" but to appreciate the richness of these similes in illustrating our identity and relationship with Christ.