We believe that it is evident throughout the Bible that the relationship between God and His people and Christ and His Church is akin to that of a bridegroom to his bride. The Scripture tells us, "For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name" (Isaiah 54:5), and that we are "married to Him who was raised from the dead [Jesus], that we should bear fruit to God" (Romans 7:4).
The marital metaphor is frequently used to describe the intimate spiritual unity between Christ and His people, and the fervency of the loving union of heart, mind, and spirit that accompanies this relationship. The book of Revelation describes the reunion of Christ with His Church in Heaven as His marriage: "Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper" (Revelation 19:9). It is our understanding of the Scriptures that the followers of Christ are His bride, called to love and serve Him with the fervor of a wife. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25). He has promised to betroth us to Him forever (Hosea 2:19-20).