In the beginning, God created everything that we see and don’t see! When God created humanity, He gave us an insight to His purpose and desire. He created mankind in His own image and then made a profound statement in Genesis 2:18, “it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ESV Is it possible that it is not good for God to be alone either? I know that I am in deep theological waters at this point with that question, but everything the Bible teaches us of God’s love for us and what He has done for us to be with Him, leads me to believe that His purpose ultimately includes a suitable companion for Himself.
I have noticed in the Genesis account which literally means the book of beginnings, everything that God created was pronounced ‘good’ by God. Then when He made the first marriage with Adam and Eve, for the first time His creation was ‘very good’. Notice that Eve was made from Adam and the Lord made the statement that they are one flesh. Marriage is beautiful in that a male and a female make promises to each other, and become one flesh in the sight of God. This ‘wholeness’ is seen by God as ‘very good’.
It is interesting that the Church is called the bride of Christ. It is also an interesting allegory that the Church is also known as the body of Christ. The Church is married to Christ. Note that the word Church literally means the ‘called out ones’. This gives us a clearer insight to the relationship of the Lord and His Church. What other similarities are there? In a marriage, the woman usually takes on the name of her husband and they exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment. To enter into the church of the living God, we take on the name of Jesus in baptism and God seals us with the gift of the infilling of His Holy Spirit as we give ourselves as a gift to God. It is as if when we are baptized in Jesus name, we say ‘I do’ to the Lord. When He fills us with His Spirit He says ‘I do’ to us. This is why simply accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior or confessing Him isn’t enough. Not only do we give ourselves to Him when we come to Him, but He has to accept us as well. Just as in a marriage, it must be mutual.
You may have never thought of the term being saved in the same terms as being married to Jesus Christ but according to the Bible that is exactly what it means. Just as with marriage, couples promise to stay faithful to each other. The Lord has promised to never leave us nor forsake us when we come and give ourselves to Him. In my observations it has never been the Lord who leaves; it is us that turn away from Him. When the promises are broken, one can understand what it must feel like to God to have someone turn away from Him. When we repent and turn to the Lord, we begin courting, so to speak, and the Lord begins finding us irresistible. He already loves us, but when we decide to live according to His teachings and holy ways, it shows Him our love. He even said “If ye love me, obey my commandments “ John 14:15 KJV. Truly if we love someone, we want to do things that please them. In like manner, we don’t want to do things that displease them.
Jesus is still on the outside of many of our heart doors knocking. If we choose to open the door to Him, He will enter and share Himself with us. This is why it is called amazing love! I have heard it said that ‘love is blind’. I know in this case that love is all knowing, all seeing and all powerful! I believe that the Lord Jesus is quite excited about the upcoming wedding banquet that He will prepare for His bride. I hope to see you there! It will definitely be worth the price!