THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

When you look at human civilization with all the chaos and evil deeds, does it cross you mind what went wrong? God created the earth and everything in it beautifully. Mankind was created in the likeness of God, but a Fallen angel and his followers brought this catastrophe through deception, and aroused pride – the sin of all sins – among mankind. For thousands of years, God seemed to be losing the chess game. Really? God had planned a restoration of mankind on the day Adam and Eve failed, and through a masterful war plan, Jesus Christ has restored all to the original glory – even better. For the past 2000 years, the process of restoration has been on-going, and the end of the process is near. What was the plan of God with mankind from the beginning? Why did God create man (and woman) in His image – far superior than animals. Did God create men to be a mere clay to form into utensils? Did God create them to be like foolish and hopeless sheep to be slaughtered? Or, did God create men to be his slaves or servants to obey His commands and complete His projects? Yes, there are some truths with the above, but His vision was much more glorious than those. God the Father wanted more sons (and daughters) to share His unsurpassed wealth and power. God, through the Holy Spirit, desired to have friends that He can discuss His plans and strategies. However, the pinnacle is that God the Father desired to find a Bride of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible – both the Old Testament and New Testament - had revealed God’s plan, but most people, even many Christians, are clueless of His grand plan. Christians who are able to perceive the grace of God – free from the legalistic mindset - understand that God wants more than slaves or servants who will do the work for God out of obligation, or out of merit to receive payment – in form of blessings. They understand that sons and daughters are not slaves, but co-owners and heir of what the Father owns, and are expected to do the Father’s business because they are part of the family. As they mature, God will be able to discuss His business matters with them as with trusted friends. Many Christians have heard the concept of the Bride of Christ, however, like any men, it took me decades to comprehend and visualize the idea of “bride”. We read the Bible about Abraham – the father of faith and a precursor of people under the grace of God - sook a bride for Issac, his beloved son. We read the story of Ruth – a desperate and hopeless gentile widow with no right of land and no income – redeemed by the most powerful and the wealthiest kinsman redeemer, and was made an honorable wife and was included in the genealogy of King David, and Jesus. We also read the poetry in the Song of Songs – written by King Solomon to express his love to a humble maiden, who knew him in incognito as a simple shepherd. The Scriptures also told of his desire to hear his bride to love him back as the man she loved, instead of a king. We read the parable written by Soren Kierkegaard based on the love tale of king Solomon. Finally, we read the story of Esther who was chosen to be loved and made a queen to the mightiest king the in world. Not only she was given half of the kingdom, but was also given the position, the power and the authority to rule the kingdom by the king. All the above stories from the Scriptures were revealed to us as a picture of the Bride of Christ – the Bride of the King of kings. After meditating on the above revelations, the picture of the Bride of Christ became a bigger revelation of the plan of the Father in choosing and conforming us, the church, into the beautiful Bride worthy to receive the fine, white linen – the wedding gown for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. In their book “The Sacred Romance”, Brent Curtis and John Eldredge helped me see the romantic side of God. The Book of Song of Solomon, and the parable “The King who Loved a Humble Maiden” by Soren Kierkegaard revealed to me how King Jesus perceived us, how He fell in love with us, the humble maiden, and how He long to know if we truly love Him – not for his wealth, power and position. The Holy Spirit also led me to understand the Ancient Hebrew Wedding – a perfect picture of the process and procedure how the Father sook, planned and completed the search for a Bride of His Son, Jesus Christ. Theis made me understand the Scriptures – the doctrines and the prophecies – better. The intention of this book is to help its readers to obtain the big picture – the “Larger Story” – of the Divine Romance that God had planned from the beginning of creation. The book will bring clarity to many people, especially Christians, that His divine plan is on track and on schedule, and all things work together for all that He loves – and all who love Him. The book also tells the story of my personal journey and my romance with my beloved wife, and how they helped me comprehend God’s love towards me – and mankind. The journey converted me from a merit and goal-oriented man to a a romantic man who pays attention to the matter of the heart. I believe the readers will not only become more romantic with their own spouses, but more importantly be able to fall in love with our beloved Creator and Bridegroom – and subsequently will enjoy their life journey on earth more pleasant and hopeful – until the day when He will come to pick us up for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.