The Jewish Wedding

The traditions of a Christian wedding grow out of God's *covenant relationship with Israel and Christ's relationship with the believer.  God uses the (ancient) Jewish wedding to illustrate redemption and Christ's relationship with the Church. Here are a few interesting parallels between the Jewish wedding in the day of Christ, to the relationship we have to Christ through Salvation!

THE JEWISH WEDDING	RELATIONSHIP TO SALVATION
1. The prospective bridegroom took the initiative and traveled from his father's house to the home of the prospective bride.	Christ left His Father's house and came to earth to gain a bride for Himself.   (Ephesians 5:25-28)
2. The father of the woman then negotiated with the prospective bridegroom the price that must be paid to secure his bride.	Christ had to pay the price with His own blood. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
3. When the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was thereby established.  At that point, the man and woman were regarded to be husband and wife, even though no physical union had taken place.	The believer has been declared to be sanctified or set apart exclusively for Christ. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
4. The moment the covenant was established, the bride was declared to be set apart exclusively for the bridegroom.  The groom and the bride then drank from a cup over which the betrothal (marriage) benediction had been pronounced.  This symbolized that the covenant relationship had been established.	Christ symbolized this marriage covenant through communion at the Last Supper.        (1 Corinthians 11:25)
5. After the marriage covenant was in effect, the groom left the home of the bride and returned to his father's house.  He remained there for a period of 12 months separated from his bride.	Christ returned to His Father's house following the payment of His purchase price. (John 6:62)
6. During this separation, the bride prepared her wardrobe and prepared for married life.  The groom prepared living accommodations in his father's house for his bride.	Christ is preparing a place for His bride and is also sending pastors and teachers to perfect the bride for the coming wedding known as "the Marriage Supper of the Lamb".    (John 14:2) (Ephesians 4:11-13)
7.  After this period of separation, the groom, best man, and other male escorts left the house of the groom's father, usually at night, and conducted a torch-light procession to the house of the bride.	Christ will soon come from His Father's house in heaven accompanied by an angelic host. (John 14:3)
8. The bride was expecting her groom to come for her; however, she didn't know the exact time.  Thus, the groom's arrival was preceded by a shout!	Christ's return will be preceded by a shout.       (1 Thessalonians 4:16).  We expect His return, but we do not know the day or the hour.
9. The groom received the bride with her female attendants and returned to his father's house.	The bride will be caught up with the Lord to be with Him.  (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
10. The bride and bridegroom then entered the bridal chamber and, in the privacy of that place, entered into physical union for the first time, thereby consummating the marriage!	Christ's union with the Church will take place in heaven for all eternity.                          (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

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How does a COVENANT Differ From a CONTRACT? ·             A covenant is based on trust between parties.      A contract is based on distrust. ·         A covenant is based on unlimited responsibility     A contract is based on limited liability. ·         A covenant cannot be broken if new circumstances occur.     A contract can be voided by mutual consent.

from IBLP