Why is the Church called the bride of Christ?

Answer 1

In The Bible, the word 'church' does NOT refer to a building. A more accurate rendering would be 'congregation'.

Even the word 'congregation' has various facets of meanings in the Bible.

But basically, a 'congregation' is made up of many members. These members, after they die and are resurected to life in heaven, will be UNITED with Christ as Kings, Priests, and Judges. They will work 'as one body'. That's why they are refered to as the 'bride' of Christ. Christ is still their head.

Another Answer:

From Genesis and the fall of mankind, to the very end of Revelation, the Bible speaks of God's Plan for mankind's salvation. God deeply desires a 'family' and is going about to achieve that goal. There are several Scriptures that tell us of our becoming 'children' in the God Family (1 John 3:1-2). However, there are also several Scriptures that tell of another, higher-plane relationship, that of becoming the 'bride of Christ.'

The 'Church of God' (so called a dozen times in the New Testament) is the family of God-made up of Christians who are the children of God the Father and "brothers" of Jesus Christ. Human marriage between a husband and wife was intended to portray the marriage of Jesus Christ to the Church. Individually, Christians are Christ's brethren (Hebrews 2:11-12). But collectively they constitute His Bride, now betrothed or engaged to Him and later to join Him in a divine marriage relationship for all eternity. Paul when speaking to the Ephesians of the role of physical marriage partners said:

Ephesians 5:32New King James Version (NKJV)

32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

This 'little flock' also called the 'elect' in Scripture, will be called at the 7th trumpet, the dead in Christ first and then those living, to join the returning Jesus in the sky as His 'firstfruits.' They will forever be the Bride of Christ in the Family of God.

Revelation 19:7-9New King James Version (NKJV)

7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."