The Bride of Christ (6)

In previous articles we have discussed how, as the bride of Christ, we are to (1) love Christ, (2) honor Christ, (3) obey Christ, (4) forsake all others, and (5) remain faithful to Christ for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. In addition, as the bride of Christ, we are to remain faithful until death. Jesus taught, "he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:21-22).

There is a significant difference, however, between our remaining faithful to our spouses until death and our remaining faithful to Christ until death. When a couple expresses their vows at the time of their wedding, they vow to remain faithful until death do they part. The physical death of either of the spouses causes their marriage relationship to cease. "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven" (Matthew 22:30).

But a faithful Christian’s death does not bring about a parting with Christ. In fact, the scriptures teach just the opposite. Jesus taught that when he left earth, he was going to prepare a place for those who faithfully follow him. Jesus promised that he would one day come back and receive those faithful, who will then be with him throughout all eternity (John 14:1-6).