The Bride of Christ is a term used in the Bible to describe the relationship between Jesus Christ and his followers, who are collectively referred to as the Church. The concept of the Bride of Christ is rooted in the Old Testament, where God is often portrayed as a husband to his people. In the New Testament, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the friend of the bridegroom. Similarly, Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom in Matthew 9:15 and elsewhere.
The Bible contains several references to the bride of Christ. One of the most well-known passages is found in Ephesians 5:25-27, where it states that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, cleansing her through the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Another reference can be found in Revelation 19:7-9, which describes the marriage supper of the Lamb, where the bride, symbolizing the redeemed people of God, is united with Christ. Additionally, in 2 Corinthians 11:2, the apostle Paul refers to the church as a pure virgin betrothed to Christ. These passages highlight the intimate and cherished relationship between Christ and his followers, portraying the church as the beloved bride of the Savior.