Feb. 15, 2026

Who the Bride of Christ? (BTS 15 Feb 26)

Introduction - Today we’ll look briefly at several Scriptures concerning “types” concerning women or groups of women found in the Scriptures.  These “types” are often confused by poor interpretation and the results can be very distressing when applied to the Christian’s life.  

The Bride of Christ

First, let’s answer the title question of this teaching:  Who is the Bride of Christ?  Answer: Everyone who was  a believer in Christ during the Church Age (From the resurrection of Jesus to the Rapture).

Revelation 19:7-9 Let’s rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has prepared herself.” 8It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  NASB

These saints will be either resurrected at the “rapture” (translation) of the church if they had died or will be caught up in the air and transformed if they are alive to the New Jerusalem at the beginning  the 7-year tribulation period, which is being conducted on the earth as the believers are taken to heaven.  This group of people called the Bride  of Christ is the wife of Jesus, who will be married to him in heaven and rule and reign with Him on the earth during the millennial age. 

It is tempting to judge ourselves and others concerning who will be in the Bride and who won’t.  The thief on the cross is an excellent reminder that no amount of human effort or merit will get oneself into or out of the rapture.  

Luke 23:41-43: And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” NASB

 The Woman of Revelation 12

Revelation 12:1-2, 5-6 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2and she was pregnant and she *cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth…And she gave birth to a Son, a male, who is going to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne. 6Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she *had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for 1,260 days. NASB

This woman can be none other than the nation of Israel.  Psalm 2 contains a quote that Jesus, her man-child, would rule the nations with a rod of iron.  This could not refer to Mary because Mary never fled into the wilderness for 1,260 days.  Neither could it refer to the church, which is travailing to bring forth Jesus to the world.  The church did not produce Jesus; Jesus brought the church forth.  

The Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13 Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; 4but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. 5Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. 6But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.  NASB

The 10 virgins represent Israel, being invited to a feast on earth after the Bride of Christ is already married at her wedding to Jesus in heaven.  The Marriage of the Lamb mentioned in Revelation 19 above has already taken place when the virgins are invited to a Marriage supper or feast on earth.  This is a parable-like illustration of Israel being invited to join Jesus on earth to rule and reign during the Millennial age.  Some of the Israelites accept the invitation and are spiritually responsive to the Holy Spirit (often symbolized by oil).  Others sleep and are not prepared with enough spiritual interest and are cast out.