Our blog will share 30 different Bible Contrasts that show distinctions that matter when studying God’s Word. It is important to understand this perspective or we may get confused.
We see a number of dissimilar wordings within God’s Word. Some have seen them as contradictions in the Bible. We prefer the term “contrasts.” The main reason for these differences is that God is setting forth two separate programs (intimated even in Genesis 1:1). The first deals with the earth and Israel. The other concerns the heavens and Christ’s Body Church. It was given to the Apostle Paul to lay out these differences. He is God’s “apostle of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13).
So then we must recognize such Bible divisions if we’d truly understand God’s Word and be approved by Him (II Tim. 2:15). Then we must follow the last directives given by God through Paul as “the commandments of the Lord” for this present time (I Cor. 14:37).
Today is Part #25:
THE BRIDE OF CHRIST relates to Israel alone in the Bible. The Apostle John said “The Bride, the Lambs wife” refers to the new heavenly Je-rusalem (Rev. 21:2,9,10). That Bride is identified with “the twelve tribes of…Israel” (Rev. 21:12). The Prophet Isaiah uses the terms “bridegoom” and “bride” to refer to the Lord and His rela-tionship with Israel and Jerusalem (Isa. 61:10; 62:1-5). Jesus Christ is called “the Bridegroom” (Matt. 9:15; John 3:29) while being “sent but unto…Israel” alone (Matt. 15:24).
THE BODY OF CHRIST refers to God’s Church today as stated by the Apostle Paul alone (I Cor. 12:27). That Body is made up of both Jews and Gentiles but with such racial distinctions erased (Gal. 3:28). By His blood and cross, Christ made of the “twain (Jew and Gentile) one new man” reconciling “both unto God in one Body” (Eph. 2:13-16). Scripture never calls the very Body of Christ also His Bride, for absolute onesness is not the same, is beyond even the closest union.
For more information and understanding, we recommend doing the PMA “Understanding your Bible” our 8 part lesson series available for free download at Free Bible Correspondence – Prison Mission Association
(These points come from Pastor David Adams, booklet, Bible Contrasts used by permission)