| The Jewish Wedding | Relationship to Salvation |
| The prospective bride and groom took the initiative and traveled from his father's house to the home of the prospective bride. | Christ left His Father's house and came to earth to gain a bride for Himself. Ephesians 5:25-28 |
| The father of the woman then negotiated with the prospective bridegroom the price that must be paid to secure his bride. | Christ had to pay the price with His own blood. I Corinthians 6:19-20 |
| When the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was established, At that point, the man and woman were regarded to be husband and wife, even though no physical union had taken place. | The believer has been declared to be sanctified or set apart exclusively for Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27 |
| The moment the covenant was established, the bride was declared to be set apart exclusively for the bridegroom. The groom and the bride then drank from a cup over which the betrothal benediction had been pronounced. This symbolizd that the covenant relationship had been established. | Christ symbolized this marriage communion at the last supper. I Corinthians 11:25 |
| After the marriage covenant was in effect, the groom left the home of the bride and returned to his father's house. He remained there for a period of twelve months separated from his bride. | Christ returned to His Father's house following the payment of His purchase price. John 6:62 |
| During this period of separation, the bride gathered her wardrobe and prepared for married life. The groom prepared living accommodations in his father's house for his bride. | Christ is preparing a place for His bride and is also sending pastors and teachers to perfect the bride for the coming wedding. John 14:2 and Ephesians 4:11-13 |
| After this period of separation, the groom, and other male escorts left the house of the groom's father, usually at nite and conducted a torch-light procession to the house of the bride. | Christ will soon come from His Father's house in heaven accompanied by angelic host. John 14:3 |
| The bride, expecting the grooms return, does not know the time. The groom's arrival was preceded by a shout. | Christ's return will be preceded by a shout. I Thessalonians 4:16. We expect Him, but don't know when He will return. |
| The groom received the bride and her attendants and returned to His Father's house. | The bride will be caught up to be with the Lord in the air. I Thessalonians 4:14-17 |
| The bride and groom enter the bridal chamber and consummate the marriage. | Christ's union with the Church will take place in Heaven for all eternity. I Thessalonians 4:17 |
