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by Lynda Cherry (Author)
The beautiful allegory of the Redemption of the Bride tells the story of the House of Israel: her covenant betrothal to Jehovah, her adulterous apostasy from that covenant, and her restoration through His tender mercies and compassion upon her. The title "Bride" applies to both men and women. It is used to denote a special covenant relationship between the individual and God. It represents the binding of one heart to another. In the case of the new and everlasting covenant -- the eternal covenant God offers His people -- it represents the binding of God's heart to Israel, and Israel's to God. This is a relationship that is intended to be so close that the Lord, Himself, refers to it as a marriage. Israel is an all-inclusive name to indicate God's covenant family, to which all people are invited to belong. It is not linked to genetics or bloodline, but to those who accept and love God with all their heart, might, mind and strength. In this book, the terms "Israel," "Church," and "Bride" will be used interchangeably. The Lord uses various titles to illustrate the many traits and characteristics of His relationship to His people. Even as He is the Lion of Judah, the Lamb, the Shepherd, the Rock, the Living Water, the Stone of Stumbling, and the Great I AM -- He is also our Father, our Elder Brother, and in this study, the Faithful Husband. This allegory reveals much about the characteristics of the Bridegroom: He is long-suffering, faithful, and determined to redeem His people. Although He would be justified in "divorcing" Himself from His Bride, the Savior-Husband remains true to His marriage covenant, and pays the price for her redemption -- a redemption purchased through His own blood. He cleanses and heals His Bride of sin and despair, and restores her to an honored place at His side.
