Introduction:

\\ 1.  The groom takes the initiative and leaves his father's house to go to the house of his bride's

2.  The father of the bride negotiates with the groom to assure the price for his bride.

3. When the groom paid the price, the agreement of matrimony was established.  At that point, the groom and the bride were engaged to be husband and wife, even though they had not had a physical union.

4.  At the moment the agreement was established, the bride then determined to separate herself exclusively for her groom.  This symbolizes the relationship of agreement has been accepted.

5.  After the conclusion of the marriage agreement, the groom returns to his father's house.  And he stays there for a period of 12 months, separated from his bride.

6.  During this separation, the bride prepares her attire and she prepares herself for marriage life.  The groom prepares his bride's home in his father's house.

7.  After this separation, the groom, his best-man and other friends leave the groom's house generally at night and guided by the torches, they go to the bride's house.

8.  The bride was waiting for her groom to come for her, neverthe­less she didn't know when.  The arrival of the groom was prece­ded by a shout.

9. The groom would then receive the bride together with his companions and they would return to his father's house.

10. The bride and groom will enter the nuptial bedroom and in the privacy of that place, they will celebrate the physical union for the first time, consummating the marriage.

1. Christ left His Father's house and came to earth to look for a bride for Him.  (See Eph. 5:25-28)

2. Christ paid the price with His own blood.

(See I Cor. 6: 19-20)

3. The believer has declared he will be sanctified (set apart) exclusively for Christ.  (See Eph. 5:25-27)

4. Christ has symbolized this marriage agreement through the Communion of the Last Supper (See I Cor. 11:25)

5. Christ returned to His Father's house after He had paid the price (See John 6:62)

6. Christ is preparing a place for His bride and He has also sent pastors and teachers to perfect His bride for His future wedding.  (See Jn 14:2 & Eph. 4:11-13)

7. Christ will quickly return for His bride accompanied by legions of angels.  (See John 14:3)

8. The return of Christ will be preceded by a shout.  (See -I Thess. 4:16)

9.  The bride will be taken up in the air to meet Jesus and those who are already with Him and they will go with Him to His Father's house.  (See I Thess. 4:14-17)

10.  The union of Christ and the Church in heaven will be for all eternity.  (See I Thess. 4:17)