Proof the Bible Is True --- from Beginning to End
Christ as a maker of Covenants is one of the choicest realities of the gospel. His designation of Himself as “The Bridegroom,” as a covenant maker, is its most illuminating symbol. Considering the great gap between God and man, God’s lowering Himself to such a symbol is astonishing. Yet the Lord consistently couched His covenants in terms of this most intimate human relationship. Through doing so, He could portray the deepest love, the awesome beauty, and the breathtaking equality behind the covenants which He offers us.
Even more, the Lord revealed His imagery of a Bridegroom in a chiastic structure, which gives it even greater power. That imagery pervades the Bible, validating its truthfulness. He began Biblical events with many witnesses of what a husband does. He continually reinforced and elaborated on that concept through His acts, through the lives of other prophets, and through prophecy. When He came in mortality, He related many words and actions to His role as Bridegroom and to real wedding traditions. This was easy, for the Israelites had patterned their wedding traditions after the covenant relationship He, Jehovah, had set. (1)
Jesus Christ’s atonement was the most critical of all turning points which affected every man’s destiny. This turning point was blazoned with Bridegroom symbolism. And John’s “Revelation” shows the Savior’s final works will mirror and magnify the Bridegroom/bride panorama which was first laid out in Genesis.
These are the essentials of a true chiasm, a significant literary form. Thus the entire Bible is shaped like an X, with the X being the major turning point. Significantly, the X means a cross. And the cross was the turning point which reversed man's destiny.
Shown below are the parallels beginning with Genesis through the Old Testament on the right, then the New Testament on the Left, ending with John's Revelation giving the future fulfillment of all prophecy. Precise parallels are there, reading from top to bottom on the left, then the turning point, then read from bottom to top on the right. A fully detailed clarification with scriptural references follows. To understand the chiasm, we must recognize there are two brides spoken of in both halfs of the chiasm. The first bride was Israel, who then proved unfaithful. The second bride was the Gentile church who inherited the covenants. The fate of these two brides are presented again in the second half of the chiasm. First Israel inherits, then loses the covenants. Gentiles inherit but lose them.Finally, a latter-day Israel is regathered to receive again the covenants.
A. A precious dwelling in Garden of Eden A' A Greater Dwelling
B. Tree of life with Fountain of living Waters B' More bounteous Tree of Life; Greater Fountain
C. Bridegroom reigns C' Bridegroom reigns with Bride at His side
D. Bride comes from Bridegroom's side D' Bride lifted up to Bridegroom's side
E. Bride takes Bridegroom's name E' Bride wears Bridegroom's name in her forehead
F. Bride eats forbidden fruit F' Bridegroom and Bride partake of wine of wedding feast
G. Bride to be cast out G. Bride to re-enter God's presence
H. Groom takes Bride's guilt H' Bridegroom wears stains of bride's guilt on garments
I. Bridegroom provides covering for Bride I' Bridegroom covers Bride with glorious garments
J. Groom and Bride cast out J' Serpent cast out
K. Covenant offered of Home and Seed K' Covenant of Home and Seed are fulfilled
L.Groom meets Bride at well L' Groom provides Bride Living Waters, which she shares
M. Bridegroom to redeem Bride M' Bridegroom redeems first bride
N. Circumcision = Bloody Bridegroom N' Bride given new tokens of covenant
O.Plagues bring out Bride O' Plagues bring out Israel as bride
P. Betrothal on Mount P' Bridegroom reminds of Betrothal
Q. First Bride proves unfaithful Q' Gentile Bride turns unfaithful
R. Bridegroom gives covenant to Gentiles R' Groom's Covenant goes to Gentiles
S. Groom gives covering S' Bride reminded of covering
T. Groom purchases Bride T' Bride reminded she is purchased
U. Groom meets Bride at well U' Israel as Bride enters waters of covenant
V. Bridegroom renews wedding Contract V' Bridegroom reviews wedding contract
X The Atonement
Bridegroom purchases Bride; The Brideprice is His blood
The Explanatory Details of the Chiasm (Note: Jehovah Himself usually acted in the role of Bridegroom. But He also used mortals to represent Him in that role. The first was Adam.)
A. A bounteous dwelling is created(Genesis 1:1-25).
B. Eden is gifted with Tree of Life and Fountain of living waters (Genesis 2:9-10).
C. The bridegroom reigns(Genesis 2:15). Adam was a “figure” of Christ (Romans 5:14).
D. The Bride comes from Bridegroom’s side; they are to be “One” (Genesis 2:22-4).
E. Bride takes Bridegroom’s name.“Woman” taken from “Man” (Genesis 2:23).
F. Bride eats forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-6). Some Jewish writings say the forbidden fruit was the grape.
G. Bride to be cast out of God’s presence.
H. Bridegroom takes on himself Bride’s guilt (Genesis 3:6, 17). In one level of meaning, Adam represents Jesus who will later take Bride’s guilt in order to redeem her.
I. Bridegroom provides a covering for nakedness(Genesis 3:21). While Adam first demonstrated the Bridegroom’s role, the Lord established this “covering” pattern Himself. By providing a covering, He established a vital role for Israel’s Bridegroom.
J. Bridegroom and Bride cast out (Genesis 3:23-4).
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K. Bridegroom promises Home and Seed (Genesis 13:15-16). The offering here is what all bridegrooms should offer, a home and posterity. Jehovah’s covenant of Heavenly home and Eternal seed is the essence of the Bridegroom’s covenant. He begins with Abraham, but reiterates it to others repeatedly.
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L. Bridegrooms meet Brides at a well. Isaac, Jacob and Moses (Genesis 24:10-51; 29:1-20; Exodus 2:16-21) all met their brides at wells. Jacob rolled away the stone sealing the well. Moses helped his bride receive nourishing water from the well. These set patterns.
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M. Bridegroom to redeem Bride from captivity. Jehovah promises Israel, while in bondage in Egypt, “I will redeem you…and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God” (Exodus 6:6-7).
N. Bridegroom (Moses) served as “Bridegroom of Blood” for covenant’s sake. Moses’ offspring remained uncircumcised until his wife did it, calling Moses a “bloody bridegroom” (Exodus 4:24-6). Moses’ life taught of Christ (Moses 1:6). Note the parallels: Christ’s people were uncircumcised in their hearts. As Zipporah circumcised Moses’ child, Christ’s covenanted bride would actually bring about Israel’s “circumcision of heart,” by causing Him to suffer all the agonies producing the atonement. Christ, in the process, would become a “bloody bridegroom.”
O. Plagues and sacrifice free Bride from bondage (Exodus 8-12). Plagues and the blood sacrifice of a lamb brought Israel out of bondage so they could make covenants with their Bridegroom at Mount Sinai.
P. Bridegroom and Bride betrothed at a Mountain (Exodus 19-20, 24). The covenant at Sinai was understood as a betrothal. Israel was “sanctified” or set apart for the Lord (Exodus 19:14; 20:2). A betrothal was considered as sacred and as binding as the actual marriage. Consequences for infidelity after betrothal were grave.
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Q. Yet Bride unfaithful. Many prophets thereafter called Israel a harlot or adulteress. Hosea’s very life was a similitude of Jehovah and His unfaithful bride. Ezekiel wrote, “… I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine. Then washed I thee with waters, yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. ….And I put a … beautiful crown upon thine head.… But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playest the harlot” (Ezekiel 16:8-9, 12, 15). Because of her unfaithfulness, this Bride would be foresaken.
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R. Bridegroom (Boaz) extends covenant to Gentiles. Boaz was a type of Christ as a Bridegroom in several ways. Boaz saw that Ruth, a Gentile, had accepted Israel’s God. He wed her, bringing her under Israel’s covenant with all its blessings.
S. Bridegroom (Boaz) provides a covering for the bride. Ruth asked him to cover her (Ruth 3:1-9). The Lord later confirms this was His role as Bridegroom. “…I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine” (Ezekiel 16:8). This became an expected role of Israel’s bridegrooms in general.
T. Bridegroom (Boaz) purchased his bride. Boaz paid a bride price for Ruth. “Moreover Ruth … have I purchased to be my wife…” (Ruth 4:10). A payment of a bride price became a custom among the Hebrews.
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U. Future fruitfulness promised once-forsaken Bride. It was foretold the Bridegroom would eventually take back unfaithful Israel. “…I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness” (Hosea 2:19). In doing so, He would make her fruitful again. “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing…” (Isaiah 54:1).
“… [Thou] shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; …. I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer” (Isaiah 54:4-5 8)
The True Bridegroom Appears
The chiasm draws near its center. When Jesus came, His words and works deliberately identified Himself as the Bridegroom. While often changing what symbols He used to refer to His people, (see John 3:29; Mat. 9:15), He was always imaged as the Bridegroom.
V. Bridegroom meets bride at a well. He came as Bridegroom to Jacob’s [thus Israel’s] well. There, one who had been of His Covenant, met Him. Like Jacob He offered this bride its waters. “…whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall [have everlasting life]… ” (John 4:14).
W. Bridegroom offers Betrothal on a Mt. (Matthew 5). The Sermon on the Mount was like the betrothal offered at Mount Sinai. The Bridegroom had come in person. Here the Bridegroom offered a higher covenant, and its resultant blessings would be even greater. “Great is your reward” (Matthew 5:12).
X The Turning Point, When the Bride Is Redeemed and Obtained The turning point was the atonement; its central focus was the cross. Remember, chiasm means cross. This real chiasm truly turned upon a cross. For the destiny of all mankind hung upon this great hinge!
In reality, Christ’s atoning work stretched from the Last Supper through the Resurrection. So, there are many different, powerful meanings to the atonement. They can only be understood through several shadings and sub-portions, all fulfilling those prophecies of a Covenanting Companion set beforetime. Together, they are all part of one vital Chiastic Center.
Xa. Bridegroom offers cup of covenant. At the Last Supper, Christ offered His disciples a covenanting cup of wine (Matthew 26:27-28), the same cup from which He drank. To drink from the same cup was an act solidifying an alliance. Significantly, it was the third cup of wine, which was called the “cup of redemption.” Rabbis traditionally related that cup to God’s promise, given to Israel in Egypt, “I will redeem you…and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God…”(Exodus 6:6-7). In offering this cup, Jesus said, “This cup is the new [covenant] in my blood…” (Luke 22:20). (“Testament” means “Covenant”).
Xb. Bridegroom prays for Oneness (John 17:1-21). The prayer Jesus offered at the Last Supper was highly significant. He prayed earnestly that He and all disciples would truly be "One.” After Jesus prayed for oneness, He went out to Gethsemane to bring about that Oneness – the final works of the At-One-ment.
Xc. Bridegroom Washes and Anoints Bride: In Gethsemane there was both a wine press and an olive press. Because Jehovah said He had cleansed and anointed His people (Ezekiel 16:9), some Hebrew husbands washed and anointed their brides. Jesus first washed His disciples’ feet. Now, in Gethsemane, He cleansed through His blood. This cleansing blood was extracted by the terrible pressures He assumed of all of the sins of all of mankind, a burden so great he bled “at every pore” (D&C 19:18). But “Gethsemane” means “Olive Press.” And somehow Holy Oil, consecrating His Bride, setting her apart for Him, also ebbed out in this terrifying “Olive Press.”
Xd. Bride is purchased. This was not the only time Jesus’ blood was shed. Through the scourging and the crucifixion Jesus Christ continued to shed His blood, and eventually His very life. That offering of blood, innocence and life was the bride price He paid. “Know ye not that … ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It was understood that the price a Bridegroom paid for His bride manifest the depth of His love. He could not have paid more.
Furthermore, one of the promises a bridegroom made in ancient Israel was that, if necessary, he would redeem his bride from captivity. The bridegroom was expected to pay the bride price to whoever had authority over her. The True Bridegroom purchased His bride from her captor, Satan! “How the Atonement was wrought we do not know. No mortal watched as evil turned away and hid in shame before the Light of that pure being…. When what was done was done, the [bride price] had been paid. Both death and hell forsook their claim on all who would repent. Men at last were free.” (Elder Boyd K. Packer).
Xe. Bride came forth from Bridegroom’s wounded side. The guards pierced Jesus’ side; His broken heart shed forth its blood and water! As Eve had come from Adam’s wounded side; now Jesus’ wound in His side brought Him His Bride. His covenanted people would be those who would drink in remembrance of this shed blood and water and offer their own broken hearts in return.
Xf. Bridegroom provides His covering. Jehovah once provided coats of skin from a sacrificed victim to cover nakedness. With that covering, Adam and Eve dared to stand again in God’s presence (Genesis 3:8-12, 21). Providing a covering for the bride had since become the expected role of the bridegroom. Now, this True Bridegroom provided His True Covering. The word “atonement” means “to cover.” This Bridegroom sacrificed His covering, (that is His covering skin, flayed away so thoroughly that it greatly exposed His underlying flesh), so His Bride’s nakedness would be covered. Now she could stand once more in the presence of God. Thus, “with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Xg. Bridegroom opens entry to the bridal chamber. When Jesus actually died, the veil of the temple was rent. Many see this as witness He had prepared the way for those who accepted His atonement to reenter God’s presence. The Holy of Holies had always signified God’s Presence. But it also signified the bridal chamber.
Xh. Bridegroom has union with Covenanted People. Immediately after death, Christ’s spirit went to that holding place for spirits. There those with whom He had earlier covenanted waited (1 Peter 3:19-20; D&C 138:11-15). “They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world….While this vast multitude waited … rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives, who had been faithful” (D&C 138:16, 18).
Xi. Bridegroom meets His bride at a well. As the re-embodied Christ rose from the tomb, He was met by a woman. She represented all who would inherit His fulfilled covenant, now possible through His resurrection. The grave was the true well. Its stone had been rolled away, and out had come Living Waters: Christ and Eternal Life!
Other graves were opened. At some time, those in that first resurrection realized the reality of their faith and longing.
Xj. Fruitfulness ensued. The mortals who first saw Him ran and testified that Jesus had risen. Thus they immediately manifest fruitfulness coming through His Living Waters.
After This Great Turning Point, the Bridegroom Imagery Is Repeated
In examining whether the form of Bridegroom imagery is fully chiastic, there are several challenges. The New Testament covers a very short period of history, and that history is also incomplete. But in larger literary works, only general concepts must be matched in the first and second half of a work to be considered chiastic.
The same Bridegroom themes are repeated in the New Testament. Some are repeated in its history. Others come in prophecies yet to be fulfilled. Those prophecies should be placed in the chiasm in the order of expected fulfillment, not when written. John’s prophetic “Revelation” shows the Bridegroom’s works will end exactly as they began, but they will be greatly magnified in power!
W’ Bridegroom covenants with New Israel (Acts 2). Just prior to Jesus’ ascension, He advised His disciples to wait to be endowed with power (Acts 1:8). At Pentecost, they received that power, the witness of the Holy Ghost. And because of that witness, three thousand persons were converted. This was the true beginning of Christ’s Early-day Church --- His new covenanted people.
V’ Bride met at wells of Baptism (Acts 2:41). Not only were three thousand converted at Pentecost, but these same three thousand entered into waters of baptism to covenant and to be reborn as His.
U’ Bride, redeemed, is fruitful. This redeemed Church was continually urged to remain One with Christ, and in doing so, to be fruitful. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones… and they two shall be one flesh…. I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:30, 32). “… I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit….” (John 15:16).
T’ Bride reminded she is purchased. “Know ye not that …ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price?” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
S’ Bride reminded of Bridegroom’s coverings. The apostles reminded the saints they had received Christ’s covering for nakedness. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest [place] by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20). That is, Christ’s covering would allow them to pass through the veil into God’s presence.
But the Lord had also given a covering to endow them with beauties. A bridegroom often paid a sum toward a bride’s dowry, called an “endowment,”or a gift he gives her. Jesus had promised an “[endowment] with power from on high” (Luke 24:49): the gifts of the Spirit which began at Pentecost. Thereafter saints were reminded of the many gifts from the Spirit --- God’s endowment of beauty (1 Corinthians 12-13).
R’ Bridegroom covenants with Gentiles. Many Gentiles began to seek for Christ’s covenant, and were not denied. “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons .... Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” (Acts10:34, 47).
Q’ Then First Bride (most of Israel) proves unfaithful. Only the elect of Israel received Christ. Most rejected Him. Paul explains most of Israel was then cut off from the covenant, until the times set for the Gentiles were fulfilled (Romans 11:25).
P’ Bridegroom reminds faltering church of Betrothal. With heresy threatenin, the Bridegroom re-appears, reminding: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Him! Revelation 2:4). “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,” (Revelation 2: 7). “I will give thee a crown of life” (2:10). “I counsel thee to buy of me…white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear…” (3:18). “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne…” (3:21). Nevertheless this Bride fell away.
M’ As Bridegroom promised First Bride is redeemed in last days. “Israel shall [yet] be saved: There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them… they are beloved for the fathers’ sake” (Romans 11:26-28).
O' In the last days His Bride would be brought out of the World by and from plagues (Revelation 9, 16). The plagues of Egypt would be repeated. As plagues helped bring out ancient Israel from Egypt, so would latter-day Israel be brought out by plagues; “Come out of [Babylon], my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).
N’ Bridegroom gives new tokens of covenant. As “mediator of a better covenant,” Jesus gave new signs of His Covenant: baptism for circumcision; the sacrament for Passover; a new Sabbath. Other signs once given, but lost, would be restored as part of His Everlasting Covenant, such as the giving of a new name (Revelation 3:5).
L’ New faithful Bride has received and is giving living waters. “For the Lamb … shall lead them unto living fountains of waters” (Revelation 7:17). “ the bride say[s] come…let him that is athirst come” (Revelation 22:17).
K’ The Bridegroom is now preparing His covenanted Home. (a).Jesus revealed His work of today! “In my Father’s house are many mansions ... I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). A bridegroom built a home for his bride in his “Father’s House,” or family compound. Among Israelites, great deference was given the Patriarch in all decisions. So only the Father could judge when the Bridegroom’s Home was ready for the Bride. Thus Jesus added that the time of completion and His return as Bridegroom “knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).(b). His covenant of great Seed will be fulfilled: “To Him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,” which means to have Eternal Seed! (Revelation 3:21).
The End of the Bridegroom’s Works Will Replicate and Magnify Their Beginnings
At its end, the Bridegroom imagery is greatly magnified, as in any true chiasm.
J’ Serpent will be cast out. The bride and bridegroom were once cast out. The Bridegroom will now cast out the serpent (Revelation 20:2-3).
I’ Bride will be covered with glorious garments.“And to [the bride] was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white” (Revelation 19:8).Christ’s choice people will be adorned as a bride. Not only will all nakedness be covered, but new glorious garments will be received, as provided by the Bridegroom as her endowment.
H’ Bridegroom’s garments stained with other’s guilt. “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood” (Revelation 19:13). Christ’s stained garments represent the blood of those accepting His atonement, and the blood of the wicked destroyed at His coming.
G' The Faithful Bride enters God’s presence. “[New] Jerusalem, [will be] …prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2).
F' Bride will partake of cup at wedding feast. At the Last Supper, Christ did not drink the fourth cup, saying, “I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:25). Now the fourth “cup of consummation” will be drunk. “Let us be glad and rejoice… for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready…” (Revelation 19:7). Eve’s forbidden fruit, through Christ’s chiastic reversal, will now become her cup of Consummation!
E’ Bride will take Bridegroom’s name. When the Bridegroom comes, His name, as his love, shall be “faithful and true” (Revelation 19:11). The bride will bear the Bridegroom’s name “in their foreheads…” (Revelation 22:4).
D’ Bridegroom will lift bride up to His side. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout … Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-7).
C’ The Bridegroom will reign with His Bride at His side. “Behold…they shall be his people” (Revelation 21:3). “I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb‘s wife…. Having the glory of God” (Revelation 21:9, 11).
B’ Bridegroom provides fountain; fruits from tree of life.“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain …of life freely” (Revelation 21:6). Tree would bear many kinds of fruits (Revelation 22:2) The union of Bridegroom and Bride is the true “At One Ment.”
A’ New paradise is created --- more glorious than before (Revelation 21). That Heavenly Home once covenanted will at last be realized.
Many symbols teach of Jesus Christ. Through usage of many symbols, our understanding is opened to many different aspects of Him and His salvation. But “Bridegroom” is a chief symbol. It is the first, the most pervasive,the sacred Crux,and the joyful last! It is in the covenant relationship between a bridegroom and a bride that the most precious bond and the most significant fruitfulness can be realized.
But above all, we must remember Christ’s covenant is not just imagery, it is reality!
B. Eden is gifted with Tree of Life and Fountain of living waters (Genesis 2:9-10).
C. The bridegroom reigns(Genesis 2:15). Adam was a “figure” of Christ (Romans 5:14).
D. The Bride comes from Bridegroom’s side; they are to be “One” (Genesis 2:22-4).
E. Bride takes Bridegroom’s name.“Woman” taken from “Man” (Genesis 2:23).
F. Bride eats forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-6). Some Jewish writings say the forbidden fruit was the grape.
G. Bride to be cast out of God’s presence.
H. Bridegroom takes on himself Bride’s guilt (Genesis 3:6, 17). In one level of meaning, Adam represents Jesus who will later take Bride’s guilt in order to redeem her.
I. Bridegroom provides a covering for nakedness(Genesis 3:21). While Adam first demonstrated the Bridegroom’s role, the Lord established this “covering” pattern Himself. By providing a covering, He established a vital role for Israel’s Bridegroom.
J. Bridegroom and Bride cast out (Genesis 3:23-4).
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K. Bridegroom promises Home and Seed (Genesis 13:15-16). The offering here is what all bridegrooms should offer, a home and posterity. Jehovah’s covenant of Heavenly home and Eternal seed is the essence of the Bridegroom’s covenant. He begins with Abraham, but reiterates it to others repeatedly.
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L. Bridegrooms meet Brides at a well. Isaac, Jacob and Moses (Genesis 24:10-51; 29:1-20; Exodus 2:16-21) all met their brides at wells. Jacob rolled away the stone sealing the well. Moses helped his bride receive nourishing water from the well. These set patterns.
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M. Bridegroom to redeem Bride from captivity. Jehovah promises Israel, while in bondage in Egypt, “I will redeem you…and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God” (Exodus 6:6-7).
N. Bridegroom (Moses) served as “Bridegroom of Blood” for covenant’s sake. Moses’ offspring remained uncircumcised until his wife did it, calling Moses a “bloody bridegroom” (Exodus 4:24-6). Moses’ life taught of Christ (Moses 1:6). Note the parallels: Christ’s people were uncircumcised in their hearts. As Zipporah circumcised Moses’ child, Christ’s covenanted bride would actually bring about Israel’s “circumcision of heart,” by causing Him to suffer all the agonies producing the atonement. Christ, in the process, would become a “bloody bridegroom.”
O. Plagues and sacrifice free Bride from bondage (Exodus 8-12). Plagues and the blood sacrifice of a lamb brought Israel out of bondage so they could make covenants with their Bridegroom at Mount Sinai.
P. Bridegroom and Bride betrothed at a Mountain (Exodus 19-20, 24). The covenant at Sinai was understood as a betrothal. Israel was “sanctified” or set apart for the Lord (Exodus 19:14; 20:2). A betrothal was considered as sacred and as binding as the actual marriage. Consequences for infidelity after betrothal were grave.
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Q. Yet Bride unfaithful. Many prophets thereafter called Israel a harlot or adulteress. Hosea’s very life was a similitude of Jehovah and His unfaithful bride. Ezekiel wrote, “… I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine. Then washed I thee with waters, yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. ….And I put a … beautiful crown upon thine head.… But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playest the harlot” (Ezekiel 16:8-9, 12, 15). Because of her unfaithfulness, this Bride would be foresaken.
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R. Bridegroom (Boaz) extends covenant to Gentiles. Boaz was a type of Christ as a Bridegroom in several ways. Boaz saw that Ruth, a Gentile, had accepted Israel’s God. He wed her, bringing her under Israel’s covenant with all its blessings.
S. Bridegroom (Boaz) provides a covering for the bride. Ruth asked him to cover her (Ruth 3:1-9). The Lord later confirms this was His role as Bridegroom. “…I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine” (Ezekiel 16:8). This became an expected role of Israel’s bridegrooms in general.
T. Bridegroom (Boaz) purchased his bride. Boaz paid a bride price for Ruth. “Moreover Ruth … have I purchased to be my wife…” (Ruth 4:10). A payment of a bride price became a custom among the Hebrews.
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U. Future fruitfulness promised once-forsaken Bride. It was foretold the Bridegroom would eventually take back unfaithful Israel. “…I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness” (Hosea 2:19). In doing so, He would make her fruitful again. “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing…” (Isaiah 54:1).
“… [Thou] shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; …. I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer” (Isaiah 54:4-5 8)
The True Bridegroom Appears
The chiasm draws near its center. When Jesus came, His words and works deliberately identified Himself as the Bridegroom. While often changing what symbols He used to refer to His people, (see John 3:29; Mat. 9:15), He was always imaged as the Bridegroom.
V. Bridegroom meets bride at a well. He came as Bridegroom to Jacob’s [thus Israel’s] well. There, one who had been of His Covenant, met Him. Like Jacob He offered this bride its waters. “…whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall [have everlasting life]… ” (John 4:14).
W. Bridegroom offers Betrothal on a Mt. (Matthew 5). The Sermon on the Mount was like the betrothal offered at Mount Sinai. The Bridegroom had come in person. Here the Bridegroom offered a higher covenant, and its resultant blessings would be even greater. “Great is your reward” (Matthew 5:12).
X The Turning Point, When the Bride Is Redeemed and Obtained The turning point was the atonement; its central focus was the cross. Remember, chiasm means cross. This real chiasm truly turned upon a cross. For the destiny of all mankind hung upon this great hinge!
In reality, Christ’s atoning work stretched from the Last Supper through the Resurrection. So, there are many different, powerful meanings to the atonement. They can only be understood through several shadings and sub-portions, all fulfilling those prophecies of a Covenanting Companion set beforetime. Together, they are all part of one vital Chiastic Center.
Xa. Bridegroom offers cup of covenant. At the Last Supper, Christ offered His disciples a covenanting cup of wine (Matthew 26:27-28), the same cup from which He drank. To drink from the same cup was an act solidifying an alliance. Significantly, it was the third cup of wine, which was called the “cup of redemption.” Rabbis traditionally related that cup to God’s promise, given to Israel in Egypt, “I will redeem you…and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God…”(Exodus 6:6-7). In offering this cup, Jesus said, “This cup is the new [covenant] in my blood…” (Luke 22:20). (“Testament” means “Covenant”).
Xb. Bridegroom prays for Oneness (John 17:1-21). The prayer Jesus offered at the Last Supper was highly significant. He prayed earnestly that He and all disciples would truly be "One.” After Jesus prayed for oneness, He went out to Gethsemane to bring about that Oneness – the final works of the At-One-ment.
Xc. Bridegroom Washes and Anoints Bride: In Gethsemane there was both a wine press and an olive press. Because Jehovah said He had cleansed and anointed His people (Ezekiel 16:9), some Hebrew husbands washed and anointed their brides. Jesus first washed His disciples’ feet. Now, in Gethsemane, He cleansed through His blood. This cleansing blood was extracted by the terrible pressures He assumed of all of the sins of all of mankind, a burden so great he bled “at every pore” (D&C 19:18). But “Gethsemane” means “Olive Press.” And somehow Holy Oil, consecrating His Bride, setting her apart for Him, also ebbed out in this terrifying “Olive Press.”
Xd. Bride is purchased. This was not the only time Jesus’ blood was shed. Through the scourging and the crucifixion Jesus Christ continued to shed His blood, and eventually His very life. That offering of blood, innocence and life was the bride price He paid. “Know ye not that … ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It was understood that the price a Bridegroom paid for His bride manifest the depth of His love. He could not have paid more.
Furthermore, one of the promises a bridegroom made in ancient Israel was that, if necessary, he would redeem his bride from captivity. The bridegroom was expected to pay the bride price to whoever had authority over her. The True Bridegroom purchased His bride from her captor, Satan! “How the Atonement was wrought we do not know. No mortal watched as evil turned away and hid in shame before the Light of that pure being…. When what was done was done, the [bride price] had been paid. Both death and hell forsook their claim on all who would repent. Men at last were free.” (Elder Boyd K. Packer).
Xe. Bride came forth from Bridegroom’s wounded side. The guards pierced Jesus’ side; His broken heart shed forth its blood and water! As Eve had come from Adam’s wounded side; now Jesus’ wound in His side brought Him His Bride. His covenanted people would be those who would drink in remembrance of this shed blood and water and offer their own broken hearts in return.
Xf. Bridegroom provides His covering. Jehovah once provided coats of skin from a sacrificed victim to cover nakedness. With that covering, Adam and Eve dared to stand again in God’s presence (Genesis 3:8-12, 21). Providing a covering for the bride had since become the expected role of the bridegroom. Now, this True Bridegroom provided His True Covering. The word “atonement” means “to cover.” This Bridegroom sacrificed His covering, (that is His covering skin, flayed away so thoroughly that it greatly exposed His underlying flesh), so His Bride’s nakedness would be covered. Now she could stand once more in the presence of God. Thus, “with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Xg. Bridegroom opens entry to the bridal chamber. When Jesus actually died, the veil of the temple was rent. Many see this as witness He had prepared the way for those who accepted His atonement to reenter God’s presence. The Holy of Holies had always signified God’s Presence. But it also signified the bridal chamber.
Xh. Bridegroom has union with Covenanted People. Immediately after death, Christ’s spirit went to that holding place for spirits. There those with whom He had earlier covenanted waited (1 Peter 3:19-20; D&C 138:11-15). “They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world….While this vast multitude waited … rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives, who had been faithful” (D&C 138:16, 18).
Xi. Bridegroom meets His bride at a well. As the re-embodied Christ rose from the tomb, He was met by a woman. She represented all who would inherit His fulfilled covenant, now possible through His resurrection. The grave was the true well. Its stone had been rolled away, and out had come Living Waters: Christ and Eternal Life!
Other graves were opened. At some time, those in that first resurrection realized the reality of their faith and longing.
Xj. Fruitfulness ensued. The mortals who first saw Him ran and testified that Jesus had risen. Thus they immediately manifest fruitfulness coming through His Living Waters.
After This Great Turning Point, the Bridegroom Imagery Is Repeated
In examining whether the form of Bridegroom imagery is fully chiastic, there are several challenges. The New Testament covers a very short period of history, and that history is also incomplete. But in larger literary works, only general concepts must be matched in the first and second half of a work to be considered chiastic.
The same Bridegroom themes are repeated in the New Testament. Some are repeated in its history. Others come in prophecies yet to be fulfilled. Those prophecies should be placed in the chiasm in the order of expected fulfillment, not when written. John’s prophetic “Revelation” shows the Bridegroom’s works will end exactly as they began, but they will be greatly magnified in power!
W’ Bridegroom covenants with New Israel (Acts 2). Just prior to Jesus’ ascension, He advised His disciples to wait to be endowed with power (Acts 1:8). At Pentecost, they received that power, the witness of the Holy Ghost. And because of that witness, three thousand persons were converted. This was the true beginning of Christ’s Early-day Church --- His new covenanted people.
V’ Bride met at wells of Baptism (Acts 2:41). Not only were three thousand converted at Pentecost, but these same three thousand entered into waters of baptism to covenant and to be reborn as His.
U’ Bride, redeemed, is fruitful. This redeemed Church was continually urged to remain One with Christ, and in doing so, to be fruitful. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones… and they two shall be one flesh…. I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:30, 32). “… I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit….” (John 15:16).
T’ Bride reminded she is purchased. “Know ye not that …ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price?” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
S’ Bride reminded of Bridegroom’s coverings. The apostles reminded the saints they had received Christ’s covering for nakedness. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest [place] by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20). That is, Christ’s covering would allow them to pass through the veil into God’s presence.
But the Lord had also given a covering to endow them with beauties. A bridegroom often paid a sum toward a bride’s dowry, called an “endowment,”or a gift he gives her. Jesus had promised an “[endowment] with power from on high” (Luke 24:49): the gifts of the Spirit which began at Pentecost. Thereafter saints were reminded of the many gifts from the Spirit --- God’s endowment of beauty (1 Corinthians 12-13).
R’ Bridegroom covenants with Gentiles. Many Gentiles began to seek for Christ’s covenant, and were not denied. “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons .... Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” (Acts10:34, 47).
Q’ Then First Bride (most of Israel) proves unfaithful. Only the elect of Israel received Christ. Most rejected Him. Paul explains most of Israel was then cut off from the covenant, until the times set for the Gentiles were fulfilled (Romans 11:25).
P’ Bridegroom reminds faltering church of Betrothal. With heresy threatenin, the Bridegroom re-appears, reminding: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Him! Revelation 2:4). “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,” (Revelation 2: 7). “I will give thee a crown of life” (2:10). “I counsel thee to buy of me…white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear…” (3:18). “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne…” (3:21). Nevertheless this Bride fell away.
M’ As Bridegroom promised First Bride is redeemed in last days. “Israel shall [yet] be saved: There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them… they are beloved for the fathers’ sake” (Romans 11:26-28).
O' In the last days His Bride would be brought out of the World by and from plagues (Revelation 9, 16). The plagues of Egypt would be repeated. As plagues helped bring out ancient Israel from Egypt, so would latter-day Israel be brought out by plagues; “Come out of [Babylon], my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).
N’ Bridegroom gives new tokens of covenant. As “mediator of a better covenant,” Jesus gave new signs of His Covenant: baptism for circumcision; the sacrament for Passover; a new Sabbath. Other signs once given, but lost, would be restored as part of His Everlasting Covenant, such as the giving of a new name (Revelation 3:5).
L’ New faithful Bride has received and is giving living waters. “For the Lamb … shall lead them unto living fountains of waters” (Revelation 7:17). “ the bride say[s] come…let him that is athirst come” (Revelation 22:17).
K’ The Bridegroom is now preparing His covenanted Home. (a).Jesus revealed His work of today! “In my Father’s house are many mansions ... I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). A bridegroom built a home for his bride in his “Father’s House,” or family compound. Among Israelites, great deference was given the Patriarch in all decisions. So only the Father could judge when the Bridegroom’s Home was ready for the Bride. Thus Jesus added that the time of completion and His return as Bridegroom “knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).(b). His covenant of great Seed will be fulfilled: “To Him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,” which means to have Eternal Seed! (Revelation 3:21).
The End of the Bridegroom’s Works Will Replicate and Magnify Their Beginnings
At its end, the Bridegroom imagery is greatly magnified, as in any true chiasm.
J’ Serpent will be cast out. The bride and bridegroom were once cast out. The Bridegroom will now cast out the serpent (Revelation 20:2-3).
I’ Bride will be covered with glorious garments.“And to [the bride] was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white” (Revelation 19:8).Christ’s choice people will be adorned as a bride. Not only will all nakedness be covered, but new glorious garments will be received, as provided by the Bridegroom as her endowment.
H’ Bridegroom’s garments stained with other’s guilt. “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood” (Revelation 19:13). Christ’s stained garments represent the blood of those accepting His atonement, and the blood of the wicked destroyed at His coming.
G' The Faithful Bride enters God’s presence. “[New] Jerusalem, [will be] …prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2).
F' Bride will partake of cup at wedding feast. At the Last Supper, Christ did not drink the fourth cup, saying, “I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:25). Now the fourth “cup of consummation” will be drunk. “Let us be glad and rejoice… for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready…” (Revelation 19:7). Eve’s forbidden fruit, through Christ’s chiastic reversal, will now become her cup of Consummation!
E’ Bride will take Bridegroom’s name. When the Bridegroom comes, His name, as his love, shall be “faithful and true” (Revelation 19:11). The bride will bear the Bridegroom’s name “in their foreheads…” (Revelation 22:4).
D’ Bridegroom will lift bride up to His side. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout … Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-7).
C’ The Bridegroom will reign with His Bride at His side. “Behold…they shall be his people” (Revelation 21:3). “I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb‘s wife…. Having the glory of God” (Revelation 21:9, 11).
B’ Bridegroom provides fountain; fruits from tree of life.“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain …of life freely” (Revelation 21:6). Tree would bear many kinds of fruits (Revelation 22:2) The union of Bridegroom and Bride is the true “At One Ment.”
A’ New paradise is created --- more glorious than before (Revelation 21). That Heavenly Home once covenanted will at last be realized.
Many symbols teach of Jesus Christ. Through usage of many symbols, our understanding is opened to many different aspects of Him and His salvation. But “Bridegroom” is a chief symbol. It is the first, the most pervasive,the sacred Crux,and the joyful last! It is in the covenant relationship between a bridegroom and a bride that the most precious bond and the most significant fruitfulness can be realized.
But above all, we must remember Christ’s covenant is not just imagery, it is reality!
* My understanding of Christ as Bridegroom was first published in a book entitled, Unveiling Biblical Prophecy. Donna B. Nielsen who was influenced by that work then did much research, presented in Beloved Bridegroom which shows how Jesus connected His words and acts to Israel’s real wedding traditions. I am grateful for her contributions.
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