Is Israel Also The Bride?

Q

It is my understanding that the wedding between Christ and His bride (the church) will take place shortly after the rapture. Since Israel will not recognize Christ as their Messiah until after the rapture, and since God still obviously loves his chosen people, will they too be considered part of “the bride” in the millennial kingdom, or will only those who were raptured hold that title?

A

Only the Church is called the Bride of Christ. The age of the Church began at Pentecost after the Lord’s resurrection, and will end with the Rapture. No other group will be so honored, not the Tribulation believers, not even Israel.

The Church is nothing less than a new race of Human uniquely destined to dwell with the Lord in Eternity as His Bride and co-Regent. We’re made up of former Jews and former Gentiles who have in common our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior but no longer belong to either group (Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 2:14-16).

In the Millennium Israel will live in the Promised Land on Earth (Ezekiel 43:6-7), while the Church will live in the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven (Rev. 21:9-11).