ALL Doves:

The next step in "The Biblical Theme of the Bride" is the actual Betroathal.  This is referred to as the formal engagement, espousal, or promise of the Bride.

The marriage is legally binding, but the Bride and Groom do not live together yet at this point.  Many of us believe this is, legally, like the beginning moment of our Salvation [when we say "I Do".  Today, in western culture, particularly the United States and North America, we call the betrothal period the engagement period, when a couple is engaged or pledged and promised to one another, and the "I do's" are spoken at the ceremony after the engagement.

Leviticus 19:20  - "And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondsmaid, betroathed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free."

Hosea 2:19  - "And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies."

Hosea 2:20  - "I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shall know the LORD."

Matthew 1:18  - "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused o Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."

Luke 2:5  - "To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

Confessing Christ Jesus is like saying "I DO", and Christ Jesus says it also, when we say it:

Matthew 10:32  - "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."

Romans 10:9  - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Romans 10:10  - For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

2nd Corinthians 11:2  - "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

In the next segment of this series on "The Biblical Theme of The Bride" we will look at the passages that speak to the Ritual Cleansing bath or Baptism.

God Bless,

Pastor Bob