Betrothed to Christ

by Hugh DeLong

Paul writes to the Corinthians that he ‘betrothed them to Christ’. This is not a custom we are familiar with today. In the first century, this was considered a ‘legal’ binding agreement, but not marriage. The bride ‘belonged’ to the groom, but the wedding was still ahead. In Matthew, we see Mary betrothed to Joseph, but when he first thought she had been unfaithful, he planned to ‘divorce her quietly’ (Matthew 1:18-19).

Disciples are in a similar situation today even though we are unaccustomed to this social practice. It is more than an engagement but is still less than the wedding or marriage. It appears the time between making such an agreement and the wedding was about a year (though it could vary in each relationship). During this time, the bride would continue to live in her father’s house and use this time to prepare for married life.

We are waiting for the Lord. While we wait for the Lord, we are to be transforming our character, becoming more and more like Him. Hence, Paul could write:

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:11-14).

Reread this passage in Titus! We are to be transforming our lives by denying (ungodliness, worldly desires) and living (sensibly, righteously, and godly). We are waiting in hope. We are being purified in our discipleship to Jesus.

Does this describe your relationship with Jesus?