Ephesians 5:25–27 (ESV)
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”
DEVOTIONAL
When we read these words from Paul, we are given a profound glimpse into the very heart of the gospel. Christ is portrayed as the Bridegroom—faithful, loving, sacrificial. His Bride is the Church, the people He has redeemed. This is not a cold or mechanical relationship. It is not a transactional exchange. This is the covenantal bond of divine love—pure, pursuing, and permanent.
“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Pause and let those words rest on your soul. He did not merely tolerate the Church. He did not wait for her to become worthy. He loved her while she was still unlovely (Romans 5:8). He gave Himself—body and soul, in suffering and in death—so that she might be His forever.
Christ’s love is not shallow or sentimental. It is a purifying love. He laid down His life not simply to forgive us, but to cleanse us—to make us holy. The cross was not only an act of substitution; it was an act of sanctification. By His blood and through His Word, He is washing away every stain, every wrinkle of sin. Day by day, He is preparing His Bride for the great wedding feast to come (Revelation 19:7–9).
Consider the glory of this truth: the end of your story in Christ is not shame, failure, or condemnation. It is splendor. Christ will present His Church to Himself “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” In Him, we are being made radiant.
Let this vision of the Bridegroom’s love stir your affections, strengthen your faith, and sanctify your heart. His love does not change with the seasons or falter when we stumble. It is steadfast. And it will finish what it began.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, our faithful Bridegroom,
We praise You for Your steadfast love—a love that sought us, bought us, and now sanctifies us. Thank You for laying down Your life for us, not because we were beautiful, but to make us beautiful in You. Thank You for the cleansing power of Your Word and Spirit, which continues to make us holy, even now.
Forgive us when we forget the depth of Your love. Forgive us when we chase after lesser loves, or when we grow cold in our devotion. Rekindle in us a holy affection for You. Shape our hearts to desire You above all, and to live as a pure Bride, awaiting Your return.
Come, Lord Jesus. Until You do, keep us faithful. Keep us watchful. And keep us anchored in the hope that one day soon, we shall be with You in glory, clothed not in our righteousness, but in Yours alone.
Amen.