The Bridegroom's love

(John Fawcett, "Christ Precious")

"Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb!" Revelation 21:9

Jesus is the BRIDEGROOM of His people, and He is so unspeakably excellent in that view, that none in heaven or earth can rival Him. We were deformed, polluted, and in every respect, unworthy of standing in so near and intimate a relation to Him. There was no excellency in us, to render us desirable in His eyes—but everything to provoke His resentment. And yet He was resolved to betroth us to Himself forever—in loving-kindness, in faithfulness, and in mercy!

Sin had reduced us to a state of absolute beggary, poverty, and wretchedness. Yet it was His good pleasure to take us into union with Himself—that we might share in His unsearchable riches! Nay, though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor—that we through His poverty, might be made rich!

Do we speak of the Bridegroom's love? It is absolutely without parallel. There is nothing which will bear any comparison with it. Its height and depth, its length and breadth are immeasurable! It passes the knowledge of men or angels. It is stronger than death—for Christ loves His church, and gave Himself for it. Jesus Himself says to those who are married unto Him, "As the Father has loved me—so have I loved you!" The love of the nearest relations among men, falls inconceivably short of setting forth the nature, or the ardency of His love. No husband loves the dearest wife—as Christ loves His people.

Believers, by virtue of their marital union with Jesus—are advanced to great riches and honors. They are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. The riches of eternity are their own! They are taken from the dust and the dunghill—and set among glorious princes! The angels in heaven think it no dishonor to be their servants. The contract is made, and it will be consummated at the great day, when the marriage supper will be celebrated with solemnity, triumph, and glory—suited to the dignity of the glorious Bridegroom. "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb!" Revelation 19:9

 ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We have posted another choice portion from Fawcett's book:
In what WAYS Jesus is precious to those who believe