Question: Are Israel and the church both brides of Christ?
Answer: I will give a few comparisons and contrasts between Israel and the church; both are kept distinct in Scripture.
Israel is called to inherit Canaan (Ex. 6:2-8). The church’s call and inheritance is heavenly (Eph. 1; 1 Peter 1). Jehovah the great I Am is His name to Israel. He is made known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and we are children of the Father, members of the body of Christ, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us. The Lord Jesus is the King of Israel and the nations—they are His subjects. He is our Saviour, Lord and Head and Bridegroom; we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. We shall reign with Him.
The earthly people were chosen from the foundation of the world (Deut. 32:8; Matt. 25:14).
The heavenly saints, the church, were chosen before the foundation of the world (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; Rom. 8:29).
Israel is now divorced, and scattered out of their land.
The church is now being gathered, while Christ is on the Father’s throne. The marriage of the Lamb takes place in heaven, before Israel is restored on earth (Rev. 19). In Revelation 21:9 to 22:5 she reigns above, over Israel and the nations on earth. The church is seen in Revelation 21:2 in heavenly glory: (that is eternity), and Israel and the nations are called “men.” There is no distinction seen between them then.
The church is composed of saved Jews and Gentiles and is caught up to her home in heaven.
Israel, now scattered, are to be regathered into Canaan.
Jerusalem is the bride, or Queen of Psalm 45; and Song of Solomon.
The church began after Christ died, and rose, and the Holy Spirit came down.
Israel’s restoration will be a time of joy on earth as many prophecies tell us.
The church is never mentioned in the Old Testament. It was hid in God and never revealed till Paul the apostle was used to unfold it. (Rom. 16:25-26; Eph. 3:4-9).