Does God Have a Broken Heart Only His Bride Can Fill?

Yes, God’s heart is deeply affected by the separation from His children, and He finds fulfillment and joy in the union with His bride, both spiritually as the church and literally as the New Jerusalem Isaiah 62:5EVRR668+1.

The Heart of God and the Experience of Grief

God is not indifferent to the choices of humanity; His heart is capable of profound sorrow and can be broken by the sins and suffering of His children Genesis 6:6EVRR223.

• The Agony of the Cross: When Jesus hung upon the cross, He died of a broken heart, burdened by the separating sins of the worldEVRR223.

• Angelic Observation: During this time, the atmosphere of praise in heaven was transformed into one of silent grief as the Father separated His presence from His beloved Son Mark 15:34EVRR223.

• A Father’s Mercy: God views His people with more tenderness than an earthly parent who draws a child with a breaking heart to their own bosom to offer forgivenessST February 15, 1892, par. 6.

The Two Brides of Christ

The plan of salvation refers to two distinct entities identified as the bride, representing the intimate connection God desires with His creationEVRR668+1.

• The Spiritual Bride: The Christian church is the spiritual bride of ChristEVRR668+1. When we accept Jesus as Savior, it is likened to a marriage where He becomes the husband and we become His bride Ephesians 5:23-32EVRR367.

• The Literal Bride: The New Jerusalem is the literal bride, the Lamb’s wife, which descends from heaven adorned for her husband Revelation 21:2+1EVRR668+1.

• Consummation of the Marriage: The marriage of the Lamb is consummated at the close of the heavenly judgment when Christ receives His kingdom and its subjects are determinedEVRR367.

God’s Joy in His People

God’s purpose in marriage and in His relationship with the church is to find completeness and shared affectionCCh 125.1+1.

• Rejoicing over the Bride: Just as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, God rejoices over His people Isaiah 62:5EVRR668.

• Restoration and Union: The church is exhorted to seek the Lord with the whole heart and to let their hearts break before Him in repentance so that they may be healed and united with Him Psalms 34:18GCDB February 17, 1897, page 56.5+1.

• The Marriage Supper: Those who respond to the invitation of the Spirit and the bride will enter the city and realize the truth of being at home in their Father’s house Revelation 19:9+1ARSH January 17, 1856, page 124.10+1.

The Call to Completeness

The ultimate goal of this relationship is for humanity to be restored and made complete through the indwelling of His SpiritBDOC 36.29+2.

• Sanctified Affection: When a wife or husband yields their will to God, their love is sanctified, and they fulfill the object for which they were created—to glorify God and find completeness in HimCCh 125.1+2.

• Eternal Dwelling: Jesus is currently preparing mansions to secure a home for His followers so that they may be where He is eternally John 14:1-3ST December 20, 1899, par. 5+1.

• A Heart Satisfied: God desires to see human nature raised to a holy rivalry with the angels, fully satisfied by the gift of His Spirit and His loveBEcho August 5, 1901, par. 2+1. 🕊️