What does the Bible say about the bride of Christ?

In scripture, the metaphor of the bride is deeply significant as it illustrates the intimate relationship between Christ and His church. The Song of Solomon particularly emphasizes this relationship, portraying the beauty and love between the bride and her beloved. The bride's journey, characterized by her sinfulness and her need for the grace of her husband, reflects the believers' dependence on Christ. The repeated reference to 'beloved' throughout the Song of Solomon highlights the church’s affectionate relationship with Jesus, echoing the praise and glory of His grace as expressed in Ephesians 1:6.