Another biblical theme that is reflected in the customs of first-century Jewish marriage is the teaching of holiness. The bride was set apart for her groom while he was away.  She belongs to her beloved. But, after a while, as his departure becomes longer or his return is delayed, the thought of considering another might have been more tempting. If she questioned his return for her, she may wonder if she’s going to be without a husband, and in that world, that translated into a dismal situation where she would lack financial security.  She may wonder why he had not come and whether he could be trusted.
Holiness comes through yielding to God’s will in our lives.  This bride, which is the called-out (ekklesia, Gr.), is His holy and pure bride who honors Him and is His treasured possession (a symbol of a bride’s pure and holy life was her crown, a “headdress” or crown of flowers as a bridal crown). Now, don’t feel insulted by this comment, women.  We do live in a different world and women in that age did belong to her man. She lived to serve him.  The bride was His possession and she is to be strong in Him and in the power of His might.
In Christ, the called-out people are His bride. Her consecration is a source of great delight for the Groom. He is pleased and honored that she has separated herself for Him (holy bride).  If you are in Christ, you belong to Him and are proud to honor and serve Him.  Ephesians 5 represents the body of Christ as a bride without spot or wrinkle.  The people of God are likened to a holy bride who is anxiously looking for the Groom to return to take her to be with him where He is.