The cross is love's greatest story. Colin Hamer introduces the Bridegroom Messiah, and highlights the four reasons why he had to die, from the perspective of the Bible's marital imagery. The Bridegroom Messiah died: (1) To transform the elect into a virgin bride by cleansing her with his blood, to circumvent the Deuteronomy 24 marriage law; (2) So he as high priest could take a virgin bride; (3) To pay the mohar; (4) To cleanse us from sin so that we could come back into God's presence after the expulsion from Eden. David Instone-Brewer, of Tyndale House, Cambridge, calls Hamer's treatment of marital imagery: ""A significant contribution without precedent in the literature."" ""Few realize that one of the most important metaphors of the Bible is that Jesus is the Divine Bridegroom--consequently many believers miss key aspects of biblical revelation. This marvelous book by Colin Hamer is an absolute must-read for any Christian wanting to understand the incredible riches of the Bible's message."" --Dr Tom Holland, Senior Research Fellow, Union School of Theology, Oxford ""In this small but well-researched book, Colin Hamer sets out to show that biblical references to God being the ""husband"" of His people are not disconnected metaphors scattered through Scripture but represent a vein of gold that runs from Eden to eternity. Giving special consideration to the promises, covenants and purposes of God, he accomplishes his task winsomely and well."" --Edgar Andrews, Emeritus Professor, University of London, PhD, DSc. Colin Hamer, PhD, Chester University, served for many years as an elder of Grace Baptist Church in the UK. He has degrees from the University of Liverpool and the University of Wales, and studied for his PhD at Union School of Theology. He has been married for more than 40 years and has two children and seven grandchildren.