Promised/Espoused/Engaged

The marriage is legally binding, but the bride and groom do not live together yet. I believe this is, legally, like the beginning moment of salvation (when we say "I DO"). Today we call the betrothal period the engagement period, when a couple is engaged or promised to one another; and the "I do's" are spoken at the ceremony after the engagement.

And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. Leviticus 19:20

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD. Hosea 2:19 -20

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused  to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of The Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:5

Confessing Christ is like saying "I DO", and Christ says it also, when we say it:

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Mat 10:32

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that YAHVEH hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 9:10

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 2Cor 11:2