What does Ephesians 5 teach about how Christ relates to the church compared to marriage?
Ephesians 5 presents Christ’s relationship to the church as identical to the husband-wife relationship. Just as husband and wife become one, believers who enter union with Christ become one with Him. Though Christ and believers remain distinct entities, their spiritual oneness, like marriage, is comprehended by faith.
Les explains that Ephesians 5:25 addresses the husband’s responsibility in marriage, but Paul’s inspired point is that Christ’s relationship to believers as members of the Body of Christ is identical to the husband-wife relationship. In a heaven-made marriage, two people become one; wedding ceremonies often picture this by blowing out two candles and lighting one. Likewise, when believers enter union with Christ, they are two separate entities, but once in their position in Christ they become one with Him, like husband and wife. Les says this is a deep, spiritual concept comprehended only by faith; since the Book teaches it, we must believe it. God is revealing not just a husband-wife relationship but the relationship between Christ and members of His body. Les also connects this to Deuteronomy 29:29: secret things belong to the Lord, but once revealed they belong to us and our children. He then reads verse 25: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also…”
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
More Questions
What is the relationship between Christ and believers in Ephesians 5:25?
Paul, writing by inspiration in Ephesians 5:25, is revealing that Christ's relationship to believers as members of the Body of Christ is identical to the relationship of a husband and wife.