What does Paul teach about the relationship between Christ and the church compared to marriage?
Paul teaches that Christ’s relationship to believers as members of His Body is identical to the husband-wife relationship. Just as a husband and wife become one, believers, though separate entities, become one with Christ. This union is spiritual and is comprehended by faith, as God reveals this relationship.
Les explains that in Ephesians chapter 5, Paul is bringing out by inspiration that Christ’s relationship to you and me, as members of the Body of Christ, is identical with the relationship of the husband and wife. In a marriage made in heaven, the husband and wife are two people, but they become one; many wedding ceremonies picture this by blowing out two candles and lighting one. It is the same when we become in union with Christ: we are two separate entities, but once we have entered in and enjoy this position in Christ, we become one with Him, like husband and wife. Les says this is a deep concept, all in the spiritual realm, and the only way we can comprehend it is by faith. The Book teaches it, and if the Book teaches it, we have to believe it; that is what God expects. He also refers to Deuteronomy 29:29, that the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but once they are revealed, they belong to us and our children forever. God is revealing a relationship not just between husband and wife, but between Christ and you and me as members of His body, and it is the same thing. Then Paul says in 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
Where does Paul use the picture of Christ and the church as a husband and wife?
Paul repeatedly uses the marriage/union analogy; in Ephesians 5, Christ's love for the church is the model for husbands loving their wives.
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.