What does Paul teach by inspiration about Christ's relationship to the Body of Christ and marriage?
Paul teaches by inspiration that Christ's relationship to members of the Body of Christ is identical to the husband-and-wife relationship. Just as a married couple, though two people, become one, believers who enter union with Christ become one with Him. This spiritual union is comprehended by faith, as Scripture teaches.
Les explains that in Ephesians chapter 5, coming down to verse 25, Paul addresses the man's responsibility in marriage, a verse especially suited to newly married couples. What Paul brings out by inspiration is that Christ's relationship to believers as members of the Body of Christ is identical with the relationship of husband and wife. In a marriage made in heaven, the husband and wife are two people but become one; many wedding ceremonies picture this by blowing out two candles and lighting one. It is the same when believers become in union with Christ: they are two separate entities, but once they have entered in and enjoy their position in Christ, they become one with Him, like husband and wife. Les says this is a deep concept, all in the spiritual realm, and can only be comprehended by faith. He cites Deuteronomy 29:29, that secret things belong to the Lord, but once revealed they belong to us and our children forever. God is revealing a relationship not only between husband and wife but between Christ and believers as members of His body, and it is the same. Verse 25 then says, "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.