The Model of Christ and the Church

The Bible teaches us about the special relationship that Christ has with His own Bride, the church. This is also a beautiful picture of earthly marriages between man and woman.

"Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord....But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything....This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:22, 24,32

The word "church" is used throughout the New Testament. There is controversy among different denominations as to its true meaning. The Greek word used throughout the New Testament for "church" is ekklesia which means, "a calling out." Some teach that the word is used only for the "local, visible assembly" while others hold to a "universal, invisible body of believers." I believe both to be correct. However, since the focus of our study is not on theology, I will not elaborate as I do not feel that there would be any edification in doing so. Regardless of our doctrinal view of the church, the picture of Christ and the Church in relation to marriage is the same. None of us would argue that as Christ's Bride we are not only to submit to His authority, but also seek to do all we can, in every facet of our lives, to bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus. In that same manner, Paul tells us in Ephesians, wives are to submit to the authority of their husband while daily seeking to bring honor and glory to his name.

Christ's Response to the Church

1. Christ died for the church, a sacrifice of self.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.." Ephesians 5:25

2. Christ loves, nourishes, and cherishes the church.

"So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church...Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself..." Ephesians 5:28, 29, 33

3. Christ cleanses the church with His Word.

"...that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word..." Ephesians 5:26

4. Christ will reap the fruit of His works and present to Himself a bride who is spotless.

"...that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:27

This model teaches us the proper role between a man and his wife. The husband is to cherish, cleanse (with the Word of God), sacrifice himself for, nourish and love his wife. At the same time, the wife is to submit to and glorify her husband.

Mrs. Peace states on page 55, " It is only in fulfilling and living out these roles as God intended, that you and your husband will have close unity and harmony in your marriage. In Christ, the closeness that was lost at the fall of man can be regained."

At this point I feel that I need to put out a word of caution. This lesson has spoken very heavily about the husband's role and responsibility in the marriage. This may have caused some of you to begin to focus once again on your husband instead of yourself. Please do not allow yourself to think this way. Remember, we are not in the changing business. Sure, it would be much easier if both partners were fulfilling their role at the same time. However, our focus and concern must always, only be on our own self and our walk of obedience in the areas that God has called us to as Christian women. I encourage those of you whose husbands are not walking in the light of the Word to continue to remain dedicated to your own walk and to continue to be the Excellent Wife that God has called you to be. By His grace you will succeed.

We learned today that the role of Christian wife is to not only submit but also to glorify her husband. Next week we will look at 18 ways to glorify our husbands.

Taken from "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace, pp 52-55. Copyright 1999, Focus Publishing, Bemidji, Minnesota. Used with permission for the purposes of this devotional series only. May not be reproduced or forwarded without the express consent of the publisher.