“For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and you are its Savior. Now just as the church submits to Christ, even so wives should submit to their husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:23,24).
These verses are in a passage that appears to be about the relationship between husband and wife. Certainly there is a parallel between this relationship and that of Christ’s own church, but Paul is clear that the Christ-church relationship is the primary consideration, and the second is one that serves as an example. “This mystery is deep, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church” (v.32). So while we can benefit from studying God’s will for the marriage relationship, let’s think today about Christ’s relationship with the Church, who is His bride (Revelation 19:7; 21:2,9; 22:17).
First, Paul emphasizes that Christ is the “head” of his church. In fact, he is its sole head. He has no priest on earth. His will for the church was recorded in the writings of the New Testament, and if His headship is to be respected, those writings cannot be ignored.
Next, notice that the church is the “body” of Christ. Many practical lessons can be learned from this, but one is that if the body is ever separated from the head, it is dead. In John 15:5, He used a different analogy (vine and branches), but the point is still the same: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Finally, meditate on Christ being the “Savior” of the Church. In its universal sense, the Church is this: Those whom Christ has saved. But the danger is that the church will forget that it is saved, or even that Needed to be saved. Certainly, we should hear more often the great hymn “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” Should sing.
All this should impress us The preeminence of Christ in all things concerning His people. He is a “first” in every sense of the word. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). but it’s inside grace And well-being The authority of Christ is exercised, at least for those who have given up their rebellion and received His forgiveness. For those individuals – His Church – His rule results in their highest good. If we are “in Christ,” there is no reasonable need that He does not gladly meet.
“Christ is complete and sufficient for all His people. He is…a foundation to support, a root to fasten, a head to guide, a treasure to enrich, a sun to enlighten, and a fountain to purify” (John Spencer).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
