Philippians 2:3-8 certainly seems to include this dimension of our Lords submission. PDF The Mystery of Marriage - Ephesians 5,22-33 - WordPress.com Similar counsel was given to Titus (see Titus 1:6). Since experience and credibility are so closely intertwined in the minds of most people, the Saints of that day would have been more likely to listen to Pauls counsel if they believed he had learned, by his own experience, what a marital relationship was really like. Questions arose regarding marriage. [2], Second, Paul was a Pharisee (see Acts 23:6; Philippians 3:5), one of the strictest bodies of Judaism (see Acts 26:5), and prided himself in being a devout adherent to all of Jewish law. God created the woman as Adams helpmeet, fashioning her to correspond to him in every way. Surely, said President Gordon B. Hinckley, no one reading the scriptures, both ancient and modern, can doubt the divine concept of marriage. The actor who is given the role of the villain is not any less a person in his standing because of his role than the one who plays the hero is a better person for doing so. He has spoken of Christs headship no less than three times previously. (4) Christ is the Head of His church by possessing complete authority over it. . Paul responded with sensitivity yet directness as he clarified the relevant doctrines. 2020 22 Jul Paul's words on marriage have sparked all kinds of debates for centuries. (5) Christ is the Head of His church because He has priority over it. and Was Jesus willing to submit to the will of the Father in every thing? Husband is the head (Ephesians 5:23) When? If we knew the situation about which Paul wrote, and had a full transcript of his actual words, there would be no ambiguity as to his meaning and doctrine.[16]. Surely a submissive husband whose Head is Christ would do that. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church. It's often read at weddings, and often referenced in articles, sermons, and books on marriage. Paul and Marriage Relationship - SLJ Institute 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But she was not like any other creature in that she was not made from the dust of the earth; she was created instead from Adams flesh and bones. John Paul II on Ephesians 5:21-33 February 12, 2016 by Dr. Katie Froula Ephesians 5:21-33 isn't a popular reading at weddings these days, and at first glance, it seems that it isn't hard to see why. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. Used by permission. 133 Greeting one another with a holy kiss may be an example. There must be great devotion and companionship. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. That is made clear in the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the first two verses which read: Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me, saying, It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. In Genesis chapter 2, God created Adam. Fourth, Pauls teachings on marriage are, themselves, indicative of his conviction to the importance of marriage in Gods eternal plan. As head of the wife, the husband is to act in partnership with the Lord in being a savior for the marriage body, comprising husband and wife. . I am sad to say that those who have set aside divine duties have not replaced them with anything which challenges and contradicts the world, the flesh, or the devil. Why not have an ice cream and pie supper? Ephesians 5:22-33 NKJV - MarriageChrist and the Church - Bible Gateway Incontinency, Elder Bruce R. McConkie noted, is lack of restraint and failure to bridle ones passions (particularly where sex desires are concerned). [10] What was Paul suggesting, in this context, by the word incontinency? Having taught the importance of chastity before marriage, Paul counsels members regarding total fidelity after marriage. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Brethren, I say to you with all soberness, He is the model we must follow. [27]. I must ask one final question of you, my friend. To nourish is to promote the growth of. [23] President Benson counseled husbands: Recognize your wifes intelligence and her ability to counsel with you as a real partner regarding family plans, family activities, and family budgeting. Let me attempt to illustrate what I mean in this way. Edward L. Kimball (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982), 31112. What are you doing which contradicts the values and attitudes of the world in which we live, so that the dramatic contrast between Christianity and heathenism is underscored? But in our ten years of marriage, it has not been the most significant . 801-422-6975. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he does not judge the body rightly. Can temptations come to a married couple if they fail to do so? Beyond this, he informs us just what it is that we are privileged to symbolize in our role as husband or as wife. . Your body is a temple of the Spirit. Finally, I would say to you that the values assigned to our roles by our culture are opposite to those assigned by God. Such a marriage, I believe, is the desirethe hoped-for, the longed-for, the prayed-for desireof men and women everywhere. [34]. In Christ, there are no distinctions; we are all equal in our standing before Christ: 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. The symbolism of marriage can only be understood in the light of the substance on which a Christian marriage is based: the mystery of Christs relationship to His church. Make their will your central desire. 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Unfortunately, Apple's iOS doesn't support home screen shortcuts in the Chrome browser. We must first argue that we dare not set aside that which our Lord has instituted, and which His church has continued to practice, from New Testament days onward. Christian Marriage: Sign of the New Covenant. There is no value in seeking to demonstrate the symbolism of the gospel until you have first received of its substanceChrist Himself. submission is to be the lifestyle of the husband as well. Eph. Only in that manner will God grant the blessings of thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, and of being able to pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things . In our day, prophets and leaders would agree with Pauls counsel. If your spouse is abusing you in any way, you are permitted to get a divorce and leave the marriage. They are intended to symbolize and represent a greater, more fundamental reality. In the early chapters of Ephesians, Paul has spoken much more fully concerning our salvation in Christ. When the Corinthians behaved as they did at the Lords Table, they not only violated divine instructions concerning communion, they distorted the symbolic commemoration of our Lord Himself and of His atoning sacrifice for our sins. Does the Bible Really Say to Save a Marriage at All Costs? - Christianity The reason is that the fundamental and primary union evident in the marriage of Adam and Eve is to be reflected in every subsequent marriage, to symbolize the union of Christ and His church, achieved centuries later through the work of Christ. Our Lord has taught us that to be the greatest is to serve, and not to be served (Matthew 20:20-28). This week I saw a portion of a television program having to do with a certain species of primates. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. This mystery of Christ and the church is the foundation of the pattern of love that Paul describes . Our Lords status and authority was all the reason He would have needed to avoid the cross, but His service to the church as its Savior required His suffering on that cross. 3:16, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, The American Patriot's Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America, NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Third Edition, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Kingdom Equipping Through the Power of the Word, NKJV, Deluxe Gift Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version. In this I will not praise you. The marriage covenant, President Kimball taught, presupposes total allegiance and total fidelity. It is one thing to speak of the submission of our Lord to His Fathers will (see John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:28; Philippians 2:8). Knowing what he did about the doctrine of celestial marriage and exaltation, it is unthinkable that he would have counseled against marriage, except in some peculiar circumstance. . Gratitude, I believe, precedes love. If you do, the tempter will drive a wedge between you. The duties which Paul sets down are not a reflection of Pauls narrowness and chauvinism, as some would say, but the teaching of our Lord Himself, pertaining to matters of great importance. . Our earthly roles as husband and wife are to reflect this headship and submission. . In any event, they are an exception to the law, and do not apply, even as a personal opinion, to others than those involved. [15] It may be that he was referring to some particular persons for whom it would have been unwise to contract marriages. In his instructions to Timothy, Paul wrote: A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). The Father led out by first loving the Son. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. He counsels that it would be better for them to remain single until they had completed their missionary service so that they could more easily focus on the work, and hence do more good. Let the husband, he says, render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. Benevolence is a disposition to do good or to an act of kindness. [6] President David O. McKay said: Benevolence in its fullest sense is the sum of moral excellence, and comprehends every other virtue. But how can one who is the supreme leader of the church (its head) also be submissive to it? [27] Benson, To the Fathers in Israel, emphasis added. Let me attempt to illustrate what I mean. Second, the head of every man is Christ. Marriage: Sacrament of Enduring Love | John Paul II Renewal Center To be trusted, President David O. McKay taught, is a greater compliment than to be loved. [8]. Well firstly, back in Ephesians 5, we saw that Paul was describing marriage now as a mystery, as a sacrament--a sacramental mystery that is meant to reflect Christ and the Church. In all cases of divorce, the decision should be made only after careful consultation with priesthood leaders, diligent prayer, and confirmation from the Lord through the Holy Ghost. Explains that the bible clearly teaches that men and women have distinctive roles to fulfill within a christian marriage. Christian marriage has certain commitments, obligations and duties which are symbolic. Love is cleanliness and progress and sacrifice and selflessness. To pervert or the symbol is to distort the picture of the heavenly reality, which it represents. Paul wrote, And now what I speak is by permission, and not by commandment., Elder McConkie duly noted that we do not know to whom the instructions here given apply. They must cease their blaming, recognize their own sins, and take personal responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. cherish.. The first lesson will focus on the basis for Christian conduct: the relationship of Christ and His church. According to an early delineation of the 613 precepts contained in the law of Moses, marriage was listed as the first. Husband, Wife, Christ, and God. They could not approach Mount Sinai when God was giving the Law (Exodus 19:12-13, 21, 24). Some may seek to solve this problem by simply denying that our Lord did submit Himself to the church. 11. Dangers That Damage Your Marriage (Ephesians 5:15-17) I do not see how we can deny the fact that Jesus did, in some fashion, submit Himself to men.