The Profound Mystery of Marriage: Christ and the Church

Marriage: A Profound Mystery Revealed in Christ and the Church

Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God himself. In the book of Genesis, we find the words spoken by Moses, and affirmed by Jesus, that a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. This divine commandment sets the foundation for the mystery that Paul reveals in Ephesians 5:31-32.

Paul writes, "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." What Paul is telling us is that the institution of marriage was intentionally designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church. It is not a mere coincidence or a random arrangement. Rather, it is a purposeful and deliberate act of God to reveal a greater truth.

The mystery of marriage lies in its ability to point us to something beyond ourselves. It is a symbol of the eternal covenant relationship between Christ and his church. Just as a husband and wife become one flesh in marriage, so too does Christ become one with his church. This profound truth is not readily apparent on the surface, but it is there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

As we ponder this mystery, we begin to understand that marriage is not simply a union of two individuals, but a reflection of the divine love and unity between Christ and his church. The roles of husband and wife are not arbitrary, but are rooted in the distinctive roles of Christ and the church.

The husband is called to love his wife sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. This sacrificial love is not based on feelings or emotions, but on a selfless commitment to the well-being and flourishing of the wife. It is a love that seeks the highest good of the other, even at the expense of one's own desires.

The wife, on the other hand, is called to submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ. This submission is not a sign of inferiority or oppression, but a voluntary and joyful response to the loving leadership of the husband. It is a recognition of the husband's God-given authority and a willingness to cooperate and support him in the pursuit of God's purposes.

In this way, the roles of husband and wife in marriage mirror the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ is the head of the church and the church submits to his loving leadership. Likewise, the husband is the head of the wife and the wife submits to his loving authority.

But why did God choose marriage as the vehicle to reveal this mystery? Why not some other institution or relationship? The answer lies in the unique nature of marriage. It is a covenant relationship, a sacred bond that is intended to be lifelong and unbreakable. It is a relationship of mutual love and commitment, where two become one.

This covenantal aspect of marriage reflects the covenantal relationship between Christ and the church. Just as Christ made a covenant with his people, promising to love and care for them unconditionally, so too does a husband make a covenant with his wife. It is a promise to love and cherish her, to be faithful and true, regardless of the circumstances.

Marriage is also a reflection of the unity that exists between Christ and the church. In marriage, two individuals become one flesh, united in a bond that is both physical and spiritual. This unity is a reflection of the unity that exists between Christ and his church. Through his death and resurrection, Christ has made us one with him, partakers of his divine nature.

As we contemplate the mystery of marriage, we are reminded of the great love that Christ has for his church. It is a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It is a love that knows no bounds and is willing to lay down its life for the sake of the other.

In our marriages, we are called to imitate this love, to model our relationship after the love that Christ has for his church. We are called to love our spouses sacrificially, to put their needs and desires above our own. We are called to be selfless and humble, to serve and care for one another, just as Christ served and cared for us.

Marriage is indeed a profound mystery, but it is also a great privilege. It is a privilege to be able to participate in the divine plan of God, to image forth the glorious reality of Christ and the church. It is a privilege to be able to love and be loved, to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from a covenantal relationship.

Whether you are single or married, young or old, I encourage you to reflect on the mystery of marriage. Take it seriously and seek to live out its implications in your own life. Let your marriage be a testimony to the love and grace of God, a reflection of the relationship between Christ and his church.

May we all strive to love and serve one another, to imitate the selfless love of Christ, and to bring glory to God through our marriages. For in doing so, we not only fulfill our calling as husbands and wives, but we also point others to the ultimate source of love and fulfillment – Jesus Christ, the bridegroom of the church.