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Ephesians | marital glory, sanctity & mystery

Ephesians | marital glory, sanctity & mystery

Last updated on: February 14, 2023 at 9:00 am by Rev. Jared V. Ingle

Ephesians | marital glory, sanctity & mystery 2023-02-10T12:15:53-05:00 Rev. Jared V. Ingle

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Ephesians | marital glory, sanctity & mystery

Ephesians 5.26-32

Aspects of marital sanctification can possibly occur, both physically and spiritually, as a continuation of the couple’s ongoing commitment to Christ.

“so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, so that she may be holy and without blemish.” (verse 27)

This can be either part of a thorough washing or cleansing process, and/or in distinct moments along the way.

if it is not possible, then why is it in Ephesians?

If we view the marital dyad as a sacred covering, then aspects of sanctification are entirely possible. Practically speaking, marital partners can participate in prayer together, leading to greater marital cleansing.

“in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, so that she may be holy and without blemish.” (verses 26-27)

In fact, the idea of speaking a cleansing word stems from one of two major ideas for the Word. This is the spoken Word (rhema), an inspired, or Spirit-led utterance. There are utterances couples make that really do reflect a process of discerning. Then there are other utterances that should just be taken with a grain of salt.

According to one of the Cappadocian Fathers, who was on one of the teams that led the Early Church into a greater understanding of the Trinity, marital sanctity has the ability to, “reflect the Lord’s glory… [so we are] transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.”*

there is a shared glory and a joy to the mystery of being transformed

Couples are experiencing the mystery of sanctification together (verses 26-32).

Somehow, if we desire a marital blessing, we honor Christ. We become participants in His glory and sanctification. Our reciprocal marital roles complement each other. They lead us into the true “mystery” of what is being done among the people of God.

“This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.” (verse 32)

A mystery is not a conundrum. A Biblical mystery opens some doors for us to approach God, but we may never fully comprehend what He is up to. In the same way, there is a marital beauty and mystery that honors God.

How would you speak for or speak against Paul’s assertion that marital relations are a sanctifying force? How is it different if one partner is not in full church fellowship?

Are there questions you have yet to explore about the marital relationship? Are there mysteries of the marital relationship in Christ that will always be an unfolding mystery?

May the Spirit lead those who are married to appreciate what God has already done, to glorify Him for what He is currently doing, and to joyfully expect Christ to continue to lead them along The Way.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, so that she may be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5.25-27).

notes:

pic credit: Hannah Busing | girl wearing floral dress reading bible alone in grass | 04.13.22 | unsplash

For more articles in the Word Study category: CLICK

* Gregory of Nazianzus, quoted in Thomas C. Oden, Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology (New York: HarperOne, 1992), 670. [italics mine]

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