Marriage and Mystery

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Paul quotes this verse in Ephesians 5:31, adding “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Concerning mystery, theologians put it this way, many things are hidden in the Old Testament but are revealed in the New. They are also called types and shadows. Adam for example is a type of Christ (Romans 5:14), other things are “a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ” (Colossians 2:17).

Mystery is foolishness to our over rationalized Western mind. But as Jesus said, the Father has hidden hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children (Matthew 11:25). And we need to become as little children to enter the kingdom, and then we begin to understand Matthew 18:2). In terms of the mystery of the church, the Greek word is ekklesia, literally the called out ones. We don't go to church as we often say, for we (believers) are the church. The ekklesia is also called His body (Ephesians 1:22, 23). And just as Eve is bone of Adam's bone and flesh of Adam's flesh (Genesis 2:23), so we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones (Ephesians 5:30). Also, just as Eve was birthed out of Adam's side, so the church is birthed from the water and the blood that flowed from Christ's side (John 19:34). Water of course speaks of cleansing, and points to the baptism of repentance (Acts 9:4). Blood speaks of redemption (being made right with God) through His blood (Revelation 5:9).

Furthermore, just as Eve was Adam's bride, so the church is Christ's bride. In fact Paul tells the Corinthians “I betrothed you to one husband (engagement in modern language), to Christ, so that I might present you to Him as a pure virgin” (2 Corinthians 11:2). In terms of purity “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:25-27). That we have a part to play in this purity is brought out in Revelation 19:7 where we read “for the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” The Lamb of course is Jesus (John 1:29).

Father, in the words of the prayerbook we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We are Cinderella with amnesia! Your Word tells us the time has come for judgment to begin with the church; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God (1 Peter 4:17)? In the words of an old hymn “Jesus I’ve forgotten the words that you have spoken, promises that burned within my heart, have now grown dim. With a doubting heart, I follow the paths of earthly wisdom forgive me for my unbelief, renew the fire again. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.” So I come before You this morning Lord, and I repent on behalf of Your church and of myself. Forgive us Lord and cleanse us as you have promised (1 John 1:9). Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us (Psalm 51:10) in Jesus Name Amen