Ephesians 5:22-33 — Biblical Marriage: Part 1

Ephesians 5:22-33 — Biblical Marriage: Foundation, Distinctives, and Purpose

In Ephesians 5:15–21, the Apostle Paul juxtaposed being drunk—which is foolishness because it is a waste of time, resources, and lives—with being filled with the Holy Spirit—who helps us to know God's will. Being filled with the Spirit happens when we speak to one another in hymns and spiritual songs, give thanks to God, and submit to one another.

Some have said that "submitting to one another" means that every believer should submit to all other believers. They call it, "mutual submission." This, however, is nonsensical, betrays a misunderstanding of Biblical submission, and even nullifies the Scriptural mandates to submit to those to whom submission is owned. In Ephesians 5:22-6:9, the Apostle Paul gives three examples of where submission needs to happen:

1. Wives to husbands (5:22-33)
2. Children to parents (6:1-4)
3. Bondservants to masters (6:5-9)

Over the next few weeks, I will expound on Ephesians 5:22-33. I will be using that as a launching pad to show you that marriage is an institution ordained and ordered by God to accomplish His purposes in Creation. Unlike what society makes it out to be, it is not merely about intimacy, companionship, emotional support, and enjoyment. Marriage is a covenant, not between the couple, but between the couple and God Himself. Just like God had created the man and the woman to represent Him before the Fall, the Christian marriage is to put on display a picture of Christ and His Bride, the Church. Distortions to this illustration are an affront to God and His holiness.

Consequently, whether you are married or never been married, planning on getting married or on never getting married, your understanding of Biblical marriage and shoring up of your marriage and of those around you directly connects with your Christian walk, living in a manner worthy of your calling, and your worship to God. In other words, if the ultimate purpose of Christian marriage is to put on display a picture of Christ and the Church, then this topic is just as relevant to married Christians as it is to those who are not married!