Paul reveals a new pattern for marriage: Christ and the Ecclesia. This new revelation greatly increases the responsibility of husbands. As believing wives are already members of the Body of Christ, their role in marriage is unchanged from their “natural” role. However, the husband has been instilled with that which can be only divinely accomplished.

Christ is the Savior, the Ecclesia the sinner. Christ is the Giver, the Ecclesia the receiver. Christ is the Sacrificer, the Ecclesia the beneficiary. Christ is the Lover, the Ecclesia the loved. Christ is the Embracer, the Ecclesia the resistant. Christ is the Steadfast, the Ecclesia the inconsistent.

C2Pilkington-4Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
(Excerpted from his upcoming book, Wife Loving)