(Chapter 5.22-23)

by T. M. Hyland | Category: Studies In Ephesians: | Oct 1950

Subjection is a fundamental law in the realm of divine things. The apostle has already, in verse 21, stated that mutual subjection in the fear of Christ is to be a guiding principle of behaviour among the disciples of the Lord. Now he extends this principle to those relationships of common life which co-exist with the spiritual relationships of disciples; and, in particular, to the Christian home. It has been well said

"It is not too much to say that the perfecting of home is the masterpiece of the gospel in its work of social blessing. Nothing on earth is so beautiful as a perfect home: and it takes the name of Christ and the grace of His Spirit to produce the full phenomenon

Home is the school of mutual unselfishness and duty, where love is continually learning its true work, namely, the finding its happiness ia the felicity of another"' (Moule).

The Christian home is based on Christian marriage, which, in this passage, the apostle elevates to its true place. He discloses that in its primal conception marriage was a foreshadowing of the unique relationship which was to exist between' Christ and His Church.

In order to view marriage in its true Jight it is necessary to go back to the first mention of it in Genesis 2. It was instituted prior to the fall of man and so constituted as to make the bond indissoluble. The absolute oneness of the first pair is indicated by the manner of Eve's creation. The woman was endowed with a separate existence, but she was "taken out of man." Nothing was put into Adam's body to take the place of the part which had been removed to form the woman. Although a distinct personality the woman remained of one flesh with the man without her he was incomplete The man said: "This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh

We know now that in all this there was not only a divine institu tion for the blessing of mankind but also a beautiful type of Christ and the Church. The fact that the first type of Scripture fore shadowed the unique relationship of Christ and His Church is an indication of the central place that Church has in the divme purposes No subsequent unfolding of God 5 purposes in relation to His earthly people Israel has absorbed or modified this great purpose of the ages

"Christ and the Church

Although man grievously departed from it after the fall the primal conception of marriage in Genesis 2 ever remained the divme ideal Because of the hardness of men 5 hearts certain concessive legislation in regard to marriage was enacted in the Mosaic Law; but it is to be carefully noted that it is to Genesis 2. that the Lord and His apostles go back in their teaching concerning marriage. Here, in Ephesians 5. marriage is seen not only in relation to divine principles "in the beginning," but also in relation to an eternal purpose-Christ and the Church. Such a conception of marriage is removed far above any other and gives douNe emphasis to the sanctity and permanence of the marriage bond. That a Christian man and woman, joined in holy wedlock, should have before them such a pattern, makes their marriage at once most solemn yet fraught with the possibilities of the highest blessing.

The comparisons of Ephesians 5. need to be given due prominence among the disciples of the Lord to-day:

"The husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the Head of the Church" (verse 28).

"As the Church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be to their husbands in everything" (verse 24).

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himeelf up for it" (verse 25).

Marriage built on such foundations is impregnable. There is a delightful poise in such a relationship, the subjection of the wife beautifully balanced by the sacrificial love of the husband. The standard is high and its attainment will necessitate mutual forbearance and unselfishness; but what a field for the exercise of those graces of the Spirit which are the hall-mark of the Spirit-filled believer!

This wonderful paragraph about Christian marriage contains some gems of truth concerning Christ and the Church. That Church-" the fulness of Him that filleth all in all "-is at once His Body and His Bride. He gave Himself in order that He might sanctify her; all that she has is derived from Him, all that she is reflects His glory. Each member is "clean every whit" through "the washing (laver) of regeneration.~~* Having thus prepared and cleansed her, Christ will present His completed Church to Himself: she will be at His side "a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing."

"Meet companion for ~he Master,

From Him, for Him made,

Glory of God's grace for ever,

There in her displayed!

It may not be possible to fix with certainty the sequence or setting of certain events which are the subject of prophecy. In the outline of future events revealed to us in the Book of Revelation there is much that remains obscure, but there are also clearly defined landmarks. These landmarkr must be duly heeded; what is obscure should not be set against what is clearly defined. I read the references to the Bride, the Wife of the Lamb in the book of Revelation, in the light of Ephesians 5. The apostle's application of Genesis 2.24 to the great mystery of Christ and the Church--the wonderful secret which was in the mind of God from times eternal, but now revealed through his Word-is, I judge, conclusive evidence that the Church which is Christ's Body is the Bride, the Wife of the Lamb (Revelation 19.7 and 21.9).

(CHAPTER 6.1-4).

Having set forth the relationship of the Christian husband and wife in true perspective the apostle now expands his theme of the Christian home. I take it that this passage has in view those of a Christian home who are together under divine rule in the assembly of God. This, I judge, is involved in the words: "children, obey your parents in the Lord." The obedience of children to parents is necessary, in the natural order of things, to the orderly conduct of home life; but here it is lifted to the higher plane of subjection to the will of the Lord. In the assembly of God, children are to be instructed that subjection to their parents is not only commendable, but is a vital part of their responsibility as disciples of the Lord.

Disobedience to parents " is to be a characteristic feature of the last days; it should have no place among those who are in subjection to divine authority in the house of God.

On the other hand Christian fathers are to be instructed in regard to the training of their children. There is to be none of that overbearing unreasonableness which provokes displays of temper in children. The same patience and care are to be exercised in their spiritual development as is necessary to their physical wellbeing. In the training of his children the instrument to be used by the Christian father is not the force of his own personality, but "the chastening and admonition of the Lord." He will be able to do this only in the measure in which he has learned the will of the Lord himself. "Admonition" is "training by word" and includes warning, remonstrance and encouragement: "chastening" includes discipline, correction, and instruction in what is right.

The importance of the home life of God's people cannot be overestimated; its influence is far reaching. Decay in the home will have serious repercussions in the corporate life of God's people. Two major wars within the past 80 years have wrought tremendous havoc in the home life of the British peoples. It has been a heavy price to pay and the full harvest has yet to be reaped. It is now necessary as never before for Christian parents to stand on guard against the serious challenge of modern life which tends to reduce home to a mere "dormitory." How careful Christian parents should be to provide in the home the antidote to those influences which are continually brought to bear on the child outside! Happy indeed are those children that grow up in the atmosphere of a Christian homethey have a goodly heritage.

<Author:T. M. Hyland>

T. M. Hyland | Oct 1950
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