The Gospel Mystery of Marriage

Marriage is a beautiful illustration of the gospel of the Christ. It shows God's infinite, unfailing love for sinners. Here, Paul want's to show us what it looks like to live in light of the Gospel.
Chapters 1 to 3 – Our salvation and God's redemption in sovereign grace
Chapters 4 to 6 – Our sanctification and our response in submissive gratitude

WHY (The remarkable revelation)
The earthly one-flesh union of husbands and wives in marriage is a beautiful picture of the heavenly one-flesh union of Christ and His church. Marriage is the most intimate relationship on earth. How much more intimate Christ's love for his church?

The Gospel is a mystery; God has hidden but revealed to His people. If the Spirit shows you that marriage illustrates our relationship with Christ, how you treat your spouse will be radically different.

HOW (A rudimentary review)
Husbands love. This is a sacrificial, sanctifying love that is sensible. It must be unconditional and towards his own wife. Focus on her. Spend your time loving her.

Wives respect. While men try to dominate with strength, women try to dominate with shame. Before wives can submit to their husbands, they must respect him. All Christians are to submit one another (v21) out of reverence for Christ. Look to Him.

HOW TO HOW
v5:18 – Be filled with the spirit. Confess unrepentant sin. Pray believingly, behold Christ, become like Him through the Spirit.

The more the bridegroom loves his bride, the more costly his expression of his love and commitment. Christ gave Himself! His token is not a ring, but His broken body and shed blood.

Behold the beauty of the love of Christ. Gaze on that picture. Look to Christ!