A note from our pastor:

”For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: // For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.”

Ephesians 5:29-30

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week is actually two verses from the fifth chapter of Ephesians because the context of the two verses cannot be separated. In these verses the Apostle gives further instruction regarding husbands and how they should treat their spouses, but also gives an important scriptural image of the relationship between Christ and the elect children of God.

First, the Apostle reinforces the instruction to husbands for them to love their spouses as their own bodies. The specific instruction in this verse being to nourish — provide for their needs — and to cherish — provide them the enjoyment in life. The Apostle points to how Christ cares for his elect, both taking care of their needs and in granting blessings above and beyond any need.

The Apostle then moves to a new element of figurative language saying the elect are part of the body of Christ. This is clearly figurative language and to imply it is literal sends one down a path of untruth. The elect family of God is not of the natural body of Christ. He took on a natural body in order to accomplish our salvation, but we are not, in a natural sense, of the lineage of Christ. He did not start a natural family and did not create the havoc of a natural blood line.

Rather, this verse in its figurative sense is pointing to the relationship between Christ and the elect spiritually. This image points back to the two original people God created, Adam and Eve. In doing so, God took a rib from Adam and created Eve. As a result, Adam was able to say of Eve she was of his body. In a spiritual sense, Christ has done the same for us. However, rather than taking a rib from his side, he gave us something far greater. He gave us his righteousness for no person had righteousness of their own. In doing so, we are made one with him through his blood.

Ultimately, this brings us back to the point in the 29th verse. The Apostle says husbands should nourish and cherish their spouses as their own bodies. The elect family of God is part of the body of Christ and because Christ follows his own instructions on a daily basis he provides for both the needs and the desires of his people in accordance with the will of God.

May we remember each day to love and forgive, behaving appropriately as members of the body of Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah