“This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” vs32-33

Even though Paul is speaking about the Lord and the Church, the application to husbands and wives remains. Christ is in all the Scriptures, but that does not take away from our responsibilities. Christ has cleansed us, and we must live for Him.

This is the doctrine of God: Look at Christ and live accordingly.

First, Christ is the husband's example. He is to love like the Lord Jesus, laying down himself, so that his wife can be holy.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word… So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.” vs25-28

Husbands care for wives as part of their own body, which is big, because when we do God’s will, we are the better for it. It is counterintuitive that serving Someone Else can make you happy, but God is a rewarder, and He is gracious [Heb 11:6]. He will not allow us to serve Him vainly!

Secondly, love causes husbands to cleanse their wives. Their first responsibility is to represent Christ and live for their wife’s godliness. Therefore, husbands must be examples and lead from the Spirit. We cannot rule by force, but by love. We don’t take our position to abuse, but to serve.

We have privileges as the head, but we are to use them wisely, even as the Sovereign God humbled Himself. He bowed down and washed feet. He dealt faithfully and patiently, and we must do likewise, being fully committed to the good of our spouse.

Thirdly, this mysterious union between Christ and the Church is the subject. Scripture speaks of Him, and until we see Him, we cannot serve God!

“Then He said to them, ‘O fools, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken… And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” ~ Luke 24:25-27

It’s not about husbands and wives! It’s not about human morality! The gospel is about Christ saving the sinner and transforming us into righteousness!