Saturday, December 03, 2005

married to Christ

I was asked what some of the implications of our marriage to Christ are. Here are some random thoughts. I would like to synthesize them a little more and think some more about putting it together, so feeback and input is appreciate.
This stemmed from a discussion on singleness, which yes, NanoC I do remember that you asked me to post something on singleness, and I will get around to it.

--

Some musings.

It is the best situation for married people to live together, in the same way, as we are married to Christ Eph 2:17 tells us that Christ dwells in our hearts. We can’t simply pay visits occasionally, Christ must be at the centre of our thoughts, we must dwell with him. This union of marriage with Christ is closer than any other relationship, yes, including marriage between a man and a woman. A man and woman become one flesh when they are married. Christ and the believer becomes one spirit (1 Cor 6:17).
This marriage fills the believer with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Pet 1:8). This idea is also spoken about in John 15 where we are instructed to dwell in Christ, and he will dwell in us.

This marriage also differs from the marriage between a man and a woman in that it is eternal (Hos 2:19). All other marriages cease at death, and will not be restored in the resurrection of the dead, but the bride of Christ shall never be a widow.

Some practical outworkings of this…
Have we given ourselves totally over to Christ?
Do we see the value in other believers? They too are joined to Christ. It is not assimilation, but union. All believers are not only joined to Christ, but one with Christ. Can you see the seriousness then of sinning against our brothers and sisters? It makes me understand all the more Acts 9:4. Persecution of the saints, is persecution of the bride, of the body, of ourselves, of Christ as we are one spirit.
This is also a huge assurance. Christ, our husband, is our judge.
We need to rejoice in the relationship.
It impacts not only our views and the way in which we treat others, but also in relation to our sanctify and purity. Is it fitting for Christ to be married to one who cheats on him? One who cheats in their actions by doing things that displease him, by sinning, by placing our wants and desires above his.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I have always thought of myself as part of the pure spotless, bride that is being prepared for the weddding feast of the Lamb. The union with each other is that of cooperation and alignment and singleness of purpose. We are being prepared for that time when the union of our spirits with Christ will be fully expressed in the new earth to come. I think we may be engaged first!