Ephesians 5:26
26 That [hina] he might sanctify [hagiazo] and cleanse it [katharizo]
with the washing [loutron] of water [hudor] by [en] the word, [rhema] KJV-Interlinear
26 that
He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the
word, NASB
He, is a reference to
Christ. To sanctify, means to make holy
or set apart.
This is accomplished by
means of a cleansing, or a washing. But
here the washing is not of water, but by means of water symbolically used in
reference for the scriptures.
There is no reference to
salvation here. Salvation is by means of
faith in Christ.
This however, is a
washing, or a continual washing using the word of God. This establishes the day
to day functions of one in their daily life, and more specifically, in their
day to day spiritual life.
As an unbeliever, you are
spiritually dead. That is tantamount to
being dirty, filthy, putrid, and in need of a good washing.
The gospel introduces you
to the concept of salvation, by which, when you believe in Christ, you are
saved and simultaneously washed clean of your filth, which is the sin in your
life, the sin prior to your salvation.
This produces in you, a
holiness, or a spiritual cleansing that places you in fellowship with God
through Christ.
However, you are still
here on this earth, and you still live in your sin nature corrupted body. And as such, you are influenced by that sin
nature, and need a good washing from time to time during and throughout your
life. That means confession and the
fellowship status that is derived through that process.
So, you are washed and
continually cleansed by means of doctrine and the function of your spiritual
life.
And as such, just as
Christ did this for us, so too, the husband and wife are to live their lives
within the spiritual sphere on a daily basis.
This contributes to the understanding of life and the proper orientation
not only to God and life, but to each other.
Life is a
relationship. It is a series of
relationships.
Our relationship with God
is paramount and establishes the foundation for our life for all of
eternity.
Our relationship with our
spouse is that fundamental basis for the continuation of society and properly
brings two people together in a unity that is beyond compare and has no equal,
when it is pursued with proper attention.
When people become
selfish or disinterested, then that relationship falls apart. It is difficult for only one member to
maintain a successful relationship. The best relationship takes two to make it
successful.
Our relationship with God
has only one potential flaw, namely us.
God is perfect.
Our relationship with
each other in marriage, has two potential flaws, namely both persons, husband
and wife.
While each person has
their own responsibility toward God, when in marriage however, when both are
pursuing their spiritual lives, then the synergy of that effort will produce
blessings that are far beyond the sum of each person alone.
And remember that
blessings are not restricted to monetary results, but come in many forms,
especially in their eternal ramifications.
The overall objective of
each individual is to get prepared for their eternal life through their daily
spiritual life. This works well when it
is pursued daily and continually throughout ones life.
When both spouses pursue
this goal of spiritual advancement, then their chances of success in this
effort, are magnified because of that common goal, not only uniting them as
husband and wife, but uniting them in the greatest pursuit of a lifetime,
namely their spiritual lives.
E-Books, E-Book Reader
Your Comments
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Subscription Options
