The Cross: A Divine Model for Marital Love

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

Written by Jamie Pantastico

On January 17, 2024

‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,’

Ephesians 5:25

 

In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificially giving Himself. This verse sets the standard for men for marital love—selfless, unwavering, and sacrificial. Christ’s love for the church was not based on merit (anything that mankind did) but on commitment (willing to die for mankind, to pay the ultimate price for their sins to reconcile mankind back to Himself), transcending imperfections (Christ went to the cross for all mankind despite our sins). Similarly, husbands are called to cherish their wives beyond flaws and imperfections, displaying a love that imitates Christ’s unconditional devotion. In doing so, marriage becomes a reflection of the divine relationship between Christ and the church when husbands extend sacrificial love. It’s a commitment to uplift, support, and always strive for the greater good of one’s spouse above all. This Christ-like love is an embodiment of grace, forgiveness, and constant devotion. As husbands embrace this high calling, marriages become a testimony to the redemptive and transformative power of the gospel.

 

Husbands, let Ephesians 5:25 encourage you to pursue a love that mirrors Christ’s love for His church, creating a home filled with the heart-transforming and enduring love of Christ.

 

Additional reading:

 

These verses collectively emphasize the central theme of selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love as exemplified by Christ, applicable not only in marital relationships but also in our interactions with others.

 

1. John 13:34-35

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”

 

2. 1 John 3:16

“By this, we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

 

3. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

 

4. Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.”

 

5. Matthew 22:39

“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

 

 

 

Jamie Pantastico
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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

Z

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Z

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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