What does Christian marriage have to do with living in the “already, but not yet” kingdom of God?
I want to draw your attention to a series of articles published yesterday on the Desiring God blog that deals with a subject that has been on my heart for some time. The theme is specifically about marriage and its place in the cosmic plan of God.
———-
Tony Reinke introduced the series with his article “Marriage in the Cosmic Plan of God.” Included in the body of his article is a link to download a free pdf of the 8,500-word article he has published on the same subject in the Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
Near the end of his article there are four loaded statements about Christ’s work on the cross that cast a vision for marriage that lands right in the middle of your home and shows you how marriage under Christ’s lordship echoes into eternity. The impact of these truths can take your breath away– so get a comfortable seat before you start reading. (And don’t forget to download the pdf article from the embedded link for further reading.)
———-
After that introductory post I contributed an article on how I view my submission to my husband in light of Jesus’ authority over all things: “A Wife’s Submission in the Cosmic Plan of Christ.” Since we stepped onto the hot sands of the Arabian Peninsula over four years ago this is a subject that has come up regularly in my conversations as I meet women from different faith backgrounds. In this article I include a very brief excerpt of the content of those dialogues:
“The Bible defines a wife’s submission to her husband in terms that describe its motive, means, and end as distinctly and uniquely Christian. For my own joy as well, I love to share about the cosmic plan of Christ to be exalted as Head over all things and how this shapes the way I view my submission to my husband.”
———-
The third post in the series on the Desiring God blog is a podcast with theologian G.K. Beale discussing how marriage has been caught up in the cosmic drama of the gospel. You won’t want to miss his concise summary of the Book of Ephesians and the connection between Christ’s finished work and Christian marriage.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Gloria, I really appreciate your perspective. I’m wondering if you’ve taken time to write about the case where the husband is severely lacking in fulfilling his role, specifically if he is neglectful or abusive to the point that not only the wife but the children are grossly harmed. In particular, if the wife has recourse in her culture, how does she go about taking it in a way that glorifies God?
Hi Christy, thanks for your comment! I’m emailing you right now. gf
Hi, I saw Christy’s comment and would love to see your response to her as well. I admit that I was thinking, when reading your article, that it seems easy to submit when your husband is in regular fellowship with the Lord through the Word and prayer. Our faith is really tested when they are not walking with the Lord and not leading their wife and children, and seem to have no desire to do so. What words of advice do you have for women in that position?