The connection between marriage and the relationship between Christ and the church as revealed in Ephesians 5:31-32 highlights the spiritual depth of a marital union. It says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This speaks to the idea that marriage is far more than a social or legal contract—it’s a spiritual bond that reflects the very heart of God’s plan for humanity.
In the same way that Christ and the church are united, so too is the bond between a husband and wife. This comparison is not just poetic but intentional, revealing a divine mystery. When Christ and His church become one, this union cannot be undone. This is why the Bible emphasises the permanence of marriage: “What God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6). Just as nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39), nothing should tear apart the bond between a husband and wife.
Looking deeper into the Genesis account of Adam and Eve, we see that God Himself orchestrated the union. Genesis 2:22 tells us that God “brought her to the man.” Adam didn’t go searching for Eve, nor did Eve seek out Adam. God was the one who presented them to each other. This mirrors the way Christ was sent to us as a gift from God, and how believers are drawn to Christ by the Father (John 6:44). In this way, God is the orchestrator of both the marriage covenant and the relationship between Christ and His church.
In marriage, the husband is called to love his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). This is a sacrificial love, the kind of love that lays down its life. Christ gave Himself up for the church, showing a commitment that goes beyond feelings or circumstances. Similarly, a husband is meant to be wholly devoted to his wife, and the wife is called to respect and support her husband (Ephesians 5:33). This mutual submission reflects the unity and purpose within the church, where believers are called to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
The tragedy of modern relationships often stems from the fact that many people approach marriage like a transaction rather than a covenant. Instead of waiting on God to present the right person, individuals take matters into their own hands, rushing into relationships that aren’t rooted in God’s plan. When God presents a spouse, it is a “good thing” as Proverbs 18:22 says, and this good thing comes with divine favour. But when we step outside of God’s timing or will, we invite problems, which often manifest as broken marriages.
One of the reasons marriages struggle is that many men and women enter into them without truly knowing their God-given purpose. Genesis 2:15 reveals that God gave Adam work in the Garden before He gave him Eve. Adam had a purpose, and Eve was created to be his helper, complementing the work he was already doing. Today, many men lack a sense of purpose or direction in their lives, yet they expect a wife to come and “help” them. But if there is no clear vision or calling from God, how can a wife help? Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
This applies to marriage as well—without a shared vision from God, the marriage struggles to survive.This brings us back to the idea of oneness. Genesis 2:24 teaches that when a man leaves his father and mother and becomes one with his wife, they are united in both body and spirit. This oneness mirrors the unity between Christ and the church, as seen in Ephesians 5:32. Just as Christ can never be separated from His church, so too should the bond between a husband and wife be inseparable. This is why even in times of difficulty or separation, Scripture advises against remarrying another (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). It is a recognition of the spiritual reality that once a man and a woman become one, they are united under God’s covenant, which is not easily broken.
Hosea’s story serves as a powerful metaphor of this covenant. Hosea, a prophet, was instructed by God to marry Gomer, a woman who was unfaithful to him. Despite her infidelity, Hosea remained committed to her, demonstrating the relentless love of God towards Israel, who had been unfaithful by worshipping other gods (Hosea 3:1). This story shows us that marriage is not just about human feelings or convenience. It’s a reflection of God’s unwavering commitment to us, even when we fall short.
Ultimately, marriage is designed to reflect the glory of God’s relationship with humanity. Just as Christ is faithful to His church, so too are husbands and wives called to be faithful to one another, in good times and bad. It is a union that is meant to endure, to reflect God’s love, and to fulfil His purposes. Marriage is sacred, and its design is not something humans should take lightly. Whether you are a husband, a wife, or someone preparing for marriage, remember that your union is a reflection of Christ and the church—inseparable, purposeful, and gloriously united under God’s covenant.
This mystery is profound, but when understood, it transforms our view of marriage from a mere relationship into a living, breathing testimony of God’s love. Just as Christ laid down His life for the church, we are called to live out that same sacrificial love in our marriages, trusting that God, who orchestrated the union, will sustain and bless it.