Look at the oneness, the unity, the love and intimacy here. A husband and wife are one flesh, so much so that any husband who loves his wife is loving himself, as she is now a member of his own body.
And again notice the example provided us in Jesus Christ. He not only died for us, but He also rose and lives forever to “nourish and cherish” us. That is, He feeds, supplies, nurtures and sustains us. He cares for us, holds us dear and treasures us. Oh, let this love of Christ sink into your heart, friend.
If you were to give your life savings for a rare piece of art, you would treasure it, protect it, and care for it. Well, Jesus didn’t give His life savings, He gave His life for you! Having paid such a high price He now “nourishes and cherishes” you. He loves and protects you. He treasures you as a member of His own body.
In Ephesians 5:31 Paul quotes Genesis 2:24:
Genesis 2:24 ISV Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Question 4. Of what is this phrase “one flesh” speaking?
The intended order is that a man would first “leave father and mother,” cling to his wife in marriage and then become “one flesh” in sexual intimacy. The two are joined together in body (“flesh”) so that they experience oneness like they never have before.
And this intimacy is designed by God to be the most exhilarating, most fulfilling, most satisfying experience in marriage. It is the climax of the entire marital relationship, being preceded by a lifetime commitment of love, healthy interaction, vulnerability and transparency, and the sharing of two lives together that have become best friends.
God saved us for just this kind of intimacy. Notice Ephesians 5:32:
Ephesians 5:32 ESV This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Here is where we see that God saved us for intimacy! Jesus gave Himself up for you to pour Himself into you by His Spirit! He died to remove your sin so that you would be one with Him so that you would experience the most exhilarating, most fulfilling, most satisfying relationship in the world!
Question 5. Do you see one of the accomplishments of the cross is intimacy between you and God?
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