Faith & Reason Nexus

In the Bible, both the home and the church are divinely established institutions that serve unique purposes in God’s plan. These two institutions are intertwined with key spiritual principles that reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church, as well as the relationship between a husband and wife.

The Home

1. One Man, Adam, the Head
   • 1 Corinthians 11:3: “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
     • In the home, the husband is the head, reflecting the divine order in creation. Just as Christ is the head of the Church, the husband is entrusted with leadership in the family.
2. One Wife, Eve
   • Romans 7:2-3: “For the woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”
     • The union between a husband and wife mirrors the commitment and covenant established by God. Eve was created for Adam, and marriage is to be a lifelong commitment.
3. The Rib for Adam Came from His Side
   • Genesis 2:21-23: “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”
     • The creation of Eve from Adam’s side symbolizes their unity and the equality of their roles in the relationship. The family is meant to reflect this partnership.
4. The Bride Took the Man’s Name
   • Genesis 2:23: “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
     • The wife takes the husband’s name, symbolizing unity and identity in marriage. It reflects the unity and oneness designed by God.
5. Reproduction is by “Natural Birth”
   • Genesis 1:28: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.”
     • The home is established for the multiplication of life, through the natural birth of children, continuing the creation of God’s image.
6. Happiness is “Conditional”
   • 1 Peter 3:7: “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
     • Happiness in the home is based on mutual respect, love, and understanding. A home filled with peace requires both partners to honor and submit to God’s roles for them.

The Church

1. The Lord, Christ, Head
   • Colossians 1:18: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
     • Just as Christ is the head of the Church, He is the supreme authority in the spiritual family. The Church submits to Christ’s leadership.
2. One Husband, the “One Body”
   • Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.”
     • The Church is described as the “one body” of Christ, unified under His leadership. Just as the husband and wife become one flesh in marriage, believers are one in Christ.
3. The Blood to Purchase the Church Came from Christ’s Side
   • John 19:34: “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
     • The blood that flowed from Christ’s side during His crucifixion signifies the sacrifice He made to purchase the Church, just as the creation of Eve from Adam’s side symbolizes a deep, sacrificial love.
4. Members Wear Christ’s Name – “Christians”
   • Acts 11:26: “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
     • Just as the bride takes the husband’s name, Christians take the name of Christ. We are identified as His followers, united in His Church.
5. Reproduction is by “Spiritual Birth”
   • John 3:5: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
     • The birth of believers into the Church is spiritual, through baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit. This new birth brings people into the family of God, just as children are born into the family in the home.
6. Happiness is “Conditional”
   • Revelation 2:4-5: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
     • Happiness in the Church is conditional upon faithfulness to Christ, remaining in love with Him, and being obedient to His commands.

Are You in Both of These Divine Institutions?

• The Home: Is your home a place of godly unity, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church? Are you fulfilling your roles as husband, wife, or child according to God’s Word?
• The Church: Are you part of the Church, submitting to Christ as the head, and living in unity with fellow believers? Have you experienced the spiritual birth that makes you part of His family?

Both the home and the Church are essential institutions for believers. As we strive to live out our roles in these divine institutions, let us be faithful and obedient, reflecting the love, unity, and purpose God has designed for us.