Paul just said he was referring to Christ and church. Theologians agree.

A Great Mystery ...

A Bishop is to be a husbandman, married to his church; just like Christ is married to church. In turn, a church (as a wife) is to submit to leading and or needs of their Bishop; to extent it is fit in Lord.

As one researches word 'woman', scripture gives it several additional symbolic meanings.

"So God created man in his own image, in image of God created he him; male and female created he them," Ge. 1:27. "Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in day when they were created," Ge. 5:2.

Male and female were called Adam; not Eve, not woman.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus," Ga. 3:28. "That there should be no schism in body; but that members should have same care one for another," Co. 12:25.

Often, when we are reading of husbands and wives, it is in reference to church. Either we believe that, or we believe Bible contradicts. God is no respecter of persons. And when we are told that He is, it does not come from God.

Whenever we follow anyone contrary to God's leading, we have become a sinful Adam (male or female); whose choice became other than God. However, that is not to say we quarrel and fight. For, God is able to show us when our wants are in error, just as He is able to speak to our mates.

Only when God calls us to take a stand contrary to our mates are we to stand in right way and for right reason; striving to live peaceably (as with all men) but letting God be our only god. And, in following God, He will teach us how to stand in Spirit. Therein, others can also know it is truth.

But in case where a mate is not interested in things of God, we have been made bishops of our own souls; with our own accountability to God. Whatever it be, God will guide our every step.

Eve was mother of all living. Paul referred to himself as a spiritual father.

"And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at beginning made them male and female," Mt. 19:4.

Since mothers and fathers (spiritual teachers) can not get it right ...

"For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?" Mt. 19:5.

"It is written in prophets, And they shall be all taught of God," John 6:45. "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one," John 17:23.

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye servants of men," I Co. 6:20; 7:23.

"And ye shall know truth, and truth shall make you free," John 8:32. "If Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36.

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and end everlasting life," Ro. 6:22. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit," I Co. 12:13.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus," Ga. 3:28. "Stand fast therefore in liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with yoke of bondage," Ga. 5:1.

"As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as servants of God," I Pe. 2:16.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing word of truth," II Ti. 2:15.

Do we believe God or teachings of men? God word does not contradict.

© by Joyce C. Lock http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Mt. 11:29-30

This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

Did I say to run out and divorce them? No.

Just, don't cheat on God to fall with your mate.

"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate one, and love other; or else he will hold to one, and despise other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon," Lu. 16:13.

Adam's sin was that he chose his mate above God. And God named both male and female 'Adam', Ge. 5:2.

Only God knows how to defeat Satan every time. Therefore, if Spirit does not guide a couple toward agreement, God is not likely in it. A warm assurance and comfort of unity come when both agree on His leading. Only then can three walk together.

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in midst of them," Mt. 18:19-20.

When we seek God's guidance together, we obtain divine protection.

Another way of looking at it is this.

Father (head) / / / Son Holy Spirit

Jesus (head) / / /

Husband Wife

"I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

Jn. 17:23

Only when we become one with God can we become one with each other; one in heart, soul, purpose, body, mind, and strength.

© by Joyce C. Lock

http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/

This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.