We begin this chapter with a basic presupposition. Namely, that God made the family. Thus, any insight, analysis, and vision regarding the family comes from God’s Word.
In the opening chapter of the Bible, we see God bringing creation into being. The pinnacle of His creation was mankind. God said in Genesis 1:26, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” It was through this image—the Imago Dei—that God would steward, subdue, and populate His recently created world (Gen 1:26-28).
Accordingly, this stewarding, subduing, and populating would originate in and proceed from a man and a woman joining together as a unit. Notice the language in Genesis 2:24, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” This statement is given before there was a mother or father. Thus, God establishes an institution throughout all generations. This statement is further justified by examining what the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:32, “This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.” The mystery Paul was referencing was the mystery of Genesis 2:24. In the verse just before Ephesians 5:32, Paul quotes Genesis 2:24. In so doing, he is explaining the mystery of a man and a woman coming together. This mystery is solved by looking at a husband and wife in a godly marriage. The husband represents Christ, and the wife represents the Church. The godly love and submission between these two is to represent or display to the world the godly love and submission between Christ and His Church.
Therefore, when we examine the apostle Paul’s connection and explanation of Genesis 2:24, we are left with a biblical vision and conviction of the origins and purpose of the family.
Next week, we’ll examine a biblical vision for the family.
— December 8, 2021