AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH: THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE.By Mercy Keziah Dorothy 3rd February, 2012

SOUTH INDIA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE &SEMINARY

AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH:

THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

A thesis submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirement for the degree of Master of Divinity

By

Mercy Keziah Dorothy

3^rd February, 2012

SOUTH INDIA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY

AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH:

THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Satisfaction

Of the Requirements for the Degree

Master of Divinity

By 

Mercy Keziah Dorothy

3^rd February, 2012

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DECLARATION

1.      I hereby declare that this thesis has been my own work in its entirely that the work of which it is a record, has been done by myself under the guidance of a supervisor.

2.      No part of this thesis has been submitted to any other educational institution in any previous application for any degree.

3.      All quotations three lines or less have been denoted by quotation marks; quotations of more than three lines have been intended in single space, and that sources of information, in both cases, have been specifically acknowledged.

Place: S I B B C & S

Date: 3^rd February, 2012

MERCY KEZIAH DOROTHY

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful to our President, Dr. P. D. Cherian and his family and all S.I.B.B.C. & S family who were such a blessing to me personally.  I also thank my teachers who were the reason for what I am now and whose life and teaching were a real blessing to me.  I am so indebted to Prof. Ravi Lingson who not only helped me as my thesis mentor and teacher but also gave his love and care for me in every way.  I am also grateful to Mrs. Elsy Christopher who took the responsibility of typing my thesis even when i delayed to finish my work.  Prof. Christopher is a blessing to me.  Thanks to my friends, Chang, Jesse and Zhuzhan for their kindness in typing most of my thesis. And thanks to each one of the authors listed in the bibliography, coming up with such profound thoughts, which in turns benefited me personally.

My heartfelt thanks to my linguistic teachers Miss Micheal Base and Miss Laureul O. Lee, who always encouraged and prayed for me as I was writing this thesis. Special thanks to Brother Thang Sian Suun Mung without whose encouragement, I have no thought of writing this thesis and my friend Suresh Balajii whose encouragement and prayer mean a lot to me. Thanks for my Apoi Kisampung Nren who always bathed me with her  love and care and help me in the process of writing thesis. Thanks to all of my class mates and my friends who were such an encouragement and help at SIBBC&S.

My very special thanks to Mrs. Surya Benjamin and family (Anderson Family) and my sister Helen Sathyia without whose love and kindness I would not have accomplished in my studies. My love and thanks to my Dad and Mom and my sister Daphnie and Debbie, who together make my life rich and full, each one in his her own individual way. Thanks to my all sufficient Almighty God for who He to me and for strengthening me in my weakness, comforting me in my distress, enabling to write this thesis making this possible by His omnipotence, which seemed impossible for me. Glory is to Him and Him alone for “HIS PERFORMANCE”.

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CONTENTS

Page No

Declaration

Acknowledgement

INTRODUCTION

Rationale for the Study

Research Problem

Significance of the Study

Definitions

Assumptions

Limitations and Delimitations

Literature Review

Hypothesis

Methodology

Preliminary Outline

Chapter

I.                   AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACTORS THAT MAKE

SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE SO DIFFICULT

      Deceived by the Tempter

                  Doubt on the Word of God

                  Doubt on the Character of God

       Curse of God

                  Marriage Before the Curse

                              A Suitable Helper

                              Authority and Submission

                              Unity

                  Marriage After the Curse

                              The Elements of the Curse

                              The Effect of the Curse

                                          Broken Relationship with God

                                          Pain Out of Intimacy

                                          Hierarchy in the Marriage

      The Corruption of Satan

      The Confusion of Society 

II.                AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN

THE ENGAGEMENT

      Realization of Sin and Failure

      Restoration from Sin and Failure

      Repentance from Sin and Failure

      Christ and Church in the Bridal Walk

                  Bridal Walk Characterised by a New Love

                              Imitation in New Love

                              Unity in New Love

                                          The Compatibility in the Unity

                                          Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the Unity

                  Bridal Walk Characterized by a New Light

                              The Source of the New Light

                                          Holy Spirit is Light

                                          People of God are Light

                              Church Refraining the Old Life

                              Church in the New Life and Light

                              Fruit of Light

                              Proving Acceptable to God

                              Works of Darkness

                  Bridal Walk Characterized by a New Wisdom

                              The Action of Walking Wisely

                              The State of Being Wise

                              Wisely Understanding the Will of God

                                          God has given the Mind

                                          God has a Plan for the Life

III.             AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN

THE MARITAL EXPERIENCE

      Filling of the Holy Spirit in the Christian Marriage

                  Christ in Life and Marriage

                  Control of Holy Spirit in Life and Marriage

                              Fruit of the Holy spirit in Life and Marriage

                              Results of Spirit Filled Life and Marriage

                                          Joyful Life and Marriage

                                          Thankful Life and Marriage

                                          Submissive Life and Marriage

                                          Believers are to be Mutually Submissive to Each                                                                         Other

                                          Marriage and Family must be characterized by                                                                            Mutual Submission

                  Word Filled Life and Marriage

                  Attitude of Prayer of Life and Marriage

                  Will of God in Life and Marriage

      Submission of the Church

                  The Matter of Submission

                              Submission is God-Ordained

                              Submission is not Suppression

                              Submission is in the Best Interest of a Person

                              Submission is a Decision

                  The Manner of Submission

                  The Motive of Submission

                  The Extent of Submission

                  The Model of Submission

      Reverence of the Church for Christ

                  Person of Reverence

                  Position of Reverence

      Love of Christ for the Church

                  The Matter of Love

                  The Manner of Love

                              Submitting Love

                              Underserved Love

                              Sacrificial Love

                              Purifying Love

                                          Positional Cleansing

                                          Progressive Cleansing

                              Caring Love

                              The Unbreakable Love

                                          Cause for the Unbreakable Love

                                          Limitation in the Unbreakable Love

                                          Cleansing in the Unbreakable Love

Husbands and Wives must be one flesh                                                                                       intellectually

Husbands and Wives must be one flesh socially

Husbands and Wives must be one flesh                                                                                       emotionally

Husbands and Wives must be one flesh                                                                                       spiritually

Husbands and Wives must be one flesh                                                                                       physically

Husbands and Wives must be one flesh till death                                                                        do part them

                  The Motive of Love

                  The Model of Love

IV.             AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN

THE MARITAL EXPECTATION

      Commitment in the Life of a Married Christian

                  Commitment of God to Man

                              God made Commitment to Man

                              God Himself was a Commitment

                  Commitment of Man to God

                              Prayerful Life

                              Witnessing Life

                  Commitment to Mate

                              Committedly Living out the Plan of God for Marriage

                              Committedly Living by  Trust in Marriage

                                          Trusting God

                                          Trusting Mate

                                          Being Faithful

                  Commitment to the Church of God

      Marriage from the Perspective of God

                  Contract Marriages

                  Covenant Marriages

                  Marriage-the Glorious Relationship

                              The Greatness of the Church

                              The Glory of the Church

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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INNTRODUCTION

In the contemporary world, few things are more important to the church than addressing the needs that exceeds in Christian marriages. In the past, many have felt that marriage enrichment was simply a sideline activity for the church, that once in a while the church should do something to emphasize marriage. But with the increasing number of divorces among Christian couples and the alarming number of missionaries and pastors who are leaving the ministries because of marital failure, it is realized that teachings on marriage is not a sideline.

Men’s relationship with God is of outmost importance because it transcended time, and it greatly influences all other relationships. On the human level, the marriage relationship is seen as the most intimate of all relationship. It supersedes an individual’s relationship with parents and children. The marriage relationship is so significance that God chose it as a picture of His relationship with His people. In the Old Testament, it is told that God saw Himself as the husband of Israel (Isa. 54:5). In the New Testament, Christ is seen as the husband of the church (II Cor. 11:2: Eph. 5:22-33).

Perhaps no relationship demands so much Christian discipline as marriage. This work is concerned particularly with helping Christians understands how the marriage was destroyed and fell at the fall of man and came short of God’s design for it and what bible teaches to Christians to bring it back to the original state as it    was when God designed it to be the most wonderful relationship on the earth. This work also seeks to address the needs like, the need for understanding of marriage that is biblical rather than secular, the need for understanding the problems in the marriage, the need to understand that life is more than having a good marriage, the need to understand the positive, biblical view of human sexuality, the need for clear biblically-based teachi.ng for building a Christian marriage, the need to understand marriage as a commitment, the need to understand that relationship with God affects marriage, the need to understand the success in a God controlled marriage and the need to understand the divine pattern of church and Christ for every Christian marriage.

When a Christian has a healthy marriage, the whole world looks bright. When the marriage relationship is empty, it negatively affects all others aspects of  life. The work of many believers for Christ has been greatly hampered by the deterioration of marriages. The evidence of Christianity is not only to be visible in the church but in a Christian marriage. A loving and growing marriage is the greatest gift any couple can ever have.

  

RATIONAL FOR THE STUDY

The impetus for this study comes from Ephesians 5. This passage received significant attention of this writer a year ago while reading a book “wings for women” written by Dr. Lilian Stanly. While reading the book, this writer realised that the lack of understanding of Christ and the Church and negligence to the practical lessons from the very concept for marriage leads to marital chaos. Later, as the writer began to read the fifth chapter of Ephesians from marriage perspective it occurred to her as the best foundation for a successful Christian marriage.

The distinctive feature in the book of Ephesians is that the relationship between husband and wife is treated as analogical to that between Christ and the church. Though this is well explain by Paul in the book of Ephesians, many married Christian couples fail to acknowledge this concept of Christ and the church. Many Christian, do not understand what the relationship between Christ and the church really is. Many Christians who understand the relationship between Christ and the church are unable to apply it in their marriage. This writers proposition is that the Chastain husbands and dives ought to understand that the relationship between Christ and the church is an analogy which must be applied for marriage and thereby to have a peaceful happier and a best kind of affair in the world.

An understanding of the relationship between Christ, the Groom and his bride, the church, is the foundation for successful Christian marriage. This observation whets the zeal of this writer to discover what is really there between Christ and His bride and in what all ways it could aid, guide and motivate the Christian families to stimulate and practice that glorious relationship as they are married. The writer also believes that this would be a valuable work for young adults and pre-marital counselees as they embark on their nuptial commitment.

REASERCH PROBLEMS

Seeing that the divorce rate is the highest it has been in the history, all over the world, it is clear that secular principles have not worked. This generation is watching the death of marriage and the obliteration of the family. There is a groping, without any base of authority, to try to figure out how to make meaningful human relationship in a society that is disintegrate. Sometimes the Bible is misinterpreted by reading our culture patterns into the biblical text rather than letting the Bible be standard whereby the cultural norms must to be measured.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

An understanding of Christ and the church is good, but how far it affects the Christian marriages? How far the teachings of Christ and the apostles in the first century is applied in the twenty first century Christian mutual affairs. Many Christian marriages fail to acknowledge that the relationship between Christ and the church is the pattern for the marriage. There is a need for clear, biblically based principles for building a Christian marriage, a need to understand the positive, biblical view of marriage in sex, a need for a definition of love and submission that is biblical rather than secular, and the need to discover biblical principles on marriage and marital problems. There are the needs addressed in this work. It is the writer sincere desire that this work will serve the purpose by church, ultimately strengthening and guiding their couples in their marriage.

DEFINATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS

DEFINITIONS

Understanding:  to be thoroughly familiar with or realize apprehending clearly the character and nature of; comprehending by knowing the meaning of the words employed, as a language.

Church:  the entire body of those who are savingly related to Christ.

Foundation: that on which something is set up or established on a firm basic or for enduring existence; the basis or ground of anything.

Successful: achieving or having achieved success (the favourable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavours).

Marriage: marriage is a divine institution, designed to form a permanent union between man and woman to multiply, replenish and might helpful to one another.

Submission: An act of accepting or yielding to authority by surrender, compliance and obedience.

Love: An attribute of God and Christian virtue characterized by great interest and pleasure in something.

ASSUMPTION

Following assumptions are the thrust of the study

1.      Understanding every nature of the relationship of Christ and the church through a proper study is the life blood of Christian marriage.

2.      The lasting answer to marital growth is found in the Bible.

3.      Our relationship with God greatly enhances marriage relationship.

4.      Submission and love are mutual in marriage.

5.      Sex and God’s idea and an important part of a growing marriage relationship.

6.      The starting point for the successful Christian marriage is to be a Christian first.

7.      Marriages fail if the partners are not filled with the spirit.

8.      By marriage, husband and wife could be either a symbol or a denial and His Church.

LIMITATION AND DELIMITATION

The study makes an attempt to study the nature of the relationship between Christ and the church. Therefore the primary source for this study will be limited by the fifth chapter of the book of Ephesians and the biblical passages that supports the concept. Thus the results would solely depend on the analysis of those passages. The assumptions are not verifiable although some of them can be, with further studies.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Quite a number of books have been out to guide and encourage husbands and wives in their mutual commitment. Commentaries and lexicons with exegetical work on these specific passages of Ephesians 5 will be reviewed. These and other relevant literature will be reviewed for the purpose of this study. As this is an analogical and inter disciplinary study, related literature on theology, marriage and marriage counselling will be reviewed as well.

HYPOTHESIS

This study is not to test a hypothesis. However the basic assumption is that the relationship between Christ and the church could be a biblical model for Christian marriages and that all Christian married couples could overcome nuptial difficulties and confusions if they understand the concept of Christ and church relationship as a blue print for their marriage.

METHODOLOGY

By nature this study is analogical and descriptive in design. Hence the primary task is to discover the unique qualities in the relationship between Christ and the church and it’s impact on a successful Christian marriage. The primary sources, therefore, for this thesis will be mainly from the book of Ephesians the fifth chapter and other scripture passage that deals with marriage. An analysis of these passages will be done to this effect. Other sources will include literature and studies that are done to these biblical portions and relevant literature in theology (Doctrine of Christ and the doctrine of Church), counselling and marriage and family.

The study will attempt to answer the following questions:

1.      What does marriage really mean?

2.      What are the real perils in Christian marriages?

3.      What is actually there between Christ and the church?

4.      Is church and Christ really the basis of Christian marriage?

5.      What does bible really say about marriage?

6.      What does oneness in marriage mean?

7.      What are the responsibilities of a husband and wife in marriage?

8.      What could be the role of Holy Spirit in marriage?

Most sources are located at SIBBC&S library and additional source will be secure from the writer’s personal library.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THESIS PROPOSAL

AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH: THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

RATIONAL FOR THE STUDY

The impetus for this study comes from Ephesians 5. This passage received significant attention of this writer a year ago while reading a book “wings for women” written by Dr. Lilian Stanly. While reading the book, this writer realised that the lack of understanding of Christ and the Church and negligence to the practical lessons from the very concept for marriage leads to marital chaos. Later, as the writer began to read the fifth chapter of Ephesians from marriage perspective it occurred to her as the best foundation for a successful Christian marriage.

The distinctive feature in the book of Ephesians is that the relationship between husband and wife is treated as analogical to that between Christ and the church. Though this is well explain by Paul in the book of Ephesians, many married Christian couples fail to acknowledge this concept of Christ and the church. Many Christian, do not understand what the relationship between Christ and the church really is. Many Christians who understand the relationship between Christ and the church are unable to apply it in their marriage. This writers proposition is that the Chastain husbands and dives ought to understand that the relationship between Christ and the church is an analogy which must be applied for marriage and thereby to have a peaceful happier and a best kind of affair in the world.

An understanding of the relationship between Christ, the Groom and his bride, the church, is the foundation for successful Christian marriage. This observation whets the zeal of this writer to discover what is really there between Christ and His bride and in what all ways it could aid, guide and motivate the Christian families to stimulate and practice that glorious relationship as they are married. The writer also believes that this would be a valuable work for young adults and pre-marital counselees as they embark on their nuptial commitment.

REASERCH PROBLEMS

Seeing that the divorce rate is the highest it has been in the history, all over the world, it is clear that secular principles have not worked. This generation is watching the death of marriage and the obliteration of the family. There is a groping, without any base of authority, to try to figure out how to make meaningful human relationship in a society that is disintegrate. Sometimes the Bible is misinterpreted by reading our culture patterns into the biblical text rather than letting the Bible be standard whereby the cultural norms must to be measured.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

An understanding of Christ and the church is good, but how far it affects the Christian marriages? How far the teachings of Christ and the apostles in the first century is applied in the twenty first century Christian mutual affairs. Many Christian marriages fail to acknowledge that the relationship between Christ and the church is the pattern for the marriage. There is a need for clear, biblically based principles for building a Christian marriage, a need to understand the positive, biblical view of marriage in sex, a need for a definition of love and submission that is biblical rather than secular, and the need to discover biblical principles on marriage and marital problems. There are the needs addressed in this work. It is the writer sincere desire that this work will serve the purpose by church, ultimately strengthening and guiding their couples in their marriage.

DEFINATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS

DEFINITIONS

Understanding:  to be thoroughly familiar with or realize apprehending clearly the character and nature of; comprehending by knowing the meaning of the words employed, as a language.

Church:  the entire body of those who are savingly related to Christ.

Foundation: that on which something is set up or established on a firm basic or for enduring existence; the basis or ground of anything.

Successful: achieving or having achieved success (the favourable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavours).

Marriage: marriage is a divine institution, designed to form a permanent union between man and woman to multiply, replenish and might helpful to one another.

Submission: An act of accepting or yielding to authority by surrender, compliance and obedience.

Love: An attribute of God and Christian virtue characterized by great interest and pleasure in something.

ASSUMPTION

Following assumptions are the thrust of the study

1.      Understanding every nature of the relationship of Christ and the church through a proper study is the life blood of Christian marriage.

2.      The lasting answer to marital growth is found in the Bible.

3.      Our relationship with God greatly enhances marriage relationship.

4.      Submission and love are mutual in marriage.

5.      Sex and God’s idea and an important part of a growing marriage relationship.

6.      The starting point for the successful Christian marriage is to be a Christian first.

7.      Marriages fail if the partners are not filled with the spirit.

8.      By marriage, husband and wife could be either a symbol or a denial and His Church.

LIMITATION AND DELIMITATION

The study makes an attempt to study the nature of the relationship between Christ and the church. Therefore the primary source for this study will be limited by the fifth chapter of the book of Ephesians and the biblical passages that supports the concept. Thus the results would solely depend on the analysis of those passages. The assumptions are not verifiable although some of them can be, with further studies.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Quite a number of books have been out to guide and encourage husbands and wives in their mutual commitment. Commentaries and lexicons with exegetical work on these specific passages of Ephesians 5 will be reviewed. These and other relevant literature will be reviewed for the purpose of this study. As this is an analogical and inter disciplinary study, related literature on theology, marriage and marriage counselling will be reviewed as well.

HYPOTHESIS

This study is not to test a hypothesis. However the basic assumption is that the relationship between Christ and the church could be a biblical model for Christian marriages and that all Christian married couples could overcome nuptial difficulties and confusions if they understand the concept of Christ and church relationship as a blue print for their marriage.

METHODOLOGY

By nature this study is analogical and descriptive in design. Hence the primary task is to discover the unique qualities in the relationship between Christ and the church and it’s impact on a successful Christian marriage. The primary sources, therefore, for this thesis will be mainly from the book of Ephesians the fifth chapter and other scripture passage that deals with marriage. An analysis of these passages will be done to this effect. Other sources will include literature and studies that are done to these biblical portions and relevant literature in theology (Doctrine of Christ and the doctrine of Church), counselling and marriage and family.

The study will attempt to answer the following questions:

1.      What does marriage really mean?

2.      What are the real perils in Christian marriages?

3.      What is actually there between Christ and the church?

4.      Is church and Christ really the basis of Christian marriage?

5.      What does bible really say about marriage?

6.      What does oneness in marriage mean?

7.      What are the responsibilities of a husband and wife in marriage?

8.      What could be the role of Holy Spirit in marriage?

Most sources are located at SIBBC&S library and additional source will be secure from the writer’s personal library.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THESIS PROPOSAL

AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH: THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

RATIONAL FOR THE STUDY

The impetus for this study comes from Ephesians 5. This passage received significant attention of this writer a year ago while reading a book “wings for women” written by Dr. Lilian Stanly. While reading the book, this writer realised that the lack of understanding of Christ and the Church and negligence to the practical lessons from the very concept for marriage leads to marital chaos. Later, as the writer began to read the fifth chapter of Ephesians from marriage perspective it occurred to her as the best foundation for a successful Christian marriage.

The distinctive feature in the book of Ephesians is that the relationship between husband and wife is treated as analogical to that between Christ and the church. Though this is well explain by Paul in the book of Ephesians, many married Christian couples fail to acknowledge this concept of Christ and the church. Many Christian, do not understand what the relationship between Christ and the church really is. Many Christians who understand the relationship between Christ and the church are unable to apply it in their marriage. This writers proposition is that the Chastain husbands and dives ought to understand that the relationship between Christ and the church is an analogy which must be applied for marriage and thereby to have a peaceful happier and a best kind of affair in the world.

An understanding of the relationship between Christ, the Groom and his bride, the church, is the foundation for successful Christian marriage. This observation whets the zeal of this writer to discover what is really there between Christ and His bride and in what all ways it could aid, guide and motivate the Christian families to stimulate and practice that glorious relationship as they are married. The writer also believes that this would be a valuable work for young adults and pre-marital counselees as they embark on their nuptial commitment.

REASERCH PROBLEMS

Seeing that the divorce rate is the highest it has been in the history, all over the world, it is clear that secular principles have not worked. This generation is watching the death of marriage and the obliteration of the family. There is a groping, without any base of authority, to try to figure out how to make meaningful human relationship in a society that is disintegrate. Sometimes the Bible is misinterpreted by reading our culture patterns into the biblical text rather than letting the Bible be standard whereby the cultural norms must to be measured.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

An understanding of Christ and the church is good, but how far it affects the Christian marriages? How far the teachings of Christ and the apostles in the first century is applied in the twenty first century Christian mutual affairs. Many Christian marriages fail to acknowledge that the relationship between Christ and the church is the pattern for the marriage. There is a need for clear, biblically based principles for building a Christian marriage, a need to understand the positive, biblical view of marriage in sex, a need for a definition of love and submission that is biblical rather than secular, and the need to discover biblical principles on marriage and marital problems. There are the needs addressed in this work. It is the writer sincere desire that this work will serve the purpose by church, ultimately strengthening and guiding their couples in their marriage.

DEFINATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS

DEFINITIONS

Understanding:  to be thoroughly familiar with or realize apprehending clearly the character and nature of; comprehending by knowing the meaning of the words employed, as a language.

Church:  the entire body of those who are savingly related to Christ.

Foundation: that on which something is set up or established on a firm basic or for enduring existence; the basis or ground of anything.

Successful: achieving or having achieved success (the favourable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavours).

Marriage: marriage is a divine institution, designed to form a permanent union between man and woman to multiply, replenish and might helpful to one another.

Submission: An act of accepting or yielding to authority by surrender, compliance and obedience.

Love: An attribute of God and Christian virtue characterized by great interest and pleasure in something.

ASSUMPTION

Following assumptions are the thrust of the study

1.      Understanding every nature of the relationship of Christ and the church through a proper study is the life blood of Christian marriage.

2.      The lasting answer to marital growth is found in the Bible.

3.      Our relationship with God greatly enhances marriage relationship.

4.      Submission and love are mutual in marriage.

5.      Sex and God’s idea and an important part of a growing marriage relationship.

6.      The starting point for the successful Christian marriage is to be a Christian first.

7.      Marriages fail if the partners are not filled with the spirit.

8.      By marriage, husband and wife could be either a symbol or a denial and His Church.

LIMITATION AND DELIMITATION

The study makes an attempt to study the nature of the relationship between Christ and the church. Therefore the primary source for this study will be limited by the fifth chapter of the book of Ephesians and the biblical passages that supports the concept. Thus the results would solely depend on the analysis of those passages. The assumptions are not verifiable although some of them can be, with further studies.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Quite a number of books have been out to guide and encourage husbands and wives in their mutual commitment. Commentaries and lexicons with exegetical work on these specific passages of Ephesians 5 will be reviewed. These and other relevant literature will be reviewed for the purpose of this study. As this is an analogical and inter disciplinary study, related literature on theology, marriage and marriage counselling will be reviewed as well.

HYPOTHESIS

This study is not to test a hypothesis. However the basic assumption is that the relationship between Christ and the church could be a biblical model for Christian marriages and that all Christian married couples could overcome nuptial difficulties and confusions if they understand the concept of Christ and church relationship as a blue print for their marriage.

METHODOLOGY

By nature this study is analogical and descriptive in design. Hence the primary task is to discover the unique qualities in the relationship between Christ and the church and it’s impact on a successful Christian marriage. The primary sources, therefore, for this thesis will be mainly from the book of Ephesians the fifth chapter and other scripture passage that deals with marriage. An analysis of these passages will be done to this effect. Other sources will include literature and studies that are done to these biblical portions and relevant literature in theology (Doctrine of Christ and the doctrine of Church), counselling and marriage and family.

The study will attempt to answer the following questions:

1.      What does marriage really mean?

2.      What are the real perils in Christian marriages?

3.      What is actually there between Christ and the church?

4.      Is church and Christ really the basis of Christian marriage?

5.      What does bible really say about marriage?

6.      What does oneness in marriage mean?

7.      What are the responsibilities of a husband and wife in marriage?

8.      What could be the role of Holy Spirit in marriage?

Most sources are located at SIBBC&S library and additional source will be secure from the writer’s personal library.

THESIS PROPOSAL

AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH: THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

RATIONAL FOR THE STUDY

The impetus for this study comes from Ephesians 5. This passage received significant attention of this writer a year ago while reading a book “wings for women” written by Dr. Lilian Stanly. While reading the book, this writer realised that the lack of understanding of Christ and the Church and negligence to the practical lessons from the very concept for marriage leads to marital chaos. Later, as the writer began to read the fifth chapter of Ephesians from marriage perspective it occurred to her as the best foundation for a successful Christian marriage.

The distinctive feature in the book of Ephesians is that the relationship between husband and wife is treated as analogical to that between Christ and the church. Though this is well explain by Paul in the book of Ephesians, many married Christian couples fail to acknowledge this concept of Christ and the church. Many Christian, do not understand what the relationship between Christ and the church really is. Many Christians who understand the relationship between Christ and the church are unable to apply it in their marriage. This writers proposition is that the Chastain husbands and dives ought to understand that the relationship between Christ and the church is an analogy which must be applied for marriage and thereby to have a peaceful happier and a best kind of affair in the world.

An understanding of the relationship between Christ, the Groom and his bride, the church, is the foundation for successful Christian marriage. This observation whets the zeal of this writer to discover what is really there between Christ and His bride and in what all ways it could aid, guide and motivate the Christian families to stimulate and practice that glorious relationship as they are married. The writer also believes that this would be a valuable work for young adults and pre-marital counselees as they embark on their nuptial commitment.

REASERCH PROBLEMS

Seeing that the divorce rate is the highest it has been in the history, all over the world, it is clear that secular principles have not worked. This generation is watching the death of marriage and the obliteration of the family. There is a groping, without any base of authority, to try to figure out how to make meaningful human relationship in a society that is disintegrate. Sometimes the Bible is misinterpreted by reading our culture patterns into the biblical text rather than letting the Bible be standard whereby the cultural norms must to be measured.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

An understanding of Christ and the church is good, but how far it affects the Christian marriages? How far the teachings of Christ and the apostles in the first century is applied in the twenty first century Christian mutual affairs. Many Christian marriages fail to acknowledge that the relationship between Christ and the church is the pattern for the marriage. There is a need for clear, biblically based principles for building a Christian marriage, a need to understand the positive, biblical view of marriage in sex, a need for a definition of love and submission that is biblical rather than secular, and the need to discover biblical principles on marriage and marital problems. There are the needs addressed in this work. It is the writer sincere desire that this work will serve the purpose by church, ultimately strengthening and guiding their couples in their marriage.

DEFINATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS

DEFINITIONS

Understanding:  to be thoroughly familiar with or realize apprehending clearly the character and nature of; comprehending by knowing the meaning of the words employed, as a language.

Church:  the entire body of those who are savingly related to Christ.

Foundation: that on which something is set up or established on a firm basic or for enduring existence; the basis or ground of anything.

Successful: achieving or having achieved success (the favourable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavours).

Marriage: marriage is a divine institution, designed to form a permanent union between man and woman to multiply, replenish and might helpful to one another.

Submission: An act of accepting or yielding to authority by surrender, compliance and obedience.

Love: An attribute of God and Christian virtue characterized by great interest and pleasure in something.

ASSUMPTION

Following assumptions are the thrust of the study

1.      Understanding every nature of the relationship of Christ and the church through a proper study is the life blood of Christian marriage.

2.      The lasting answer to marital growth is found in the Bible.

3.      Our relationship with God greatly enhances marriage relationship.

4.      Submission and love are mutual in marriage.

5.      Sex and God’s idea and an important part of a growing marriage relationship.

6.      The starting point for the successful Christian marriage is to be a Christian first.

7.      Marriages fail if the partners are not filled with the spirit.

8.      By marriage, husband and wife could be either a symbol or a denial and His Church.

LIMITATION AND DELIMITATION

The study makes an attempt to study the nature of the relationship between Christ and the church. Therefore the primary source for this study will be limited by the fifth chapter of the book of Ephesians and the biblical passages that supports the concept. Thus the results would solely depend on the analysis of those passages. The assumptions are not verifiable although some of them can be, with further studies.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Quite a number of books have been out to guide and encourage husbands and wives in their mutual commitment. Commentaries and lexicons with exegetical work on these specific passages of Ephesians 5 will be reviewed. These and other relevant literature will be reviewed for the purpose of this study. As this is an analogical and inter disciplinary study, related literature on theology, marriage and marriage counselling will be reviewed as well.

HYPOTHESIS

This study is not to test a hypothesis. However the basic assumption is that the relationship between Christ and the church could be a biblical model for Christian marriages and that all Christian married couples could overcome nuptial difficulties and confusions if they understand the concept of Christ and church relationship as a blue print for their marriage.

METHODOLOGY

By nature this study is analogical and descriptive in design. Hence the primary task is to discover the unique qualities in the relationship between Christ and the church and it’s impact on a successful Christian marriage. The primary sources, therefore, for this thesis will be mainly from the book of Ephesians the fifth chapter and other scripture passage that deals with marriage. An analysis of these passages will be done to this effect. Other sources will include literature and studies that are done to these biblical portions and relevant literature in theology (Doctrine of Christ and the doctrine of Church), counselling and marriage and family.

The study will attempt to answer the following questions:

1.      What does marriage really mean?

2.      What are the real perils in Christian marriages?

3.      What is actually there between Christ and the church?

4.      Is church and Christ really the basis of Christian marriage?

5.      What does bible really say about marriage?

6.      What does oneness in marriage mean?

7.      What are the responsibilities of a husband and wife in marriage?

8.      What could be the role of Holy Spirit in marriage?

Most sources are located at SIBBC&S library and additional source will be secure from the writer’s personal library.

CHAPTER 1 -AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACTORS THAT MAKE SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE SO DIFFICULT

CHAPTER 2 -AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN THE ENGAGEMENT

CHAPTER 3 -AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN THE MARITAL EXPERIENCE

CHAPTER 4 - AN UNDERSTANDING OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN THE MARITAL EXPECTATION