EPHESIANS 5: 5, 23 and 33, C. H. Cayce “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
We believe that what we said in our last issue in connection with 1 Cor. v. 9-13 will apply to the language of this text just as well. The apostle here teaches that such persons as mentioned have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ. That is, there is no place in the church for them, and there is nothing there for them. They should be withdrawn from. They have no right in the church.
Verse 23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body.” He is the Saviour of His church. His people. The redeemed are frequently designated as the church—that is, the term church sometimes is used in reference to the whole family of the redeemed. It is so used in this chapter, especially in verse 25. Christ is the head of the church in the same sense that the man is head of the wife, or the man is the head of the wife in the same sense as Christ is the head of the church. We are aware that this is not in harmony with modern teaching and practice. It seems to us that frequently the order is reversed in these latter days, and it seems that often the woman is the head of the man; and sometimes it seems that some have an idea, judging from their practice, that Christ is not the head of the church; for they disregard His laws and His teachings. He is the Head and Lawgiver of His kingdom.
Verse 33 says, “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” This teaches how the man should love his wife. Jesus loved His people so well that He gave Himself for them, even when they were enemies. He gave Himself for the church, that He might redeem it; see verse 25. A man who loves his wife as he should would be willing to die for her in order that her life might be spared. He should love his wife as he loves himself, for they are one. Then the wife should reverence her husband. She should have regard for his wishes and for his happiness. She should be ready to help him in his undertakings— and she will be, if she is a true wife.
So will the true and devoted church of Christ be ready and willing and glad to reverence the Lord, and to do that which is pleasing to Him. They will be glad to know and to do His will. They will be ready to every good work. They will be glad to assemble in His name, and to praise Him for His mercies. They will take delight in His service. The Primitive Baptist, August 15, 1929.