Ephesians 5:25-27

Our considerations of a virtuous woman have shown us various aspects that lend to the increase of her value. By understanding these aspects, it is my prayer that women would seek to conform to these standards that have been set by God. I further pray that men would expect a woman to be a virtuous and Godly companion. Still there is yet another application of these Truths in the life of every Born Again child of God.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27)

As members of the Church, we are the Bride of Christ. The Lord has purchased us to Himself by the Sacrifice of His Blood. It is important then that we recognize the value of a woman as it applies to the Bride of Christ. Recognizing the Standard of Holiness set by God, it should be our desire to submit to this standard in loving devotion to our Lord. By our loving submission to Him, we place ourselves in the Position to receive the blessings of His Headship – His protection, provision, and power to serve Him.

The Lord’s plan to cleanse us “with the washing of water by the word” is affected through our own Bible study as well as hearing God’s Word preached. Here we see the significance of assembling together as the Body of Christ, as the Holy Spirit applies the Word to us, molding and shaping us into the image of Christ. In much the same way that a woman has value as she is joined to her husband to make him complete; individual saints have value as they join together to complete the Body of Christ.

Our value as the Bride of Christ is of great significance in our spiritual Productivity. By our virtuous lives, we will be used to draw others to Christ, as well as have the desire to reach out to others in love and minister to their needs. We will have the desire to be profitable servants to our Lord, as we are so motivated by love, rather than a commanded duty (Luke 17:10).

Understanding that we are powerless outside of Christ to live a life that glorifies God, we can see our value as Christ’s Bride as our Oneness with Him give us Power to serve Him. Through fellowship and communion with the Lord, we gain the experiential knowledge (ginōsko) necessary to know how to use this power to Please Him. This is our purpose (Revelation 4:11) and should be our delight.

A virtuous woman is hard to find. Her price is far above rubies. Indeed, she herself is a precious jewel, “a crown to her husband” (Proverbs 12:4). In referencing the beauty and splendor of the Bride of Christ, the Book of Revelation describes her as “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious…” (Revelation 21:11).

Children of God, this is the standard of virtue that has been set by God. Ladies, let this standard be your guide as you submissively love and serve your husband “as unto the Lord.” Men, let this standard be your conviction to honour and cherish your wife as what she truly is: a precious gift from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14).