Ephesians 5

To those that think a verbal acceptance of Jesus Christ is all that is requried should pay close attention to Paul's words to the Ephesians -

"BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 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." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:1 - 5)

And with that, he turns to the covenant of marriage saying -

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:22)

For many, this statement seems controversial. But all seems to make much more sense as we read the previous verse -

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:21)

So it is obvious that this is a two-way street. In modern day, prophets have called this being "equally yoked". Paul continues, understanding the doctrine of the priesthood saying -

"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.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:23 - 24)

Suggesting the husband "is the head" would mean that he is to preside which would also mean -

"...he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (New Testament | Matthew 23:11)

This what the Savior taught as he is the head of the Church. This principles becomes even more clear as Paul writes -

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it..." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:25)

This love of Christ for the Church was -

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 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." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:26 - 27)

He did not do so by compulsion or force, he did it with love.

"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church..." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:28 - 29)

This concept is totally opposite the worlds beliefs that the man is to rule over the woman. As husbands learn to love their wife and their children, as the Savior loved the Church, they become more Christ-like, which helps explains a portion of the plan of salvation -

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:31)

One flesh who not only be physical, but a again, having unity in administering to the needs of each other and the family. Paul concluded -

"...let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:33)

I also read chapter six this morning and again, for those that believe that all we have to do is express of verbal belief and we are saved should listen to the following instructions of Paul -

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..." (New Testament | Ephesians 6:10 - 18)

These words would suggest that there are more conditions, requirements, and work to to obtain an -

"...inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (New Testament | Ephesians 5:5)