One of the way’s Evangelical Feminist’s have tried to solve this problem is to redefine the meaning of the word “head.” They have to admit that husbands are the heads of their wives because the Bible clearly teaches this truth; but many would say “headship” only implies that man is the source of women, not the God-ordained leader or authority figure. Much ink has been spilled trying to understand the N.T. Greek word kephale. Wayne Grudem has literally spent hundreds of hours of research proving that the Greek Word “head” does not mean source. The word “head” when used figuratively and when speaking of relationships always implies authority. We will go into this issue in greater depth next time so I won’t go down that road right now.
Some Christian feminists use a different line of reason. They say that the concept of male headship did not come about until after the fall and is therefore a product of sin. We already answered this objection during our 3rd lecture so I won’t repeat those arguments again now.
God’s ideal marriage is beautifully and clearly summarized for us in Colossians 3:18-19. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. New Testament passages like this one begin to unlock for us an important truth. Christ can enable us to overcome the effects of the curse and the fall of man (at least in some measure). When unbelievers are transformed from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God’s light they’re given a new nature (Col 1:13). Christians are no longer enslaved to his/her sin or his/her sin nature (see Romans 6-8). The Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in us; we’re “sealed” (Ephesians 4:30). At this point, we try to become who we are in Christ (progressive sanctification). We finally have the ability to follow God’s Word from the heart with pure motives. To borrow Biblical language we’re new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
One of the specific areas of life that God’s Word addresses is the very topic we’re discussing, “Biblical manhood and womanhood.” Therefore spirit-filled Christians should try to pursue these Biblical roles with all their might for the glory of God. The “perfect” male/female relationship that was enjoyed prior to the fall can in some regards be regained as Christians! If you’re in a difficult marriage do not despair because there is hope! If you’re counseling a couple on the verge of divorce, never forget there is hope! The Bible offers all of us tons of hope if we but submit ourselves fully to the Lordship of Christ. Our paradise that was lost can in some regards be regained here on earth. The death of Christ not only restores our relationship with God it also empowers us to restore some of our broken human relationships with others.
Stay tuned as next time we’ll begin to study a crucial New Testament text (1 Corinthians 11:2-16).
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