Sex is . . .
Basically, God’s truth may be divided into 3 categories: First, those truths that are far beyond man’s finite mind to comprehend. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God.”1 Second, although all men can know something about God’s nature—“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made”2—there are those truths God has chosen to reveal to special people throughout history. “The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.”3 “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.”4 Third, those truths that God kept secret for a period of time but finally disclosed to His people in the New Testament. These new truths are the mysteries.5
Marriage is among those mysteries. The book of Ephesians gives a glimpse of such a mystery; while enumerating the roles of wives and husbands, it shifts and states, “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”6
Due to man’s fall our purpose was corrupted. Originally, we were created in His image and likeness;7 thus, we were to mirror the Triune God’s intimacy with one another—Father, Son, Holy Spirit. What was lost is now being recreated for those who believe.
Picture Christ at the apex of the triangle; while husband and wife occupy the base opposite each other. Individually, as husband and wife draw closer to Christ, the horizontal distance between them is likewise drawn closer.
As complex as it is to understand 3 persons in 1 God, likewise, a husband and wife become one flesh.8
We humans are comprised of spirit, soul, and body. We communicate in all levels. Any relationship shall not thrive without consistent communication that includes the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical.
Yes, the physical union has a spiritual reality. Thus, in the context of marriage SEX IS VERY GOOD! Sex was meant not only for procreation but also pleasure. “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”9 Furthermore, sex binds the union; it secures permanence.
Notes: 1. Deuteronomy 29:29a 2. Romans 1:19-20a 3. Psalms 25:14 4. Amos 3:7 5. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians, p. ix 6. Ephesians 5:32 7. Genesis 1:26-27 8. Ephesians 5:31 9. Proverbs 5:18-19
