Ephesians 5:26
Verse
Context
Wives and Husbands
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her26to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,27and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That he might sanctify and cleanse it - The Church is represented as the spouse of Christ, as the woman is the spouse of the man; and, to prepare this Church for himself, he washes, cleanses, and sanctifies it. There is certainly an allusion here to the ancient method of purifying women, who were appointed to be consorts to kings; twelve months, it appears, were in some instances spent in this purification: Six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with other things, for the purifying of women. See the case of Esther, Est 2:12; see also Psa 45:13, Psa 45:14; Eze 16:7-14. With the washing of water - Baptism, accompanied by the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit. By the word - The doctrine of Christ crucified, through which baptism is administered, sin canceled, and the soul purified from all unrighteousness; the death of Christ giving efficacy to all.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
sanctify--that is, consecrate her to God. Compare Joh 17:19, meaning, "I devote Myself as a holy sacrifice, that My disciples also may be devoted or consecrated as holy in (through) the truth" [NEANDER] (Heb 2:11; Heb 10:10; Heb 13:12 see on Heb 10:10). and cleanse--rather, as Greek, "cleansing," without the "and." with the washing of water--rather as Greek, "with," or "by the laver of the water," namely, the baptismal water. So it ought to be translated in Tit 3:5, the only other passage in the New Testament where it occurs. As the bride passed through a purifying bath before marriage, so the Church (compare Rev 21:2). He speaks of baptism according to its high ideal and design, as if the inward grace accompanied the outward rite; hence he asserts of outward baptism whatever is involved in a believing appropriation of the divine truths it symbolizes, and says that Christ, by baptism, has purified the Church [NEANDER] (Pe1 3:21). by the word--Greek, "IN the word." To be joined with "cleansing it," or "her." The "word of faith" (Rom 10:8-9, Rom 10:17), of which confession is made in baptism, and which carries the real cleansing (Joh 15:3; Joh 17:17) and regenerating power (Pe1 1:23; Pe1 3:21) [ALFORD]. So AUGUSTINE [Tract 80, in John], "Take away the word, and what is the water save water? Add the word to the element, and it becomes a sacrament, being itself as it were the visible word." The regenerating efficacy of baptism is conveyed in, and by, the divine word alone.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies,.... It is a common saying with the Jews, that a man's wife is "as his own body" (r); and it is one of the precepts of their wise men, that a man should honour his wife more than his body, , and "love her as his body" (s); for as they also say, they are but one body (t); the apostle seems to speak in the language of his countrymen; however, his doctrine and theirs agree in this point: wherefore he that loveth his wife loveth himself; because she is one body and flesh with him. (r) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 24. 1. & Becorot, fol. 35. 2. Maimon. Hilchot Becorot, c. 2. sect. 17. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 18. 2. (s) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 62. 2. & Sanhedrin, fol. 76. 2. Derech Eretz, fol. 17. 4. Maimon Hilchot Ishot, c. 15. sect. 19. (t) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 6. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:26 washed by the cleansing of God’s word: The church has been cleansed by the message of good news. God has forgiven the sins of his people through Christ’s sacrificial death (John 15:3; cp. Titus 3:5; 1 Pet 3:21).
Ephesians 5:26
Wives and Husbands
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her26to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,27and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Being Clean Before God
By Andrew Strom2.5K36:27ROM 5:1ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 5:26COL 3:10HEB 4:10JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of experiencing true repentance and faith in Christ to come into a place of cleanness before God, enabling believers to have close communion with Him. It highlights the need to trust in Jesus for righteousness, rather than striving in our own efforts, and to walk in the Spirit to maintain a clean conscience. The speaker urges for a transformation in the church by preaching and living out the reality of being clean before God through faith in Jesus.
From Simon to Peter #20 - a Major Lesson in Humility
By J. Glyn Owen2.4K47:30Simon to PeterZEC 13:1MAT 6:33JHN 13:1JHN 13:8ACT 22:16EPH 5:261JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage in John chapter 13 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. The preacher emphasizes the contrast between Jesus' attitude of humility and service and that of his disciples. The physical action of feet washing is seen as a symbol of the spiritual cleansing that Jesus offers to those who repent and turn away from sin. The preacher encourages the listeners to follow Jesus' example of humility and service in their own lives.
New Covenant Greater Then the Old Covenant
By Alan Martin2.3K00:00New CovenantEXO 34:29EZK 36:22JHN 15:3ROM 6:4EPH 5:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God accomplished His plan of salvation not through a judicial decree, but by sending His very life, the fullness of God, in the form of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, the Spirit of the Father is poured out on believers, filling them and enabling them to bring glory to God through their good works. The preacher acknowledges that believers may still struggle with sinful desires, but under the leadership of Jesus, they can overcome these desires and live by the Spirit. By cooperating with God in the process of cutting away their old nature, believers can experience the glory that comes from being transformed by the Spirit. The preacher encourages believers to demonstrate God's holiness in their lives and to believe in the power of God, as demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus.
The Mantle of Elijah - Part 2
By David Wilkerson2.1K30:122KI 2:92KI 2:21PSA 51:10MAT 5:8ACT 1:81CO 2:4EPH 5:26HEB 12:14JAS 4:8This sermon delves into the story of Elijah and Elisha, highlighting the need for a double portion of the Holy Spirit to face the challenges of a wicked society and a dead church. It emphasizes the importance of not being satisfied with past miracles but seeking a fresh touch from God to bring healing and revival. The message underscores the necessity of purity in preaching the gospel and the power of being shut in with God to receive a new anointing for ministry.
Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Albert Zehr and Russell Stendal Tape 3 (First Portion)
By George Warnock2.1K35:36SeminarMAL 4:6MAT 6:33ROM 12:1EPH 5:26HEB 3:15HEB 4:12HEB 11:39In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of young people focusing on God's great mercy and demonstrating His keeping power. He urges them not to waste time experimenting with the world, as the Lord is going to move quickly. The speaker references two verses, one about the hearts of fathers turning to their children and another from Hebrews 11, highlighting the faith of those who did not receive what was promised. The sermon also addresses the concept of discipleship and the need to fully embrace the cross, acknowledging that it is not easy but can be accomplished through the quickening word of God. The speaker also challenges parents to examine how they relate to their children, urging them to see them as gifts from God rather than using them to build their own egos.
Are Your Garments Spotless
By Andrew Strom2.0K37:15PSA 51:10ROM 8:1EPH 5:26HEB 10:221PE 3:211JN 3:3REV 7:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing a deep hatred of sin as essential to truly experiencing the New Covenant. It highlights the need for repentance, a total change of heart, and a constant purification process to maintain closeness with God. The speaker challenges believers to trust in Christ's righteousness, experience His cleanness as their own, and walk in constant communion with God without striving or self-righteousness.
Imperatives - a Right Standpoint
By Devern Fromke1.9K1:21:03God's WillPSA 119:11MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 5:39JHN 17:17EPH 5:26HEB 6:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for a proper vessel or vehicle to contain and express the life that God is pouring forth. He uses the analogy of the Hoover Dam to illustrate this concept. The speaker emphasizes that trying to interpret the world and religious situations through natural reasoning will only lead to limited understanding. He also reflects on his own journey of searching for formulas to meet the needs of the hour, but ultimately realizing the importance of relying on God's guidance.
The Meaning of Born Again
By Svend Christensen1.8K38:50GEN 1:2MAT 11:28JHN 3:8JHN 3:14EPH 5:261PE 1:31PE 1:25In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing a personal dream about shooting a moose out of season and the fear of facing the consequences. He contrasts this with the reality of those who wake up in hell with no escape. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again and warns about the fearful judgment of God. He urges the listeners to come to Jesus and find salvation now, as today is the accepted time. The sermon also touches on the power of the gospel, which unites people from different nationalities and inspires singing, fighting, and shouting for its message. The preacher concludes by mentioning a personal experience of shooting a moose without a license and being faced with the dilemma of what to do. The sermon then transitions to discussing the topic of the new birth and being born of the Spirit, highlighting the personhood of the Holy Spirit. The preacher indicates that in future sessions, they will delve deeper into the topic of God the Holy Spirit.
The Agency of the Father in Sanctification
By John Murray1.2K54:12SanctificationJHN 17:17ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 6:18ROM 6:22EPH 5:26COL 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to the teachings of God. He refers to Romans 6:3-4, where baptism is seen as a symbolic representation of being buried with Christ and rising to new life. The speaker also discusses the pivotal role of the incarnate Son, Jesus, in the accomplishment of redemption. He mentions the concept of sanctification and how it is connected to the actions of God the Father and the working of regeneration and renewal. The sermon concludes by highlighting the need to be subjected to the actions of God in order to serve Him and obey His teachings.
How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.1K08:39PSA 63:1ISA 58:11LUK 1:35JHN 3:5JHN 4:14JHN 7:37ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:26TIT 3:5This sermon emphasizes the process of spiritual cleansing and growth in a believer's life. It distinguishes between the initial cleansing of past sins through Christ's blood at salvation and the ongoing daily cleansing through the Word of God, symbolized by water representing the Holy Spirit. The message highlights the concept of being born again as a new birth through the Holy Spirit, akin to the supernatural birth of Jesus in Mary's womb, and the subsequent growth and satisfaction that the Holy Spirit brings, leading to a life free from worldly addictions and a deep thirst for God's presence.
The Narrow Way
By Vincent G. Artese92655:51Narrow WayISA 29:13MAT 4:9LUK 13:18JHN 15:4EPH 5:26HEB 3:18HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being workers for God's kingdom. He questions where the workers are and if they have been enticed by worldly gain or fallen into Satan's trap. The preacher highlights the power of the word of God, describing it as living and powerful, able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. The sermon also discusses the concept of entering God's rest through obedience and faith, and the journey of a believer through trials and tests. The preacher warns about the dangers of following the wide and destructive path and encourages staying connected to Jesus, the vine, in order to bear fruit.
John's Gospel - How Can This Be?
By John Vissers74436:27Gospel Of JohnMAT 6:33JHN 3:1JHN 3:5JHN 3:21EPH 5:261PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the promises of God's word and prays for guidance and understanding. The focus of the sermon is on the fifth verse of John chapter 3, where Jesus states that one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. The speaker emphasizes the concept of regeneration and the transformative power it brings to a person's life. The sermon also highlights the importance of recognizing that salvation is not dependent on human efforts, but on God's sovereign grace.
Valley of Dry Bones
By Bruce Berliner65546:26RevivalEXO 14:21NUM 16:31DEU 11:1JHN 15:3EPH 5:26HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that God is a God of progression and order. He uses examples from the book of Genesis to illustrate this point, such as the progression of creation from good to very good. The preacher also highlights the importance of following all of God's commandments in order to be strong and possess the promised land. Additionally, the sermon touches on the need for preaching the word of God and reconnecting the body of Christ, as there is a famine in the word. The preacher concludes by praying for the ability to glorify God and set the captives free.
The Power of Purity
By Shane Idleman62148:55PRO 29:23ISA 55:1EZK 34:16MAT 5:8MRK 9:29JHN 7:382CO 6:17EPH 5:26JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the power of purity, highlighting the importance of being pure in heart and action as vessels for the Holy Spirit. It discusses the struggle with imperfection and the need to focus on the direction of the heart rather than perfection. The speaker shares personal experiences of lacking spiritual power until fully surrendering to God and being filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to impactful moments like leading someone to the Lord. The sermon also touches on the significance of faith, unity in the body of Christ, and the ability to torment the enemy through spiritual power and purity.
A Word From the Lord
By Hattie Hammond57847:59Christian LifeEZK 16:6MAT 4:4JHN 11:43ACT 4:12EPH 5:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dying to oneself in order to experience true life and growth in God. He shares testimonies of miraculous healings and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The preacher encourages the congregation to come forward and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, promising that he will speak the word of life to them and bring about a marvelous change in their lives. He also shares a personal experience of seeking God's word and finding it to be like honey, providing strength and carrying him through difficult times.
Do You Know What I Have Done to You - Maundy Thursday 2018
By Michael Flowers42821:27Maundy ThursdayMAT 6:33JHN 13:12EPH 5:261JN 4:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the iconic moment when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. He compares this act of washing dirty feet to the effectual grace of baptism and the restoration of communion with God. Jesus is illustrating his identity and mission as the divine Son taking on human flesh. He emphasizes that only Jesus can transform us and that it may require self-denial and walking by faith. The preacher also highlights the betrayal of Judas and the price at which he valued Jesus, contrasting it with Jesus' role as a love slave, enslaved to love.
Pure in Heart
By Anton Bosch34840:09PurityMAT 6:33MAT 23:23GAL 5:16EPH 5:261TI 1:41TI 1:61PE 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching and speaking the truth. He explains that teaching and speaking with love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith is essential to avoid straying into false teachings and idle talk. The preacher warns against the dangers of teaching fables and engaging in endless arguments instead of focusing on godly edification. He also highlights the need for a genuine change of heart, emphasizing that external actions are meaningless if the inside remains unchanged. The sermon references verses from the Bible, including Matthew 23:24 and Psalm 51:6, to support these teachings.
Revival - Part 5
By Doc Greenway2781:00:35RevivalLUK 24:49JHN 4:24ACT 1:42CO 6:16EPH 5:261TH 4:3HEB 10:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of revival as a demonstration of God's power. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as the instrument of this power, referencing Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. The preacher shares a story about two farmers who were unfamiliar with bananas to illustrate the need for understanding and utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of both unbelievers and believers, particularly in cultivating a desire for holiness and deepening fellowship with God.
Cleansing of Our Spirit
By Watchman Nee0CleansingSpiritual PurityPSA 51:10ISA 1:18ROM 12:12CO 7:1EPH 5:262TI 2:21HEB 12:14JAS 4:81PE 1:221JN 1:9Watchman Nee emphasizes the continual need for God's cleansing in our spirits, highlighting that as believers, we are often confronted with our imperfections through the cross of Christ. Each encounter reveals new defects that require painful yet necessary purification, reminding us that God does not reject us despite our flaws. Instead, He uses us while simultaneously calling us to recognize our impurities and submit to His cleansing work. This process of perfecting holiness in the fear of God is essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness in His service.
Psalms 119:9
By Chuck Smith0Cleansing through the WordOvercoming GuiltPSA 119:9PSA 119:11ISA 61:1JHN 8:32JHN 15:3ROM 3:232CO 5:17EPH 5:26HEB 4:121JN 1:9Chuck Smith emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word in cleansing our lives from guilt and sin. He explains that emotional disorders often stem from unresolved guilt, which can only be addressed through the acknowledgment of sin and the acceptance of God's forgiveness. By hiding God's Word in our hearts, we can find strength to resist sin and experience true cleansing. Smith reassures that while we may falter, God's grace allows us to start anew, highlighting the importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture for spiritual growth and freedom.
Sanctification
By Watchman Nee0HolinessSanctificationJHN 17:17ROM 6:222CO 5:17EPH 5:26COL 3:11TH 4:3HEB 10:14HEB 13:121PE 1:161JN 1:9Watchman Nee emphasizes that sanctification is not a personal achievement but a divine work accomplished by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He explains that while believers are sanctified through Christ's blood, as stated in Hebrews, this sanctification must be actively applied in their lives to become a lived experience. Nee highlights the call to holiness in 1 Peter, indicating that believers must embrace their sanctified status to truly reflect it in their daily lives. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing and applying the sanctification provided by Jesus to experience its transformative power.
Features of Spirituality
By T. Austin-Sparks0Holy Spirit GuidanceSpiritualityPSA 119:105JHN 16:13ROM 8:171CO 2:14GAL 5:16EPH 5:262TI 2:12HEB 5:14JAS 1:221JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks explores the distinctive spiritual features of the Levites, emphasizing their unique relationship with the Cross, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. He distinguishes between spiritual and carnal Christians, highlighting that true spirituality is characterized by being governed by the Holy Spirit rather than self-interest. Sparks illustrates how spiritual people are sensitive to God's voice and the importance of aligning one's life with the Word of God, which serves as a mirror for self-examination. He concludes by discussing the Levites' inheritance, symbolizing spiritual governance and the call for believers to live under the Lord's authority. The sermon encourages Christians to seek a deeper, Spirit-led life that reflects God's will and purpose.
The Two Natures
By A.W. Pink0Human ResponsibilityTwo NaturesPSA 51:4JHN 3:6JHN 3:8ROM 3:20GAL 5:17EPH 5:26TIT 3:5HEB 2:171PE 1:231JN 3:9A.W. Pink explores the concept of the two natures within a believer, emphasizing that every Christian possesses both a fallen nature inherited from Adam and a new nature born of the Spirit. He clarifies that while the Fall did not destroy any part of man's being, it corrupted it, leading to a struggle between good and evil within. Pink warns against misconceptions regarding human responsibility, asserting that individuals are accountable for their actions regardless of their natures. He highlights the importance of recognizing that the person, not the nature, is responsible for sin, and encourages believers to nurture their spiritual nature while resisting the flesh. Ultimately, Pink calls for a clear understanding of these two natures to avoid confusion and to live a life that honors God.
The Cleansing of Sin
By Andrew Murray0Cleansing from SinFaith and ForgivenessPSA 51:10MAT 5:6JHN 15:3ROM 8:12CO 5:17EPH 5:26TIT 3:5HEB 9:141JN 1:71JN 1:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual promise of God in the cleansing of sin, highlighting that while forgiveness is a declaration of acquittal, cleansing is an experiential transformation that liberates us from unrighteousness. He explains that both forgiveness and cleansing are obtained through the blood of Jesus, which not only breaks the power of sin but also purifies our hearts. Murray encourages believers to actively desire and receive this cleansing through faith, recognizing that it is a divine work that must be embraced for it to manifest in their lives. He stresses the importance of a strong yearning for purity and the necessity of faith in experiencing God's cleansing power. Ultimately, he calls on believers to trust in God's promises for continual cleansing and transformation.
Entire Sanctification in Type
By Dougan Clark0ISA 61:1MAL 3:3ROM 2:29EPH 5:26HEB 9:14HEB 10:1HEB 12:291PE 1:151PE 2:9Dougan Clark preaches on the Mosaic dispensation, highlighting how the ceremonial laws and rituals in the Old Testament point to the substance and reality found in the gospel of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of holiness, both inward and outward, as seen in the distinctions between clean and unclean in the Mosaic law. Clark delves into the symbolism of circumcision, the consecration of priests, and the sacrifices as types of Christ, underscoring the continuous call to holiness for all believers. He also explores the significance of the anointing oil as a representation of the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work in the lives of Christians.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That he might sanctify and cleanse it - The Church is represented as the spouse of Christ, as the woman is the spouse of the man; and, to prepare this Church for himself, he washes, cleanses, and sanctifies it. There is certainly an allusion here to the ancient method of purifying women, who were appointed to be consorts to kings; twelve months, it appears, were in some instances spent in this purification: Six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with other things, for the purifying of women. See the case of Esther, Est 2:12; see also Psa 45:13, Psa 45:14; Eze 16:7-14. With the washing of water - Baptism, accompanied by the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit. By the word - The doctrine of Christ crucified, through which baptism is administered, sin canceled, and the soul purified from all unrighteousness; the death of Christ giving efficacy to all.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
sanctify--that is, consecrate her to God. Compare Joh 17:19, meaning, "I devote Myself as a holy sacrifice, that My disciples also may be devoted or consecrated as holy in (through) the truth" [NEANDER] (Heb 2:11; Heb 10:10; Heb 13:12 see on Heb 10:10). and cleanse--rather, as Greek, "cleansing," without the "and." with the washing of water--rather as Greek, "with," or "by the laver of the water," namely, the baptismal water. So it ought to be translated in Tit 3:5, the only other passage in the New Testament where it occurs. As the bride passed through a purifying bath before marriage, so the Church (compare Rev 21:2). He speaks of baptism according to its high ideal and design, as if the inward grace accompanied the outward rite; hence he asserts of outward baptism whatever is involved in a believing appropriation of the divine truths it symbolizes, and says that Christ, by baptism, has purified the Church [NEANDER] (Pe1 3:21). by the word--Greek, "IN the word." To be joined with "cleansing it," or "her." The "word of faith" (Rom 10:8-9, Rom 10:17), of which confession is made in baptism, and which carries the real cleansing (Joh 15:3; Joh 17:17) and regenerating power (Pe1 1:23; Pe1 3:21) [ALFORD]. So AUGUSTINE [Tract 80, in John], "Take away the word, and what is the water save water? Add the word to the element, and it becomes a sacrament, being itself as it were the visible word." The regenerating efficacy of baptism is conveyed in, and by, the divine word alone.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies,.... It is a common saying with the Jews, that a man's wife is "as his own body" (r); and it is one of the precepts of their wise men, that a man should honour his wife more than his body, , and "love her as his body" (s); for as they also say, they are but one body (t); the apostle seems to speak in the language of his countrymen; however, his doctrine and theirs agree in this point: wherefore he that loveth his wife loveth himself; because she is one body and flesh with him. (r) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 24. 1. & Becorot, fol. 35. 2. Maimon. Hilchot Becorot, c. 2. sect. 17. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 18. 2. (s) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 62. 2. & Sanhedrin, fol. 76. 2. Derech Eretz, fol. 17. 4. Maimon Hilchot Ishot, c. 15. sect. 19. (t) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 6. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:26 washed by the cleansing of God’s word: The church has been cleansed by the message of good news. God has forgiven the sins of his people through Christ’s sacrificial death (John 15:3; cp. Titus 3:5; 1 Pet 3:21).