#1 from the FAT File

Marriage and the basic family unit is God's foundation for all other relationships. There is no other relationship like the family. Everyone has a mother and a father. Even Jesus upon leaving the glory of glories in heaven was subject to the hierarchy of the family.

Because the family was created by God, and is foundational in its importance, examples can be made of the family to help clarify theology. I call these Family Analogies of Theology (FAT).

Here's #1 to put in your FAT file.

The marriage relationship reflects the relationship of the Father and Son. The similarity lies in the spiritual aspect - not the physical. The Father and the Son are one (John 10:30). The husband and wife are one flesh (Gen. 2:24). The Father is the head over the Son (1 Cor. 11:3). The husband is head over the wife (1 Cor. 11:3). The Father and Son work together to give life (eternal). The husband and wife work together to give life (in the flesh on earth).

So if you want to understand the relationship between the Father and Son - look at the structure of marriage. Know that the Father and Son are two distinct beings, but They are One in Spirit and function. Know that each One has their own role as they function together. Know that love holds the Father and Son together - just as it should for marriage.

Final thought - seeing how simliar these relationships are should lift up the importance of how we view the marriage relationship - and should cause those who are single to choose wisely whom they will wed.