The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful

Book excerpt: Developing from Girolama Zanchi’s exegetical labors through Ephesians, Spiritual Marriage draws readers into the rich theological of doctrine of union with Christ. Following the lead of the apostle Paul, Zanchi demonstrates how our earthly marriages fulfill their truest purpose by drawing our attention toward the spiritual marriage between Christ and His Church. By paying attention to the Genesis account of Adam’s marriage to Eve, to pertinent Old Testament laws, and to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, we begin to understand something of that higher and heavenly union. This new translation helps us better understand the great mystery of Christ and His bride. Table of Contents: Introduction: Girolamo Zanchi (1516–1590) and Spiritual Marriage The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful Dedicatory Epistle Introduction 1. The Creation of Eve and Her Marriage to Adam 2. The Doctrine of Carnal Marriage 3. The Doctrine of Spiritual Marriage 4. The Final Causes of the Spiritual Union 5. The Duties of the Husband and of the Wife