Gender and Sanctification: From Creation to Transformation A Comparative Look at Genesis 1-3, the Creation and Fall of the Man and the Woman, and Ephesians 5, the Sanctification of the Man and the Woman in a Redemptive Marriage Context -- By: David Lee Talley

Journal: Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Volume: JBMW 08:1 (Spring 2003)
Article: Gender and Sanctification: From Creation to Transformation A Comparative Look at Genesis 1-3, the Creation and Fall of the Man and the Woman, and Ephesians 5, the Sanctification of the Man and the Woman in a Redemptive Marriage Context
Author: David Lee Talley


Gender and Sanctification: From Creation to Transformation
A Comparative Look at Genesis 1-3, the Creation and Fall of the Man and the Woman, and Ephesians 5, the Sanctification of the Man and the Woman in a Redemptive Marriage Context

David Lee Talley

Biola University/Talbot School of Theology
Grace Evangelical Free Church of La Mirada
La Mirada, CA

This article seeks to understand the relationship between Genesis 1–3, the creation and fall of the man and the woman, and Ephesians 5, the sanctification of the man and the woman in a redemptive marriage context. In order to do this, each passage will be investigated to note any conclusions concerning the role of man and woman. The point of this investigation is to encourage reflection on how the fall continues to impact our relationships and to stir a passionate resolve to let the Spirit of God, the Word of God, and the people of God foster change in our lives.

It is written out of a concern that those who hold theologically to the complementarian view may not necessarily wrestle with the necessary and practical implications of the view. Those who hold theologically to this view, as well as wrestle with the necessary and practical implications, will live with a certain level of tension because there should be an awareness that to some degree we are not living out the call of God on our lives with respect to our gender. Our fallen natural tendencies fight against this. To be holy and restore the kind of relationships to which God has called us we must commit ourselves to be a community that takes our theology seriously and wages war against the battles, which the fall brought into our existence.

The effects of the fall on gender are evident in every area of one’s life. It affects the fabric of relationships, service in the church, community involvements, the way one interacts with those around him/her, etc. As a result, there must be a strong connection between one’s view of gender and one’s understanding of sanctification for the body of Christ to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The two are intricately connected, and when one comes to this understanding, it will be realized that one’s gender is central to the sanctification process.

Genesis 1-3

Genesis 1–3 provides foundational teaching regarding the biblical understanding of male and female. It is important to note initially that the primary purpose of these chapters is not to answer the question of “what is male?” or “what is female?” However, the chapters do provide implications concerning these questions. Also,...

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