WOMEN IN CHURCH (5)

0. Introduction

a) What role, if any, should women play in the church? Does the Bible allow women to teach in church, especially to men? Are there female ministers in the Bible? Is it permissible for a married woman to pray publicly? Some believe that ALL women, married or not, should not speak at all during services. Others feel that women should be able to ask questions but not allowed to make statements or comments. They view this type of active participation by women as "teaching men."

1. Saved in childbearing  

a) The apostle Peter wrote that some of Paul's words are "hard to be understood." In his first epistle to Timothy, Paul makes a statement that has been widely misunderstood and misrepresented by ministers and teachers, and has consequently brought needless anxiety to many Christian women. 

i) "Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing . . ." (1Timothy 2:15).  

b) In this verse, Paul is not speaking of Christian women being saved by giving birth to children and fulfilling the role of motherhood, as many have been taught. The words "in childbearing" are a mistranslation of the Greek text. A correct translation would read "through the childbearing." These words are referring to a specific birth by which believing women are saved, as well as men.

c) Paul is speaking of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Seed of Genesis 3:15. The promise of His birth was first given when Adam and Eve sinned against God and came under the penalty of death. It is through the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Savior, that all mankind can be saved from the penalty of sin, which is eternal death.

d) The meaning of 1Timothy 2:15 becomes clear when we read the verse in its context: Paul is declaring that redemption and salvation are freely available to believing women through the birth of Jesus Christ in the flesh. As the Passover Lamb of God, He shed His blood to free all humans from the condemnation of sin. Nothing we can do in this life could ever earn this redemption. To teach that believing women must bear children in order to obtain God's gift of salvation is contrary to all that is revealed in Scripture. While little ones are a blessing to a home, and rearing them can teach many lessons about patience and love, the bearing of children should not be viewed as essential for the salvation of Christian women. 

i) "For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived (he sinned knowingly), but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression (she was misled into sin). Nevertheless she (women) will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control." (1Timothy 2:13-15). 

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