As the bible is clear from a passage such as the following one:
But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.In this context, we have a clear teaching on who salvation was acquired for by Christ in and through and by his death and resurrection. This is not a difficult word to follow nor understand, it is making it clear that when it comes to Salvation there are no obstacles that will render it as useless; when it is set in motion, it will always achieve its end God. First, "Jew nor Greek" there is no national distinction. Second, "slave nor free man" there is no standard of obligation. Third, "male nor female" there is no distinction made in terms of gender. Salvation has no criteria for its proceeding, as all who are chosen are "One in Christ."
There is at least one more vital element in this text that must be seen, and that is the following truth: men and women who are under all the restrictions, are in fact sinners and this is universal. And just in the same manner men and women who are under all restrictions, will in fact be united to Christ by faith.
Now we have given a little more clarification on the fact that Salvation is given to all kinds of people on earth; especially women who God honours for all they are: a creature that is created in his own image. A side note: Men and Women were never created to equal in every aspect, in fact, we are very distinct from each other in a multiplicity of ways. Multifaceted is the correct term that perfectly fits the matters. The "equality" is internally and inherently contradictory in nature. Therefore, the examination that follows will be focus on several important truths contained in the bible concerning the honoured place that God has given Women.
Now let us consider several biblical avenues in which Women are honoured in the most beautiful way that they can be:
The first biblical avenue: Women forgiven of their sins.
One of the most crucial aspects of the biblical faith is 'forgiveness of sins' no matter the act - it can be forgiven if one only truly repents (turns away from with a godly sorrow for that particular thing). And Women are given special attention in the biblical testimony:
A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” (Mark 5:25-34)
Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.” “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”( Luke 7:36-51)
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” (John 4: 7-26)
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:21-28)In the above passages, one from each of the Gospels - we have a women being forgiven her sins, this is the great mercy and compassion of the Saviour toward women. In the first two accounts it is Jewish women that are forgiven and the other two accounts it is Gentile women; this shows the most beautiful thing about the our Lord- he is willing and able to Save any person from their sins; despite the Jewish mind-set towards women; he went outside that false tradition and included women in his ministry.
He revealed the true nature of God through his wonderful acts of displaying forgiveness to anyone that the Father draw to him. Regardless of their gender, he would be the first to see their trustworthiness as people and raise to the same level as men; both being fallen sinner who needed redemption.
We have two other new testament accounts of women from the Old testament that received the same forgiveness as men. Here they are:
By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. (Hebrews 11: 11-12, 29-31).
And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:25-26)These passage deserve some attention because they show even the Old testament prefigured the true forgiveness of Humanity; even to a high degree with many women such as the above mention ones, Sarah the wife of Abraham who become the mother of the promised child: Isaac. And then Rehab the prostitute: whom harboured the two spies. This may not seem like it is much when the unregenerate person reads the texts; but it is a very powerful thing to those who believe as show the great mercy God has shown on all sinners alike.
We have to see it from the true prospective: in that if God had just decided to consign and condemn all humanity to hell; then that would have been his prerogative, and he too would have been just in this action for we are all sinners and deserve that fate. But he chose to extend his mercy in showing grace to many man and women through his son.
The second biblical avenue: One highly honoured woman.
an important illustration of how the bible 'honours women' is the fact that one special lady was chosen above the rest of female counterparts. And that is the Lord Jesus very own mother: Mary, the wife of Joseph. Now over the centuries there have been countless deceptive works being put forth in regards to Mary.
The following are just some of the most interesting, but most absurd ideas: (1) the Gnostic view. (2) the Koranic View. (3) The Catholic view. (4) And the Mormon View. However, the biblical truth is found in the following words:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)And we also have a parallel account in Luke:
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)In these accounts we have two eye witness of one of the most important events of all history - the birth of the Messiah. And in this prelude to it - in which the writer are led to include two distinct discussion of the forthcoming birth; the first is with the adopted father Joseph concerning the miraculous nature of the birth. And the second with the Mother herself regarding the event that is going to take place.
One thing that is clear from the text is that these are not contradictory nor parallel; rather they are two distinct narratives concerning the same event. But notice the import of these words, "Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you! ... Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God." She was a blessed and favoured women given the most amazing role of rearing up the Saviour. Such a blessing! that is not diminish over births but just to put this one on unique level it deserves.
Now let us consider one more important statement from Luke's gospel:
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.Here, Mary now opens with these words of praise in regards to the great favour the Lord has shown her. This beautiful young Jewish lady has been given the blessing of all blessings; she would bring into existence the Saviour of man kind, the God- man who would go onto give his life for many sinners including many women of whom are to regarded as honoured.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. (Luke 1:46-56)
In Mary we also have a picture of what every Godly women should emulate, apart from the Lord Jesus as our highest example. Men have many example in the Apostle but women only need one: Mary.
The third biblical avenue: Women honoured in the faith.
A third illustration of how the bible continually honours women is found in a number of writings by Paul; it is strange how many falsely charge this man of being sexist and yet over look several important passage which give the God ordained position for all women in the church. Notice the following examples:
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well ..... Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. .... Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. .... Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. (Romans 16:1-4, 6, 13, 15)
older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honour widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, ..... Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith (1 Timothy 5:1-4, 9-11)
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2: 3-5)
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.( Philippians 4:2-7)In these accounts we see that the Christian faith honours; truly honours women in the fashion God has made them to excel in. The false feminism group has put too much of a burden on women, in that it wants women to see them selves as equals with men everything they do; yet God has the ultimate say in the issues at hand not man, women, or even the authorities. The God honouring position is for a women to be a loving - supportive and nurturing human particularly to her Husband and family the 2 jewels in her life.
The bible also calls these women in the following ways "a helpmate" "a comforter" but more importantly it calls them "a deaconess" in the following words:
Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. (1 timothy 3: 11)It appears that this verse is not translated correctly, it should say "likewise women" indicating that the role of deacon was not a male orientated - such as is the role of a Pastor/ shepherd. Therefore, the above information maybe best put into terms of the life of a deaconess - one who supports the mission of the church by being a faithful witness to the gospel of Christ in whatever capacity one finds themselves in.
The fourth biblical avenue: The dearly loved women.
A fourth way that the bible continually honours women is by singling out particular women that have left impressions and examples for us to adore. One such case is with the fact that several women are honoured for their roles as Mothers.
Let us now consider just a few example in which this takes place:
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. (Romans 16:13)
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:3-7)Mothers are very important people in the Church life- and the Mother is to be a rock of strength for those who are under her wing of guidance. Above we have 3 examples given of such Mothers who lived by their faith in Christ to be the best examples for their Children (as well as any one else); the secular societies view of a women is a broken down women who cannot control her family, whereas the Christian view is one of great honour because she is not alone - for she has her Husband (if there is one); but more importantly, the Spirit of God is active in her steps.
The bible also provides some other helpful insight on this matter- let us consider it carefully:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)In this way, when a Child in the faith has good role models in their parents - they will exude respect for their Parents. And in particular their Mothers. God has given Women of age a role and a responsibility in this matter, and they should not then neglect this wonderful privilege for even a moment.
In this I am not saying Single Christian women shouldn't seek Christian men - I am saying, however, is that Christian women who are mothers should use discernment in who they bring into their children's lives - make she the Man is a Godly man who will put you and your children first in all matters.
The fifth biblical avenue: Women honoured in Marriage
The fifth way that Women are honoured in the Christian faith, is through the union of a man and woman in the bonds of Marriage. It is the one thing that reveals the most important aspects of human life, when two people (a man and a women) comes together and seeks to be one flesh, one united whole.
The new testament has a massive position for the covenantal pact of Marriage:
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:1-7)In these above passages, we see the honoured position of women in Marriage; they are equals in terms of being united in all things that make them "one flesh" but still they are very distinct persons have different functions and roles in the family and society at large. Both Paul and Peter say that women are to be seen in a very unique manner, to take Peters words at this point: " they are heirs with you of the grace of life," marriage, is a blessing which equally sanctifies both partners before the triune God.
And this fact, is nowhere seen better in Lord Jesus words in Matthew 19:1-12, but we also have an old testament illustration of this beautiful truth:
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.In marriage, the wife is to be honoured by her husband to the point of no return; She is what makes the whole marriage, family by virtue of the marriage work. It of course, is a dual act of both Husband and wife; but the wife is the one for whom it all revolves around. The Husband works hard to support his family and in turn provide for the wife in the larger context. The family look to the mother for good godly wisdom and great skills in life. She becomes the perfect role model for the offspring. But even more, Marriage is the thing that makes the wife whom she is. (now I realise, that not all women want to get married and that is fine; this is just a general principal).
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” (Proverb 31: 12-15, 26-29)
What do the Christian teachers say on this issue of Women in the bible
The biblical view of women is further attested too in the following quotations by John MacArthur - who has written prolifically on this matter; in his book "Divine Design" he make the following statements regarding the true biblical position on Women - who are honoured in a very significant fashion. Let us consider his words:
God's perfect design
Any examination of the rule of men and women in God's design must begin with an understanding of Genesis 1-3. The key verses in those chapters provide a foundation for the text we will examine in the future chapters.
God's image-bearers as coregents: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)
Notice two important things in this account. First God created both Man and Woman in his image. Not just men, but women also was made in God's image. Like God, each has a rational personality. Men and Women alike possess intellect, emotion, and choice. Humanity was not, however, created in God's image as perfect holy and unable to sin. Nor were men and women created in his image essentially. They have never possessed his supernatural attributes, such as Omniscience, omnipotence, immutability, or omnipresence. people are only human, not at all divine. Author J. David Pawson reminded us that us that Male-Female equality of creation in God's image also "does not mean interchangeability. A cylinder head and a crankcase maybe of the same material, size, weight, and cost - but they cannot be exchanged." Second, God blessed them as Man and woman in verse 28: "God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiple .... subdue it; and rule." The man and women were coregents: God gave them both Adam and Eve the task to rule together over lower creation. (Divine Design, pages 19-20)It is clear from this that while God created Man and Woman in a distinct fashion, Adam from the dust of the earth, and Eve from the rib of Adam. They bestowed with equal authority over all things before them. Now today, all men and women are equal in the sight of God concerning salvation- (unlike many fable such as Gnostic who believe women will be turned into men to be saved. Islam believe that most women will be the inhabitant of hellfire or houri's (sex slaves) for faithful men.)
But the main point, that men and women are not created equal is clearly detailed in the next statement:
The image and glory of God
While covering the head appears to have been a customary symbol of subordination in Corinthian society, the principal of male headship is not customary but an established fact of God's order and creation, and it should never be compromised - because a covered head was a sign of subordination, Paul told the Corinthians
For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman (1 Corinthians 11:7-11)
As we saw in the 1st Chapter, Man was created in the moral, mental, and spiritual image of God. He was also created to bear the image of God as the ruler, since God gave him a particular sphere of sovereignty. We have also seen that while both men and women are created in God's image, Adam was created first (Gen. 2:7) and Eve was created later from part of Adam himself (vs. 21-22). Thus, the man was given the dominion and authority over God's created world and is by that fact the glory of God, while women was made out of man and then reflect mans glory. (Divine Design, pages 50-51)The bottom line in this is the fact that "strict equality" of man and women in every matter is a physical impossibility. The truth in the matter is that man and woman are "distinctive," in that they were created with physiological differences that heighten their very persons. Man was created to be the stronger gender, to protect and honour their women and family; women were created to be the weaker gender to be a nurturer of the family. And there are other significant distinctions between men and women that are intrinsic in nature.
The above segment from John MacArthur make it clear that the biblical view of Women-hood is the true portrait of a women; one who has respect for herself and does not degrade and demean herself through the many iconic avenues. She is one who has the respect of all men; especially her husband, family and friends. This, however, in today self centred, self imposed and convoluted society where all women are nothing more than "hot property" to be seen in such appalling fashions by mankind as a whole.
To make the point clear: In this modern society where men and women are demanded to be treated "equally" in all respects, when they are not, they are distinct- is where all the foolery begins- because even in such realms they do not believe such a thing.
Two controversial passages
The bible is often mocked and ridiculed based the common misrepresentation of "being sexist" based on two text in Paul's writing. However, this charge is based on ignorance of the contextual meaning of these passages in question. While it is true that Women are not to be Pastors under any circumstance and when this rule is violated as it often is in this generation, it leads to some serious ramifications as due process.
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (1 Timothy 3:1-3)This passage makes it very clear that God has given a specific order through his Apostles; especially that of Pastors - they must be Men only. And this must never be forsaken on any ground. Notice, that the passage says "the Overseer .. must be a husband of one wife" it is clear that only a man fits this designation: A husband and overseer.
This is not sexist as many claim, but it is more practical in nature that some, not all men will be called into Pastoral ministry. We previously saw that both men and women can be deacons; only men can fulfil this role.
Now for the problematic passages:
the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. (1 Corinthians 14:34)
Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. (1 Timothy 2:11-12)These verses get a lot of heat in the secular society because it is believed that Paul was saying that Women could not teach in church. However, this is not what these texts are speaking too; it is easily discernable from the context of each passage that it is not speaking of a pastoral role at all, but the context of orderly service. And then, it is speaking of Husbands and wives conducting themselves in a worshipful manner.
This point is easily seen when one just allows the contexts to stand. Let us see them back to back:
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. (1 Timothy 2)
As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14)If this was about the conduct of every women in church at large, then answer one simple question, what is the word "husband" doing in the verse next to the key verses? Contextually speaking there is no justification as to apply these words to all women; for not all women are married - and not all women are even of the age of marriage to be classed as "wives."
It is only fair that we allow the contexts of all passages to stand for their own points, In church, Husbands and Wives are to be cordial to the appropriate church conduct.. and listen attentively to the sermon, and if any questions arise from wives on any part they are to inquire after church of their husbands.
Although it does state that "I do not permit a women to teach or exercise authority over men." It once again, is a bad mistranslation. It is more effective in the sense we have previously out-lined; Wives are not the head of the family; but Husbands are. And in this measure, wives cannot and must not teach husbands as it is not God's intended purpose for creation. Women can and must be functional teachers in the children's lives.
Giving the children the necessary instilled qualities that will give them the correct upbringing. They are to living examples of strong minded and loving Individuals; but that is to coupled with a Strong willed and authoritative Father to instruct the children.
It is vital to consider a proverb instruction at this point to give a well grounded view on the issue at hand: "Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck." (Proverbs 1: 1-2); this gives us that fundamental purpose in a family unit.
Conclusion
Far from being sexist in any sense of the word, Biblical Christianity if it is true to the Word of God liberates and honours women. It in fact, in reality is the only world view that does -- Because it comes from a God whom in the beginning created man and women equally in his own image- for his own glorious purpose.
Of course, it recognise the distinctiveness that are inherent in each gender and honours them for those God given traits. It is only in the modern "post-modern enlightened" idea of how we are to live, that there is not truth, no beauty, no significance in a women being a women; because they have been led astray into the new tendency of view both gender in this false ideal of "equality" still Women are being treated like they are worth nothing in society.
