Dave

Susanna, you asked, “Do you know of any other model in which authority-obedience comes to play? Which one of these is used in the analogy of Christ/Church?”

I do not think there is an authority/obedience model that can accurately describe the Christ/church analogy. This is why the NT uses the analogy of a groom and his bride. It is a relationship between two individuals who although remain seperate become one. I think that if we want to link the question to Ephesians then I would point us again to Eph 1:10 and say that the plan is that we will all be in harmony with Christ as the head. We know that head does not equate with authority.

Hierarchalists don’t seem to mention that we will rule with Christ, that we are joint heirs with Christ, that we will one day judge, that we are his friends not his servants. And all this when he has recieved all glory, honour and power. I am not denying Christ’s authority, but for those who love him as they have been loved, authority is not relevant. They are his friends.

Not sure if this answers the question or was what you were after.

I am bowing out of things again for a while…life, sadly, stops for no blog! 🙁