Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, — Ephesians 5:25,26

Christ loved the church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word. Notice the motive: love. Notice the price: himself. Notice the goal: a holy, radiant bride. He doesn't just forgive the church—he cleanses her. The word is the instrument: Jesus prayed, 'Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth'. The same word that washes regenerates. He gave himself so we'd be presented without spot or wrinkle. What a savior.