Article 25. Marriage Series

Introduction.

The Sanctity of Marriage today is under attack from all quarters of society and state, this of course is not something new society and states have often attacked and ignored and imposed their own take on the God given institution of marriage.

Ever since the fall of humanity, people have been doing what seems right in their own eyes. Yet in 21st century Britain we see an ever increasing depravity manifesting itself in the sexual immorality that abounds this society the utter rejection of marriage and the union between one women and one man under God for life.

Marriage in our society is being sidelined, ignored and pillaged and is becoming a Frankenstein monster unrecognisable from Gods perfect design for marriage. Most heterosexual couples today in society live out immoral lives (live together first ~ I did before coming to Christ ~ as Christians we must not get desensitised to the worlds values) many consider marriage as an afterthought and if you do get married and your unhappy , just jump ship.

Homosexuality is seen as viable alternative relationship today and many gay right activists are continuing to lobby parliament to seek equality in the context of marriage under God in a Church setting, wanting more than just civil partnerships, despite living out lives in contradiction to God’s Word. (Rom 1:26-27,1Cor 6:9 lev.18:22). In such an immoral environment Christians need a very clear and robust doctrine on Marriage and will come under increasing attack, but we must be faithful always to scripture and to God. Sadly Christians too fail in marriage for one reason or another ~ and when we do we must realise that our God is a God of Grace and forgiveness, when we come in the beauty of brokenness, he can restore our relationship with Him. Let’s read the article

Marriage 1689 Baptist confession of faith. Article 25. Marriage

1. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman. It is not lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband, at the same time. (a)

a. Gen 2:24 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.,

a. Matt 19:5-6 5and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'[a]? 6So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

2. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife(a), for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and for preventing uncleanness (b).

a. Gen 2. 18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

b. Gen 1: 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

3. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry if they are able with judgement to give their consent (a). But it is the duty of Christians to marry in the Lord (b), and therefore those who profess the true religion should not marry with infidels or idolaters. Nor should those who are godly be unequally yoked by marrying with those who are wicked in their life or who maintain heretical teaching condemned to judgement. (C)

a. Heb 13.4 Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral

b. 39A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.

c. 2Cor 6:14 14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (Neh13:25-27).

4. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity forbidden in the Word (a), nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful by any law of man or consent of parties so that such persons may live together as man and wife (b).

a. Lev 18. Unlawful sexual relationships 1 Cor 5:1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife.

b. Mark 6:18 For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

Let’s simply look at a God’s design for Marriage