A prominent evangelist gives the rules for
m
c t m c i c j , e
By John R. Rice, D.D., Litt.D.
M ARRIAGE is intended to be happy. By reading the account of God’s dealing with Adam in creating a wife for him, this is obvious. The Scripture says: “ Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and 'obtaineth favour of the Lord,” and “ . . .a prudent wife is from the Lord” (Prov. 18:22; 19:14). Proverbs 31:10-12 has some earnest words from God about the prize a man has in a good wife. “ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” The plain im plication of this Scripture is that marriage tends to happi ness, when a good man marries a good woman. Now since marriage, ordained of God, is a divine institution and the oldest in the world, there ought to be principles laid down in the Bible for a happy, prosperous marriage, and there are. Those who heed the clear teachings of the Word of God may marry and live happily, though they may have troubles and temptations incident to any life on this earth. There are certain added responsibilities and cares that are brought on by marriage and family. Nevertheless, God’s Word tells us how to have happy marriages, successful marriages,
when love stays sweet and clean, when “hope springs eternal in the human breast,” when there are days of comfort in the midst of the cares and the burdens of life. Marriage, if according to the Word of God, can be a happy and beautiful venture, a bon voyage throughout this life. Christians To Marry Only Christians Nothing more important can be said on the question of mar riage than that Christian people should marry only Christians. Marriage is a divine institution, a holy trust from God. The duties of a marriage necessarily involve Christian character. No one can really be the best husband or the best wife who is not willing to follow God’s plan for a home. How could any one be a good father or mother who does not know and love God? How could anyone keep his vows of marriage adequately, spiritually, who does not love God and does not plan to please God? The relationship of husband and wife is so intimate, as well as so permanent, that there is certain to be a continual heartache and clash of will and purpose between the husband and the wife if one is not a Christian. At first, the attraction of love is so great that each dreams the other is his perfect ideal. Shakespeare said: “ Love is blind.” Many a Christian girl has married, an unsaved man thinking in her foolish heart, “ After we are married, he will never drink again. He says he loves me so much he will go to church with me. He is so dear and good and lovable, surely all he needs is to join the church.” Such girls have found later to their deep distress that they married ungodly men. The devotion of a wife is not strong enough to make a good man out of one who does not love God. No Christian girl is ever safe to marry an unsaved man or a Christian man an unsaved girl. Such marriages never turn out happily except when God in His great mercy helps one mate to win the other. How often that never comes to pass! And how often, if it does, it comes only after years of heartache and trouble and sin! “ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people,” (2 Cor. 6:14-16). So Christians should never marry those who are unsaved, and preachers should not take part in such marriage cere monies. Direct Leading of God A Christian can have the leading of the Holy Spirit in the matter of marriage plans. Many a Christian young man has prayed for God to give him a wife. Many a Christian young woman has prayed for God to select her husband. How often it has turned out happily! If a Christian should pray about anything, he ought to pray for wisdom from God on this matter. Young people should not go ahead -without the clear leading of God. In John 16:13 Jesus said: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” Surely the T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
The ancient custom of the husband’s carrying his bride across the threshold prevails to this day.
Page Six
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker