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THE
NEW LIFE by
John Marshall
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Chapter
12 • MARRIAGE
MARRIAGE
is as old as man although it was no human invention. It was
instituted by God who set forth its terms before the first
marriage bore its fruit: "Therefore shall a man leave
(forsake) his father and his mother, and shall cleave (be
joined to) unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
The true significance of the terms of this divine institution
is not always fully understood. If these terms are carefully
thought out it will be seen that marriage begins with sacrifice:
a man (or a woman) forsakes his own family to establish another;
it is established as a joint venture: the man and the woman
vow to live together as permanent partners; and it is consummated
in the abnegation of self: the man and the woman abandon self-interest
and individual freedom to become one flesh in sexual unity
and family interest.
These divine terms of marriage are immutable: they are to
last until human life comes to an end, until the life in which
men and women "neither marry, nor are given in marriage".
The scriptures make clear that these terms must not be interfered
with or altered: "What therefore God hath joined together,
let not man put asunder."
The people of the world may revise these provisions of marriage;
they may ignore the terms and may make marriage a temporary
expedient to fit their increasingly lax outlook: but the people
of God dare not water down or ignore the implications of His
marriage law, devised for the benefit and health of all mankind.
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References
Gen 2v24, Matt 22v30, Matt 19v6
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Chapter
12 • MARRIAGE
If any one of the terms of marriage is not spiritually discerned,
a marriage can be neither happy nor successful; therefore it is
well that we examine the implications of each of the terms.
Sacrifice
One of the first things that a young married couple face is the
change in relationship with parents. Instead of each being part
of his own family in daily living there is a complete break, and
an entirely new relationship begins between the man and wife. It
is a sacrifice of one for the other.
If the marriage is to be a truly happy one this fundamental change
of relationship and the sacrifice it entails must be understood
by all the parties concerned. It is because this change is not always
realistically faced and accepted that trouble can occur between
the partners in the marriage and the parents. All the humorous quips
about mothers-in-law arise from the difficulties which occur because
of the failure of some parents to realize that God's dictum, "Therefore
shall a man leave (forsake) his father and his mother . . ."
is for their understanding, as well as that of the man and wife,
and their neglect to adjust themselves to the new situation is,
in reality, disobedience of God's will.
A proper response to God's purpose in this matter, and a ready acceptance,
on all sides, of the new relationships created by marriage can lead
to the happy outcome which God intended; both parents will unselfishly
help when help is needed, and wisely refrain from interference when
it is better that the young couple should learn from experience
itself and the Scriptures. It will be found that they will seek
the help of their parents when they feel the need of it, and will
respect and love them the more when it is freely available.
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References
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