Tim Keller | August 16, 1998
Marriage can be a puzzling thing, but when we look at it without any preconceived ideas, we can see it in a whole new light. The Bible gives us a fresh way to understand marriage by emphasizing three important parts: power, purpose, and pointer. Power reminds us that marriage comes from something greater than us, purpose tells us to treat each other with respect, and pointer teaches us to honor Christ.
1. The power: “out of.”
According to the Bible, marriage is deeply connected to the idea of changing and growing in our relationships, thanks to the Spirit’s guidance. To make this kind of marriage work, we need to be filled with the Spirit and ready to face its challenges. Without the Spirit’s fullness, we can’t achieve this kind of marriage.
2. The heart of the model is the purpose
Christian marriage isn’t just about filling a role in society. It’s about love and commitment. It’s about helping each other and caring about each other’s needs. It’s about finding a partner who can make you a better person spiritually. It’s about accepting each other, challenging each other, and sharing a deep wish that allows both love and commitment to coexist.
3. Marriage is a pointer
In the Bible, marriage is a symbol of the relationship between Christ and the church. The word “reverence” means a deep respect mixed with love and wonder. This should be the basis of marriage, not just seeking acceptance or happiness. It’s important not to put marriage on a pedestal, as this can lead to problems. Instead, we should focus on getting closer to Christ, whether we’re married or not, looking forward to the day we’ll be united with Him.