Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

The Two Become One

What great truth was then stated? BR-ASI9 458.3

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24. BR-ASI9 458.4

In what words does Christ recognize marriage as of God? BR-ASI9 458.5

“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:6. BR-ASI9 458.6

Note.—Thus was the marriage institution ordained of God in Eden, before man sinned. Like the Sabbath, it has come down to us with the Edenic dews of divine blessing still upon it. It was ordained not only for the purpose of peopling the earth and perpetuating the race, but to promote social order and human happiness; to prevent irregular affection; and, through well-regulated families, to transmit truth, purity, and holiness from age to age. Around it cluster all the purest and truest joys of home and the race. When the divine origin of marriage is recognized, and the divine principles controlling it are obeyed, marriage is indeed a blessing; but when these are disregarded, untold evils are sure to follow. That which rightly used is of greatest blessing, when abused becomes the greatest curse. BR-ASI9 458.7

By what commands has God guarded the marriage relation? BR-ASI9 458.8

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.” Exodus 20:14, 17. BR-ASI9 458.9

What New Testament injunction is given respecting marriage? BR-ASI9 459.1

“Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4, R.V. BR-ASI9 459.2

Note.—By many, marriage is lightly regarded—is often made even a subject of jest. Its divine origin, its great object, and its possibilities and influences for good or evil are little thought of, and hence it is often entered into with little idea of its responsibilities or its sacred obligations. The marriage relationship is frequently used in the Scriptures as a symbol of the relationship existing between God and His people. (See Romans 7:1-4; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Hosea 2:19, 20; Revelation 19:7.) BR-ASI9 459.3