Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #3 — Marriage Symbolism

Picture: Counsel #3 — Marriage Symbolism CR 74.1

From the beginning God intended marriage to reflect His covenant relationship with His church (Ephesians 5:25-27).^[71] Unfortunately, the beautiful symbolism of God’s bilateral covenant with us is marred because of sin. For instance, if you are a believer and you choose to marry someone who is not in a covenant relationship with God, your unbelieving spouse could lead you away from God and your marriage would no longer reflect God’s love and loyalty to the church. On the other hand, if both are committed to God and His unselfish love, you will demonstrate the importance of the institution of marriage as your love reflects His. CR 74.2

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV CR 74.3

“My sister, unless you would have a home where the shadows are never lifted, do not unite yourself with one who is an enemy of God. As one who expects to meet these words in the judgment, I entreat you to ponder the step you contemplate taking. Ask yourself, ‘Will not an unbelieving husband lead my thoughts away from Jesus? He is a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God; will he not lead me to enjoy the things that he enjoys?’ The path to eternal life is steep and rugged. Take no additional weights to retard your progress….” Ellen G. White in Messages to Young People, pp. 440, 441 CR 74.4

Reflect: How can marriage to an unbeliever destroy the biblical symbol of marriage? CR 74.5