When studying a doctrine, it is good to start with the clearest passages and then to move on to the more difficult ones, and to interpret those more difficult ones in the light of the ones that are more clear. Or, to put it another way, if you read a passage and have difficulty determining […]
In our previous article, we looked at the purpose of marriage for the glory of God and his covenant. The second reason in the marriage form speaks of the calling to bringing forth covenant children. We do not minimize the struggles associated with child rearing and the responsibility of large families. Again, we need to […]
A whole issue of Beacon Lights devoted to marriage? Yes. It does not matter how young or old you are. It does not matter what stage of life you are in. It does not matter if you are married or not. Reading about marriage is timely for anyone, anytime. If you are unsure about the […]
Have you ever heard the accusation, “Your stance on marriage, divorce, and remarriage is only a Protestant Reformed view!”? The lie that is leveled against us is that our view on divorce and remarriage is not biblical but is a view that is only held by the PRC. They say it is a theological novelty […]
It was the sixth day of history. God had just created Adam out of the dust of the ground. He had just brought to him the animals to be named, impressing upon him his need for a wife. He had just put Adam to sleep and from a rib made Eve. He had just brought […]
The purpose of marriage is the glory of God. This is crucial for a couple to understand in order that they enter into marriage with the right perspective. Marriage is not about me and not about you. Marriage is about God. Reformed churches since the time of the Synod of Dordt in 1618–19 adopted a […]
When a man and woman say their marriage vows, they enter a union that will be lifelong. How beautiful when they are both believers who confess this and rejoice knowing their marriage will be for life. This makes the occasion of their union one of great joy. With this article we begin a short series […]
Prayer is necessary for Christians. Our Heidelberg Catechism teaches this and explains why in Q&A 116: “Because it [prayer] is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us, and also because God will give his grace and Holy Spirit to those only who with sincere desires continually ask them of him and are […]
Torn Asunder: Children, the Myth of the Good Divorce, and the Recovery of Origins, edited by Margaret Harper McCarthy, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2017 The reason you will remain married to your spouse is that you love God and are thankful to him for his gracious salvation of you. You wish to show this […]
“We just need to stick it out until we get married, then all our issues will be resolved.” Have you or your significant other said something like that? It’s not true. Marriage—after the “waiting period” (dating) your parents impose upon you and always seem to want to know too much about—is not a switch. Flipping […]