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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: Marriage is very different today than in the past. Today, marriage is made a mockery. Most weddings don’t have a spiritual element to them at all, as couples try to outdo their closest friends and attempt to have the most exotic and carnal event; there is seldom any holy element to the ceremony or celebration. So why does the Bible compare marriage to God and the church, and why is God called the bridegroom and the church called the bride? – B.B.

 

Dear B.B.: Marriage is a reflection of Christ’s love for His people; it’s the uniting of three persons – a man, a woman, and God – making marriage holy. God declared marriage to be good. Two hearts give themselves to each other to be no longer two but one. A union takes place that makes the belonging of one the belonging of the other. Instead of being separated, the interests and paths of a man and woman are brought together. The wishes of the other party become binding obligations, and the deepest desire of each heart is to be fulfilled.

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so God rejoices over His people. He has given us all and asks all in return. We should be so thankful for His salvation and abiding love that we are eager to hand over the reins to Him.

People today have discarded the Bible’s clear teaching on sexual relations outside of marriage, simply because they are absorbed only in their own pleasures and desires.

Because God knew that mankind was incapable of obeying His law, His love promised a Redeemer who would save His people from their sins. Our love makes necessary a separation from the world of which a less love could not conceive. This is the kind of love that we should desire toward Him, and He gives us the power of His Holy Spirit to help us be faithful to Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)