The Bible teaches that marriage was designed by God to be a picture of the relationship Jesus has with His Church. The Church is a living body made up of people — men, women, and children — in right relationship with their Heavenly Father, who have trusted in the Lord Jesus and surrendered their lives to His saving grace.
Each of us has broken God’s Law, the Ten Commandments, by lying, stealing, hating, and lusting. Our relationships with others so clearly reveal our need for forgiveness. Jesus taught that if you’ve been angry with your brother or called him a name, you’ll be held accountable for it when you stand before God on Judgment Day (Matthew 5:21-22). When you hate someone, you’ve murdered him in your heart (1 John 3:15). Human anger is often tainted by selfishness and ill motives. “…Man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20).
Jesus knows every secret thought and attitude of our hearts. He views all lustful thoughts and actions as adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). If we come to God expecting to earn a place in Heaven because of our good works, we are in for a terrible surprise. We deserve only God’s judgment in Hell. However, He wants us to experience His love and a union with Jesus that marriage was designed to reflect. He offers it to you today.
The good news is that God came to earth as Jesus. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose to life again. Like a Groom coming to claim His bride, Jesus will return again for all those who have turned from sin and put their full trust in Him. Jesus gave His lifeblood because of His desire to become united with those He loves. He paid the bride price with His own life. Husbands likewise are called to serve their wives by dying to themselves and making personal sacrifices that their wives might draw closer to Jesus Christ. Wives are called to respond in self-giving love by serving their husbands — that together the couple might be a ministry team for the Master.
Jesus is calling you today to join His Bride, the Church. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus” (Acts 3:19-20). Jesus has promised to return to bring His Bride home to be with Him forever. Have you trusted Jesus? Have you surrendered your heart and life to Him? He’s calling you today.
Together, Bridget and I desire to create a home and marriage that reveals to all who encounter us, the beautiful heart of Jesus for His Bride. Would you join His Bride, the Church, today by turning from sin and trusting fully in Jesus to save and heal you?
For more beautiful truth about coming into a growing relationship with Jesus, please visit: www.needGod.com
www.areyouagoodperson.org and www.saveyourselfsomepain.com.
www.areyouagoodperson.org and www.saveyourselfsomepain.com.
Scripture to consider:
On Marriage & the Gospel:
Hosea 2:16 & 19; Isaiah 62:5; Matthew 9:15; 22:1-14; Revelation 19:7
Hosea 2:16 & 19; Isaiah 62:5; Matthew 9:15; 22:1-14; Revelation 19:7
On the Powerful, Redeeming Love of Jesus:Titus 3:4; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:1; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; John 10:10-11; Luke 15; Isaiah 53; Genesis 3:15; Colossians 2:15
On the Reality of God’s Judgment and Hell:Hebrews 4:13; 9:27; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:47-48; Luke 3:17; Revelation 14:10-11; 20:10 & 14-15; 21:8
Living Truth 