Marriage and the Gospel

Over the next two Sunday mornings, we will be discussing what Colossians has to say about marriage. I think this Gospel wisdom on marriage from Gary and Betsy Ricuchi would be beneficial for us as we prepare our hearts for the next couple of Sundays: Love That Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace (Crossway, 2006), pp. 22-23:

1. Because of the gospel, Christians have become new creations (2 Cor 5:17). Therefore, in our marriage, our past does not define us, confine us, or determine our future.

2. Because of the gospel, we are forgiven (Eph 1:7). Therefore we can live free of all guilt and condemnation for every sin, and we can trust that God, in his mercy, will be gracious to us.

3. Because of the gospel, we can forgive, just as Christ forgave us (Eph 4:32). Nothing done against us compares to our sin against God. Therefore all offenses, hostility, and bitterness between Christians can be completely forgiven and removed.

4. Because of the gospel, we are accepted by God (Rom 15:7). Therefore we are not dependent on a spouse for who we are or what we need.

5. Because of the gospel, sin’s ruling power over us is broken (Rom 6:6, 14). Therefore we can truly obey all that God calls us to do in our marriage, regardless of any circumstance or situation.

6. Because of the gospel, we have access to God through Christ (Heb 4:14-16). Therefore we can at any time take any need in our marriage to the One who can do all things.

7. Because of the gospel, we have hope (Rom 5:1-4). Therefore we can endure any marital difficulty, hardship, or suffering, with the assurance that God is working all to our greatest good (Rom 8:28).

8. Because of the gospel, Christ dwells in us by his Holy Spirit (Gal 3:13-14). Therefore we are confident that God is always with us and is always at work in our marriage, even when progress is imperceptible (1 Thess 5:23-24).

9. Because of the gospel, we have power to fight and overcome remaining sin, which continues to dwell and war within us (Rom 7:19-21, 24-25; Gal 5:16-17). This indwelling enemy represents the essence of what is called the doctrine of sin.

Of course, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Because of the gospel (and obviously included in that Gospel is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead), every marriage has hope. Indeed, the gospel is the only hope for any marriage, healthy or unhealthy. To put it in the terms of my last sermon, a healthy, Christ-exalting marriage is lived out by the power of the gospel for the glory of the gospel.