Marriage and Family: God
Statement of Belief
We believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit each have distinct roles in marriage and family matters, each contributing uniquely to the formation, sustenance, and guidance of these sacred institutions.
Ephesians 3:14-15; 5:21-33 — 1 Corinthians 11:3 — Colossians 3:12-21 1)
God the Father
As the Creator and Designer of marriage and family, God sets the blueprint for these institutions (Genesis 2:18-24)2). He is the source of love, the very foundation on which the marriage covenant and familial relationships are built (1 John 4:7-8).
Jesus the Son
As the Redeemer and Mediator, Jesus showcases the selfless, sacrificial love that should be reflected in marriage and family. He also reconciles and heals broken relationships (Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 1:20).
Holy Spirit
As the Comforter and Counselor, the Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and sustains marriages and families, teaching us how to love, forgive, and live harmoniously with one another (Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:26).
Additional Information
The triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is intimately involved in every aspect of marriage and family. Our understanding of these institutions and their divine design stems from our understanding of God's nature and His relationship with us.
God the Father, as the Creator, has ordained marriage and family (Genesis 2:18-24). His intention is for these to be environments where love, the very essence of God's nature, flourishes (1 John 4:7-8). He sets the parameters for these institutions and provides the wisdom and guidelines needed for their healthy functioning (Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:12-21).
Jesus Christ, the Son, showcases the sacrificial, forgiving, and unifying love that is vital for strong marriages and families (Ephesians 5:25-27). As the Redeemer, He restores broken relationships and brings reconciliation where there is discord (Colossians 1:20). His teachings and example provide a model for how spouses and family members should relate to one another (John 13:34-35).
The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter and Counselor, plays an indispensable role in marriage and family life. The Spirit empowers individuals to embody the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – traits that are crucial for harmonious family living (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit also guides and teaches, helping family members navigate challenges, make wise decisions, and live in accordance with God's will (John 14:26).
In conclusion, the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – undergirds the sacred institutions of marriage and family. By understanding and emulating God's nature and His way of relating to us, we can build marriages and families that reflect His love, wisdom, and righteousness, thus fulfilling the divine purpose He intended for these institutions.