What's Wrong With Modern Marriage? Chapter 3, Book by H.E. Phillips: Study the Bible on the Internet. Bible study, sermons, articles, podcast, books, topical index, bio.

By the foregoing one can see that marriage is not a frivolous thing that can be absolved at will. No more serious step was ever taken by man or woman in regard to this life. How, in the face of the vows and solemn duties, can one enter this relationship under the intoxicating influence of drink, or in the moment of revenge and thoughtlessness? Little wonder so many end in failures.

There is possibly no subject in which more people are universally interested than the subject of marriage. It involves more people than any other thing known to the society of man. For that reason we deem it necessary to point out the seriousness of that relationship. How can we expect to correct the grave mistakes of marriage after the two are united without violating some law of God? We must take necessary steps to correct the errors before the union is formed. We take a step in that direction when we point out the seriousness of marriage.

Marriage is a serious thing because God is its Author. Whatever God commands and has a part in can not be taken lightly. It seems pertinent to inquire here how marriage began. At the beginning of the human race, God formed the first man of the dust of the earth. After God formed that man, He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living soul (Gen. 2:5). God saw that His creation was good, but He saw further that it was not "good that the man should be alone," so He caused a deep sleep to come over the man and He took from his side a rib, and from this rib came the woman. God brought them together and united them in what we call marriage. Genesis 2:23-25 shows the nearness of the union. "And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." It is seen by this reading that God's purpose in marriage was never intended to be temporary, but lasting through the years until death breaks that bond.

Marriage is serious because it is life lasting. No man or woman would think of entering a contract that would bind them for life without careful planning and concern. Perhaps the most serious moment of their lives would be when they signed that contract. Well, marriage is just that binding and long lasting. Regardless of sickness or health, poverty or wealth, the marriage is still binding upon the two. No change in time or place will legally and scripturally end the obligations of either and free them in the sight of God. And whether we want to accept it or not, God will judge every man and every woman in the Great Day to come. This judgment will include the marriage vows. Divorce courts would be out of business if men and women entering marriage would realize this. We cannot account for the many wrecked homes except for the fact that most people enter marriage without realizing the seriousness of it.

Marriage is serious because of the influence it spreads over others. Not only are the two involved but the children and others are influenced. The children of divorced parents are influenced to look upon marriage as their parents did -- without much concern. If, on the other hand, the parents are true to their marriage vows, the children will be influenced to respect it in the same way. Why do you suppose we have to spend millions of dollars in taxes annually for the support of orphan homes, prisons and such institutions of care for the children of broken homes? Somebody did not consider the seriousness in marriage. The influence of such profligacy reached far beyond the lives of the two.

Most men of the world look to Christians to find the example of Christianity. Most men know that God does not approve divorces and dissipation, and when they see pretended Christians involved in matrimonial troubles, their estimation of Christ and his teaching is lowered. They do not see Christianity to be what we teach. It is an influence that will destroy the confidence that some men may have in Christianity.

Marriage is serious because it involves the rearing of a future generation. The children born in wedlock must be educated to care for the civilization of tomorrow. Children without the proper instruction account for the many crimes and evils of this age. Surely the duties of marriage are serious in this respect, and, therefore, must be realized by those entering the union. We call for a higher standard of living, but how can we realize it unless the children are educated along this line?

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What's Wrong With Modern Marriage?
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