My Wife, My Sister, My Friend
God chose His family before the foundation of the world (2 Thess 2:13; Rev 13:8; 17:8). He was not obligated. Our God is One, a family in three Persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Still, in His eternal good pleasure, God, in His predetermined plan and foreknowledge (Acts 2:23), predestined His elect to adoption, as His own children (Eph 1:4–5; 1 Jn 3:1, 10).
Entry into a family can be by natural childbirth, adoption, or marriage. In natural childbirth, a family receives a new child as a gift of God (Ps 127:3). In adoption, a family chooses a particular child they wish to legally assimilate into their union. In marriage, a family receives one from another family, to bond and to build for future generations.
When we endeavor to understand our relationships, especially family, God instructs us from His Word. The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, is our all in all. This means Jesus is invaluable to us, in every concept of loving relationship: marriage, family, and friendship.
Once we were enemies, but He Himself has become our peace. Now reconciled to God, we have become friends with God, as did our father, Abraham. Christ is the bond of peace in all our relationships.
In a world of sin, marriage, family, community, and society are filled with wretched drama. This is the tension in the kingdom of this world, ruled by Satan, the prince of darkness.
The kingdom of God is different. It is righteous, good, peaceable and the place of great love and grace abounding. Each person brought into God’s story, either elect or reprobate, begins life as a citizen of this world. When God reveals the true identity of one of the sons of God, it is life transforming for that person.
The transformation is personal, but it is also relational. The child of God, having been adopted by God the Father, is also a member of the betrothed. This is the church, the body of Christ (Mt 16:18; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 1:18).
The ramifications are wonderful. Not only does the Father love us as children (Rom 5:5; 1 Jn 3:1), but Jesus Christ loves us as a lover (Song of Solomon). We are to be married to the King of kings (1 Tim 6:15). The biblical imagery is rich. This is the ultimate version of, “…and they lived happily ever after.”
All of these images of happy family are exactly what God has ordered for humanity. The dysfunction caused by sin is the reason for all the trouble around us. As God’s chosen people, belonging to Christ (1 Cor 3:23), we are subject to trouble, too. Jesus promised as much (Jn 16:33).
The very relationships we see representing God and His elect in the Bible are the essential structures to a functioning society. Marriage and family are central. If these are in disarray, everything else suffers.
Marriage is a covenant relationship between one man and one woman. It is the picture of Christ and His bride, His church (Eph 5:21–33). Husbands and wives are to behave in the manner of Christ and His body of people. Husbands are to love their wives in the spirit of sacrifice and protection. Wives are to respect their husbands.
Parents are to be united in training up their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. For this reason, a believer should only marry another believer (2 Cor 6:14). This equal yoking should alleviate competing world views…for the most part. This unity in a bond of “…’til death do us part” is the best legacy to leave for future generations.
A Christian couple bears witness of Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). They pass on the inheritance of the Christian faith passed down to them (Jude 3). Not all their children will walk in the truth in the same degree of faithfulness, but they all have the same promises of God’s faithfulness to His covenant people. God is good to Israel, the body of Christ, the sheep of His pasture and the people of His possession.
My wife, Stephanie, is my sister in Christ. Together, we are in union in the manner of Christ and His church. We are imperfect in our expression of this blessed union because of sin. We are witnesses to these relationships of marriage and family, however. Christ lives in us (Gal 2:20). Our children are learning Christ through our marriage and the fact that we are brother and sister in Christ, adopted, under God our Father.
Our marriage witness will end the day God takes one of us home to glory. Our sibling relationship is for eternity, however. We are chosen children of God (1 Pet 2:9). Together with all our brethren throughout history and across the world, we announce our betrothal to our Beloved. We sing of His glories and proclaim His excellencies! Our marriage day to Christ the King is coming, and we make no excuse for our excitement!
The Spirit of Christ has been sent to us to help us find our lost siblings. He comforts us in all our afflictions. He teaches us our true identity and prepares us for our eternal roles as royal priests in our holy family. We walk in His power, as living witnesses, guided on the path laid out for each one of us.
Do you belong to Jesus Christ? His command is, “Come to Me (Mt 11:28)!” Do not be afraid. His love is irresistible. Cast your cares upon Him. A warning remains for those who do not believe because they do not belong to Him (Jn 10:26). The Day of Judgment, a day of sentencing awaits you to usher you into eternal hell, as the justice you deserve.
O Child of God, rejoice in your relationships. They tell you of your salvation. They tell of your eternal home in the New Jerusalem, the city of God, with your family. Jesus has called us friends, beloved, and brethren. Practice the glories of these when you find yourself at home, today, in marriage, family, and church.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
April 11, 2021
