Marriage Helps #5
Having told them to embrace the gospel and to engage in communication and conflict resolution, Pastor usually next advises a new couple at the altar to enjoy one another.
Marriage is faithfully protected in the context of a conscientious commitment—a commitment of jealous delight and devotion–to sexual purity.
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13:4).
The marriage bed is a euphemism for sexual relations in marriage, the symbol and seal of marital oneness. As marriage is not to be dissolved, neither is it to be defiled.
Sexual intercourse is not reduced in the Bible to a mere physical act. It is ordained as an expression and enhancement of marital oneness (Newheiser). The Bible “exalts and celebrates marital sex” (Hughes). In his description of marriage as “a perpetual fountain of domestic sweets”, John Milton must certainly have included the marriage bed. In The Song of Solomon the anticipation and enjoyment of romantic and sexual passion in the context of marriage is celebrated, yea, may we say, “canonized”.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, let her breast satisfy you at all times. Be exhilarated (literally, intoxicated) always with her love (Proverbs 5:18b-19).
Allow nothing to defile the marriage bed, to foul up and profane the covenanted oneness of marriage that God has made holy.
Beware of the culture in which you live, ever producing TV programs, movies and magazines promoting casual sex without commitment or consequences, making it high-tech on the Internet with its ceaseless sensual menu.
Beware of the defilements that come cheap, easy and private—accessible, affordable and anonymous (K. Hughes).
Beware of becoming caught up in the defilements of a culture that lacks modesty in its dress, language and practices–bold-faced and unblushing.
Beware of letting such defiling influences corrupt and pervert proper sexual passion in marriage.
For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor . . . (I Thessalonians 4:3-4).
