EXTRACT

It is most important to recognise that a believer is the Lord’s absolutely. Scripture says, “For both if we should live, it is to the Lord we live; and if we should die, it is to the Lord we die: both if we should live then, and if we should die, we are the Lord’s”, Rom.14:8…

… there should be no question that for a believer to enter into marriage with an unbeliever is absolutely contrary to the mind of God. It brings in an unholy link, which ought never to be contemplated by a Christian … But the matter is sometimes more subtle when the thought is for one who has the light which has been recovered by the Lord for His people, to enter into the marriage bond with a Christian who is not practically walking in that light …

... In [Amos3:3] the Spirit of God raises this important issue: “Shall two walk together except they be agreed?” What is marriage but a walking together of two? What is there in it for the two concerned if they are not really together in it? As Peter says, “fellow-heirs together of the grace of life”, 1 Pet.3:7. If a brother or sister who has the light and privilege already referred to, enters into a link with one who has not this light, the only basis of agreement will be that of surrendering the truth. I would urge that brethren should bear in mind, and as opportunity occurs, seek to present these things to those younger, for it is impossible for two to be agreed and walk together in an unequal yoke of this sort, except on the serious basis of surrendering that which is most precious. Think of what it would mean for one who was in the enjoyment of Christian fellowship, to enter into this link with a partner with little or no real interest in these things. It would result in the most precious things being excluded from the home as regards any joint participation in them: the prayers together could not possibly take account of the divine interests as rightly known; the saints could not happily be received to the home, for there would be no basis of communion with them. Hence the Spirit of God would leave the word with us: “Shall two walk together except they be agreed?”

From an address by A.J. Gardiner on Marriage

published by

Kingston Bible Trust in its

“Fundamental Truths” Series

and re-published by Bibles etc Inc, Wheaton, USA

Copies available from the Editor

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