Ten Commandments, Part 7

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Hebrews 13:4

1. GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE
   1. Revelation

      Marriage is designed to reveal the godhead, the gospel and the goodness of God.

   2. Relationships

      Marriage is to enhance spiritual, sexual and spousal relationships.

   3. Reproduction

      Marriage is defined by procreation, not preferences.

   4. Reigning

      Couples make children who make citizens who make civilizations.

   5. Regulations

      Scripture defines marriage and societies should defend marriage.

      [Marriage is crucial but challenging, so the state has historically compelled people to be married.]

2. GLOBAL DISTORTION OF MARRIAGE
   1. Conception

      The mystery and the meaning of “one flesh”…

      [ i.e., making love, making life and making legacies.]

   2. Contribution

      There are many significant (not sufficient) factors that contribute to homosexuality.

      [ i.e., parents, peers, sexual purity and personality ]

   3. Culture

      All of our feelings about marriage are distorted by the fall.

   4. Consequences

      Redefining marriage affects couples, children, civilization and the church.

3. GENDER DECISIONS RE: MARRIAGE
   1. Same-Sex Attraction

      We should distinguish same-sex attraction, same-sex orientation and same-sex identity.

   2. Same-Sex Activity

      Like all sinners, one must repent of sin, rely on the Spirit and rest in salvation.

   3. Societal Approval

      The courts, the citizens, the culture and the church.

4. GODLY DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE
   1. The Inspired Canon
   2. Our Identity in Christ
   3. The Incarnational Church

      Those who sin, those who struggle and those who stand.