[ForeverStander]

EDENIC MARRIAGE

The definition of EDENIC is “a state of innocence, bliss, or ultimate happiness”. The Bible has been described as a love story. In reading it I would agree and what becomes immediately apparent is the importance of MARRIAGE to this love story. Marriage in the Bible isn’t what we know as a union of two persons but something much greater. Instead the Bible describes a marriage of three as designed by God who created the entire world and everything in it. Marriage in the Bible is a sanctified relationship of “oned flesh”. That is a marriage as a reflection of the very first marriage when man died so that woman could be born (Gen 2:21-22). This act of creation resulted in a marriage of three - Adam, Eve and God. Together in paradise the three enjoyed a relationship in a state of innocence and bliss, of ultimate happiness. Understanding this it’s easier for me to appreciate why God came to earth as a man. He came here as our BRIDEGROOM in an effort to recapture the edenic relationship that was lost when man sinned. As Jesus, He would be our bridegroom and marry each of us; at least those of us who would CHOOSE to have Him. As our bridegroom He was willing to pay ANY price for His bride. By way of our marriage to Jesus we have been purified, our sins eliminated, made virginal to be presented to Father God. For now, our betrothed goes before us as our advocate (1 John 2:1) preparing a place for His Bride in His Father’s house as reflected in ancient Jewish wedding customs. Also as is the custom The Father will determine the precise moment the Bridegroom will return for His bride. When He does it's also the custom for the bridegroom to steal His bride away in the night. I ask you have you ever heard a more romantic LOVE STORY? The best thing about this story is it’s all TRUE.

previous thread: http://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=4097.0

[ForeverStander]

ENDURING IN LOVE

I read the following verses from Mathew this morning. Here Jesus is responding to his disciples who asked, “…what is the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?”

Matthew 24:9-14

10 Then many will take offense, betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be delivered. 14 This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world[c] as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come.

For me what comes forward from the page is Jesus’ use of the words LOVE and HATE. “Hate” in scripture generally, means to have a lack of reverence for someone or for God. This growing hatred for one another will result in taking offense (rather than demonstrating grace) and betraying one another. And in the absence of law (God’s Law) THE LOVE OF MANY WILL GROW COLD. Which of the laws is Jesus referring to?

In 22:36 Jesus is asked which commandment in the LAW is the greatest. Jesus responds – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Although he had answered the question He goes on offering the second most important commandment – “Love your neighbor as your self.” He finishes making clear “all the Law” depends on these two commandments.

As I read this I can’t help but think of our American society and the state of marriage here. In our “lawlessness” the divorce rate is at 50% for first marriages - higher for second marriages.

But Jesus says despite this there is “good news”. That is that the “one who endures to the end will be delivered”. “Endures” how? In LOVE. The one who endures in LOVE holding fast with their INTEGRITY to the two greatest commandments will be DELIVERED.
In these verses Jesus makes clear all our HOPES lie in our ability to ENDURE IN LOVE. I suggest there’s no better place to endure in love then in our marriages.

[CrazyTrain]

AMEN!!!

[Slow Fade]

In these verses Jesus makes clear all our HOPES lie in our ability to ENDURE IN LOVE. I suggest there’s no better place to endure in love then in our marriages.

Agreed FS, and boy howdy does the world push back when you do this. It doesn't understand agape love at all........

[ForeverStander]

I agree SF - the world doesn't. I think this lack of knowing LOVE, real love, on our part is what gets in the way of appreciating what Jesus did for us and who Father God really is.