The document discusses the institution of marriage from biblical perspectives. It describes how marriage was established by God at creation and discusses passages from Genesis about Adam and Eve. It explores the spiritual symbolism of marriage representing Christ's relationship with the church. It emphasizes that marriage should be based on love, respect, and Christ-like treatment between spouses to fulfill God's ideal.

1. SUBMIT YOUR SELVES MARRIAGE ONE OF THE FIRST AND LAST CONTROVERSY

2. In the Beginning “ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs , and closed up the flesh instead thereof;” “ And the rib , which the LORD God had taken from man , made he a woman , and brought her unto the man .”

3. Woman From a RIB “… Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head , nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior , but to stand by his side as an equal , to be loved and protected by him .” “ Neither husband nor wife is to make a plea for rulership.”

4. Never Injure “… The Lord has laid down the principle that is to guide in this matter. The husband is to cherish his wife as Christ cherishes the church. And the wife is to respect and love her husband. Both are to cultivate the spirit of kindness, being determined never to grieve or injure the other.”

5. Father Brought Her “ He who gave Eve to Adam as a help-meet performed His first miracle at a marriage festival. In the festal hall, where friends and relatives rejoiced together, Christ commenced His public ministry .” “… and brought her unto the man .”

6. Bone of My Bones “ And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh : she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man .” “ Marriage, a union for life, is a symbol of the union between Christ and His church. The spirit that Christ manifests toward the church is the spirit that husband and wife are to manifest toward each other.”

7. Become One Flesh “ For note again what is implied in the figure of the marriage. When two persons are united in marriage, they become one flesh. This is a mystery. Paul says that it is, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh.”

8. Great Mystery “ This is a great mystery : but I speak concerning Christ and the church ." This is the thought that is held before us in this figure of marriage. For we twain--ourselves and the flesh--are so completely joined together that we are no longer twain but one flesh, and our life is just one.”

9. Man Leave Parents “ Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother , and shall cleave unto his wife : and they shall be one flesh .” “ All who enter the matrimonial life with a holy purpose , the husband to obtain the pure affections of a woman's heart , the wife to soften and improve her husband's character , and give it completeness, fulfill God's purpose for them.”

10. Her Strong Helper “ If this instruction had been heeded by those who enter into the marriage relation, the home life would be pure and elevated , garrisoned by holy love . God made from man a woman, to be a companion and helpmeet for him, to be one with him, to cheer, encourage, and bless him. And he, in his turn, is to be her strong helper.”

11. Not to Destroy “ Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill its every specification. He came to pull down and destroy the works of oppression that the enemy had raised up everywhere. It was in perfect harmony with His character and work to make known the fact that marriage is a holy institution . He came not to destroy this institution , but to restore it to its original sanctity .”

12. Put His Seal “ He came to restore the moral image of God in man , and He began His work by sanctioning the marriage relation . Thus He who made the first holy pair, and who created for them a paradise, put His seal upon the institution first celebrated in Eden, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.”

13. Sanction Marriage “ By His presence at this gathering our Saviour sanctioned marriage, recognizing it as an institution He Himself had established. In the beginning when the Sabbath law was given, the marriage law was also given. It was then that God bestowed on man His two great gifts ,--the Sabbath as a day of rest , and woman as a help-meet .”

14. Forbidding Marriage “… Priests and popes have made laws forbidding people to marry, and secluding them in monasteries . These laws and restrictions were devised by Satan to place men and women in unnatural positions . Thus Satan has tempted human beings to disregard the law of marriage as a thing unholy, but at the same time he has opened the door for the indulgence of human passion. Thus have come into existence some of the greatest evils which curse our world,--adultery, fornication, and the murder of innocent children born out of wedlock.”

15. Jesus Came to Correct “ Jesus came to our world to correct mistakes, to restore the moral image of God in man. Wrong sentiments in regard to marriage had found a place in the minds of the teachers in Israel. They were making of none effect this institution. Man was becoming so hard-hearted that for the most trivial excuse he would separate from his wife, or, if he chose, he would separate her from her children . This was considered a great disgrace, and was often accompanied by the most acute suffering on the part of the discarded one. Christ came to correct these evils, and His first miracle was wrought on the occasion of a marriage.”

16. Observance of Statues “ The Scripture states that both Jesus and His disciples were called to this marriage feast . Christ has given Christians no sanction for saying when invited to a marriage, "We ought not to be present on so joyous an occasion." By attending this feast, Christ taught us that He would have us rejoice with those who rejoice, in the observance of His statutes.”

17. Sanctifying Marriage “ He never discouraged the festivities of mankind when they were carried on in accordance with the laws of Heaven. A gathering that Christ honoured by His presence it is right that His followers should attend. After attending this feast, Christ attended many others, sanctifying them by His presence and instruction .”

18. Benefit of Humanity “ When the Pharisees afterward questioned Him concerning the lawfulness of divorce , Jesus pointed His hearers back to the marriage institution as ordained at creation. "Because of the hardness of your hearts," He said, Moses "suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so." Matthew 19:8. He referred them to the blessed days of Eden, when God pronounced all things "very good." Then marriage and the Sabbath had their origin, twin institutions for the glory of God in the benefit of humanity .”

19. Highest Blessing “ Then, as the Creator joined the hands of the holy pair in wedlock, saying, A man shall "leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one" (Genesis 2:24), He enunciated the law of marriage for all the children of Adam to the close of time . That which the Eternal Father Himself had pronounced good was the law of highest blessing and development for man.”

20. Gospel to Restore “ Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin ; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty . In both the Old and the New Testament the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people , the redeemed ones whom He has purchased at the cost of Calvary .”

21. We Hear the Bride “ "Fear not," He says; "thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you." Isaiah 54:4, 5; Jeremiah 3:14. In the "Song of Songs" we hear the bride's voice saying, "My Beloved is mine, and I am His." And He who is to her "the chiefest among ten thousand," speaks to His chosen one, "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." Song of Solomon 2:16; 5:10; 4:7.”

22. Grace of Christ “ The grace of Christ, and this alone , can make this institution what God designed it should be--an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent the family of heaven .”

23. Christ Offers a Solace “ Now, as in Christ's day, the condition of society presents a sad comment upon heaven's ideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who have found bitterness and disappointment where they had hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a solace . The patience and gentleness which His Spirit can impart will sweeten the bitter lot. The heart in which Christ dwells will be so filled, so satisfied, with His love that it will not be consumed with longing to attract sympathy and attention to itself .”

24. Surrender of the Soul “ And through the surrender of the soul to God, His wisdom can accomplish what human wisdom fails to do . Through the revelation of His grace, hearts that were once indifferent or estranged may be united in bonds that are firmer and more enduring than those of earth --the golden bonds of a love that will bear the test of trial.”

25. REQUIREMENTS PRAYER STUDY THE BIBLE

26. REQUIREMENTS LAMP OIL RECONCILIATION

27. PRAYER “ I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee.”

28. PRAYER “ Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.”

29. PRAYER “ And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

30. PRAYER “ I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

31. PRAYER “ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”

32. STUDY THE BIBLE

33. STUDY THE BIBLE “ Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

34. STUDY THE BIBLE “ A familiar acquaintance with the Scriptures sharpens the discerning powers , and fortifies the soul against the attacks of Satan . The Bible is the sword of the Spirit , which will never fail to vanquish the adversary . It is the only true guide in all matters of faith and practice .”

35. STUDY THE BIBLE “ The reason why Satan has so great control over the minds and hearts of men , is that they have not made the word of God the man of their counsel , and all their ways have not been tried by the true test . The Bible will show us what course we must pursue to become heirs of glory .”

36. STUDY THE BIBLE “ ‘ Search the Scriptures.’ No other book will give you such pure, elevating, ennobling thoughts; from no other book can you obtain a deep, religious experience. When you devote time to self-examination,”

37. STUDY THE BIBLE “ to humble prayer, to earnest study of God's word, the Holy Spirit is near to apply the truth to your heart. As you feed upon the heavenly manna, you will find comfort and joy, and will be inspired to tell others of the wonderful experience you have received.”

38. STUDY THE BIBLE “ Says the psalmist, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." But this is not the case when it is left unopened and unread.”

39. LAMP OIL “ NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” “ For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”

40. LAMP OIL “ By the lamps is represented the word of God. … The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit .”

41. LAMP OIL “… The lamp of the soul must be trimmed , and we must have the oil of grace in our vessels with our lamps.”

42. LAMP OIL “… Each person has his own light to keep burning; and if the heavenly oil is emptied into these lamps through the golden pipes; if the vessels are emptied of self , and prepared to receive the holy oil, light will be shed on the sinner's path to some purpose .”

43. LAMP OIL “ More light will be shed on the pathway of the wanderer by one such lamp than by a whole procession of torchlights gotten up for show. Personal consecration and sanctification to God will bring better results than the most imposing display.”

44. LAMP OIL “ God does not accept the most splendid service unless self is laid upon the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice. The root must be holy , else there can be no sound, healthy fruit, which alone is acceptable to God. The heart must be converted and consecrated .”

45. LAMP OIL “ The motives must be right . The inner lamp must be supplied with the oil that flows from the messengers of heaven through the golden tubes into the golden bowl. The Lord's communication never comes to man in vain .”

46. LAMP OIL “ Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings of God. There are many who, unless they humble their hearts before the Lord , will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard : "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh." Matthew 25:6.”

47. LAMP OIL “ They have the theory of the truth , but they have no oil in their vessels with their lamps . Our faith at this time must not stop with an assent to, or belief in , the theory of the third angel's message .”

48. LAMP OIL “ We must have the oil of the grace of Christ that will feed the lamp and cause the light of life to shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness .”

49. RECONCILIATION “ The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin. "Sin is the transgression of the law." By the law is the knowledge of sin." 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20. In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God's great standard of righteousness.”

50. RECONCILIATION “ It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own .” “ And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband :”

51. RECONCILIATION “ But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband : and let not the husband put away his wife.” “ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ”

52. RECONCILIATION “ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” “ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ”

53. RECONCILIATION “ Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” “ For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”

54. RECONCILIATION “ Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God .”

55. RECONCILIATION “ Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin , could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and repentance .” “ As a people , we have received great light . This light the Lord has entrusted to us for the benefit and blessing of the world . To us has been given the ministry of reconciliation . With power from on high we are to beseech men to be reconciled to God .”

56. RECONCILIATION “ We are encouraged to pray for success, and we are given the divine assurance that our prayers will be heard and "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." "Ask of Me, and I will answer your requests.”

57. RECONCILIATION “ All the principalities and powers of the heavenly world are enlisted in the work of ministering for fallen man . Angels are actively engaged in executing God's plans to bring man back from rebellion to reconciliation with God . With intense earnestness they are co-operating with God to bring to man moral efficiency, that in Christ he may be more than conqueror.”

58. RECONCILIATION “ In what sense can it be said that God is reconciled to the sinner? Will he excuse my guilt if I continue to transgress ? We may all understand the meaning of this reconciliation . Through Christ every obstruction is removed, and access to God is secured . Man is urged and welcomed to the pardoning love of God .”

59. RECONCILIATION “ By his love for fallen men, God is honored and glorified and magnified through Jesus Christ . God can be just, and yet pardon the transgressor. O what love, what matchless love ! The justice , holiness , and truth of Christ are vindicated in the law , and”

60. RECONCILIATION “ therefore there is nothing to hinder God's mercy from descending , abundant , free , and full, in pardon, taking away sin , and imputing the righteousness of Christ .”

61. RECONCILIATION “ Those who accept this pardon form themselves into a glorious copartnership with Christ , and they become channels to communicate the grace of pardoning love to those who are in the darkness of error . God justly condemns all who will not receive and believe in Christ as their personal Saviour .”

62. RECONCILIATION “ Christ is standing at the door of our hearts , longing to pardon all who will come unto him that they may have life . O what words, what precious words are these! He is not merely merciful , but is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness . Our work is to hear his voice , open the door of our hearts , and welcome the heavenly guest .”

63. RECONCILIATION “ We then stand before God and the whole heavenly universe innocent , though ourselves undeserving , while Jesus carries our guilt . He takes the load which it was the lot of the sinner to bear . What responsive love, what gratitude, what thank-offerings should ascend to God, because Christ has died to make reconciliation for our sins , and by his complete obedience bring in everlasting righteousness.”

64. RECONCILIATION “ Christ has paid all that man owes to God from the beginning of his life . Sin is the transgression of the law, and through Christ man must now render perfect obedience to that law . By his righteousness of active obedience , Christ clothes me with his righteousness , in order that I shall not continue in sin , but perfect a character after the similitude of Christ .”

65. RECONCILIATION “ In the work of redemption, all heaven is constantly employed. Angels are actively engaged in executing God's plans, to bring men back from their rebellion to reconciliation with him . With intense earnestness they are co-operating with God to bring to man moral efficiency , that, in and through Christ , he may be more than conqueror !”

66. RECONCILIATION “ It is submission to sin that brings the great unhappiness of the soul . It is not poverty, but disobedience, that lessens man's hope of gaining eternal life, which the Saviour came to bring him. True riches, true peace, true content, enduring happiness,--these are found only in entire surrender to God , in perfect reconciliation to his will .”

67. WHERE TO BEGIN!

68. PRACTICAL STEP “ Reconciliation one with another is the work for which the ordinance of feet washing was instituted . By the example of our Lord and Master, this humiliating ceremony has been made a sacred ordinance. Whenever it is celebrated, Christ is present by his Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that brings conviction to hearts. As Christ celebrated this ordinance with his disciples, conviction came to the hearts of all save Judas.”

69. PRACTICAL STEP “ So we shall be convicted as Christ speaks to our hearts . The fountains of the soul will be broken up . The mind will be energized , and, springing into activity and life, will break down every barrier that has caused disunion and alienation. Sins that have been committed will appear with more distinctness that ever before ; for the Holy Spirit will bring them to our remembrance . The words of Christ,”

70. PRACTICAL STEP “ If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,” (John.13.17) will be clothed with new power .” Praise God for the Study of His Word