Topical Bible: Marriage: Designed For: Raising up Godly Seed

◄ Marriage: Designed For: Raising up Godly Seed ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage, as instituted by God, serves multiple divine purposes, one of which is the raising up of godly offspring. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is emphasized throughout Scripture as a fundamental aspect of the marital covenant.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for marriage as a means to raise godly seed is established in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:28 , God blesses the first man and woman, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This command not only underscores the procreative purpose of marriage but also implies a responsibility to nurture and instruct the next generation in the ways of the Lord.

Malachi 2:15 further elucidates this purpose: "Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring." This passage highlights the spiritual dimension of marriage, where the union of husband and wife is intended to produce children who are raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Parental Responsibility

The responsibility of parents to raise godly children is a recurring theme in Scripture. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage emphasizes the importance of integrating God's commandments into daily life and passing them on to the next generation.

Proverbs 22:6 reinforces this duty: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." The verse underscores the formative role of parents in shaping the character and faith of their children.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the role of marriage in raising godly offspring. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This instruction highlights the nurturing aspect of parenting within the Christian household, where children are to be guided with love and discipline.

In 1 Timothy 3:4-5 , the qualifications for church leadership include managing one's household well and keeping children under control with dignity. This requirement reflects the expectation that Christian parents, particularly fathers, are to lead their families in a manner that honors God and fosters spiritual growth.

The Role of the Church

The church community also plays a vital role in supporting families as they endeavor to raise godly children. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together." The communal aspect of faith provides a supportive environment where families can grow and children can witness the lived experience of Christian values.

Conclusion

Marriage, as designed by God, is a sacred institution with the profound purpose of raising up godly seed. Through the covenant of marriage, parents are entrusted with the responsibility to nurture, instruct, and guide their children in the ways of the Lord, ensuring the continuation of faith across generations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 2:15
And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And why one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... important objects in view"which is designed to plant ... Marriage was instituted before
the apostasy, of which a ... present state of human nature, the raising of a ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... You are quite justified, she replied, in raising this question ... the goal of the "sorrow
after a godly sort." The ... with the other things which are knit up with it ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Chapter xxvi
... cattle." Apparently, he had abstained from raising camels and ... assumption that Esau
after his marriage still dwelt ... other to secure the blessing designed for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Saved by Grace;
... of it out of the grave, which raising is called ... the dead, neither marry, nor are
given in marriage; neither can ... 6. This is he that setteth up his kingdom in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Is he then left to fill up the measure of his ... his place, who, having the same post
that was designed Mr. Bunyan ... he was a soldier prior to his marriage, and that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... us make men think that the imperfections of the flesh are wrapped up in it ... events
considered that I might omit them as having none of the "godly edifying in ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... so far as could be done without raising the dregs ... the chief events connected with
the controversy up to this ... and Christians, to the ungodly and godly, to the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

part ii
... When you see a beautiful girl or woman or a handsome youth, immediately lift up
your thoughts to the supreme, most holy Beauty, the Author of every earthly and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm