Chapter 1—Important Facts and Principles
God’s Original Design—God celebrated the first marriage. Thus
the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. “Mar-
riage is honorable”; it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and
it is one of the two institutions that, after the fall, Adam brought
with him beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles
are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing;
it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man’s
social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral
nature.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 46
.
Approved by God Today [
In 1885 Ellen White stated, “In this age
of the world, as the scenes of earth’s history are soon to close and we
are about to enter upon the time of trouble such as never was, the fewer
the marriages contracted, the better for all, both men and women.”—
Testimonies for the Church 5:366
. Obviously, she believed that the
end of the world was imminent. But Christ’s return has been delayed.
In 1901 Ellen White wrote, “We may have to remain here in this world
because of insubordination many more years.” She continued giving
counsel on marital relationships throughout her lifetime.]—There is
in itself no sin in eating and drinking, or in marrying and giving in
marriage. It was lawful to marry in the time of noah, and it is lawful to
marry now, if that which is lawful is properly treated, and not carried
to sinful excess.—
The Review and Herald, September 25, 1888
.
[14]
In regard to marriage, I would say, Read the Word of God. Even
in this time, the last days of this world’s history, marriages take place
among Seventh-day Adventists....
We have, as a people, never forbidden marriage, except in cases
where there were obvious reasons that marriage would be misery to
both parties. And even then, we have only advised and counseled.—
Letter 60, 1900
.
A Preparation for Heaven—Let them remember that the home on
earth is to be a symbol of and a preparation for the home in heaven.—
The Ministry of Healing, 363
.
10