Build your marriage on the gospel!

I am reading a book currently called Love that Lasts by Gary and Betsy Ricucci. Gary is a pastor at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD. His wife is C. J. Mahaney's sister. C. J. wrote the foreword to this book.

Most books, even Christian books, on marriage start right into the practical aspects of marriage like roles, communication, finance, and conflict resolution. This book covers all those areas, but unlike most Christian books on marriage, it starts off by relating the gospel to marriage. I can't remember any other book on marriage and relationships doing this. But then again I shouldn't be surprised by this for the influence of C. J.'s ministry is primarily about the cross and the gospel and obviously this has infected his relatives greatly.

The authors observe correctly that most Christians simply assume the gospel, misunderstand the gospel, or even ignore or miss the gospel when it comes to their marriage relationship. This being so, I fear that some people who read this book might skip the first chapter because they want "help" for their marriage. They think they know the gospel--been there, done that. But that reflects an attitude that compartmentalizes the gospel. We think the gospel has ramifications only for our eternal destiny. But that is so misguided and wrongheaded.

The authors give a marvelous summary of the gospel's impact on marriage.
Because of the gospel, Christians have become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, in our marriage, our past does not define us, confine us, or determine our future.

Because of the gospel, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). Therefore, we can live free of all guilt and condemnation for every sin, and we can trust that God, in his mercy, will be gracious to us.

Because of the gospel, we can forgive just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32) Nothing done against us compares to osur sin against God. Therefore, all offenses, hostility, and bitterness between Christians can be completely forgiven and removed.

Because of the gospel, we are accepted by God (Romans 15:7). Therefore, we are not dependent on a spouse for who we are or what we need.

Because of the gospel, sin's ruling power over us is broken (Romans 6:6, 14). Therefore we can truly obey all that God calls us to do in our marriage, regardless of any circumstance or situation.

Because of the gospel, we have access to God through Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Therefore we can at any time take any need in our marriage to the One who can do all things.

Because of the gospel, we have hope (Romans 5:1-4). Therefore we can endure any marital difficulty, hardship, or suffering, with the assurance that God is working all to our greatest good (Romans 8:28).

Because of the gospel, Christ dwells in us by His Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14). Therefore we are confident that God is always with us and is always at work in our marriage, even when progress is imperceptible (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

Because of the gospel, we have power to fight and overcome remaining sin, which continues to dwell and war within us (Romans 7:19-21, 24-25; Galatians 5:16-17). This indwelling enemy represents the essence of what is called the doctrine of sin.

The gospel can transform your life and your marriage! If you are looking for hope in your marriage, you will find it in the gospel (even if and especially if you have been a Christian for a long time. If you are unmarried or pursuing a relationship, I urge you to build your life on the gospel! You and I never, never, never outgrow our need for the gospel. In order to have a God-glorifying marriage, you must build your life and marriage on the gospel!

So, think about this today: Using the above list of truths about the gospel, how can you specifically apply God's grace and the gospel to your marriage? Where do you see areas of weakness in your life or relationships that reveal a deficient application of the gospel?