Discover What Scripture Teaches
Today, the idea of family has fallen out of favor with many in modern society. Their progressive, liberal, or anti-God views mock the value of family. But family is critical and biblical.
It began at creation and will culminate at the end of time. Therefore, we must celebrate family, and all that it entails.
Family Started at Creation
God created us in his own image, male and female. He blessed Adam and Eve, telling them to be fruitful and fill the Earth (Genesis 1:27-28).
This was God’s first command to his creation: to be fruitful and multiply. It’s a command to pair up—implying marriage—and procreate.
Toward that end, a man leaves his parents and unites with his wife. They become one (Genesis 2:24). Traditionally this represents marriage at its finest: A man and a woman unite to become one. They cleave—cling, adhere, and stick fast—to one another.
If this sounds permanent, it is. At least that’s how God intended it. Jesus opposed divorce in all but extreme circumstances (Matthew 5:32 and Mark 10:2-10). Malachi also spoke against divorce (Malachi 2:16).
As parents, we are to show our children what is right (Proverbs 22:6) and to bring them up and train them about God (Ephesians 6:4) so that they may be holy (1 Corinthians 7:12-14).
From the very beginning, God intended us to marry and have children. That’s never changed. We must embrace that today and celebrate family as God intended it to be—as he created us to function from the beginning of time.
Family Today
Too many people today, however, do not enjoy God’s ideal for family, with a married man and woman bringing up children to honor the Lord. If this describes your situation, take time to thank God. Be sure to celebrate your family.
Others experience broken homes, single parent households, and unwanted children.
If you relate to this less-than ideal-situation, do not despair. Regardless if this is because of a decision you made or what someone did to you, know that God loves you. He offers you his grace. Put him first and seek to honor him.
Consider what Isaiah wrote about the coming Savior, Jesus. He will heal the brokenhearted, free the captives, provide comfort, create beauty from ashes, give joy to those who mourn, and clothe with praise those who despair (Isaiah 61:1-3).
Though he may not literally restore your family or give you a new one, he will point you in the right direction and fill you with peace (Romans 15:13).
From a spiritual perspective, the outcome is even more exciting. When we follow Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:15 and Ephesians 1:5). Father God—the perfect Dad—welcomes us into his family.
Regardless of how good or how lacking our biological family is, being part of God’s family is being part of a picture-perfect one.
Family in Revelation
We read in the book of Revelation an even more astounding view of family, one of eternal significance. As Jesus’s church, we will marry him. Collectively, we will become the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:1-14).
This, of course, isn’t a physical marriage but a spiritual one. It’s also a perfect union. We will become part of Father God’s family through our marriage to his Son.
A Spiritual Family
First through adoption, and then through our marriage, we become children of God (John 1:12). It’s the perfect family, one that will last throughout eternity.
We see God’s perfect eternal family hinted at through the potential of our families here on earth. This is one more reason to celebrate family—both now and later.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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