God's Plan for Marriage

An Interview with Todd Biermann

Rev. Dr. Todd Biermann in his book “Handing Out Life” explains the three parts of the way to be wound up with your spouse:

1. “…a man shall leave his father and mother…”

To be married, both the husband and the wife (the remainder of Ephesians 5 and other passages show that it applies to the wife as well) must SACRIFICIALLY leave behind their selfishness. They leave the comforts of childhood and parental care to focus full attention on each other.

2. “…and hold fast to his wife, …”

Both husband and wife are UNCONDITIONALLY committed to each other. In other words, there’s no sin or evil that will stop them from choosing to love and be married to this person. It’s based on a conscious choice, not feelings. Feelings come and go, but the decision to love will never change.

3. “…and the two shall become one flesh.”

The love between the man and the woman in marriage is lived out INCARNATIONALLY. That means it’s “in the flesh.” We care for the physical well-being of the other. We enjoy the culmination of that physical care in the sexual union.”

"A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Eccl. 4:12

Biermann continues: “Is such beautiful marriage easy to attain? No. It will require us to return to Jesus every day. It will require us to learn how to be more sacrificial and unconditional in our love. It will be painful as we give up our sinful self and say “No” to Satan and the world. No more insisting on “my way”. No more whining about “my entitlements”. Such a change is possible as the Spirit works daily in us through God’s Word, Baptism, and Supper to make us disciples of Jesus.” God’s blessings as you and your spouse are wound up with Jesus and love each other sacrificially, unconditionally, and incarnationally in His name.

“Handing Out Life” by Todd A. Biermann – Includes God’s basic plan for marriage based on Eph 5:31-32 along with eight brief Bible studies for personal, couple, or small group use.