Section 174
The Law of Betrothal
Marriage in the New Covenant follows the time honoured traditions of the Hebrews. Most Christian marriages in the modern world begin with 'engagement' and are followed by 'marriage'. In the New Covenant there are three stages -- Dedication ('Engagement'), Betrothal, and Marriage, a tradition still practiced by the Samaritans today. The following revelation was given in response to the question, "Why, O Lord, is the process of becoming wed divided into three stages and not two? What is the purpose of both dedication and betrothal?" What follows is a clarification of what Betrothal is, namely, spiritual marriage. Whilst New Covenant Christians believe in a full and active sexual life in marriage, they always place spiritual marriage first. Dedication, or 'Engagement', is a declaration of intent, and is purely platonic, that is, based on friendship alone. Frequently such couples, who live apart, devote them- selves to a period of missionary work abroad or within the local Colony prior to Betrothal. The period of Betrothal is binding marriage without sexual intercourse in which the couple devote themselves as a Gospel team serving the Lord in their local Colony, again often in a missionary capacity. They may either live together with a family under a Guardian (usually a parent) but sleep apart (this is often done if one or both of the parents are not believers) or live in their respective parents' homes until full marriage. Once fully married the couple are traditionally absolved from heavy responsibilities in the Church for a period of one year so that they can get to know one another more intimately. This follows an old Israelite tradition of absolving newly married men from military service for a year (Dt.24:5) [Godlia, Oslo, Norway].
1. All things have their pattern, and those of My disciples who follow these patterns shall know the intelligence and harmony thereof.
2. And behold, all things are divided up into portions for the benefit of the understanding of man, for all things are processes, though ye do not always apprehend them as such
Betrothal the Highest State
3. Moreover, ye have not as yet fully understood the meaning of Betrothal1, which portion of marriage hath largely disappeared on account of carnality and the false teachings of the world.
4. Thus saith the Lord: Betrothal is the highest and purest state of marriage, being purely spiritual, and in its origins is not of this world.
5. The spirit of betrothal is the spiritual communing of soul-mates through the Light of Christ, and is more subtle or fine than communion in the world of matter.
Full Marriage Completes the Cycle
6. Then cometh the consummation in matter, which is the completion of the cycle or process of marriage2;
7. But it {marriage} is not the highest,as some wrongly suppose, but merely the completion.
8. And thence, if the marriage is sealed in Me, the cycle beginneth again,under the wings and obligation of a covenant, which is the highest aspect of all.
The Importance of Covenant
9. First cometh the covenant, or act of will, and then cometh spiritual communion;
10. And these two are Betrothal, and they are one, not being divided from one another.
11. When the Betrothal hath become sure and fast through communion in Christ, then shall the parties be wed in the flesh, and shall descend into matter together.
Matter is Fallen
12. And behold, matter is fallen and must be redeemed;
13. Therefore if ye have not been betrothed according to the pattern, then ye will be unable to overcome and transform the flesh3 through My grace, and must needs be inwardly betrothed again.
The Flesh Seeks Dominion Over the Spirit
14. Once ye have descended into matter this is not easy, for the flesh seeketh its own dominion.
15. See that ye are spiritual, therefore, that ye be not buffeted by the uncontrolled powers of matter, seeking always the object of your union, which is sanctification in Christ and not personal gratification.
16. And if all ye seek is personal gratification, your marriage is after the order of the world, and cannot endure [forever].
The Mystery of Marriage
17. The mystery of marriage yet remaineth hidden unto the saints and unto the world on account of their earthly inclinations and notions (Eph.5:31-32).
18. He who understandeth the mystery of betrothal hath understood the mystery of the Church of the Firstborn and the Marriage of the Lamb. Amen.
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This page was first created on 26 May 1998
Last updated on 26 May
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