13.3 Marriage and family

13.3 Marriage and family come one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19: 4–6). Apostle Paul compared marriage to the relationship between Christ and the church. He calls upon husbands and wives to love and honour each other (Ephesians 5: 21–33). 13.3.2 Marriage and the wedding blessing The legal norms for marriage ceremonies, marital status, and divorce differ from country to country. They are subject to change as a reflection of con- stant shifts in society. The New Apostolic Church is a proponent of protection for marriage and family. Receiving the marriage blessing of the Church is of great importance (see 12.2.3.1). Such a blessing can have many different effects: it provides strength for enduring love and fidelity, promotes the willingness and ability to serve, help, and understand one another, and it helps partners to forgive each other and reconcile differences. However, these effects can only take hold if a couple conducts themselves accordingly. It is desirable for spouses to have a common agreement in matters of faith. Grasping God’s word and grace, praying together, and making experiences of faith together will solidify the foundation of a marriage and strengthen a family. However, the mere fact that both spouses are Christians does not, in and of itself, constitute a guarantee for a harmonious marriage life. Before marriage—particularly with a partner of a different culture, reli- gion, or confession—all questions pertaining to their life together should be discussed and clarified in order to favour the success of the marriage. Adultery is a grave breach of trust and a sin (see 5.3.7.2). Sincere remorse and repentance, willingness to forgive, and the grace of God can enable spouses to continue a marriage after adultery has occurred. The Church re- commends exhausting all available means of stabilising and preserving a mar- riage. 461 13 New Apostolic Christians and their life of faith If it comes to divorce, harmful statements and actions should be avoided. Especially toward the children from their marriage, the couple should display the kind of conduct that will allow the children to preserve the respect and affection for both parents in the future. 13.3.3 Sex and family planning in marriage Marriage also serves to perpetuate the human race: “Then God blessed them [the first human beings], and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’” (Genesis 1: 28). Sex in marriage should be defined by mutual respect, sensitivity and understanding. If mutual consent and true love stand in the foreground, sex can be an important bond within a marriage and contribute to the wellbeing of both spouses. Family planning is at the discretion of both partners. Nevertheless, the Church opposes contraceptive methods and means that prevent the con- tinued development of an already fertilised human egg cell. Artificial insemi- nation is generally accepted, however, all measures by which life may be de- stroyed by human selection are rejected. SUMMARY Marriage is the lifelong union between a man and woman desired by God. God has created man and woman for one another. (13.3; 13.3.1) The relationship between Christ and the church serves as an example for the marital relationship. (13.3.1) The New Apostolic Church is a proponent of protection for marriage and family. (13.3.2) It can have a The Church wedding blessing is of great significance. strengthening effect on love and loyalty, but only if both partners in the mar- riage make the corresponding efforts in their conduct. (13.3.2) 462