Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel

Short Studies in Biblical Theology

by Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.

Marriage is so much more than a human institution. The Bible teaches that marriage was created by God and reveals an eternal mystery--the mystery of the gospel. In this way, marriage paints a picture of our salvation in and through Jesus Christ. In the second volume in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, pastor Ray Ortlund traces the Bible's teaching on marriage from Genesis to Revelation--revealing how marriage stands at the center of God's redemptive purposes for the world. Helping us grasp a cosmic vision of this oft-misunderstood institution, this volume honors and exalts marriage as a grand display of the gospel, offering guidance and hope for our own marriages today.

Genres: Marriage, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Family, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Pastor Ray Ortlund received a B.A. from Wheaton College, Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, M.A. from The University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Pastor Ortlund served as Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, from 1989-1998. He was ordained by Lake Avenue Congregational Church, Pasadena, California, in 1975

In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.

Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.

Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."

Reviews

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that this book is less than 120 pages, rare for a marriage book. More importantly, however, is the rich denseness of those pages. Beginning with Genesis, Ortlund lays out the biblical vision for marriage and definition of it. I have never read a book that s deftly and consistently makes me think more highly of the institution of marriage. He focuses especially on Genesis, when marriage is introduced, defined, and blessed. Then he walks through the rest of the Bible, section by section, showing how it depicts marriage. I know of few writers or preachers who can pack so much meaning into such a concise package. This is not the typical marriage book of practical advice and hat tips to sinfulness. It is a profound, concise, rich, deep biblical theology of marriage that casts it in the light God intended. It is magnificent, and every married couple would benefit from reading this book.

[Chase Tremaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been following my Goodreads feed: yes, I finished three books today. And while they were all fairly short, this one -- Ray Ortlund's Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel -- was the longest, the most noteworthy, and the most moving.

Ortlund's writing is clear yet weighty, accessible yet profound, entertaining yet soul-crushing. It's actually funny to see when Ortlund quotes other writers because, there, you get to see back-to-back comparisons of just how pleasant and understandable Ortlund's writing is up against most other writers, (especially writers dealing with intensive topics of biblical interpretation).

This book is a quick read, yet one that will stay with you. I can heartily recommend it to married, dating, or single friends, and I know for a fact that I will read this volume again if/when I get married (or potentially sooner). Each of the four chapters is filled with sharp, terse, poignant one-liners that make it obvious why Ortlund is so popular on Twitter. It's hard to get through a few pages of his book without getting slapped across this face with insight or conviction.

I'll end with a passage from the book, which should give you a good clue whether or not you would be interested in the topic and the style:

"If the Bible is telling us the truth about reality, then ultimacy is not cold, dark, blank space. Finality, in this universe we live in, is not cosmic emptiness going on and on forever, governed by no purpose, ruled by the laws of physics only, with no song, no poetry, no emotion, no laughters, no love, no commitment, no sacrifice, no tears, and nothing humane and beautiful to live for and dire for. If the Bible is telling us the truth about reality, then this horrible modern outlook is completely wrong, and the truth of our existence is the opposite of mechanistic nihilism.

"If the Bible is telling us the truth about reality, then the universe we live in was created primarily with marital romance in mind. The heavens and the earth were created for the marriage of Adam and Eve. The new heavens and the new earth will be created for the marriage of Christ and his bride. The whole of cosmic reality exists as the venue for the eternal honeymoon of the perfect husband with his perfect bride in marital bliss forever and ever. This is the breathtaking claim of the Bible."

[Brian Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent little biblical theology of marriage. Explores marriage from Genesis 2 through Revelation with clarity and insight. I particularly appreciated his comments and musings on marriage in the Pentateuch and then the three times that Genesis 2 is quoted in the NT. Ortlund is an inspirational writer.

[Case Owenby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful and profound. This actually ranks very highly among Christian books that I have read, and I’d recommend it to everyone. It’s short but thorough and dense with gospel beauty and encouragement. It very much helps increase the contrast in my eyes between the beauty of Christ and the ugliness of sin. So good.

“It is not as though marriage is just one theme among others in the Bible. Instead, marriage is the wraparound concept for the entire Bible, within which the other themes find their places.”

[Ben Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ortlund presents a huge breadth of Scriptural truth into a very approachable book---in both content and page number. He walks through each epoch of reality and highlights the prevailing themes of marriage according to Christianity. From Creation to the prophets to the incarnation of Jesus and to the coming triumphant return...God has marriage themes built into His world.

Even as Ortlund addresses these "big picture" themes of reality itself, he is able to accurately speak into the internal thought processes of men (I can attest) and women (I can assume) as they look to their own situations in light of what the Bible says. His years of faithful ministry and experience seep through the pages.

"If the Bible is telling us the truth about reality, then the universe we live in was created primarily with marital romance in mind. The heavens and earth were created for the marriage of Adam and Eve. the new heavens and the new earth will be created for the marriage of Christ and His bride. The whole cosmic reality exists as the venue for the eternal honeymoon of the perfect husband with his perfect bride in marital bliss forever. This is the breathtaking claim of the Bible." (page 111)

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most beautiful language on marriage I’ve ever read. I will return to this again and again.

[Tim Michiemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 Stars

"Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel" by Ray Ortlund is a short study on the Biblical theology of marriage. Ortlund takes us through a survey of the entire Scriptures to show us that marriage is at the center of the gospel story. Ortlund reminds us that God made marriage to reflect the goodness of the creation and also to point forward to when redemption of all things when Christ is united to His bride, the church. The book was incredibly encouraging and a reminder of the beauty of marriage. Ortlund stresses the importance of fighting lust, sacrificing as a husband, submitting as a wife and all the little things that come up in the midst of marriage, but couches that all within the extremely important context of Christ's marriage to the church. What a wonderful reality that our marriages can be empowered by the sacrificial love that Christ has for His people. I highly recommend this book!

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best book on marriage that I have ever read and one that I will refer back to often. I am thankful because not only does it help me understand the biblical foundation and purpose of marriage, but it also helps me understand the Gospel and the love God has for His people as a whole much more so than I did before. As always, Ray has knocked it out of the park.

[Mark Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Straightforward. Careful. Brief. Biblical, above all. Where I’ll start with recommendations for marriage books in the future.

[Linda Filcek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robust but concise theology of marriage throughout Scripture. Nothing super new to me but good reminders about marriage throughout the entire Bible. Ended with the challenge from Ryan T Anderson for the church to “find a way to capture the moral imagination of the next generation and make the truth known about human sexuality and it’s fulfillment in marriage is not only attractive and appealing, but noble and exhilarating.”

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickly he is becoming a favorite author of mine.
Don’t think I’ve heard marriage and the Gospel presented in such a beautiful way.

Definitely a book I would recommend and want to get for my library. What joy and blessings the Gospel brings and beautiful the way marriage is an instrument to that end!

[Nick Roark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Every Time

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of Christian marriage books and most if not all of them seek to cast a vision for how to grow in love for one another with biblical passages as support— all good. But this one is different and better! This one starts with the Creation story and covers the grand sweep of the Redemptive story of Scripture ending with Revelation. It’s a breathtaking cosmic view with marriage woven into the central theme of the Gospel! This is so important and essential if we want to live out the beautiful God- given purpose in our marriages—the eternal love of Christ for His church. I hope this book becomes the staple for Christian marriage classes and counseling in the Evangelical church today. If it does, it will accomplish much!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book accomplishes what it intends to in its bite-size format. It isn't a comprehensive study of marriage throughout the whole scriptures, but rather focuses on key books and moments in the OT and NT which helped me see the unifying message of scripture - Christ - through the lens of marriage.

It also offered some quality marriage 'advice' by simply looking at what scripture has to say. I felt rebuked and encouraged throughout, and feel I have a better understanding of the grandeur of marriage.

[Collin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best books I have read on Marriage. The theological foundations for the metaphor of a human marriage in the biblical story of love is needed to live a God-honoring, mortal life with your spouse.

Ortlund talks with such clarity and makes connections to Christ in a way that excites your soul for whatever topic he is teaching on. This time it was the central relationship of society and of the biblical story. Great book!

I am surprised however he did not spend more time in Jeremiah and Hosea, but I assume that’s what his other biblical theology book deals with.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Some wonderful reminders here of the beauty of marriage, and the even greater beauty of the gospel. Ortlund writes incredibly well, and there were moments where I felt lost in awe as I read, overjoyed at the wonder of God's design. It also left me so thankful for the wife God has brought into my life, and eager to love and cherish her more!

[Anthony Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, helpful survey of the theme of marriage throughout the Bible. Ortlund Jr spends much of his time in Genesis 1-3, the teachings of Jesus, Ephesians 5, and the end of Revelation. While he picks up on some other passages, I found his focus on the marriage theme in the bookends of the Bible to be his most helpful meditation because it both placed me in the storyline of redemption and further established the purpose and goal of earthly marriage.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, clear, uncompromising teaching on the Biblical definition and standards of marriage and sexuality. Dr. Ortlund compellingly displays the Bible instruction regarding the precedent, confines, and permanency of marriage from Genesis through to Revelation. His final chapter is an appeal to the church today to uphold the traditional Biblical understanding of marriage as it displays the gospel to the world. Practical and helpful in every way.

[Matthew Gasperoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly the best book on marriage I have ever read. My wife and I read this together, and this Christ- and gospel-saturated book is going to be one we have expressed would be great to reread, potentially yearly on our anniversary. It continually goes back to the center of God's design for husband and wife and eloquently and lovingly peels back several layers to reveal the deep love story surrounding marriage. It's inspiring, challenging, and simply beautiful. At times, it stirred my emotions so deeply that it brought me to tears, not from creative words by a writer, but from the love of Christ for His bride and how we, in all our failures and sin, still have the opportunity and gift to model such a union to the world. Highly recommended.

[Dustin Tramel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book. No wasted words. I highly recommend this to all married couples. It will bring some clarity and appreciation for God's design for marriage and you'll walk away with inspiration for your own relationship.

[Michael Stilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time through, this time with Ally. Great book to read with your spouse. Make sure you have Kleenex on hand! The language is beautiful and moving.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian husband who grasps the gospel will love his wife as himself. And every Christian wife who grasp the gospel will respect her husband as her head. His love for her, with her respect for him, will display the eternal romance of Christ and the church, bring the only lasting hope.

With regards to gospel, this study on marriage ranks high on the purpose of marriage for mankind. Is this for all Christians married and single? Yes! Does it promote marriage over singleness? Only in purpose. Both reveal God's gift to each. The end purpose of both when in expressed with the gospel, brings glory to God. It brings honor to the creator.

The study of consists of 4 chapters. Starting with Genesis; Marriage in the Law, Wisdom and Prophets, Marriage in the New Testament, Marriage in the World Today.

Some of the quotes that I found encouraging.

Conservative people love form and restraint and control. Progressive people love freedom and openness and choices. Both see part of the truth, but wisdom sees more.

Love is God's nature, a fundamental characterization of his Trinitarian being. The bible helps us see that we live in a universe where ultimate reality is relational.

The Christian Gospel creates strong sexual integrity not by despising the body but by honoring the body.

The heavens and earth were created for the marriage of Adam and Eve. The new heavens and the new earth will be created for the marriage of Christ and his bride.

I was encouraged how the gospel starts with marriage and ends in marriage. Marriage is a reflection of the gospel.

A Special Thank you to Crossway and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A marriage filled with hope in God is nothing less than an afterglow of the garden of Eden, radiant with hope until perfection is finally restored.'
Ortlund simply, humbly and honestly dissects how marriage is exemplified in the bible - how our earthly marriages (though never perfect) can reflect the joy of the marriage that is to come and how in living out gospel-centred marriages we can be a shining light in an increasingly marriage-resistant society. I especially thought he tackled the differing roles between husband and wife gently and wisely, as it's always something that hasn't always sat right with me but I felt he explained it very well!

[Stephen Willcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you treasure the gospel and want to know it more deeply read this book. If you desire to know a marriage is all about, read this book. If you want to understand the existence of the whole cosmos, read this book.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book with my wife when we were engaged, and it was extremely helpful to us. After reading it a second time, I appreciate the book even more. It really is fantastic, and the first book I will consider when recommending a book on the topic.

[Chris Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down the best book I've read on marriage in a long time. Dr. Ortlund gives a serious and much needed primer on the biblical ethics of marriage and sexuality by rooting these two realities not as extraneous to the overarching story of the Bible but as bedrock realities on which the entire course of redemptive history moves.

The cosmic scope of marriage and sexuality is needed more and more in the church in the U.S. As society and the church in certain areas careens off the cliff of healthy biblical views of marriage and sexuality the need for a strong and winsome apologetic around these areas is much needed. Here is where, for my money, Dr. Ortlund has given the church a true gift and tool to help provide answers to questions and healing to wounds inflicted by the unchecked sexual promiscuity of our day.

Outside of the Bible my mark for any good book regarding matters of faith is does it make me want to read and know my Bible better and does it make me long for Jesus? The answer for "Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel" is a resounding yes on both accounts. Singles, engaged couples, married couples across the spectrum, and even those divorced or widowed will benefit from this timely work. I plan on making it required reading for pre-marital and marital counseling sessions going forward in my ministry.

[Brandon Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these short studies in biblical theology. Ortlund does a great job at tracing the type of marriage throughout Genesis, secondly Law, Wisdom and Prophets, then the NT and lastly our current world. The section on how biblical marriage is being perverted by our current world was great and it is awesome to see how earthly marriage is a reflection of a greater marriage and a greater promise. Always end up recommending these books.

[Jeremy Hendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already had a very high view of marriage going into this book. Having now finished it, my view of marriage is significantly higher. Needless to say, this book had quite the impact on me. Ray Ortlund draws out of the Scriptures why God created marriage in the first place, and how marriage is key to the way we understand the grand narrative of the Bible. Theology nerds will love it, and so will those desiring to make their marriages stronger by God’s grace.

[Laura Shughart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beyond excellent read! This book was crucial in helping to shape a Biblical theology (from Genesis to Revelation) of God's design, vision and heart for marriage and how it points to something much greater for us, Christ the Bridegroom and His Bride, the Church. Whether you are married or single, I highly recommend this book as a must read!

[Joshua Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book on marriage. Ray is one of my favorite guys to read and this book is no exception. He does a great job of unpacking a biblical theology of marriage while also showing it’s beauty, goodness, and sanctity in daily life. I’d really recommend this book to husbands wanting to grow in love for their wife and knowledge of God’s Word, but I’d really recommend this book to anyone.