Covenant Reformed News – August 2007 • Volume XI, Issue 16
This article from Covenant Reformed News examines biblical teaching on singleness, marriage, and parental authority, with particular focus on the decision-making authority of fathers over their daughters' marriages. Drawing on Old Testament passages (Numbers 30, Deuteronomy 22, Exodus 22) and 1 Corinthians 7, the author establishes that while men have authority over their own marital decisions, fathers hold significant authority over daughters' marriage choices based on divine decree. The article is the first in a series that will further develop biblical principles for Christian marriage and family life.
Virgins and Widows (1) I Corinthians 7 is the great chapter in the Bible on Christian singleness and marriage. But who is to decide whether a single person or a widow or a widower should marry or not? For a widower (a man whose wife has died), the decision lies with him. It is likewise for a single, young man, though, of course, he needs advice. Our heavenly Father teaches us that a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife (Gen. 2:24). Thus leaving and cleaving, that is,...