1950 This Means Everlasting Life - A2Z.org

MARRIAGE AMONG THE HEIRS OF LIFE 153
back there the marriage was arranged between
the parents of the bridegroom and bride by means
of a go-between friend . Through him the marriage
was agreed to by the parents or caretakers on
both sides and the betrothal of male and female
was formally made with the customary considerations
passing from one side to the other . Then on
the day the marriage was consummated, the
bridegroom amid great publicity and happy ar
rangements took his bride to her new home . Genesis
24 :1-67 ; Matthew 25 :1-10 ; 22 :1-14 ; John
3 :29 Hence anyone who dedicates himself to God
and who has been living in common law marriage
till then should get the mar
riage legalized or legally
performed . This works for
the protection of each one
before the law of the land .
By it also each party to the
marriage acknowledges his
responsibility to the other .
It shows consideration also
for the children born to
such a union . God blesses
this action . He removes re
proach from those involved
and opens up larger privileges
to them in his blessed
service.