Seeking Wall-To-Wall Forgiveness

Psalm 51:1-19

SUBJECT: FORGIVENESS

THEME: It is vital for us to review the process of receiving complete Forgiveness from God. Everyone of us deals with the reality of sin. Therefore, we all need to understand The Lord Forgives Sins on the condition of confession. Cleansing (Forgiveness) through the Blood of Jesus Christ always follows when we acknowledge our moral failures to God.

RELEVANCE: Far too many people needlessly struggle under the heavy weight of guilt. Even Christians wrestle for months and years with a heavy conscious instead of making things right with God. That sense of responsibility for an offensive or wrongful actions linger in the lives of too many Believers.  Even though society tries to water–down sinfulness and holiness, there remains an acute and painful verdict in the heart of “guilt.” Though people still try to sneak through life while ignoring an absolute sense of right and wrong, there is still a persistent and sharp awareness of having done wrong in the heart of the average person (Lev. 4:3; Ezra 9:6, 13,15).  Terms like sinfulness, guilt complex, remorse, shame, suspicious conduct, guilty feelings, and guilty behavior are all used in our culture to pin down this event that take place in the heart when we have violated God’s view or our own view of right behavior. Clearly Scripture presents us with classic examples of guilt in the Bible such as: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:7-8), Cain (Gen. 4:8-9), and yes, David (2 Sam. 11; Ps. 51).  In all of these instances the sinner felt they were “under justice,” or answerable to the judgment and condemnation of God.  Not merely accountable to society, or one’s own conscience, but to the Holy One Himself. Thus, we establish the need for the forgiveness and justice of God toward sinful mankind. This article is the second part of my previous post entitled "Securing Wall-To-Wall Forgiveness."

MESSAGE:

I. DAVID'S WALL-TO-WALL CONFESSION.   Psalm 51:1-6  

One thing David did to make things right with the Lord was his refusal to minimize the severity of his actions before God.  David did not say, “Everybody does it,” “What’s the big deal anyway,” or merely “Lord forgive me of my sins.”  No! In absolute honesty he completely confessed to God.

II. DAVID SEEKS WALL-TO-WALL FORGIVENESS.    Psalm 51:7-9.

David had actually been pleading all along for mercy and forgiveness from verses 1 and 2. Here he had already spoken of God blotting, washing and cleansing him. In the verses now before us David is more intense in his request. 

QUOTE:  Martin Luther said, “Two parts constitute true repentance; first that a man recognize sin, then that he recognize what grace is.”

A. “PURGE ME” (Vs. 7) "Purge me with hyssop."

He ask the Lord to remove the defilement of sin.

     1.  David Asked for Reconciliation and Change.

When David spoke of God’s cleansing him with hyssop, he was alluding to the use of hyssop at the religious ceremonies to sprinkle sacrificial blood on the altar. This represented the removal of sin through the shedding of blood.

Hebrews 9:22,  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

With some carefulness we could understand what David was asking the Lord to do when he prayed “purge me.”

           A.  ‘Make My Soul Pure.’

Hyssop is a small bush that is a member of the mint family. It has many hairy stemmed branches that will hold water and other fluids easily.

QUOTE: “Here it conveys the notion of cleansing from sin "by" a sacred rite, or by that which was signified by a sacred rite. The idea was that the sin was to be removed or taken away, so that he might be free from it, or that "that" might be accomplished which was represented by the sprinkling with hyssop, and that the soul might be made pure.”   — (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)

           B.  ‘Use a Powerful Cleanser on Me.’

It was used during the Passover to sprinkle the blood (Ex. 12:22).

QUOTE: “David recognizes that his impurity is of the extremest kind, and needs the remedy which has the greatest purifying power. Legally, this was the hyssop, with its "blood of sprinkling" (Lev 14:6,7); spiritually, it was the blood of Christ, which was thus symbolized.” — (from The Pulpit Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 2001 by Biblesoft)

APPLICATION:  1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Hebrews 9:14,  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Spiritually there is no more powerful cleanser for the soul of mankind then the blood of Jesus Christ!

           C.   ‘God, You Tell Everyone I’m Restored.’

It was also used in the cleansing and purification of the leper (Lev. 14:1-7).  Basically he viewed sin as a awful disease which required a potent medicine to cure.

QUOTE: “But it is worthy of remark that this ceremony was not performed till the plague of the leprosy had been healed in the leper; (Lev 14:3;) and the ceremony above mentioned was for the purpose of declaring to the people that the man was healed, that he might be restored to his place in society, having been healed of a disease that the finger of God alone could remove. This David seems to have full in view; hence, he requests the Lord to make the sin-offering for him, and to show to the people that he had accepted him, and cleansed him from his sin.”    — (from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1996 by Biblesoft)

     2.  David Wanted Sin's Contamination Removed.

The washing had to be done by one that was considered clean under the law. "I shall be clean." David wanted God to deal with sin’s defilement–he could not stand his filth and more.  Sin's defilement was no longer to plague David.

B. "WASH ME." (Vs 7)

The double-dipped sinner now seeks a double cleansing. He had asked to be purged, made clean by the sin being pushed out. Now his desire is to be washed as a fuller who would trample with their feet the soiled garment to bleach it clean.

     1.  He Asked For a Deep Cleansing.

David asked the Lord to give him a thorough deep cleansing.  Much like a person would wash their clothes and not simply like one would wash their skin.

QUOTE: Spurgeon observed, “The hypocrite is content if his garments be washed; but the true suppliant cries, ‘wash me.’”

Our ceaseless prayer should be that the people of God would be stirred to pray for yet another deep cleansing. Consider the Words of this hymn, “Cleanse Me,” as your own prayer.

Search me, O God, and know my heart today; try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me; cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin; fulfill Thy Word and make me pure within. Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame; grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine; fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine. Take all my will, my passion, self and pride; I now surrender, Lord—in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee; send a revival—start the work in me. Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need; for blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

APPLICATION:  Ask God to reveal any attitudes or actions that may be displeasing to Him. Confess each specific one, then claim His cleansing forgiveness and go forth with His joy and power. Use the words of this hymn to guide you— (Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 51:7, 10; 85:6; 139:23, 24; Ephesians 1:4).

     2.  He Asked to be Made Whiter Then Snow.

Isaiah spoke of the scarlet sin becoming white as snow. Here David requested to be washed whiter than snow. Snow is not pure. It may appear to be white and clean clear through, but this is not the case. A two inch snow over the mountains around Lake Tahoe in California also dumps several hundred tons of impurities back to the earth.

APPLICATION: Again the unfailing cure for the disease of sin is the blood of Jesus Christ (1Jn. 1:7,9).  When one is saved, he is washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, and the stain of sin on the soul of man is removed. However, man still lives in the sin-stained body. That second dipping covered him completely. The old nature will still rear up if it is allowed to do so (Rom. 7:14-20). David desired a cleansing that went deeper than the snow. He wanted his garments spotless (Jude 23).

C. "MAKE ME TO HEAR."  (Vs. 8)

David asked that the Lord would make him to experience the joy and gladness that comes with receiving God’s forgiveness. 

     1.  Broken Fellowship.

How quickly sin turns the deaf ear, both of man and of God.

Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: ²But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Psalm 66:18,  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

     2.  Restored Fellowship:   

It was this fear of the broken fellowship, the lost joy and gladness that brought the aching bones of sin to seek forgiveness. David is beseeching the Lord to mend his broken life.

Matt 5:4,  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

     3.  Great Shame:  

David viewed his sins as being so hideous that he asked God to hide His face.   “Hide Thy face from my sins,”. . . .(vs 9).  David was ashamed that God had to behold such disgrace and shame. In great boldness David turned to the grace and mercy of the Lord and asked that his iniquities be blotted out. Can this be done? Can it be smoothed out?

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

David secured Wall-to-Wall Forgiveness because he Fully Sought Forgiveness from God.

Securing Wall To Wall Forgiveness

Psalm 51:1-19

SUBJECT: FORGIVENESS

THEME: We Want to Review the Process of Receiving Complete Forgiveness from God.  It is imperative that we understand the Lord Forgives Sin on the Conditions of Conviction and Confession.  Only then can we experience Cleansing (Forgiveness) Through the Blood of Jesus Christ.

RELEVANCE:    

Many needlessly struggle under the heavy weight of guilt: even Christians wrestle for months and years with a Heavy conscious–the sense of responsibility for an offensive or wrongful action.  Even though society tries to water–down sinfulness and holiness, there remains an acute and painful verdict in the heart of “guilt.” Though people still try to sneak through life while ignoring an absolute sense of right and wrong, there is still a persistent and sharp awareness of having done wrong in the heart of the average person (Lev. 4:3; Ezra 9:6, 13,15).  Terms like sinfulness, guilt complex, remorse, shame, suspicious conduct, guilty feelings, and guilty behavior are all used in our culture to pin down this event that take place in the heart when we have violated God’s view or our own view of right behavior. Clearly Scripture presents us with classic examples of guilt in the Bible such as: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:7-8), Cain (Gen. 4:8-9), and yes, David (2 Sam. 11; Ps. 51).  In all of these instances the sinner felt they were “under justice,” or answerable to the judgment and condemnation of God.  Not merely accountable to society, or one’s own conscience, but to the Holy One Himself. Thus, we establish the need for the forgiveness and justice of God toward sinful mankind.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Receiving Wall-to-wall Forgiveness Is Possible Through the Blood of Jesus Christ. 

1 John 1:7,  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.   (See also Rev. 1:5)

“Wall to Wall” is a phrase often employed to indicate that a room is completely carpeted or to indicate that a room is completely full of people.  Thus, the terms “wall-to-wall carpet” and “wall-to-wall people.”   Both phrases indicating total coverage, completeness, and full to capacity.  Presently i am using this phrase to indicate Complete, thorough, and Full Forgiveness of Sins for the person who meets God’s conditions.  It does not matter how ugly and hideous a person’s sinful practice may be, God is able and willing to forgive.

2.  The Fifty-first Psalm Is Often Called "The Penitent Psalm" and Also "The Sinner's Guide."

     A.  A review of 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25 will set the stage for today's message and help us understand why.

             1.  David was a man "after his [God's] own heart" (I Sam. 13:14).

1 Samuel 13:14,  But now thy kingdom [King Saul] shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.

             2.  However, David was guilty of adultery, conspiracy, and murder. Many months of misery had passed and David had not yet repented. He along with Bathsheba, Joab and several servants were all involved in the attempted cover up.

             3.  Psalm 32:3,4 explains part of the misery and suffering of David during those long, long months without repentance.

Ps 32:3-4,  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4,  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

I still contend that real believers will suffer likewise when they know they are not right with the Lord.

     B.  David's song (Ps 32:3-4) rings out with a strong message to those who believe sin can be hidden.

            1.   Verses 3 and 4 tell of his months of silence as he attempted to hide the iniquity in his heart.

                  A.  God's hand weighted David down more and more with each passing day.

                  B.  The weight of sin continues to grow until the guilty can no longer function in the Lord's service.

            2.  David was wasting away both spiritually and physically.

                   A.  He said, "My bones waxed old." Conviction had drained him of his spiritual strength with the Lord, as well as affecting him physically.

                          *  The sleepless nights came more often,

                          *  The worry grew more intense, and

                          *  The fretting became worse.

                          * “The way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15).

                   B.  David ends this verse of his song with selah. Those hearing and those singing along knew where to stop and meditate for a time on the wages of sin and to think of the consequences. Can you live with it? The answer comes in the next verse of the song.

            3.  David's song turns to one of confession in verse 5.

Psalm 32:5,  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

                   A.  He is no longer silent. The sins he had tried and planned so hard to cover up were now an open book.

                   B.   'Thou art the man" (2 Sam. 12:7) was ringing in his ears and sounding off in his heart.

                   C.  Now the healing process could begin. Now the cleansing could take place.

                   D.  David acknowledged and fully confessed his sin.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

3.  It Is Important that We Understand That God Did Not and Does Not Overlook Sin, Even in a Child of God.  Nobody gets away with sin!  It is also important to understand the difference between the punishment of God and the chastening hand of God.

      A. The Punishment of God is for Sinners:    The Unrepentant, Unbelieving Sinner Receives Punishment as a Penalty.    Prov 21:11,  When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

                1.  This "punish" as used in Isaiah 13:11 means to visit with hostile intent.

Isaiah 13:11, And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

                2.  This "punishment" as used in (2 Peter 2:9)  means justice and its execution.

2 Peter 2:9,  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

                3.  This "punishment" as in Hebrews 10:29  has to do with vindication by inflicting a penalty.

Hebrews 10:29,  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

               4.  This punishment  in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 speaks of paying the price for unbelief.

2 Thes. 1:7-9,  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

      B.  The Chastisement of God is for Saints:   The Repentant Believer, Such as David, Comes Under the Chastisement of God. The goal here is entirely different than with the unrepentant.

Prov 19:18,   Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

          1.  In Proverbs 19:18 the word "chasten" means to instruct, correct  or reform.

          2.  The word "chastisement" in Isaiah 53:5 has the meaning of correction and discipline.

          3.  Three times in the New Testament, forms of the word "chasten" are used (1 Cor. 11:32; Heb. 12:5-8; Rev. 3:19), and they mean to train or educate a child.

1 Cor. 11:32,  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Hebrews 12:5-8,  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: [6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. [7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? [8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Rev. 3:19-20,  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Obviously, then God is trying to instruct, correct, reform, discipline, train, and educate his sons when we fail to meet with His expectations. 

          4.  Thus, the Lord was instructing and training David. The sins of David were not overlooked by God, but neither was David under the same penalty as an unbeliever (Psalm 5l:3, 11).

4.  It must be Emphasized that the Lord forgives sin on the basis of conviction, confession and cleansing (forgiveness) through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lesson:

I. DAVID'S WALL-TO-WALL CONFESSION.   (Psalm 51:1-6)  

One thing David did to make things right with the Lord was his refusal to minimize the severity of his actions before God.  David did not say, “Everybody does it,” “What’s the big deal anyway,” or merely “Lord forgive me of my sins.”  No! In absolute honesty he completely confessed to God.  These verses name five (5) things that David confessed to the Lord.

A. HE CONFESSED HIS TRANSGRESSIONS, in both verses 1 and 3.

The first step for repentance is contrition for sin.  The second step is confession of sin.  True confession is acknowledging our sin to God; it is admitting that we cannot effectively deal with them alone (1Jn. 1:9).

        1. Transgression Means More than Just Stepping over or Missing the Mark.

If this was all there were to the meaning of transgressions, it would only refer to mistakes based on ignorance of God’s requirements. 

ILLUSTRATION: a transgression in this way can be like driving too fast within the city limits.  You may not be aware of the speed limit but still it’s a transgression because you exceeded that limit.

        2.  Transgression Means to Revolt or to Rebel.

The concept of transgression appears in Isaiah 1:2 where God says, "They have rebelled against me."  This signifies a deliberate act of defiance against God.

ILLUSTRATION: This idea of deliberate rebellion lies at the heart of the Genesis account of the beginning of Adam’s sin (Gen. 3:1-7).  Eve was deceived in the Garden, but Adam sinned fully aware of his actions and choose to deliberately disobey God (see 1Tim. 2:14).

        3.  Transgression is Straying Away from the Guidance of the Word–Unfaithful.

Galatians 3:19, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

              *   The word “transgression” has the idea of violation or not walking beside a given law (Gal. 3:19).

              *   The transgressor has violated God's law and no longer walks beside it but has violated it by straying away.  They have departed from, overstepped, and abandoned the Word.

              *   The Transgressor acts Deliberately and Arrogantly. 

Perhaps the most heinous sins are those done ‘with a high hand’ that is deliberately and arrogantly.

Numbers 15:30-31,  But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. [31] Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

ILLUSTRATION: This brings our attention to the sin of hypocrisy, especially among ‘religious’ people (Matt. 23; Acts 5:1-11). The hypocrite says one thing, but he practices another thing. Thus he or she deliberately strays away from the requirements of the Lord.  The hypocrite usually goes to great extent to hide or cover up their sinful behavior. 

APPLICATION:  The lesson we must learn is that there is no secret sin. Psalm 69:5, O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.   Moses in Exodus 2:11-14 clearly illustrated that there is no success in hiding ones sin.  Clearly Achan (Josh. 7:21-22) would testify to the truth that there is no profit in covering and hiding our sin because they will surely be discovered and found out.  Numbers 32:23, But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

        4.  Thus David was confessing that he had strayed away from God and that he had Rebelled against God’s known standards.  David dared to ask God to erase his awful violations of God’s holy law and that he might be cleanse from the frightful ways in which he missed the mark of God’s standards.

           

B.  HE CONFESSED HIS INIQUITY, which he repeats in verses 2 and 5.

       1.  Iniquity Is the Inward Look at Sin.

           *   It is not just the wrong doing, but wrong being.

           *   It does not point to "an action,” but the “character of an action."

           *   It is not referring to the sinful activity, but the sinful attitude which justifies the sinful actions.

APPLICATION: Since we have a tendency to sin, we can just about talk ourselves into believing anything, including sinful behaviors are good, right, fair, and just. Just take one look at all the attention the issue of “Gay Marriage” and "Gay Rights" is receiving.  These misguided souls advocating these sinful behaviors truly believe the sodomite is doing something that is normal and healthy. They have allowed or wrongfully endorsed societies deviant morals. They are so perverted in their attitudes and thinking that they justify what God obviously condemns.  This is iniquity.

Deut. 32:4,  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

       2.  The Word "Iniquity" Means to Be Perverted, Morally Evil, to be Crooked, Falsify or Distort (See Prov. 2:12-15).

APPLICATION:  The Christian life should stand parallel with the Word of God. It was said of Josiah, the child king, in 2 Chronicles 34:2, "He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left." God's children are not to be straying away, nor justifying sin.

        3.  David Declares He Was "Shapen in Iniquity."

              A.   This does not mean that motherhood is a sin, or that David's mother conceived in some illegitimate manner.

              B.  It does mean that sin is inherited, and man is totally depraved by nature (Psalm 58:3; Rom. 5:12).

Psalm 58:3,  The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

Romans 5:12,  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

C.  HE CONFESSED HIS SIN, In verses 3 and 4.

He used a word for sin which denotes offense and continual sin. David had sinned and continued doing so. This was a flaw in his godly character, and he knew it. The child of God does not continue or habitually practice sin (1 John 3:9). Here the apostle John makes it clear that those who are born-again do not practice sin.

David could no longer continue in his sin. Uriah's death and the death of the infant child haunted him day and night. David said, "My sin is ever before me." In the eyes of Bath-sheba and Joab, in the questioning glances of servants, soldiers and those of his own children, the ghost of Uriah and the infant were kept alive. In verse 5 David used a Hebrew word meaning to forfeit, to lack or come up short. (See also Romans 3:23.) Sin does not measure up to the standards of God's righteousness and the stature of Christ (Eph. 4:13).

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

D.  HE CONFESSED HIS OFFENSE, David confessed his sin was against God in verse 4.

    1.  Sin Culminates in Wrong Against the Being and Will of God.

The bottom line was he had sinned against God.

ILLUSTRATION:  Like the prodigal son in Luke 15:18, it was time to arise and go to the Father and say to him, "I have sinned against heaven, and before thee." The words "against" and "thee" cause all the others to fade.

    2.  There is No Such thing as Private Sin.

Yes, he had sinned against Uriah, Bath-sheba, Bath-sheba's grandfather, his counselor (Ahithophel), the nation of Israel, his family and the infant child.

    3.  God is Always Offended Most When We Sin.  This is true regardless of whomever else we hurt. David was keenly aware in his heart that God had seen him in full view as he committed this sinful act.

APPLICATION:  Sin is against God. Confession must be made from the heart and unto God (Rom. 10:8-13). Truly all great sin is against the Lord ultimately, though others our affected and influenced by our actions. Joseph and Paul would certainly agree with David in this respect (Gen. 39:9; Acts 9:4).

E.   HE CONFESSED HIS NATURE,   David confessed his nature in verses 5 and 6.

He, like all men, was a sinner twice over. Isaiah 1:18 uses the illustration of a dyed-in-the-wool sinner. The scarlet color was made and set in the wool by a double dipping of the fleece. We are double-dipped sinners.

     1.  First, We Are Sinners by Nature or by Birth.

Sin has left its crimson scarlet Stain. "In sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5, see also Romans 5:12, Job 14:1-4).  He recognized that the source of his sin was as corrupt as the streams.  He, like any human beings had a natural bent toward sin.  When given the option, we choose wrong too often.  Our fruit is bad because our tree is bad.   This is not to be used as an excuse for our sin but a sincere acknowledgment of it.

     2.  Secondly, We Are Sinners by Choice and Deed.

This is the transgression (Rom. 3:l0-23). God is looking for inward purity, but the twice-dipped sinful heart of man is bound by deceit (Jer. 17:9). The sinful heart is not compatible with the righteousness of God. Therefore, all men need the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.

David’s Secured Wall-To-Wall Forgiveness Because of His Wall-to-Wall Confession!  When David “Came Clean”, He was Completely Cleansed By The Blood!

This article continues in a future post titled "Seeking Wall-to-Wall Forgiveness"; please remain alert for when it is posted or look it up in the archives. 

Thinking In Spiritual Terms

Phil 3:17-21, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18, (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Ephes. 2:6, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When we recognize Heaven as our spiritual country and home, it changes the way we view life here and what we emphasize while we live here on earth each day. This different emphasis is evident in our thinking and therefore our lifestyle. Our decisions are constantly screened through this grid of our perspectives.  What’s important to us as members of a heavenly community is different from those who are of the worldly perspective.

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL THINKING (Phil. 3:20)

   1.  What Does Spiritual Mean?

The word "spiritual" has suffered as much abuse as the word "fellowship."

      A.  The Wrong Idea.

Too many people think that a “spiritual Christian” is mystical, dreamy, impractical, and distant. Basically out of touch with reality! (Wiersbe)

You see a person can supposedly be ‘spiritual’ without ever having been saved.  In reference to Eastern religions, many feel that they are spiritual because they chant, sit with their legs crossed in a trance, or recite a memorized prayer. Then there is the example that is most familiar to us all who have been in church for any given period of time, when he prays, he shifts his voice into a sepulchral tone in tremolo and goes to great lengths to inform God of the things He already knows. Unfortunately, this kind of unctuous piety is a poor example of true spirituality. Others are convinced that if their list of service endeavors is filled with ‘Christian’activities then it indicates they are truly spiritual.  Again these are powerfully wrong ideas.

      B.  The Correct Idea.

To be spiritually minded does not require one to be impractical and mystical. Quite the contrary, the spiritual mind makes the believer think more clearly and get things done more efficiently.

Romans 8:4-7, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

          1. Not Those Who Walk After the Flesh.    Rom. 8:4

These are not saved, and they obey the pulses and drives of their old sinful nature.  They live to gratify the flesh and cater to themselves primarily— they literally seek to satisfy their body.

          2.  Those Who Walk After the Spirit.  Vs. 4, 6     

These are true believers, and they rise above the power of the fleshly carnal nature and emphasize the importance of an eternal perspective.  They are rightfully occupied with the Word of God, prayer, worship, Christian service, and a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit.

          3.  We Walk and Live in a Spiritual Sphere.  Vs. 6

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee for a real life, characterized by peace with God, and tranquility of heart.  We live in a different sphere of reality.  Just as fish live in water and people in the air, so is the believer living in the Spirit.

    2.  What Does Spiritual Mind Mean?

       A.  Having Heaven’s Point of View.      

Col. 3:2, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

           1.  To be “spiritually minded” (Rom. 8:6) simply means to look at earth from heaven's point of view.

           2.  It is to give your heart–“your affection”– to the heavenly things and spiritual considerations, we do not allow ourselves to become consumed with the passing things of earth.

           3.  Literally it is a practice of occupying your minds with the things of God–“set your affection,”–and not merely concentrating on and living for this life on earth alone.   There is more to life then this!  

We should therefore, purpose in our hearts to occupy our minds with all that goes into life under the direction and power of the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit produces a certain pattern for living and a way of thinking, our goal is “to be spiritually minded”—to mind and be mindful of the Spirit. Practically this means, making the Spirit’s character the object of our mind, the goal and focus of our actions, we must faithfully cultivate the graces of the Spirit in our hearts, and submit ourselves completely to his direct influence in our soul. To be spiritually minded, we seek those feelings and views which the Holy Spirit produces, and follow his leadership in our daily decisions.

       B.  Having a Dual Citizenship.

            1.  It is Not Merely Concentrating on Heaven. D.L. Moody used to scold Christians for being "so heavenly minded they were no earthly good," and that exhortation still needs to be heeded.

           2.  Christians have a dual citizenship - on earth and in heaven - and our citizenship in heaven ought to make us better people here on earth.

      C.  Having Eternal Values and Not Temporal.

          1.  The spiritually minded believer is not attracted by the "things" of this world.

1 John 2:15-17,  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Lot selected the well watered plains of Jordan because his values were worldly, and ultimately he lost everything.

         2.  He makes his decisions on the basis of eternal values and not the passing fads of society.

Moses refused the pleasures and treasures of Egypt because he had something infinitely more wonderful to live for. Hebrews 11:24-26, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Mark 8:36, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Philip. 3:12,  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Our most important goal should be getting to know Christ better. Paul says that his goal is to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ has in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul’s energy. This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal—Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What is holding you back?

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL LIVING  (Phil. 3:20)

Certainly the way we think, influences greatly the pattern of our lifestyle. And of course our lives demonstrate our value system.

    1.  What Does Heaven Have to Do With My Life Right Now?

“For our conversation is in heaven” (Phil 3:20).

       A.  Conversation Has to do With Conduct.

Philip. 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

The old English word “conversation” usually refers to our conduct, behavior, and lifestyle, but here it has a much broader meaning to encompass ‘the behavior of a community or citizenship obligations.’

            1.  A Conduct Consistent With Being Citizens of the Heavenly Country.

Here we are citizens of the USA living wherever on earth; we have our leaders and presidents, our legislators and law-makers, our duties, and our privileges. It is a shadow of heavenly things.

            2.  A Conduct Consistent With Being a Member of the Heavenly City– New Jerusalem.

The heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, is our true home, our continuing city.  (See Rev. 21:10-27)

       B.  Conversation Has to do With Citizenship.

The terms “conversation” in Phil. 3:20, would include, “community,” “governmental administration,” “political order,” “behavior of the citizens.”  It has to do with the way we actually live as a citizen of a nation, colony, or city.  

Much like the Pilgrims living in America–the new world–during the 1600 and 1700 in the 13 colonies were actually citizens of England, though they lived on a different continent.  Therefore, they were subjects of the king and responsible to the laws of England.  Likewise Christians in New Testament Churches are colonies of Heaven– subject to the authority and laws of our Sovereign. Why? Because our citizenship is up there!

                                                                                                           

             1.  Almighty God is King of Our Country!

                   *   The almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, is the center of that vast communion.

                   *   The blessed angels, our guardians, are his ministers, standing before him, to do his will.

                   *   The saints, living and departed, are our fellow-citizens, the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn who are written in heaven, and the spirits just men made perfect.

Hebrews 12:22-23,  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, [23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

             2.  All of Our Privileges Extend from Heaven to Us!

Ephes. 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

There we have our privileges,

                    *  The grace of God,

                    *  The help of the Holy Spirit of God,

                    *  The hope of everlasting blessedness.

                    *  The peace of God that passes all understanding.

                    *  The sweet communion of the Lord.

                    *  The Fellowship of the Family of God.

             3.  All of Our Responsibilities Extend to Us Here!

Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.

  

Therefore, we have our duties, all growing from the one highest law of love: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart;... thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Every believer is a citizen of Heaven and God has fully accepted each of us as His own children.  Ephes. 2:19, Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; We are not strangers to Heaven, we instead belong to the royal family in that city! We must recognize that we have a responsibility to obey the Laws of our country where our citizenship is.  We much daily live in complete submission to the authority of our King— the Lord Jesus Christ– first and foremost.  Our conduct ought to be becoming of a citizen of the heavenly country and the heavenly Father’s household.  As we seek to execute our responsibilities as a citizen, we must take full advantage of all our privileges in Christ to ensure we fulfill his will for us. Making full use of prayer, the Word, the leadership of the Holy Ghost, and the counsel of godly brethren should be our focus.  Acknowledge Christ’s authority in your life, employ your spiritual privileges as you fulfill your god-given responsibilities (Wiersbe).

                                                                       

    2.  How Does Spiritual Thinking Relate to Spiritual Living?  Rom. 12:1-2

Paul is encouraging us to have the spiritual mind, and he does this by pointing out the characteristics of the Christian whose citizenship is in Heaven. Just as Philippi was a colony of Rome on foreign soil, so the churches are “colonies of Heaven” here on earth.

Think about it . . . our real home is Heaven right now. We are citizens of the heavenly world first and of the earthly world second.  Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  The highest loyalty and allegiance should be to that kingdom first and foremost. The promise of service should be to our great Master the Lord Jesus in all purity and holiness.  Our home is in Heaven, where Jesus is; it is so new. “Ye are come . . . unto the city of the living God;” “Ye are fellow-citizens with the saints.”  Therefore “seek those things which are above.”  There in Heaven must be the place of our treasures; there is where we must focus our hearts. We should try by God's grace to fill our minds with the blessed thought of Heaven, to make a point to meditate daily upon what it means to belong to that city, its never-ending worship, its unclouded view of the Divine beauty. For there we hope to spend the ages of the everlasting life.  Let us try to fill our thoughts and imaginations with it now, not with the poor prizes of earthly success, worldly popularity, fleshly appetites, and prideful pursuits.  Let us seek to realize those striking words, “Our conversation is in heaven.”

The Spiritually Minded Believer is able to focus on Spiritual Blessings and still maintain a very practical and meaningful life. We should live down to earth even though we are seated in heavenly places.  Keep your spiritual privileges in clear view because they will guide you to make decisions consistent with Heavenly Citizenship.

God's Plans and Principles for A Christian Marriage

Gen. 2:24-25

While there are many voices of counsel and instruction for married couples, a Christian must be selective and discerning. Not everyone is speaking from God's perspective, and not everyone desires to see God glorified through the beauty of your marriage union. In fact many will tell you the Bible and God are no longer relevant and applicable. They are convinced that modern research and the latest fades will provide a lasting or solid foundation on which to build a life, a family, or a legacy. The problem is their ideas constantly require revisions, updates, adaptations, and overhauls. How can you know what to aim at for a solid family life when the target keeps moving? In some instances the target has disappeared altogether!
There is a better way! Read on to discover what the Designer of marriage and family had in mind when He brought the first couple together in holy wedlock. This article is actually a continuation of "What Is A Christian Marriage?" If you have not read the previous article, it may be helpful to do so later. Now, let us consider God's Plan, and Principles for a Christian Marriage.

A CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE EMPLOYS GOD’S PROGRAM FOR MARRIAGE--Gen. 2:24-25

The Divine Program includes God’s Plan, Principles, and Person.  Immediately we will consider the Plan and Principles and later we will look at the Person.

A.  HIS PROGRAM INVOLVES HIS PLAN.

   1.  Look to God’s Plan Because He Designed the Marriage Institution.  Gen. 2:24

Genesis 2:24 puts an emphasis upon two verbs: leave and cleave. 

      A.  God Specified the Need to Leave.  Gen. 2:24

The word “leave” means to abandon, forsake, to sever one relationship before establishing another.

            1.  Attach Your Whole Self to the New Relationship.

Unfortunately, many individuals do not make this break. They leave home physically but remain there psychologically. The attachment to home and parents should be replaced by the attachment to one's mate.  If  the New Relationship is going to flourish then all parent-child bonds must be cut.

                                                                                                                                              The Concept of “Leaving” Could be Seen in the Laws Pertaining to Marriage for the Children of Israel. Deut 24:5, When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

            2.  Now Consider What is NOT Meant By Leaving Father and Mother.    

                      A.  Do Not Disrespect or Dishonor Your Parents.

This does not mean disregarding or dishonoring one's parents, but rather breaking a tie to one's parents and assuming one's own responsibility for a spouse.

                      B.  Do Not Abandon or Ignore Your Parents.

This does not mean abandoning our parents or ignoring or mistreating or cutting off all contact with them.

                      C.  Become Socially Dependant on the Marriage.

It involves severing the tight emotional, security, financial, and physical bonds of dependence in order to give one's energies to the New Relationship.  If these ties are brought over into the marriage, it will hinder the bond of marriage from sealing.  Not even your children should come before your mate.

Secondly, Parents Must Release their Children to Enjoy The New Relationship.  This is the BEST present you can give to your son or daughter when they marry.  This is part of what is pictured in the wedding ceremony when the Father gives away the Bride.

               3.  Leaving Must Take Place in Three Major Areas.

                      A.  Leaving and Severance Must  Be Realized In Your Emotional Lives.

It is a tough thing for a mother to give up her son and a father to give up his little girl but this is a must. 

                             1.  Remove Yourself From Your Parents for Emotional Support.

No matter how strong the attachment, let them go as loving parents.  This means that the wife cannot run to mommy and daddy as soon as she is upset with her husband.  Nor should a son spend large quantities of his time with his father complaining about the inadequacies of your wife. 

                             2.  Turn To The Lord and Each Other for Emotional Strength.

Learn to rely on the Lord and each other for emotional support and strength.  If you need help beyond this seek the help of the Pastor and his wife!

                             3.  Parents Can make Emotional Problem Worse Because They Take Sides!

Please avoid using your parents because they tend to be a bit biased in their opinions.  This can cause more harm, emotional tension and resentment in the long run.

                      B.  Leaving and Severance Must Be Realized In Your Economical Life.

                              1.  Refuse to Borrow Money From Parents.

Borrowing from parents can get a New Couple into trouble if they are not careful.  When parents make loans to their children, they usually want a say in how the money is used.  This could not only cause problems between the parents giving the loan but also each member of the new marriage.  Also avoid having your parents co-sign for you on a loan for a house or a car it only give room for grave problems in the future.

                              2.  Live by a Financial Plan and Budget. 

Newlyweds should learn to  live according to their income and from a well thought out budget plan.  Plan your spending  and spend according to your plan. Remember it is NOT OK to run to mom and dad for money!   Leave room in your finances where the two of you can have fun together from time to time.  Strenuously avoid long term debts, if you do not the devil will use this like a weapon to destroy your relationship.

                      C.  Leaving and Severance Must Be Realized In Your Sense of Order and Authority.

                              1.  Accept Your Marriage as an Independent Equal to Your Parents.’

The Parental Authority over the child must be broken at the time the children marry.  Newlyweds need the freedom from Parents before they are able to give themselves fully to one another.  Though it is still a couple’s responsibility to respect and honor their parents the parents must now view the new couples as an independent and equal unit. 

                              2.  Never Spend Money on Parents Unless You Both Completely Agree.

It is NOT OK for wives or Husbands to cater to the whims and wishes of their parents at the expense of their immediate family.  The immediate family should never sacrifice for the needs of the parents in any way unless it has been fully discussed, completely understood and completely agreed upon by both members of the marriage.

                              3.  Regard God as the Authority Over Your Marriage and Not Your Parents.

Wives and Husbands alike must realize God’s Order for the home and build their home according. 

                                      A.  Husbands, Take The Lead.

The Husband MUST take his responsibilities seriously as the God ordain leader of his home! Serve the family unit by providing spiritual leadership and a godly example.

                                      B.  Wife Be Sure to Follow.

The wife MUST fulfill her responsibilities to follow and support her husband.  This is not a male chauvinist view; it is simply God’s Order for the home.  Parent cease to be the primary authority figure in the new couple’s life. That role belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ for each Christian home.

APPLICATION:  Determine to withdraw  yourself from your Parent-Child Relationship to give your New Relationship a fair opportunity to grow and flourish! A failure to do so will  hinder or threaten the progress and growth of your Marriage.  Learn to depend on God, each other and learn to meet the needs of  the other.  This will strengthen and build harmony into your relationship. It is right and well to seek outside counsel and help from godly parents, but it is better to consult with your pastor. He may be far more objective and fair as a counselor. 

      B.  God Specified the Need to Cleave.  Gen. 2:24

The second word, “cleave,” means to weld, grip or adhere together. The Lord Jesus clearly emphasized the commitment and permanent nature of marriage according to God’s original design!  Jesus does not believe in easy divorces!  He obviously believes that Marriage is an unconditional commitment to one's mate before God!

Matthew 19:3-6,  The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? [4] And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? [6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

                                                                                  

             1.  Marriage is More than a Legal Contract.

Some psychologists, marriage counselors and ministers have suggested that marriage is a contract and many people are quick to agree.  But is this really true? Is marriage really a contract?

                    A.  Legal Contracts Have Conditional Clauses (Wright).

                          1.  Contracts Contain “If Clauses.”

In every contract there are certain conditional clauses. A contract is when two parties, whether they be companies or individuals, involves the responsibility of both parties to carry out their part of the bargain.

 These are CONDITIONAL CLAUSES or "IF CLAUSES " If you do this, the other person must do this, and if the other person does this, you must do this (Wright).

                          2.  Marriage Has No “If Clauses.”

But in the marriage relationship and the marriage ceremony there are no conditional clauses. Nowhere does the marriage ceremony say, "If the husband loves his wife then the wife continues in the contract." Or, "If the wife is submissive to her husband then the husband carries out the contract." Marriage is an unconditional commitment into which two people enter.

                    B.  Legal Contracts Have Escape Clauses (Wright).

In most contracts there are ESCAPE CLAUSES. An escape clause says that if the party of the first part does not carry out his responsibilities, then the party of the second part is absolved. If one person does not live up to his part of the bargain, the second person can get out of the contract. This is an escape clause. In marriage there is no escape clause.

             2.  Marriage is a Permanent Covenant. 

Genesis 2:24, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.  

                  A.  Society Rejects This Divine Ideal of Permanence.

                       1.  In Favor of Easy Divorces, Co-Habitation, Fornication, and Promiscuity.

                       2.  In Favor of Homosexuality, and Same Sex Marriages.

                  B.  God Created This Enduring Ideal of Permanence. This is His design for a husband and a wife.

                         1.  Marriage is a Covenant.

Malachi 2:14, Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 

Proverbs 2:17,  Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

Malachi states that a wife is a man’s companion and she is the wife of his covenant.  Proverbs declares that the strange and adulterous woman has forgotten the covenant of her God– she has forsaken her marriage.  A covenant is a bond which unites people in mutual obligations. (Wright)   

                         2.  Marriage is a Consummation.  Genesis 2:24, ...“one flesh”

Marriage literally requires that there be a physical union between a husband and his wife.  But why?

                               A.  Marriage Was Design for the Physical Pleasure of the Couple.   

1 Cor. 7:2-5,  Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. [3] Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. [4] The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. [5] Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

1 Cor. 7:9,  But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

                               B.  Jesus Commands Couples to Become One Flesh as God Intended.   

Matthew 19:5-6 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? [6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

         

                               C.   Paul Defined “One Flesh” as a Physical Union.   

1 Cor. 6:16, What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

Therefore, the formal and legal agreement by itself does not constitute a marriage. Thus a man and woman are not joined at the altar with the preacher!  However, a physical union alone does not constitute a marriage either.  Adultery and Fornication are clearly declared sin in Scripture (see John 4:18; 1Cor. 7:2).

David Augsburger, Mennonite minister and author of Cherishable: Love and Marriage, defines marriage by first asking, 

Is marriage a private action of two persons in love, or a public act of two pledging a contract?" Then he goes on to say, "Neither. It is something other. Very much other!
"Basically the Christian view of marriage is not that it is primarily or even essentially a binding legal and social contract. The Christian understands marriage as a covenant made under God and in the presence of fellow members of the Christian family. Such a pledge endures, not because of the force of law or the fear of its sanctions, but because an unconditional covenant has been made. A covenant more solemn, more binding, more permanent than any legal contract. (Wright)

Dr. David Hubbard, president of Fuller Theological Seminary, has said:

Marriage does not demand perfection. But it must be given priority.  It is an institution for sinners.  No one else need apply.  But, it finds its fullest glory when sinners see it as God's way of leading us through His ultimate curriculum of love and righteousness. (H. Norman Wright)

APPLICATION:  In order to survive the difficulties you may encounter in your relationship, one must view their commitments to each other as irrevocable and a permanent bond.  Attach yourselves to each other like super glue!  Resolve in your heart that divorce is not even an option no matter what difficulties come your way.  It would even be wise to reaffirm this commitment to each other on anniversaries, birthdays, and New Years Day.  Look deep into your mate's eyes and recommit yourself to stick with and to them like SUPERGLUE no matter what difficulties, disagreements, and disappointments come your way. Plan to work through the challenges instead of searching for a way out. I am not suggesting any of this is easy; if it were easy then everyone would be doing it. 

APPLICATION:  Determine to “Cleave” To Your Spouse Until Death Divides You.  Refuse to give up on your Marriage by settling for a divorce.  Instead fight for the survival of your home. Stick to each other like SUPER GLUE.  Do not take the route of easy divorces, or divorce on the basis of  incompatibility! Just because it’s legal in the United States, does not means it is accepted by God!  Give room in your life to exercise FAITH, LOVE, FORGIVENESS, PATIENCE, PEACE, WISDOM in your relationship!  

Rom 7:1-3,  Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?  2     For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  3  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

Couples Enter the Marriage Union Today With the Idea of  Divorces if They Incur Problems or Difficulties. I believe the Bible presents the ideal of marriage for life, though there are a few legitimate reasons for dissolution. The modern attitude of easy divorces is not at all what God has in mind. The old saying is “till death do us part” has become, “till debt do us part” or “till disagreement do us part” even “till other interests do us part” and maybe even “till someone else do us part.”

      C.  God Specified the Need to Become One Flesh.  Gen. 2:24

When a man "cleaves" to his wife, they become one flesh. The term "one flesh" is a beautiful capsule description of the oneness, completeness and permanence God intended in the marriage relationship. "One flesh" suggests a unique oneness—a total commitment to intimacy in all of life together, symbolized by sexual union.

             1.  One Plus One Equals One.  (1 + 1 = 1)

                 A.  You Retain Your Individual Identity.

In his book, The Essence of Marriage, ordained minister and marriage counselor Julius A. Fritze describes marriage as follows:

Marriage is an emotional fusion of two personalities into a functional operation, yet both retaining their own identities. The Biblical concept is contained in Genesis 2:24—'One flesh'.

                 B.  You Become One New Life Existing in Two Individuals.

Julius Fritze illustrates the marriage relationship by talking about two lumps of clay. He points out that if you were to hold a lump of dark green clay in your left hand and a lump of light green clay in your right hand, you could clearly see the different shades. However, if you were to take both of these pieces of clay and mold and push them together, you would see just one lump of green clay—at first glance. But if you were to inspect the lump closely you would see the distinct and separate lines of dark green and light green clay (Wright).

APPLICATION: This is like the marriage relationship—the two of you as husband and wife must blend together so that you appear as one, yet each retaining your own distinct identity or personality.  The marriage is one new life existing in two people. Christian marriage, however, involves more than the blending of two people. It also includes a third Person—Jesus Christ—who gives meaning, guidance and direction to the relationship. When Jesus Christ presides in a marriage, then and only then is it a Christian marriage (Wright).

            2.  One Flesh Is a Process of Blending Two Lives.

                 1.  This Oneness is Not Instantaneous and Magical!

Some couples expect this “oneness” to be “magic”“instantaneous” and “intuitive.”  When the marriage fails to meet this wrong expectations they view the relationship as hopeless.

                 2.  God Makes This Oneness Possible!

 But, is the whole thing hopeless? Not at all. Society has not provided a way to a truly happy marriage, but God has! God has given a definite pattern for marriage and if a man and woman will follow that pattern, they will find the happiness and harmony they seek.

Charles Shedd in his book, Letters to Phillip, tells the story of two rivers flowing smoothly and quietly along until they came together and joined. When this happened they clashed and hurled themselves at one another. As the newly formed river flowed downstream, however, it gradually quieted down and flowed smoothly again. But now it was much broader, more majestic and had much more power. Dr. Shedd suggests that

A good marriage is often like that. When two independent streams of existence come together, there will probably be some dashing of life against life at the juncture. Personalities rush against each other. Preferences clash. Ideas contend for power and habits vie for position. Sometimes like the waves, they throw up a spray that leaves you breathless and makes you wonder where has the loveliness gone. But that's all right. Like the two rivers, what comes out of their struggle may be something deeper, more powerful than what they were on their own.

APPLICATION: This blending process will require Christ and good communication.  Two Christians have the best possibilities for a happy marriage because they have a third Person—the Lord Jesus Christ—working with them and strengthening them. But there must be communication— between them and their Lord and between themselves. That's part of what a marriage is all about. Truly, communication– with Christ and each other– is the key to your marriage (Wright).

                                                         

   2.  Look to God’s Plan Because He Designed Marriage Intimacy.  Gen. 2:25

                                                                                             

      A.   Intimacy Follows “Leave,” “Cleave,” and “One Flesh.”

 Gen.2:25 . . . And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

              1.  The key to intimacy is the other three ingredients I just mentioned, Severance, Permanence, and Unity.  By becoming more proficient in these other three areas, you arrive at the forth one. 

              2.  Determine to Become More Intimate With your Spouse, Intellectually, Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally, and Socially.  Be transparent with your mate, be honest, open and don’t allow any offense to linger between you.

All of the principles must be accepted and each life must be honestly evaluated in order to realize the full blessings of following these instructions.

      B.  God Designed Marriage for Intimacy.  Gen. 2:25

The Jewish rabbis taught that man is restless while he misses the rib that was taken out of his side and the woman is restless until she gets under the arm of the man—from where she came. With all of the flap in recent years over women's lib, here is a majestic statement of just how the Bible views woman. She is not man's property.

She is man's partner—a full partner in every sense of the word.  St. Augustine lived in the fifth century, but what he said fits perfectly into today's heated discussions of women's rights. He wrote:"If God meant woman to rule over man, He would have taken her out of Adam's head. Had He designed her to be his slave, He would have taken her out of his feet. But God took woman out of man's side, for He made her to be a helpmate and an equal to him."

In his book, After You Said I Do Dwight Small emphasizes the Bible's consistent equalitarian and democratic view of marriage.  "There can be no true oneness," writes Small, "except as there is equal dignity and status for both partners. The wife who came from man's side is to stand at his side, to share every responsibility and enjoy every privilege. This is the goal."

Small goes on to admit that achieving this goal is not easy. What is needed is dialogue. He believes that "dialogue takes place when two people communicate the full meaning of their lives to one another, when they participate in each other's lives in the most meaningful ways in which they are capable."

B.  HIS PROGRAM INVOLVES HIS PRINCIPLES.

   1.  God Emphasized Total Commitment.  Genesis 2:18-24

From Genesis 2:18-24, you can gather three distinctly Christian views of marriage:

         A.  A Christian Marriage Is to Be Permanent, for Life.

When two become one flesh, there is to be no division, no severing, because of the irreparable damage that will occur.

         B.  A Christian Marriage Is to Be Monogamous.

There are examples of polygamy in Scripture, but these are descriptions of what men did, not of what Scripture teaches as good and right. Again, one flesh means one flesh. A man cannot become one flesh with more than one woman and have it mean what is meant here.

         C.  A Christian Marriage Demands Faithfulness.

Today's new morality claims that a man can become "one flesh" with as many women as he wishes, that fornication and a little adultery are "healthy" pastimes that broaden experience and deepen relationships.

   2.  God Rejects Society’s Confusion.

         A.  Don’t Compromise With Sin to Cope With Your Struggles!

Invariably, someone will advice a struggling couple or a disappointed and frustrated spouse to give up on their relationship.   They may say things like, “You don’t have to keep torturing yourself.  Just Bail out!  You’ve given it your best shot and it didn’t work; life is to short to be wasted in a losing battle.  Just give up on it!  Or at the least you can try an exciting affair.  Get a little fun back into your life, there are plenty of fish in the sea who want no commitments or strings attached.  Come on get with the times and stop being so Old Fashioned; things are a lot different now a days.....”

         B.  Reject Completely the “New Morality” of Today!

God's description of marriage, however, speaks of deep and lasting intimacy, a companionship between husband and wife that leads to mutual enrichment, happiness and welfare. Adultery is to marriage what a knife is to a back. Today's advocates of "new morality" can think of all kinds of excuses for adultery and fornication. They come up with what might be called a "pretzel" morality, in which facts, sound principles for good human relationships and responsibilities are all twisted and bent into shapes that seemingly, in some cases, justify infidelity as a "good and loving thing in the situation."

         C.  Receive Completely God’s Plan and Benefits.

As Dwight Small says in his book, Design for Christian Marriage,

A Christian marriage can never fail, but the people in that marriage can fail. There is a vast difference between the two possibilities. So if the marriage of two Christians seems to fail, it is either that they were ignorant of God's purposes, or unwilling to commit themselves to it.

Please take the time and spend the energy to understand these Bible principles as they apply to your marriage or your future. God's plans and principles do make for a happy and healthy marriage and home. I realize these concepts are foreign to modern thinking, but they still work when we work them. Christ Jesus is able to provide the wisdom and guidance you need to strengthen your marriage through the application of these holy ideas. Trust Him to do for you and your spouse what He has done for many other faithful Believers. May you know His very best and have the kind of marriage and home that is a blessing to you and glorifying to Him above all else.