5 Recommended Resources on Marriage
The theme of marriage plays a prominent role in the storyline of the Bible. In the Old Testament, we see the first marriage in the garden of Eden and the prophets’ portrayal of Israel as a faithless bride to the covenant-keeping Yahweh. In the New Testament, we read the Apostle Paul’s teaching that marriage pictures Christ’s relationship to His people and see the marriage supper of the Lamb at the consummation of redemptive history. The following resources, curated by the Ligonier editorial team, seek to help both married couples and singles gain a better understanding of Scripture’s teaching on marriage and learn how to cultivate and support God-glorifying marriages that bless the church and the world.
The Intimate Marriage: A Practical Guide to Building a Great Marriage by R.C. Sproul
In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul shows how marriages can be joyful when grounded in the wisdom of God. This practical guide unpacks what Scripture teaches about areas such as communication, sex, roles, divorce, anger, and more. Dr. Sproul also shares lessons learned from his own marriage and includes questions for discussion after each chapter.
God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation by Andreas J. Köstenberger with David W. Jones
This book provides a biblical treatment of God’s purposes for the home, arguing that only obedience to and application of God’s Word can address the crisis confronting modern households. The book also examines controversies and cultural shifts within the church and society, applying Scripture to contemporary issues. Additional topics addressed include divorce, remarriage, singleness, homosexuality, a theology of sex, and parenting teens.
Christian Marriage: From Basic Principles to Transformed Relationships by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
This book contains material from eleven sermons originally preached by Dr. Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel during his exposition of the book of Ephesians. He addresses both Christian doctrine and practice regarding marriage, arguing that practical matters in marriage cannot be rightly understood apart from biblical teaching. He also emphasizes that the only Christianity powerful enough to change society is that which is derived from the work of the Spirit of God.
Gospel-Shaped Marriage: Grace for Sinners to Love Like Saints by Chad and Emily Van Dixhoorn
This book encourages couples by explaining how Christ calls and enables them to love their spouse, emphasizing that though we are sinners, we are also saints who are equipped by God’s power to cultivate healthy marriages. This book includes biblical teaching on marriage, practical advice, a summary of marriage in redemptive history, recommended Bible verses, and prayer prompts.
Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul Tripp
In this rebranded edition of What Did You Expect?, Paul Tripp discusses six biblical commitments that couples can make to the Lord and to each other to help build a vibrant marriage—a marriage based on more than romance and strong enough to weather the struggles of everyday life. These commitments include a lifestyle of confession and forgiveness, building trust, and appreciating differences.
This article is part of the Recommended Resources collection.