Free audio files, screensavers, and more are available from our freebies section.
Bible question
A friend wants to marry a 16-year old girl. Her mother will not sign the papers permitting her to marry. He says the law is unjust. And, since God’s law supersedes man’s, and since they are Christians and have pledged themselves to one another, they are married in the eyes of God. Are they?
Topic(s): Bible Authority, Bible Study, Marriage
Todd Clippard
In this case, he is not married in the eyes of God. One must
follow the laws of the land when not in conflict with the law of
God. Contrary to this man’s contention, the law of the land does not
"collide" with God's law, neither is it unjust. Our laws are in
place to protect people, particularly children. If the state deems a
16 year as too young to marry without parental consent, then all in
that state are obliged to follow that law.
By what measure of scripture is this law "unjust" as this one
claims? This appears to be nothing more than selfish ambition and
desire on his part. If the girl chooses to declare her independence
from her mother according to the laws of the state, she may do so.
But so long as she lives with her mother, she is to respect and
honor the wishes of her mother. Ephesians 6:1-2 demand it.
Also, your friend cannot continue to pervert Romans 13. "Doing good"
in this text has direct reference to FOLLOWING THE LAWS OF THE LAND!
Therefore, he cannot break the laws of the land and still do good in
this case.
In order for the law to be against the law of God, your friend will
have to find a scripture that negates the law of the state. There is
no law in the Bible that demands a 16 year old girl be married. If
the Bible made such a demand, then all 16 year girls would have to
marry.
Your friend's charge and misuse of the Bible are pure foolishness
and cannot be supported by the Bible.