Marriages are Made in Heaven by Steve Donald

When it comes to marriage and singleness our culture is torn. On one hand we idolise the Netflix image of the couple, who seem both fully loved and fully known. Yet on the other hand we also idolise our so-called freedoms—and baulk at the lifelong commitment of marriage. We fear that we might make a mistake and end up with second best. We crave direction in our singleness or marriage—but worry when the answers don’t seem to appear.

In this book, Steve Donald argues that the mystery of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility is the secret of success in marriage and singleness. First, he leads us through the biblical framework for seeking God’s guidance in relationships, by making Christ the main thing. Then, in the marriage of John and Mary Newton and the singleness of John Stott and Frances Whitehead, he shows us how we can live for the glory of God and the blessing of many, no matter what our circumstances.

In all this, Steve helpfully reminds us that marriage is a divine idea — a picture of God's covenant of salvation — and points us forward to the wedding of Christ and his Bride, the perfect Marriage made in heaven.

Title

Marriages are Made in Heaven
Author(s)

Steve Donald
ISBN

9781783973040
Publisher

Evangelical Press
Topic

Marriage & Relationships
Pages

128
Published

01/02/2021

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Overall rating

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Marriages are Made in Heaven

Are marriages really made in heaven? What about the many couples who ask for pastoral advice, saying they married the wrong person? If they are Christians, they would probably agree that marriage is made in heaven. But they wouldn’t accept the more specific assertion of this book’s title: they feel quite sure that theirs wasn’t… Revd Steve Donald, in this warm and endearing book, engages with key theological issues – especially divine sovereignty and human responsibility – in simple, practical terms, and always with a deep grasp of scriptural teaching. In Christ (he says to those who may be contemplating divorce) we come to realise: ‘I did not marry the wrong person; I am the wrong person. And Christ will help me to become the right person.’ It is a delight to read how Steve met his wife Gloria, and how they have been used together in 32 years of pastoral ministry. The author doesn’t hide the problems they sometimes faced and worked through together. He also tells the story of a fine historical marriage – that of John and Mary Newton – and the stories of more recent Christian workers who enjoyed the gift of singleness: Revd John Stott and Miss Frances Whitehead. In the last chapter he lifts our eyes to heaven, where precious relationships with those who share in our resurrection will continue, but will be transformed. Marriage there will be so much better! I highly recommend this book. Why not give a copy to a couple who are planning their marriage? Or even to a couple in distress, who feel that their marriage was just a human mistake.

Alan Pallister

I’ve just finished this book, and I really enjoyed it. I like the gentle personal style. I’ve already recommended it.

Fergus Pearson

Just finished it one sitting! An excellent book! So easy to read yet so rooted in sound doctrine . My only constructive criticism is with the title. I would have preferred a sub–title on the front cover “Marriage & Singleness considered in the light of God’s Sovereignty” – or something similar. I want to buy this for a number of singles and those considering marriage! I can honestly say this is one of the best pastoral and practical books I have read this year! An easy read yet full of doctrine. Practical application of Biblical principles. A very different approach from any other book on marriage and singleness that I have ever read.This is a great contribution to the Church.

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