18 Transformation EXPLORING A THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION FOR MARRIAGE Mark Lau Branson hy is marriage important? What should we provides the most comprehensive basis-the most expect from marriage? What should motivate a biblical foundation-for marriage. partner to stay in a difficult marriage? Why are w The theological concept of sanctification must be seen so many marriages, including those of Christians, ending in its full, biblical sense.2 It includes any initiative of in divorce? And how does marriage fit in God's agenda? God's which, when received by faith, moves a person or In our efforts to shore-up marriages, Christians cling to a group of persons toward God's intentions. The term secular myths, some with limited backing from selected 'sanctification', like the words 'saint' and 'holy', simply biblical passages. But because those myths are unable to concerns the 'setting apart' of people so that God's elicit either the confidence of many who are experienc- character becomes realized in them.3 The contexts ing difficulties, or sufficient biblical breadth to become of this process-the church and the world-will be solidly foundational, the Christian faith is unable to discussed later. provide the vision and clarity that is desired. Our expectations concerning sanctification are enlightened by the biblical narrative. In creation, God's Sanctification image is imprinted on every person. Then, as God Here I intend to pursue a framework based in theologi- focuses on particular individuals and societies, we learn cal ethics,l with the biblical concept of sanctification as about the forces that oppose sanctification and the the foundation. Marriages can be based, humanly initiatives of God that bring grace to bear. The marks of speaking, on many different foundations. A desire for godliness-graciousness, truthfulness, generosity, jus- intimacy, a search for personal fulfilment, social press- tice, peace, compassion, love-are to be increasingly ures for conformity, internal drives to escape one's apparent in the lives of individuals and societies. current state, a pursuit of an elusive happiness-all of Our expectations are further clarified in Jesus Christ these provide motivations and expectations for and in the initiatives of the Holy Spirit under the new marriages. Though each may have a vague basis in covenant. As followers, we are on the pilgrimage of scripture, none is sufficient. I believe sanctification making Jesus' story our own, or making our story that of Jesus. Life (story) is the issue-not simply the gathering Institute, San Francisco, and associate editor of Radix magazine.