A Happy Marriage: Covenant Joy in a Fallen World

“This is a 'how to' book in the deepest sense. In A Happy Marriage, Rebecca winsomely deals with the foundational principles of this most basic of human institutions and their practical implications. The breadth of her historical and cultural context is unique. Her observations are profound.”

“A Happy Marriage: Covenant Joy in a Fallen World is a unique book on marriage. Through the honest reflections of a number of cou­ples, younger and older, and her own biblical/pastoral reflections on God's good gift of marriage to His creatures, Rebecca VanDoode­waard explores, often with an unsettling honesty, the joys, privileges, sorrows, and strains experienced by Christians in marriage. Just as the Bible never allows us to imagine that life in a fallen world will ever be without tears, Rebecca acknowledges this, but shows us that for Christians, marriage is a gracious gift from a God who longs to see His children experience 'covenant joy in a fallen world.' I recom­mend this book without any hesitation.”

“A happy and holy marriage serves as one of the greatest blessings this life has to offer the Christian pilgrim. Yet few Christian books present these twin gifts of happiness and holiness as ready blessings to be found within the confines of marriage. Rebecca VanDoodewaard has written a book which casts this right vision. Whether couples are just embarking upon this journey, muddling their way through the middle years, or looking at the finish line, here is a book that will encourage, challenge, and comfort. A Happy Marriage is a happily realistic book offering a biblical lens with personal and practical applications that any and all marriages will benefit from.”

“The marketplace for Christian books on marriage is bulging, so one might wonder if there is room for another one. Yet there is. Such is the breakdown and the watering down of the idea of marriage, not only in the secular world, but sadly also among Christians-we, too, need to be reminded afresh of the richness of this God-ordained gift and blessing. In a way that leans heavily on the rich portrayal of marriage from many angles in the Bible, Rebecca VanDoodewaard walks us through its relevant passages to explore the rich depths of this relationship. Most notably, she points to the intimate connection between marriage as the bond between a man and a woman on earth and the sacred saving union between believers and Christ, their heavenly Bridegroom, and the rich benefits that we find in Him. Here is a volume that will benefit not only those who are preparing for marriage and seeking to understand all that it entails but also those who are already married and need to rediscover afresh the joys and blessings of this unique gift from God.”

“I was once one of Rebecca's pastors, and she would often ask me, 'What books have you read lately?' Now I'm pleased to say, 'A Happy Marriage, and I loved it!' Such timely but often neglected topics. Such theologically rich reflections confirmed by personal testimo-nies. Such biblically wise counsel made simple and accessible. The more I read, the more I thought of the couples I counsel. This is gold, and I can't wait to recommend it.”