What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Are there any references or advice in 'Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce' for older couples or widowers who, for financial reasons (loss of widow's pension), forgo a civil marriage and only seek a church blessing?"
Answer
The provided documents contain no direct references or advice for older couples or widowers who, for purely financial reasons (such as retaining a widow's pension), forgo a civil marriage and only seek a church blessing. While the quotations do emphasize the holiness of marriage as a divine institution, they do not address specific situations in which civil law and a church blessing should be separated because of pension claims.
However, there is a general warning against making marital decisions based solely on material interests or to obtain financial advantages, as this often leads to unhappiness. It is also emphasized that the congregation has a say in the actions of its members that could affect the reputation of truth.
The Holiness of Marriage and Divine Blessing
»God ordained that man and woman should be united in holy marriage to establish families that, crowned with honor, would be symbols of the family in heaven. And at the beginning of His public ministry, Christ gave His decisive approval to the institution that had been sanctified in Eden. He declared to all that He would not withhold His presence at wedding occasions and that marriage, when entered into with purity and holiness, truth and righteousness, is one of the greatest blessings ever given to the human family.«
Warning Against Material Motives in Marriage
»He did not love her, but her meager wealth was a lure, a temptation one could not resist. He married the woman because of her money, and his marital relationship was indeed unhappy. [...] The love of money led to all this misfortune. Brother Dennis, the love of money is the root of all evil. How much have you sacrificed to this love? Your charity and your manhood. What have you gained? The apples of Sodom. God's curse rested upon you, and His prospering hand did not accompany you on your life's path.«
Responsibility Toward the Congregation and Biblical Law
»It is a matter of critical importance to the congregation which course you take, and the congregation should have the right to speak on this matter when its prosperity and influence are so directly affected. [...] If there were no difficulties and George could marry her under the laws of the land without violating God's law, he still should not do so if it harms the cause of present truth. This cause should be more valuable to him than life itself; and if by marrying he brings a blemish upon the cause of God, his wife is dearly bought, and he cannot be happy, for God's blessing will not accompany him.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
