"This Momentary Marriage" by John Piper Declares A High View of Singleness

John Piper's turn to the topic of celibacy for the kingdom in The Momentary Marriage marks an essential element in his argument. No pandering to the single person in the middle of a book on marriage. No man-fearing tokenism here. Singleness says something glorious and eternal about God and the gospel that marriage can never say.

It is no less important than the term "Momentary" in his title. The reason marriage is temporary is because it points to something far greater and permanent, namely, Christ's marriage to his Bride, the Church. Singleness succeeds then, at spotlighting the reality that our spiritual family under Christ, is as far greater in importance than our physical family, as it is longer in duration. Hence the title: "This Momentary Marriage."

Piper actually articulates the eternal benefits of singleness in four helpful truths:

1) The truth that the family of God grows not by propagation through sexual intercourse, but by regeneration through faith in Christ;

2) The truth that relationships in Christ are more permanent, and more precious, than relationships in families (and, of course, it is wonderful when relationships in families are also relationships in Christ; be we know that is often not the case);

3) The truth that marriage is temporary and finally gives way to the relationship to which it was pointing all along: Christ and the church-the way a picture is no longer needed when you see face-to-face;

4) The truth that faithfulness to Christ defines the value of life; all other relationships get their final significance from this. No family relationship is ultimate; relationship to Christ is (106).

One of the strengths of Piper's book is how liberally seasoned with practical application it is. His thought on singleness is no different. Much of the weighty decisions regarding singleness and marriage has to do with sexuality and the having of children. Insightfully, Piper draws upon Isaiah 56:4-5,

"Thus says the Lord: "To the eunuchs (those who cannot procreated but turn their lives into a unique service instead of marriage) who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off."

Commenting on this text Piper writes pastorally, "...God promises those of you who remain single in Christ blessings that are better than the blessings of marriage and children" (107).

The question for the single person quickly and profoundly becomes: Can I trust God to keep his promises?

The vision for temporary marriage Piper here upholds from scripture engenders the very faith in God required to live it.