In his sermon titled 'Of Marriage, 1689 SLBC, Chapter 25, Par. 4', Don Stubblefield discusses the biblical perspective on marriage and celibacy. Citing the New Geneva Study Bible, he emphasizes the need for companionship, referencing scriptures that highlight the importance of marriage. While some individuals may have the gift of celibacy, as mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:7, marriage is seen as a means to prevent sin and uncleanness, as per the London Baptist Confession. The sermon also addresses issues of illegitimacy, fornication, and the merciful nature of God, who is capable of forgiving sins and transforming lives. Stubblefield warns against the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, noting that concern over having committed it is a sign that one likely has not. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the mercy and loving-kindness of God.

As Eric read, the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him and help meet for him. In a commentary from the New Geneva Study Bible, We're told that man needs companionship, excuse me, companionship on earth. In the Old Testament, the most holy person, the high priest, Marys, Leviticus 21, 13, and the Nazarite uniquely set apart to God is not celibate that is single he's also married numbers six one through four Abstention from lawful marriage is never commanded in Scripture. 1st Timothy 4 verse 3.

Although some are given the gift for celibacy for service, in 1 Corinthians 7, verse 7, in the words of the apostle Paul, for I would that all men, or even as I myself, but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner and another after that. There are certain advantages for the work of the kingdom and remaining unmarried, and so Paul personally can wish that every believer would give his or her life exclusively to the advance of the gospel. But the Apostle realizes that such a situation is not possible for everyone and would only lead many Christians into sexual temptation. And in the London Baptist Confession, the phrase for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue and for the preventing of uncleanness. This illegitimate issue is a reference to children of those who are unmarried, who are engaging in fornication, who are engaged in sin and are not chastened by God, and are compared to bastards.

In Hebrews 12, 7 and 8, If ye endure chastening, and God dealeth with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, or of all our partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons." Because of the merciful loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father, He is able to forgive and to raise His elect, even from those who are spiritually dead. We're all spiritually dead when we come into this world. Even those engaged in fornication, together with their illegitimate issue, and even those who are homosexual, God is able to turn them around. I think he mentioned in the letter to the Corinthians, He said, such were some of you, but God is merciful.

And were it not for His mercy, none of us would be saved. There is only one unforgivable sin, and that is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12, 31, and 32. A lot of people worry about whether they've ever committed this sin of blasphemy, but if we're worried about it, that's a good sign that we haven't committed it because if we have no regard whatsoever for the things of God and we feel like we can do whatever we want to do, that is a very dangerous sign and It can lead to this blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. And with that, I will, I didn't have a lot to contribute to that article from the London Baptist Confession, but hopefully all that I've brought out here is connected with that passage.