Book SummaryWhat He Must Be, by Voddie Baucham Jr.

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of What He Must Be

A father's duties and roles throughout the marriage process

Fathers are divinely tasked with guiding their daughters in the selection of an appropriate spouse.

Baucham emphasizes the authentic responsibility, based on biblical teachings, for a father to guide his daughter on the path to matrimony, reflecting traditions seen in many contemporary wedding practices. It is the responsibility of fathers to prepare their daughters and safeguard them as they approach the verge of marriage. He is responsible for guiding the process, which includes evaluating and approving suitable suitors for his daughter, culminating in the moment he introduces her to her future husband during the wedding ceremony. The duty we refer to is substantial and distinctly contrasts with the typical approach of merely permitting our daughters to engage in dating, while holding onto the slim hope for favorable results.

Fathers bear the responsibility to protect their daughters' purity and prepare them for marriage.

Baucham underscores the profound responsibility of a father to protect his daughters, especially in maintaining their purity. He draws this idea from Deuteronomy 22:20-21 where the father must present proof of his daughter’s virginity on her wedding day. Voddie Baucham Jr. cites the biblical passage not to advocate for the penalization of women engaged in premarital relations, but rather to underscore the serious manner in which God views these issues. Voddie Baucham Jr. underscores the importance of protecting our daughters' emotional health by insulating them from the dangers inherent in contemporary dating practices. He uses Shakespeare's stories to emphasize the importance of protecting the well-being of young women.

Fathers must take an active role in evaluating and approving potential suitors for their daughters.

The author asserts that fathers bear the responsibility of evaluating the appropriateness of potential partners for their daughters. A father is responsible for evaluating the young man's understanding of theology, emotional maturity, intellectual development, and depth of spirituality. The goal is unattainable with sporadic or short meetings, especially since numerous young men lack the preparation needed to meet the biblical standards expected of Christian husbands. Voddie Baucham Jr. underscores the importance of parental involvement in their daughter's choice of a life partner, asserting that it should be on par with the support given during her college selection process, given that this choice carries even more significant repercussions and holds greater significance.

During the wedding ceremony, it is the duty of fathers to formally present their daughters to the men they will marry.

A father's responsibilities are not limited to simply saying goodbye to his daughter when she leaves; he is also expected to officially introduce her to her future husband at the wedding ceremony. This anticipation transcends mere customs or societal norms. The customary questions, "Who presents this woman to be married?" and "Do I have your blessing to marry your daughter?" clearly reflect the divine design for the union of marriage. The role of fathers is pivotal in helping their daughters choose appropriate partners for life and providing support during this journey. Embracing this duty must...

What He Must Be Summary Essential characteristics and criteria for a devoted partner are outlined according to scriptural teachings.

A committed partner must steadfastly adhere to the principles taught by Christ.

Baucham underscores the critical significance of a potential mate's dedication to living in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Many who consider themselves Christians, the author notes, do not deeply understand the true essence of conversion as it is defined in the Scriptures. It is essential for fathers to have a deep comprehension of genuine spiritual transformation and to actively seek evidence of such change in anyone pursuing a courtship with their daughters.

He must have undergone a profound spiritual transformation, demonstrated genuine contrition for his previous behavior, and provided evidence of substantial alterations to his way of living.

Baucham firmly believes that true commitment to Christ requires a deep spiritual change that fundamentally transforms a man's very being. Embracing Christianity involves much more than merely adopting a title or uttering a prayer for absolution at a specific point in time. A man is not capable of initiating his own regeneration. The man's transformation, characterized by genuine contrition and a dedication to positive change, will...

What He Must Be Summary Ensuring the purity, focus, and future spouse for a young woman.

It is the duty of fathers to protect the innocence of their daughters by steering clear of premature emotional and physical intimacy.

Voddie Baucham Jr. underscores the crucial role a father plays in protecting his daughter's purity and assisting her in steering clear of the dangers that contemporary dating practices pose to her physical and emotional well-being. He argues that allowing our daughters to go on unsupervised dates with young men is tantamount to handing over a woman's responsibilities to a man. He views it as his duty to safeguard his daughter from the dangers present in today's society by fostering her appreciation for her purity, steering her spiritual development and comprehension of marriage, ensuring her commitment to serving God in this period, and shielding her emotions from premature experiences.

Teaching our daughters to maintain biblical purity is of utmost importance.

Every girl will eventually encounter challenges related to sexual matters. Baucham is of the opinion that such an encounter should commence in accordance with biblical principles. A daughter learns the importance of preserving her purity through the unwavering conviction of her...

What He Must Be Summary A father has the responsibility to guide and shape young men to be ready for marriage, ensuring they embody a profound dedication to their spiritual beliefs.

It is imperative for fathers to deliberately nurture their sons in a manner that equips them to meet the qualifications for husbands as outlined in the Bible.

Baucham asserts that fathers bear the responsibility of steering their sons toward a virtuous life. It is crucial to be discerning in our relationships to safeguard our children's innocence, emotional well-being, and concentration, and to shield them from influences that might steer them from ethical principles. We should take an active role in selecting prospective partners for our daughters, welcome them into the safety of our household, and assist in their growth by offering guidance and equipping them to be the companions worthy of our daughters.

Teaching sons the responsibilities associated with leadership and living according to biblical principles is essential.

Fathers must proactively nurture moral excellence in their sons. It is incumbent upon parents to actively cultivate in their sons an understanding of spiritual masculinity and the duties associated with leadership. The method includes teaching them to recognize the importance of hard work, the dangers of idleness, and how to differentiate between...