What is Marriage?

From God’s Point of View!

The truth from God regarding marriage is rather clear. However, man often has a blurred understanding as to what marriage is.

There is a lot of discussion regarding marriage in our society today. When did marriage begin? Who began marriage? Who regulates marriage? Who has the right to marry and why?

When we talk about marriage from God’s point of view, we are talking about what God says in Scripture … the word of God … the Bible. Let us see what we can read in the word of God.

There are basically three different concepts of marriage today. One is the legal concept. So many people think of marriage in terms of what the laws of the civil government say about it. Second is the idea that marriage is what others feel about marriage by the popular practice. These would say that it does not make too much difference what the laws of civil government might say, but it is about how people generally behave in their relationship. And the third, what is marriage in the eyes of God? What is marriage in the light of the word of God?

Some people, perhaps many people are under the delusion that marriage is no more than a civil contract, and marriage can be broken as easily as any other contract. With this crucial principle abandoned, marriage becomes a matter of convenience, legitimized sex, a social arrangement. And marital infidelity becomes increasingly common, spurred on by social pressure.

In so many places, marriage is no more than a civil formality.

And too, many people in the world have a lot of odd ideas about what marriage is. Marriage is not a contract that we enter into. Marriage is not a religious act. Marriage is not a church affair. Marriage is not a church sacrament. Marriage is not a spiritual institution. Marriage is not a Christian, Islamic, Hindu, or Catholic institution. Marriage is not a human arrangement. Marriage is not a government institution. Marriage is not a mere social relationship.

And, the Bible does not speak of “Christian” marriages, as if God’s marriage law applies to Christians in some way differently from those who are not Christians. Marriage is, and has always been, designed by God for the entire human race - Hebrews 13:4. Marriage was given to mankind by Jehovah God thousands of years before people became Christians in the first century.

Marriage is under siege. In so many places, marriage has fallen on hard times… Many engage in sex without marriage (births to unmarried women are up). So many persons are involved in co-habitation without marriage. There are so many engaged in extra-marital unfaithfulness. The divorce rate is up. And when living in a society in which people marry in order to divorce and those who divorce do so in order to marry again, we should expect that this low view of marriage would spill over into the church. When marriage problems arise, many persons turn to spousal abuse, divorce, or for some … even murder. And many do not want the hard work and sacrifice that it takes to maintain a godly marriage.

What is Marriage?

Marriage is a Divine institution - Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6. Jehovah God is the author of marriage. Marriage is the first divine institution … even before society and government existed. The institution of marriage is not a human arrangement. The institution of marriage originated from God. Marriage is owned and ordained by God. God is the ONE who designs, institutes, and regulates marriage. Because God designed, instituted marriage, He has the right to regulate it. And we MUST respect this God-given institution. God regulates the institution of marriage (and our marriages) through His Will -- His Laws -- and -- the Marriage Covenant. God makes the rules. Marriage is a sacred relationship which was initiated by the Creator for the benefit of all humanity. Marriage is a gift of God. Marriage is established for all of mankind regardless of who they are or where they live, and is not a relationship peculiar to any one certain group of people. Marriage is God’s institution, and not man’s to do with as he pleases! When we disrespect marriage, and the things that we do against the institution, the rules, and marriage covenant that we enter into, we do so to our own condemnation - Hebrews 13:4. When we mess with marriage, we are messing with HOLY THINGS!

Marriage is a covenant relationship - Genesis 2:21-24; Proverbs 2:17; Malachi 2:14. Jehovah God is the ONE that establishes the Marriage Covenant. The Bible teaches that God plays a clear and undeniable role in marriage, whether those who wed know and understand that or not. The Marriage Covenant belongs to God, and it is not ours to do with as we please! Many people have lost sight of the fact that marriage is a covenant (not a contract, but a covenant), to be entered into seriously with both the Creator of marriage and our mate. The beginning of marriage is a covenant into which we enter with God and the mate which we marry - Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14; Ezekiel 16:8; Proverbs 2:16-17; Romans 7:1-3. The marriage covenant is an arrangement determined by God for the good of man “from the beginning” - Matthew 19:4; Genesis 2:24. Because marriage is God’s institution (Genesis 2:24), it is a permanent relationship that man enters into with his mate, and is not man’s to do with as he pleases - Matthew 19:6! Man CANNOT make void, nullify, or “put asunder” the marriage covenant. The only one who can loose a man or a woman from their married partner, to which God joined them and with whom they are under a covenant relationship, is God Himself -- and then, and ONLY then, the innocent party can “put away”, divorce, repudiate when fornication was committed by their unfaithful (guilty) spouse - Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9. God does not give man the right to end this covenant which HE (God) MADE and into which man enters in marriage. Any covenant made between God and man is not subject to being ignored, altered, or eradicated by man - Galatians 3:15. The only way one can be released from the covenant is when all the terms of it have been fulfilled or met (in the case of marriage, at death – Romans 7:1-3), or when GOD releases one (as in one’s mate committing fornication – Matthew 19:9). Man may work against or outside the covenant, or in opposition to it (like getting a civil document for any cause other than fornication), but man CANNOT bring that covenant to an end. We do not make a marriage covenant with God (meaning we do not sit down with God to work out the terms; like in making a contract); it (the covenant) is already there; we merely submit to the covenant He has made for us, because we completely trust Him to do the best thing for us - Proverbs 3:5-6. We simply agree to enter the covenant in order to enjoy the blessings He has placed in marriage. Consider the fact that God saw that it was not good for man to be alone BEFORE He created Eve, and therefore decided to give him a suitable helper. In other words, God made this covenant before He made Eve, and therefore BEFORE He joined them in marriage. Therefore, even though a man and woman who decide to marry may not recognize the God of the Bible in their coming together, He still is the one who originated marriage and the one who made the covenant into which they are entering with Him and each other. Think about, two Muslims enter His covenant and He joins them. Two from Africa enter His covenant and He joins them. Two from the outer reaches of Mongolia enter His covenant and He joins them. Two infidels, atheists or agnostics enter His covenant and He joins them. Whether they understand it or not, agree or disagree, they are entering His covenant and He joins them because marriage originated with God!!! - Genesis 2:24. The Bible nowhere suggests, even remotely, that marriage pertains to Christians only. Notice therefore some consequences and conclusions: Even if two men, or two women, or a man and an animal, may marry by the laws of men, they can never enter God’s covenant and be joined in His sight. An adulterer may marry (remarry) by the laws of men, BUT they can never enter God’s covenant and be joined in His sight. Some may annul a marriage by the laws of man, BUT they entered His covenant and are still joined in His sight. WHY? Because marriage is God’s institution (Genesis 2:24), and not man’s to do with as he wants!!! - Matthew 19:4-6.

Marriage is a special relationship between two people - 1 Corinthians 7:27,39. Since men and women are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) and God is one in relational unity, One in Three Persons, sharing love within Himself (John 17:20-23), it naturally follows that men and women seek to share life with others in relationships, especially the deep, intimate relationship between a husband and wife - Matthew 19:4-6. Jehovah God described His relationship with Israel in terms of husband and wife; and Paul speaks of the relationship between a husband and wife as a means of understanding the relationship between Christ and the church - Isaiah 50:1, Hosea 1:1-3:5, Ephesians 5:22-33. These metaphors work for a reason: the intimacy which should exist between husband and wife is a physical shadow of the spiritual reality of the intimacy between man and God. Man finds himself in all sorts of relationships in life. The first relationship that every person finds themselves a part of is that of an offspring of their parents. The Bible teaches that there is an action in marriage and also a purpose -- namely the joining together. The word “bind” or “bond” tells us something about the marriage relationship. The word is “to bind, or to tie fast.” It means “as to put into chains, to lock together.” If man is bound to a wife, or a woman is bound to a husband … this expresses the idea of a marriage relationship. Marriage is far more than just a “functional relationship”. Marriage is the closest relationship a man and woman will have on this earth. Marriage is a fusion of a husband and a wife into one God-made unit. The fusion of two people take place when a man and a woman have obeyed the law of God concerning marriage (whether they know that law, or not). Marriage is not the kind of relationship you can “try out.” A person cannot experience marriage without the commitment that makes it marriage. It takes an uncompromising commitment to open up the remarkable joys of marriage. The Holy Spirit has the apostle Paul to address this when he commands husbands to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25) and wives to love their husbands - Titus 2:4. This love is not emotional but volitional -- a deep resolve to live unselfishly for the good of their partner. In marriage, God teaches that a man and a woman have rights and responsibilities to one another that they sustain to no one else. In marriage the two, a man and his wife, obligate themselves to one another according to certain rules and laws. God has given some rules and laws, and man has made others. Marriage is a blessed one if we discipline ourselves to do the will of God. And consider this: marriage is such an important relationship and institution, and it holds a prominent aspect in the lives of most people… Consider how much time is consumed with regard to searching for a suitable person to marry. Consider how much time is spent weighing a person’s options whether to get married to a particular person, or not marry. Consider how much time a husband and wife devote to cultivating and experiencing their marriage. And for some, consider how much time is spent coming to terms with the end of a marriage due to death or divorce.

Marriage is between a man and a woman - Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4-6. Male and female was God’s idea. The action and purpose in marriage is the joining together of a man and a woman. Marriage, as God designed it and as the Bible describes it, is not a union of homosexuals or of lesbians. Marriage is not a union of a man and an animal. And marriage is not a commune of people of both sexes, or of one sex. These are all perversions. Marriage is between a man and woman.

Marriage is a “holy triune not a human duet!” (whether you understand it or not) - Malachi 2:14; Proverbs 2:17. God has an integral part in joining a man and a woman in a life-long covenant and sacred relationship (marriage is “until death do you part!”). God is involved in our marriage (whether we understand it or not). When entering into the marriage covenant, remember the vow and the commitment you make to your spouse is made in the presence of God Almighty! Marriage is to be valued and respected … in vows … “for better or for worse”. If you break your vow to your spouse -- you still have to keep your vow to God, “until death do you part.” The vow is “until death do you part,” NOT “until divorce do you part” - Ecclesiastes 5:4; Proverbs 20:25. Remember what you vowed / promised in the eyes of God, and work to fulfill your lifelong marriage vows to your spouse. Husbands … wives, remember the vows, promises, and pledges you made, in the eyes of God, to your spouse a long time ago: “To love and to cherish, to have and to hold; in health and in sickness; in adversity or prosperity; for richer or for poorer; for better or for worse; and I promise to be faithful to you, and forsaking all others, to keep myself to you and you alone, until death parts us.” When a man makes a vow or a pledge to God or before God, he cannot slack to pay that debt, or that vow. Man is obligated to do what he promises, and God holds him to that vow. God does not tolerate the easy abandonment of these vows (Matthew 19:3-12; Mark 6:17-18). The will of God … His law … protects us from our own lust and stupidity until we learn that real fulfilment in marriage is built on faithfulness to a life-long pledge. For those who are married and who are faithful Christians, as two people move closer to the Lord, they will move closer to each other. Picture this relationship as a triangle; a triangle with Jesus Christ at the top point, and with husband and wife at the bottom corners. Now, as the husband and wife get closer to Christ, they will move closer to each other. BUT, what a shame when those who become unfaithful, when they choose to move away from their spouse and away from the Lord, all at the same time.

Marriage is between a man and a woman … both who are free to be married in the sight of God (ie., with His approval).

Who is free to marry? (in the sight of God!).

Ø One who has never married before - Genesis 2:24.

Ø One whose spouse is deceased - Romans 7:3

Ø One who, as the innocent party, put away their spouse for the cause of fornication - Matthew 19:9.

Who is NOT free to marry? (in the sight of God!)

Ø One who is already married.

Ø One who is put away for any cause.

Ø One who put away his/her spouse for some cause other than fornication.

Ø One who doesn’t have a clear conscience about whether or not the person that he / she is desiring to marry has the right to marry – cf. Matthew 19:12

Although society in general may recognize a particular marriage as lawful and acceptable, that does not mean that God will accept the union, though it may qualify as “marriage” by the “civil” laws of the land. For example, note Mark 6:16-18. Notice, Herod had “married” Herodias, yet John the Baptist said, “it is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” A marriage may be lawful in the eyes of man; but yet the joining together of two persons as marriage does not mean that union is acceptable to God (cf. Matthew 19:9; Romans 7:1-3). A person living in adultery, for example, has no right in the eyes of God to be married again, because they are already married in the eyes God, even as they have married ANOTHER person - Mark 10:11-12. And being baptized without repenting does not wash away an adulterous marriage! - Acts 2:38.

Marriage is an exclusive relationship - Genesis 1:27,28; Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 7:2. The Biblical and traditional marriage is set in the example of Adam and Eve. NOT Adam and Stephen! NOT Andrea and Eve! Marriage, as ordained by God, involves one man and one woman. Eve – one woman, not multiple women, was made for Adam (Genesis 2). Jesus Christ said that “the two shall be one flesh … So then, they are no longer two but one flesh”. The emphasis is on the numerical “two” and “one.” Thus, marriage is monogamous in character from “the beginning”. Monogamy – defined – “the condition of being married to one person at a time”. Later in human history, when mankind engaged in polygamy, God was not pleased (polygamy was practiced subsequent to or after Genesis 2). Marriage is the traditional and Biblical format for families … a man and woman, and children when they are brought in to this relationship … this agrees with science and cannot be refuted. Marriage is not only a way of life, it is God’s plan for the family and hence, having children. Marriage is the long established institution for having children … the family unit.

What is NOT a Marriage! (In the sight of God). Marriage OUTSIDE the marriage covenant:

Ø A civil marriage where adultery is involved.

Ø A civil marriage involving members of the same sex.

Ø A civil marriage involving animals or other nonsense.

Ø Fornication (and shacking up).

Marriage is to be a permanent relationship in this life - Matthew 19:6; Romans 7:1-3. Marriage is indissoluble (except by death). Jehovah God intended that this marriage relationship be indissoluble. God tells us that His ideal is for a man to be the husband of one wife and for the marriage to be permanent. Marriage is for life … until the death of one of the two … “until death do you part”. In marriage, the two, the man and the woman, are BOUND to each other for LIFE. No one should try to put asunder their marriage! God hates divorce - Malachi 2:16. There is no such thing as marriage beyond the grave - Mark 12:25. When I leave this body, and my wife leaves her body, we will be kinsmen, as brethren in the Lord in eternity, and not as husband and wife.

Marriage is a LEAVING of father and mother - Genesis 2:24. God shows that there is to be a priority in a marriage. Marriage begins with a LEAVING -- a leaving of all other relationships. The closest relationship outside of marriage (that of a parent and child) is specified here, implying that if it is necessary to leave your father and mother, then certainly all lesser ties must be broken, changed, or left behind. When a man and woman marry, they leave the ties of parents, friends, and relationships to begin a new relationship of their own together with each other. Many times this does not happen, and as a result there are major problems in a marriage. A parent / child relationship is wonderful and demanding, but the marriage relationship is more demanding! Leaving our parents does not mean to abandon them. The bonds of love with parents are lasting ones. However, these ties must change in character so that the man’s full commitment is now to his wife, and the wife’s commitment is now to her husband. The Lord gave the man this commandment, although the principle applies to both husband and wife, because it is up to the man to establish a new household for which he will be responsible. He can no longer be dependent on his father and mother; he can no longer be under their authority, for now he assumes headship of his own family. Yes, the adult must continue to honor his parents and care for them when necessary, but in doing so, he assumes a responsibility for them at that point in time - cf. Matthew 15:3-9.

Marriage is the action of GOD JOINING two persons together in holy matrimony - Matthew 19:4-6. When a man and a woman marry, GOD JOINS them. This joining or this binding or this making them one flesh is done by the hand of God. Marriage is constituted of those that are joined by God. Not all marriages are joined by God. Two people sleeping together and making house is not marriage. Two people fornicating in the back of a car is not marriage. Others equate marriage with just undergoing a civil ceremony and the two individuals are then bound to each other in marriage, BUT if the two are not free to marry to begin with, how can they be bound to another? They can’t! Only a man and woman, both are who free to marry, are those who are joined in marriage by God when they wed. The husband and wife relationship could be compared to two pieces of paper that are glued together. If you try to separate two pieces of paper, you tear them both. If you try to separate the husband and wife, both are hurt … and in the cases where they have children, the children are hurt as well. “A man’s children are pieces of himself; but a man’s wife is himself”. What God has joined together, man is NOT to SEPARATE!

Marriage is a CLEAVING of a man and a woman together - Genesis 2:24. In marriage, a husband and wife are to CLEAVE to each other; i.e. the formation of a new family unit made by the two. When a man and woman wed, they are joined for life in a special physical relationship.

Marriage is a ONE FLESH relationship - Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:25-33; Hebrews 13:4. Marriage is a physical union … between physical people. When a man and a woman marry, the two become ONE FLESH. A husband and a wife are to walk together, joined, bound, one flesh, tied together. A husband and a wife are to work together to make themselves one. Marriage is where a culture of two people is blended together into one, and out of that oneness there emerges a new shared culture together. Marriage means oneness … including intimate physical union without shame. Although it goes far deeper than the physical, becoming one flesh involves more than togetherness and includes the intimate physical union between a husband and wife. Sexual relations between marriage partners … between a husband and a wife … is not shameful. It is also clear, from these passages, that sexual relations are reserved only for the marriage relationship. Marriage is a partnership - 1 Peter 3:7. A man and his wife are to help each other to go to Heaven. A man and his wife, having a very close and intimate friendship, are to help and support each other in their lives, and expressing that love even through physical intimacy. Many marriages fall well short of the ideal that the Bible depicts, with two virtual strangers living under the same roof. Marriage is about sharing our lives. God’s plan for marriage is that of a place where a “culture of two” is created to be one. Marriage is about sharing our lives, and about the “oneness” that emerges from that shared culture. Marriage becomes the central situation in which we grow toward and with each other to become what God intends us to be, and is the context in which we also lovingly raise our children to know Him. The leaving, cleaving, and knowing each other results in a new identity in which two individuals merge into one -- one in mind, heart, body and spirit – is quite remarkable if done God’s way.

Marriage is two people united together in construction - Genesis 2:20,23. A “help meet” (KJV, ASV) = “helper suitable” (NASB) = “helper fit” (RSV) = “helper comparable” (NKJV) = equal. “Woman was never intended to be man’s slave, but his helper; nor was man intended to be woman’s oppressor, but her protector. Not from man’s head was she taken lest she be his ruler, not from his feet lest she becomes his drudge. But from man’s side that she might be his equal; from near his heart that he might protect and preserve her along the rugged path and through the narrow valleys of events that pursue their way” (John Clark). Strong marriages do not “just happen” by accident. They are forged when two people want the same thing in their lives. And in the case of Christians, that common thing (or person) that people build their lives and marriages on is the Lord Jesus Christ and His will. Strong marriages do not happen when two people dedicate themselves to two different careers, and to two different purposes or goals.

Marriage is to be regarded as SACRED -- HOLY - Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 6:16-20; Romans 7:3; 1 Corinthians 7:39; Hebrews 13:4. Marriage is honorable among all people, understanding from that, of course, that these people are in the proper relationship of marriage. When a person, who has no right to marry, marries … that marriage bed is NOT honorable; that marriage is not somehow made honorable. An adulterous marriage or a homosexual marriage, or a polygamist marriage cannot be honorable for these souls are not in the proper relationship of marriage. A person might have the blessing of society and / or civil laws may be passed by civil government and these people may obtain a civil document saying that they are married, BUT they are NOT married in the eyes of God! There is nothing and no one that can grant people the right to marry, divorce for any reason, remarry, divorce for any reason, remarry, divorce for any reason, etc. (Matthew 19:9) … and it then can somehow and in some way be honorable. The marriage bed of those who have the right to be married is not defiled. BUT the fornicator’s bed is defiled and will be judged. And the adulterer’s bed is defiled and will be judged … and it does not matter whether they are married, with a civil document, or not! And the homosexual’s bed is defiled and will be judged … and it does not matter whether they are married, with a civil document, or not! The sanctity / the sacredness / the blessedness of marriage is realized in the faithfulness of a man and a woman to each other, and each of them unto God’s covenant. The sacredness of marriage is also suggested by the fact that inspiration used the husband-wife relationship to illustrate the relationship which exists between Christ and His church - Ephesians 5:22-32. Marriage is a holy institution -- where two persons enter into a sacred covenant -- and therefore marriage is to be treated with the utmost care. Marriage is part of the order of God’s good creation, and ought to be held in honor and a means by which we can come to a better understanding of our relationship with God.

Marriage is sanctioned by the Lord Jesus Christ, and was hallowed in His teaching concerning the sanctity of marriage. This was shown by our Lord Himself being present at a wedding - John 2:1-2. And as shown in His teaching - Matthew 19:4-6.

Marriage is a union of two people who formed such a union in accordance with the laws of civil government, society standards and customs, and / or family traditions … and especially with the blessings of God - Romans 13:1; Acts 4:19-20; Acts 5:29. In all civil matters not inherently contradictory to God’s will, every person must obey the civil law of their local and national government, and comply with the laws of civilized society … even with regard to marriage. In all things, even in marriage, we are to provide things honest in the sight of God and in the sight of all men – Romans 12:17-18; 2 Corinthians 8:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12.

Marriage is a basic building block of society - Psalm 11:3; Psalm 33:12; Psalm 127:1; Proverbs 14:34. A society will not endure when the family foundation is destroyed. Remove marriage … and the entire structure of home, family, school, government, business, and church crumbles. As the home goes, so goes the nation. The family (a father and a mother, with children, loving each other and caring for each other) is, in fact, the foundation of civilization. Marriage and family represents one of the most important aspects of life. If the family unit is destroyed, then civilization will quickly follow in destruction. Same-sex marriages, unnatural relationships, free love without commitment, etc, when followed to their conclusions will destroy civilization as we now see it. We live in a throwaway world, and marriage is thought of in the same way by so many people. The mentality of so many seems to be, “if it doesn’t bring instant gratification, throw it away and try another!” This same mentality has also invaded marriage and family relationships. The first time something goes wrong in the relationship, the attitude is … “I am out of here!” Marriage is too vital a key to the very survival of our society … and thus, marriage must not be tampered with. In His wisdom, God intended for marriage to remain a strong and enduring base for society. As the stronger party in and originator of the marriage covenant, Jehovah God entered into an eternal agreement with mankind to guarantee the solemnity, holiness, and permanence of the marriage institution. A man and a woman, as the other party to the marriage covenant, must agree with God to maintain faithfully their part of this sacred institution. Only then can mankind expect to have a stable society … both in the world and in the church. Man does not have the right to change marriage, to alter it to suit himself or society, or leave it at will. As our society foolishly, blindly rushes toward moral destruction, Christians must be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” - Matthew 5:13-16. Marriage is for the honor and happiness of mankind.

Marriage is the place where all desires (physical, emotional, and sexual) are fulfilled and gratification is to be satisfied - Genesis 2:24; Genesis 3:16; Proverbs 5:15-20; Song of Solomon 7:10; 1 Corinthians 7:2-3; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:7. The Hebrew word “desire” used here means to have “a vehement longing” for something. The wife is to focus on her husband, yields herself to him, and finds fulfillment in him. The husband is to focus on his wife, yields himself to her, and finds fulfillment in her. A husband and wife are to be the best of friends … they need no other to talk to and to share life’s pleasures or displeasures. A husband and wife should always want to be together with each other … spending quality time with each other … listening to each other, helping each other, encouraging each other, etc. We are not to be seeking to fulfill our desires and / or satisfy our gratification in the arms and ears of friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, strange flesh, etc.

Marriage is for man’s benefit.

ü One benefit and purpose of marriage is companionship - Genesis 2:18-25; Ecclesiastes 4:9; 1 Corinthians 7:2. It is a common fact that man is a social being. The thought here is that man was made for companionship and not for isolation. Picture Adam in this beautiful environment in Eden … he had the fellowship of God and the company of the birds and the animals, yet he was alone. God saw that this was “not good.” So, God created woman – a perfect solution for overcoming man’s loneliness. Our wise and loving Creator made another creature, like Adam, yet wondrously unlike him … woman! The creation of man was now complete; the woman complements the man. Man and woman coming together in marriage is God’s idea of completeness. Man’s life is enhanced and increased by having a proper companion. Woman was designed to be man’s “helper.” The Hebrew word translated “help meet” suggests a counter-part. Some versions have the footnote, “helper comparable to him.” Man and woman were meant for each other and are totally suitable for each other – intellectually, emotionally and physically, and spiritually a helper too – 1 Peter 3:7.

ü And marriage is a benefit against loneliness. It is possible for a married couple to live in the same house and still struggle with loneliness. In this case, a husband and / or wife are not meeting the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical needs of each other. Loneliness was not God’s design for man … His design is COMPANIONSHIP and COMMITMENT for the two of them together. Also in marriage, there is to be the benefit of care and protection.

ü Another benefit of marriage is that both persons were created for each other - Genesis 2:18-23; 1 Corinthians 11:7-9. This is not a popular concept in the liberal society of mankind today, but nonetheless that is what the Bible says. The Bible says … God made Eve, a woman, not a man, for Adam. The woman was created for man! Since God made woman for man, she is ideally suited both emotionally, anatomically, and psychologically to meet the needs of man. And also, by necessary conclusion, the opposite is true … man was made for the woman and he was made to meet the needs of woman. Neither are popular concepts in our society today, but are true facts!

ü Another benefit of marriage is for sexual fulfillment - Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5. Marriage is a remedy against fornication - 1 Corinthians 7:2.

ü Another benefit of marriage is for the blessings of a domestic structure … a home - Titus 2:2-5. When there is love in the home, there is joy, peace and happiness. In the home, when each other submits to the needs of other, and does things the way that God intends, there will be honor and respect. The home will be a place of safety and security for the family.

ü Another benefit of marriage is for communication - 1 Peter 3:1-7. Marriage is more than sex and romance. There is communication … the ability to commune with each other, to understand and be understood in a loving way, is essential to the conjugal relationship. A husband and the wife are to focus on the needs of each other.

ü Another benefit of marriage is the benefit of bringing children into the relationship, and into the world - Genesis 1:27,28; Psalm 127:4-5; Proverbs 22:6. Fornicators, adulterers, and perverts can bear and raise children, BUT, it violates God’s moral code, … and it does not matter whether you are married or not!

ü Another benefit of marriage is the benefit of bringing happiness (not misery) - Genesis 2:23. Adam was delighted with the sense of unity he had with the woman. He expressed tremendous excitement and joy. God has designed marriage for our joy and happiness; His purpose has never changed. True happiness in marriage will come from both the husband and the wife understanding the roles for each other in marriage. With this deep love, the roles will easily be accomplished as the two work together to create a happy marriage.

Marriage is a good thing - Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 18:22; Hebrews 13:4. God wants a man and woman to be fulfilled in marriage. But when people seek to marry outside of God’s designed purpose of marriage … it is NOT a good thing!

Marriage is serious business. Marriage is a big decision … it is for a life-long relationship. Marriage is a very binding arrangement. The seriousness of marriage is understood in the importance of choosing the right mate prior to a marriage ceremony.

Conclusion:

Ø Ladies and Gentleman, God ordained marriage!

Ø We all must respect the institution of marriage and the Marriage Covenant of God.

Ø Marriage is to be an obedience unto the law of God (whether they know that law, or not).

Ø When Jehovah God’s pattern with regard to marriage is obeyed, it will work and will result in one of the most fulfilling human relationships known to man.

Ø Such a marriage can also spiritually enhance both the husband and the wife and bestow on them blessings which cannot otherwise by enjoyed.

Ø Marriage is a physical union between those who are eligible to be married, of a man and a woman, of such as are joined together or bound together and made one flesh in the sight of God.

Ø Unmarried persons must respect the will of God by keeping themselves pure and marrying only those who have a right to marry.

Ø Married persons must respect God’s will by living according to God’s holy ordinance, by honoring their vows, by loving and honoring their spouse, and by protecting their marriage from any and all outside interferences.

Ø All of us must respect the institution of God by keeping our noses out of other people’s marriages and business.

Ø Marriage is to be regarded as holy, respected according to God’s law, and kept in the bounds of virtue and honor and patience and kindness and love, God intends that marriage be holy, and the bed of marriage undefiled.

Ø Marriage originated with God, He designed it to be monogamous in character, and it is indissoluble (except by death).

Ø The ideal marriage is one in which the husband and wife are both devoted, faithful, obedient Christians.

Ø A great marriage becomes a place of shelter, hope, and strength during difficult times, and a place of deep joy and thankfulness to God for all the goodness we experience.

Ø Through marriage, those who marry can find blessings, love, and peace by reflecting God’s purposes or we can find misery and pain in a sin-broken relationship. If we marry, let us seek to reflect the Lord Jesus in our marriages for His glory and praise!

By Anthony Genton

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