BY GENERATION AND KISS MEDIA
Question:
I have been dating a wonderful man for two years. We are both very serious and
involved with our relationship and have spoken about marriage favorable.
However, today’s view of marriage seems to teach that marriage is based on your
happiness and can be temporary. I’m worried that I’m not prepared for how God
wants me to view marriage. What does the Bible say about
marriage?
Answer:
Before we dig into several aspects of marriage, it’s important to start with
the Biblical definition of marriage. Marriage was instituted by God in the
Garden of Eden at the time of man’s creation as a union between man and woman (Genesis 2:18-24).
Facts the Bible Tells Us about Marriage:
- Marriage is an indissoluble relationship except on the highest grounds (Matthew 19:9).
- Monogamous relationship between husband and wife as stated in the original law (Matthew 19:5, 1 Corinthians 6:16).
- Husband and wife are equal before God (Ephesians 5:29-31, 1 Peter 3:7).
- The relationship is to reflect the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
- Husband is the loving head of relationship and wife is subordinate (1 Corinthians 11:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:13, Ephesians 5:21-33, Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:1-6).
- The relationship is fruitful (Genesis 1:28a).
In summary, we can see that marriage is an intimate and complementing union between a man and a woman in which the two become one physically, in the whole of life. The purpose of marriage is to reflect the relationship of the Godhead and to serve him. Although the fall has marred the divine purpose and function of marriage, this definition reflects the God-ordained ideal for marriage from the beginning.
To read more on the Biblical definition of marriage, read our comprehensive, in-depth commentary at:
Biblical Marriage as a Witness and Example
“By this shall all men
know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another”(John 13:35).
Marriage is a significant institution by which a lost world can see
Christianity in action. Marriage is the most intimate of human relationships in
which husbands and wives learn to model Christ’s love. Marriage is the 18-year
training ground for children so that they can also love “one another.” Marriage
provides a unique opportunity to reflect Him as a couple. Marriage provides a
platform for accomplishing God’s intentions for mankind.
Read more at: A Biblical Perspective of Marriage
How is the Bible’s view of marriage different than what the world says?
Lie 1: “If you’re not compatible, you may have married the wrong person.”
God’s truth says that marriage is a covenant relationship. Once you choose to marry, it’s no longer up for debate as to whether your spouse is the “right one.” Marriage makes them the right one, for it’s a commitment before God. It’s never to be based on shifting feelings, but a choice every day to love the spouse you’ve chosen to marry. In a world that often prefers to “trade in for an updated version,” this truth doesn’t make sense. But according to God’s Word it’s very clear.
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:9)
Lie 2: “If you’re not happy, don’t stay in an unhappy situation. You deserve more.”
For many of us, marriage can tend to bring our selfishness out like nothing else. We want our way. We insist on our rights. We want our spouse to make us happy, and right now! In the midst of demands, we’ll never be free to truly love and serve one another. Our focus will tend to be one-sided – our side – and what we want. Yet God’s goal for marriage was not just to “make us happy.” The truest picture of marriage is that it symbolizes the love of Christ for us. And His desire for us all is that we be made more into the image of Himself.
KISS NEWS 