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What God's Word Says About Marriage

Revealing God’s Purpose In The Marriage Covenant.

“’For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one.”   – Mark 10:7-8

Definition:
A divinely ordained relationship between a man and a woman that is proclaimed publicly with a commitment established in  trust.  Whereas a legal contract is established on the basis of mistrust.

With a fundamental understanding of the Scriptures we can discover God’s design for the beauty and sanctity of marriage. (Genesis 2:20-25)

Marriage is established by God
God established the rules of marriage.
The institution of marriage is divine in origin and is not subject to cultural whims, political correctness, or majority votes.
God established the value of marriage.
He has elevated the marriage relationship to be the most significant commitment between human beings.  Love of others, animals, or creation can never compare or  surpass the love and commitment established in a Biblical marriage.
God established the covenant of marriage.
Marriage is not a contract between two people.  It is a commitment to God as well as each other.  This adds a supernatural strength, accountability and potential for success.

Biblical marriage is a covenant

A marriage covenant has parties.

  1. A man and a woman only.  (Genesis 2:18-24)  A Biblical marriage is made up of one man and one woman. There are no other biblical definitions for marriage.
  2. God.  (Malachi 2:14)  A Biblical marriage is witnessed by God and established in heaven before it is recognized on earth.

A marriage covenant has terms.

  1. A biblical marriage is for life.  (Matthew 19:6; Romans 7:2-3)  Commitment to our marriage is not conditional on our spouse's actions or  commitment.  We marry for life or until death because it is a commitment that  God commands.
  2. A biblical marriage is equally yoked.  (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)  This means believers marry believers.
  3. A biblical marriage involves leaving.  (Matthew 19:5)  Commitment to the marriage covenant includes the severing of emotional,  physical, and financial dependence upon parents.

A marriage covenant has promises.

  1. The two shall become one.  (Genesis 2:21-24)
    A Biblical marriage is the union of two individuals whose lives supernaturally  blend together physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and financially.
  2. Be fruitful and multiply.  (Genesis 1:28; Malachi 2:15)
    A biblical marriage accomplishes the God given privilege of procreation and  family.  It is important to note here that a family is established when a man  and a woman unite in marriage.  If conceiving or child rearing is not possible  due to medical reasons, a Biblical family still exists.
  3. Our prayers are unhindered.  (1 Peter 3:7)
    A Biblical marriage with mutual and proper respect allows our prayer life to  be effective.
  4. Our lives are pure.  (Hebrews 13:4-5; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5)
    The marriage covenant is encompassed with commitment, honor, and trust  that equates to purity and the physical protection from the result of sexual sin.

Maintaining a fulfilling marriage
Not all marriages are created equal.  Marriage has been described as being like two  streams flowing from different directions, colliding with each other and becoming one  larger, more powerful river.  The force of this collision is different for every marriage and  has much to do with having good pre-marriage preparation and an understanding of the God-given roles within marriage.

Start off right.  (Proverbs 15:22)
Solomon, the wisest man to ever live said, "Plans fail for lack of counsel."  Make no exceptions to seeking out strong, practical Biblical pre-marriage counseling.   This will make the force of impact of two lives becoming one, much less traumatic.

Understand Your roles.  (Ephesians 5:21-33)
A husband is commanded to love, cherish and protect his wife as Christ does the  church, willing to give up his life for her.  Wives are to submit to and respect their  husbands by allowing them to love, cherish and protect them.  This would include acknowledging that the husband has been given a God-ordained responsibility as the  spiritual head of his wife as Christ is head of the church.  This is a relationship of mutual love and submission.

Have a maintenance plan. 
Be willing to attend counseling, seminars, retreats, and read books that help  strengthen your marriage.  You don't have to wait until troubles occur.