MARRIAGE

Marriage is a covenant between a man and woman, whereby they pledge to belong to one another in a life-long union. There are several elements relative to this institution that are important to understand. (a) The origin of marriage is divine, commencing from the sixth day of the creation week (Gen. 2:24; Mt. 19:5; Eph. 5:31). Man and woman, therefore, must respect God's regulations relative to the institution. (b) The purpose of marriage is manifold. The marital union (the home) is the cement that holds society together; it provides the ideal climate for the rearing of children, etc. Moreover, it provides human beings with a legitimate means of satisfying the sexual desire, if they are so inclined (1 Cor. 7:1ff). It is the means of man's greatest earthly happiness. Any assault upon the integrity of this institution undermines the stability of the human family at large. Additionally, this domestic unit facilitates the ideal environment for the spread of the gospel. This establishes a strong rationale for the preservation of its sanctity. (c) The regulations regarding marriage have been divinely imposed and may not be altered by civil adjudication. Marriage was designed as a heterosexual arrangement (cf. Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Jude 7), involving one man and one woman (monogamous), abiding in the relationship for life (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; contrast 4:19). Though God tolerated a laxness toward the marriage relationship during a time of incomplete revelation (Mt. 19:8; Acts 14:16; 17:30), such permissiveness is given no license under the new and better covenant (Heb. 8:6). Jesus restored marriage to its original status (Mt. 19:8). Under the new covenant, the only cause for a second marriage is due to the death of one's spouse (Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:39), or the remarriage of an innocent victim who has left a union breached by fornication (Mt. 5:32; 19:9).