Marriage.

• It is an ordinance of God
  • God created man male and female, and gave the gift of marriage even before the Fall. Gen 1 vs 27, 2 vs 18-25.
  • The Lord Jesus Christ declared that men and women united in marriage are united by GOD. Matt 19 vs 4-6
    So - marriage must not be looked upon as a useful custom, but as a divine institution. It is not man's idea, but God's idea for men and women.
  • men and women are God's creatures, and have no right to enter into any relationship with each other except for marriage, which He has ordained
  • no State has a right to have a law of marriage which is different from that which is taught in God's Word.
• It is to be a lifetime-union between one man and one woman.
  • Its original institution makes this clear. Gen. 2 vs 18-25
  • The words of the Lord. Jesus Christ make this clear. Matt. l9 vs 3-l0.
  • The Bible permits divorce in certain cases. Matt 19 vs 9, 1 Cor 7 vs 12-17
  • But it never commands, encourages or approves of divorce.
  • In fact, God hates divorce. Malachi 2 vs 16.
  • Marriage is for life; all divorce & separation is contrary to God's order.
• It is given for clear reasons.
  • husband and wife complement each other, and find in each other satisfying companionship and mutual help. Gen. 2 vs 18-25.
  • they cleave to each other, and this is God's ordinance for the increase of the human race (Gen. 1 vs 28) and the prevention of uncleanness (1 Cor. 7.9).
  • in this context they subdue and replenish the earth (Gen. l vs 28-29). The family is the basic unit of human society, where authority, love, care & nurture are to be found. The health of family life decides the health of society at large. (10 Commandments vs whole Bible).
• It is a gift which has certain restrictions.
  • Marriage is honourable and lawful in all people. Heb 13 vs 4. The Bible Does not teach that it is 'more holy' to remain single. A Christian, however, may only marry fellow-believer. 1 Cor 7 vs 39.
  • Nobody may marry a close relative, that is anybody closer than a cousin, even if that relative is only a relative of your deceased partner. (Leviticus 18 vs 6-23, 20 vs 10-21 still applies, because it refers to permanent relationships, not to the temporary ceremonies of the Jews).
• It is a gift which has certain rules
  • It requires a public wedding ceremony - private consent is not sufficient
  • this was the practice in the Bible - referred to many times
  • Jesus approved of it - He attended a wedding (John 2 vs 1-11), and often referred to them in His own teaching.
  • It is unthinkable that there should be physical union of husband and wife before a ceremony is performed. see Matt 1 vs 18.
  • It sets up a new relationship.
  • it means leaving one's parents & joining to your partner. Gen. 2 vs 24.
  • this new relationship has priority over all previous relationships.
  • ONLY in marriage may physical union of man and woman take place.
  • this is true, even if a couple must wait ... a long time before being married. See Jacob's example - Gen. 29 vs l5-30.
  • the act of physical union makes two people into ONE. 1 Cor 6 vs l5-20. We are only to be united as one person with a partner to whom we are totally and exclusively committed for life.
  • any departure from God's order is prohibited and condemned. Exodus 20 vs l4, Lev l8 vs 20, Heb l3 vs 4. (See also 2 Peter 2 vs 6, 1 Cor 6 vs 18).
• Clearly defined roles are given in God's Word for each member of the family
  • loving husbands. Eph 5 vs 25,28 & 33. Col 3 vs 19.
  • submissive wives. Eph 5 vs 22-33, Col 3 vs 18-19.
  • obedient children. Eph 6 vs 1-3, Col 3 vs 20, see Exodus 20 vs l2

* So sacred and holy is the marriage, relationship, that God uses it to picture Christ's relationship with His people. Eph 5 vs 22-33.

* True happiness and blessedness lie in keeping God's Word (Psalm 1). Those considering marriage do well to remember this, as do those already joined together by God.

* For those who have failed there is, cleansing and forgiveness available in the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 1 vs 9