The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred, God-ordained covenant between a man and a woman, designed to unite them as "one flesh." This union goes beyond physical intimacy, symbolizing a profound, lifelong commitment and oneness in body, soul, and spirit. Key biblical points about marriage include:
- Marriage was created by God at the beginning of human history, as described in Genesis 2:23-24, where a man and woman leave their parents to become united in marriage.
- The phrase "one flesh" emphasizes that marriage creates a new, unified human relationship, essential and foundational, reflecting God's design.
- Jesus reaffirmed the sanctity and permanence of marriage, stating in Matthew 19:6, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."
- Marriage is a covenant intended to be permanent and unbreakable, with a commitment for "as long as we both shall live."
- Ephesians 5:22-33 outlines roles within marriage, urging husbands to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church, and wives to respect their husbands.
- Marriage reflects God's relational nature and mirrors the love and commitment between Christ and His church.
- Sin challenges marriage, but God's intention is for it to endure through struggle, holding the couple together.
- Marriage is not primarily about self-fulfillment, but about representing God's love and image through faithful, committed partnership.
In summary, the Bible presents marriage as a divinely established, lifelong union built on love, faithfulness, mutual respect, and covenant commitment, designed to mirror God's relational love and to endure life's hardships together. This sacred union is to be honored, protected, and nurtured as a fundamental relationship ordained by God.
