The Union called Marriage

Marriage is a legal and social union between two individuals, typically recognized by the state or government, which establishes rights and obligations between the spouses. It is often seen as a commitment between two people to share their lives together, both emotionally and legally.

As first described in Genesis and later affirmed by Jesus, marriage is a God-ordained, covenant relationship between a man and a woman. This lifelong, sexually exclusive relationship brings children into the world and thus sustains the stewardship of the earth

Marriage has been a long-standing institution in many cultures and societies, although its specific forms and requirements have varied throughout history. Traditionally, marriage has been associated with religious and cultural customs, and it has often been seen as a way to form a family unit, provide social stability, and ensure the continuation of society through procreation.

In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition and acceptance of same-sex marriage in many countries. This has been a significant development in the evolution of marriage, as it has expanded the traditional understanding of marriage beyond the confines of heterosexuality.

Marriage provides certain legal rights and benefits to the spouses, such as tax benefits, inheritance rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for each other. It also establishes legal responsibilities and obligations, including financial support and the duty to care for one another.

It is important to note that the specific laws and regulations surrounding marriage can vary from country to country and even within different regions or jurisdictions. Some countries have enacted laws allowing for same-sex marriage, while others may not recognize it or have restrictions in place.

Marriage is the beginning—the beginning of the family—and is a life-long commitment. It also provides an opportunity to grow in selflessness as you serve your wife and children. Marriage is more than a physical union; it is also a spiritual and emotional union. This union mirrors the one between God and His Church.

Overall, marriage is a complex and multifaceted institution that reflects the values, norms, and legal frameworks of a particular society. It continues to evolve and adapt to societal changes, including the recognition of diverse forms of partnerships and relationships.

God designed marriage for three primary purposes: companionship, procreation, and redemption. These purposes are still relevant today and are essential for a healthy society.

Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws.

Applying This Command

Marriage is a blood covenant in which God joins a man and a woman to be one flesh so that they are able to raise up Godly generations. In the discussion that prompted this command, Jesus focused attention on the origin of marriage.

In God’s original covenant of marriage, He caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam. Then He took from Adam a bone (in which blood is manufactured) and formed Eve. Adam then said: “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). The solemnity and seriousness of a blood covenant is illustrated in God’s blood covenant with Abraham. He told Abraham to divide several animals in two and set the parts across from each other. God then caused a deep sleep to come upon Abraham as He “passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram . . .” (Genesis 15:9–17).

The marriage covenant is dishonored when either party entertains a secret delight in some other person. A covenant relationship will not tolerate any competing delight.

Bible Verses for Meditation

In addition to meditation on Matthew 19:4–6, meditating on the verses below will provide you with further insight and understanding of Christ’s command: Honor Marriage.

Ephesians 5:31–33

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

I Corinthians 7:10–13

“And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.”

Malachi 2:16

“For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”