Two shall become one! 10 reasons to get married as Christians and biblical verses that support marriage.
The institution of marriage has not been exempt from the currents of change in a world where societal transformations happen quickly. Differentiating family structures, modernizing ceremonies, and reevaluating traditional roles are examples of how marriage has modernized. During these changes, Christianity struggles to uphold the sacred essence of marriage while navigating the complexities of the modern world.
In an era where societal norms are continually redefined, the Christian perspective on marriage remains rooted in the timeless wisdom of biblical teachings. In this article, JanaTribe unravels ten compelling biblical reasons why Christians should embrace the sanctity of marriage in the contemporary world.
10 biblical reasons Christians should get married
The Christian faith has not been immune to the modern transformation of marriage, a holy institution that is honored in many different cultures and religions. Here are some biblical reasons believers should get married:
1. Divine Mandate
The idea of marriage is not a modern one; it has roots in antiquity, as evidenced by biblical passages and marriage-related tales found in the Holy Book for Christians.
One of the reasons Christians should be married is because it is a divine mandate.
Biblical verse: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
In this fundamental verse from Genesis, the divine commandment for unity in marriage is emphasized, along with the sacred relationship that is made when two people join in marriage.
2. Companionship and Support
One of God’s principles says that everything in the universe was created in pairs. That means the sun and the moon are a pair of each other.
The same applies to when two baptised Christians become a couple; they form a body and become each other’s companionship and support.
Biblical verse: “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him'” (Genesis 2:18).
God’s wisdom provides the foundation for the understanding that companionship is a crucial component of marriage, emphasizing the supportive and complementary nature of the union.
3. Reflection of Christ’s Love
Bible verse: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
Marriage becomes a powerful reflection of Christ’s sacrificial love for the church, with husbands called to emulate this selfless devotion to their wives.
4. God-Ordained Partnership
Bible verse: “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
God-ordained partnership in marriage is celebrated in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the strength derived from unity and mutual support.
5. Procreation and Family
Bible verse: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3-5).
Marriage is seen as a divine platform for procreation, and the formation of families with children is considered a precious gift from God.
6. Fidelity and Exclusivity
Bible verse: “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:15-20).
Proverbs encourages people to celebrate the lifelong commitment established in marriage by extolling the values of integrity and exclusivity in a married relationship.
7. Sanctification
Bible verse: “For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband” ( 1 Corinthians 7:14).
Matrimony is perceived as a sanctifying agent that impacts the spiritual development of both spouses and cultivates a holy atmosphere.
8. Mutual Submission
Bible verse: “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).
Ephesians provides the foundation for the idea of mutual submission in marriage, which depicts a peaceful union in which both partners respect and give priority to each other’s needs.
9. Emotional and Physical Intimacy
Bible verse: “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me” (Song of Solomon 7:10).
The Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty of emotional and physical intimacy within the marital relationship, acknowledging the God-given desire and connection between spouses.
10. Godly Legacy
Bible verse: “Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15).
When religion, morals, and love are passed down through marriage, it is believed that a godly legacy can be created that will influence future generations.
A breakdown of the disparities between biblical and legal marriage
The two main paradigms that govern marriage, which is a timeless institution, are biblical and legal.
Within the context of human relationships, legal marriages are frequently the focal point, publicly seen, and accepted by the general public. On the other hand, the biblically grounded Christian view of marriage is a component that is occasionally disregarded in the larger conversation.
The Christian interpretation of marriage has a deep spiritual value that strengthens the bond between partners, even while formal partnerships are awarded social acceptance.
Despite the apparent differences between these frameworks, their significance converges to profoundly affect the institution of marriage. Below is a breakdown of the difference between a legal and biblical marriage.
Biblical marriage: a spiritual covenant
1. Divine Origin:
- Biblical Perspective: Rooted in Genesis 2:24, biblical marriage is seen as a divine institution, with God Himself ordaining the union of a man and a woman.
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage, on the other hand, is primarily a societal contract recognized and regulated by governmental authorities.
2. Covenant and Commitment:
- Biblical Perspective: Marriage, in biblical terms, is not merely a legal agreement but a sacred covenant before God, emphasizing commitment, sacrificial love, and unity.
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage centers around contractual obligations and rights, often emphasizing the legal benefits and responsibilities conferred upon the couple.
3. Purpose and Design:
- Biblical Perspective: Biblical marriage is seen as a reflection of Christ’s love for the church, with the purpose of mutual support, companionship, and procreation.
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage is designed to provide a framework for shared property, inheritance, tax benefits, and legal recognition of familial ties.
Legal marriage: a social contract
1. Regulatory Framework:
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage involves obtaining a marriage license, adhering to specific legal requirements, and having the union officially recognized by government authorities.
- Biblical Perspective: While biblical marriage may align with legal processes, its validity is not solely contingent upon governmental recognition.
2. Rights and Responsibilities:
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage grants spouses certain legal rights, such as inheritance, healthcare decision-making, and financial benefits, while also imposing legal responsibilities.
- Biblical Perspective: Biblical marriage emphasizes mutual submission, love, and respect, with a focus on spiritual responsibilities guided by biblical principles.
3. Dissolution and Divorce:
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage provides a structured process for divorce, allowing couples to dissolve the marriage legally and address matters such as alimony, custody, and division of assets.
- Biblical Perspective: While the Bible acknowledges the possibility of divorce in certain circumstances, its teachings emphasize the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant.
Conclusion
In embracing these biblical reasons, Christians navigate the modern landscape of marriage with a deep-rooted understanding of its divine significance. Through commitment, love, and adherence to biblical principles, Christian marriages become a testament to the enduring wisdom that transcends cultural shifts, fostering relationships that honor God and exemplify His transformative love.
Here’s a recap of the ten biblical reasons Christians should get married:
- Divine Mandate – Genesis 2:24
- Companionship and Support – Genesis 2:18
- Reflection of Christ’s Love – Ephesians 5:25
- God-Ordained Partnership – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
- Procreation and Family – Psalm 127:3-5
- Fidelity and Exclusivity – Proverbs 5:15-20
- Sanctification – 1 Corinthians 7:14
- Mutual Submission – Ephesians 5:21
- Emotional and Physical Intimacy – Song of Solomon 7:10
- Godly Legacy – Malachi 2:15
