Redeemer Equips: The Foundations of Biblical Marriage

Objective: Establish marriage as a divine ordinance rooted in God's creation and covenantal framework, emphasizing Reformed principles like God's sovereignty and the effects of the fall.

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Welcome and overview: Introduce the class series as an exploration of marriage through Reformed theology, drawing from Scripture as the ultimate authority (sola Scriptura).

• Icebreaker: Ask participants to share one word they associate with "marriage" to highlight common misconceptions (e.g., romance vs. covenant).

• Thesis: Marriage is not a human invention but a sovereign gift from God, designed for His glory and our good, as seen in creation and redemption.

Marriage as a Divine Institution in Creation (15 minutes)

• Key Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25

• Explain God's Trinitarian image in humanity: Male and female created to reflect relational unity and diversity (Gen 1:27). From a Reformed view, this underscores God's eternal decree in forming complementary partners.

• Discuss the "helper suitable" (ezer kenegdo) in Gen 2:18—not subordination but essential partnership, like God's help to Israel (Ps 46:1).

• Purpose of marriage: Procreation, companionship, and dominion over creation (Gen 1:28). Tie to Reformed emphasis on cultural mandate—marriage as a building block for society under God's rule.

• Reformed Insight: Reference Calvin's Institutes (Book 2, Ch. 8) on marriage as part of the original creation order, pre-fall perfection. Contrast with modern views of marriage as optional or self-focused.

The Covenant Nature of Marriage (15 minutes)

• Key Scripture: Malachi 2:14; Proverbs 2:17; Ephesians 5:31-32

• Define covenant: A solemn, binding agreement witnessed by God, not a breakable contract (Mal 2:14). In Reformed covenant theology, marriage mirrors God's covenants (e.g., Abrahamic, New Covenant)—unilateral grace sustaining it despite human failure.

• Christological typology: Marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church (Eph 5:32). Husbands and wives embody gospel roles, with Christ's sacrificial love as the model.

• Reformed Nuance: Stress total depravity means no perfect marriages, but God's electing grace preserves them for sanctification.

• Illustration: Compare to the Westminster Confession of Faith (Ch. 24), which views marriage as a "covenant of life" for mutual help and godly offspring.

The Impact of the Fall on Marriage (7 minutes)

• Key Scripture: Genesis 3:16-19

• Sin introduces distortion: Conflict, domination, and toil replace harmony (Gen 3:16). Reformed perspective: Total depravity affects every aspect, making selflessness impossible without regeneration.

• Hope in redemption: Foreshadow Christ as the seed who crushes the serpent (Gen 3:15), restoring marriage through the gospel.

Conclusion and Transition (3 minutes)

• Summarize: Marriage's foundation is God's sovereign design, covenantal commitment, and redemptive purpose.

• Practical Application: Journal one way to align personal marriage views with this biblical foundation.

• Tease Session 2: Next, we'll explore how these foundations shape roles and responsibilities.