What is Marriage?

INTRODUCTION

Is your marriage a contract or covenant? The answer determines your commitment and happiness. Learn what the Bible says.

Marriage has lost its meaning in modern society. It is viewed by many to be a contract that affords social and governmental benefits.

The Bible tells a different tale.

What is marriage?

The Dictionary definition.

An American Dictionary of the English Language MARRIAGE

MAR´RIAĠE, n. [Fr. mariage, from marier, to marry, from mari, a husband; L. mas, maris; Sp. maridage.]

The act of uniting a man and woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children.

Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled. Heb. 13.

2. A feast made on the occasion of a marriage.

The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage for his son. Matt. 22.

3. In a scriptural sense, the union between Christ and his church by the covenant of grace. Rev. 19.

The Biblical Definition

Marriage is a glorious union of man and woman in body and spirit. It is not only a legal contract, but also a spiritual union.

Let’s look at what the Bible says about marriage.

1. Marriage is God’s Plan.

Matthew 19:4 KJV 1900

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

Marriage was God’s idea.

2. Marriage is Between One Man and One Woman.

Matthew 19:4 KJV 1900

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

Sexual perversion abounds today, but marriage is defined by God as between one man and one woman.

Marriage is Serious.

Matthew 19:5–6 KJV 1900

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

After salvation, marriage is the biggest decision you will ever make. It is a life-long commitment to live with your spouse regardless of what the future holds.

Marriage is Spiritual.

“what God hath joined together”

Marriage is God’s idea. At the moment of marriage, God binds the hearts and souls of the participants with a holy vow.

Because marriage is spiritual, only by putting God first can a marriage fulfill its potential.

Marriage is Holy.

Marriage is often described as “holy matrimony.” Holy means morally perfect or pure. Also, it means “hallowed” or “set apart for sacred use.”

Marriage is pure and perfect in the eyes of God. Only in the bounds of marriage does sex become holy and acceptable.

Marriage is a Covenant.

Malachi 2:14 KJV 1900

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, Against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: Yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

Marriage is more than a contract. Consider the elements of a contract.

1. Contracts are often made for a limited period of time.

Although most marriage ceremonies involve the phrase, "till death do us part," many couples interpret that as, "We're committed to each other as long as this relationship is mutually beneficial."

2. Contracts are based on an "If..., then...," mentality.

Couples with the mentality in which one spouse relies on the other spouse for happiness will struggle deeply.

3. Contracts are motivated by the desire to get something.

People sign a lease contract because they want to have a car. The salesman signs the contract because he wants the commission. Many people marry motivated by what they hope to get.

Marriage is a Covenant.

A covenant, like a contract, is an agreement between two or more persons, but the nature of the agreement is different.

1. Covenants are initiated for the benefit of the other person.

Many of us can honestly say that we entered marriage motivated by the deep desire to benefit the person we were about to marry. Our intention was to make them happy. However, when needs aren't met, spouses can revert to a contract mentality.

2. A covenant requires unconditional promises.

Marriages viewed as a covenant are characterized by unconditional promises, such as those spoken in traditional wedding vows.

3. Covenant relationships are based on vows.

Circumstances and feelings never disannul a covenant.

4. Covenants only end in death.

The biggest difference in a contract and a covenant is its duration. There is no fine print or loopholes. Covenants endure as long as you live.

5. Covenant relationships require commitment and devotion.

There is no way out. All you can do is practice commitment and devotion.

Marriage is the foundation of the Family.

God ordained a man and woman to have children creating a family. Family is the foundation of society. As families go, so goes the community.

CONCLUSION

Marriage is a glorious union of man and woman in body and spirit. It is not only a legal contract, but also a spiritual union. It is a serious, spiritual, and holy covenant that last until death.

Marriage is a unique relationship. It has no equal on earth. Make sure you are spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically ready for the adventure of a lifetime!