We look at the Importance of Marriage primarily from the perspective of Scripture.
God’s Creation
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27 NKJV)
Right from the start God made men and women equal, in “the image of God” but with complimentary differences as men and women.
On the creation of man God placed him in the garden and gave him His vision for life in the world that He, God had created. God then saw that something was incomplete and said “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” (Genesis 2:18 NLT). God had seen that it was not good for the first man, and for most of us, to be left by himself.
God then created/crafted woman out of the rib of that first man ( Genesis 2:21-22). Then, God presented and entrusted this remarkable gift to the man.
What we know as marriage had been instituted by God. A man and a woman becoming one new entity and, as we are told later being “one flesh”. That entity of one man and one woman being the fundamental human relationship in God’s created world. This human relationship being the basis for family — a relationship that is there ahead of the parent-child relationship.
Genesis 2:24 tells us “A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Under God, she is now his most fundamental commitment. Psalm 45:10 shows us that the woman is to leave behind her father’s house to establish a new family unit with her husband. Under God, he is now her most fundamental commitment.
Keep our eyes on Jesus
We are to keep our eyes on Jesus first above all, then seeking the kingdom of God, then our spouse/marriage and family. God created man to glorify Him. Of the many verses of scripture probably Isaiah 43:7 is best known and often quoted. Also in St Paul’s inspired writings to the Corinthian Church we see “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our marriages should glorify God and also show the relationship of Christ to His bride the church.
Some key scriptures for those who are married are:
John 13:34-35 – Jesus said “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
1 Peter 3:7 – “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
All scripture shows us how to lead a life that is pleasing to God and will glorify Him. Within scripture we also see God’s ‘job descriptions’ for husbands, wives, fathers and mothers. The roles that we should be undertaking personally and not delegating to others, whether it be the church or some government department.
Strong, healthy marriages build …
Throughout the ages it is generally seen that strong, healthy marriages build stable and healthy families, communities and church. Christ centred families being centres of evangelism, healing, and so much more. Marriage is honoured, marriage is a covenant relationship for life that will not be broken by man remembering that there is no marriage in heaven.
To quote Ps David Mathis of ‘DesiringGod.org’ – “The meaning of marriage is that Jesus has given his life for his people, his bride. The call of a husband — to lead by giving, and not taking — shows us Jesus, who did not protect himself and his comfort, but sacrificed himself for us. Jesus is the husband who does not claim special privilege, but shoulders more responsibility to love his bride with affection, allegiance, and action.
Jesus’s love for his church is the ultimate meaning of marriage. This is the message and drama Christians seek to live out and show to the world as we make our vows, and anticipate the coming marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).”
Scripture quotations, except where noted, are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.