Honouring Marriage

The theme of Marriage Week this year is “Honouring Marriage”. When we hear “honour marriage” or “honouring marriage”, most will relate firstly to Hebrews 13:4, where it is written “Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.” [NLT]

Chronological LASB NLT Study Notes for this verse are:
“Giving honor to marriage will require the utmost in Christian conviction and sensitivity. Modern social theory may redefine the family, and the new definitions may be far from its biblical foundation. What can you do? Witness to the depth of God’s love for you by keeping your marriage happy and strong. Remain faithful—in body and in mind. Pray for your spouse. Honor biblical marriage (man–woman unions) by resisting political pressure to recognize and legalize other sexual preferences. Teach children the biblical meaning of marriage. Pray early for their own eventual spouses and families. Make marriage enrichment the goal of your small group discussions and studies. Encourage the marriages that are around you to stay strong as well.”

In every legal wedding ceremony in Australia, the celebrant must make two key statements in every legal wedding ceremony in our nation.
These are:
The Monitum – This is a short legal statement spoken by the celebrant that explains the nature of marriage under Australian law. The celebrant must say it exactly as written in the Marriage Act 1961: “I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.” Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.” This is to ensure everyone present understands the significance of what is taking place.
The Legal Vows–Both bride and groom must each say a set sentence that confirms their intention to marry each other. This includes their full legal names and must be spoken aloud in front of the celebrant and two witnesses.

Australia and much of the world have moved away from God’s intended purpose for marriage, and the idea that “marriage is an outdated concept” is frequently demonstrated in our daily lives.

Even though people speak the words “Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life” in every legal marriage, they often violate them. Examination of divorce statistics and the prevalence of domestic abuse, encompassing both physical and verbal forms shows us these violations. We in the church are equipped with the Creator’s guide, the Holy Bible, providing instructions for us to live the life God has designed. As St Paul said in his writing to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 [NLT]

Honouring marriage involves teaching its truths from scripture and demonstrating them publicly.

Marriage is important to God. Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals this thread, positioning us as Christ’s bride, present at the Lamb’s Marriage Feast.