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What is Marriage?
In just a few days I will turn fifty; a few days after that, I will become a
grandfather; a few days after that, I'll celebrate 28 years of marriage to the
wife of my youth. These events cause me to reflect on marriage, according to the
Scriptures. The pleasant and fulfilling relationship God designed for man and
woman. When I conduct a wedding, I talk to the bride, groom and audience about
the question: "What is Marriage?"
How does the Bible answer this question? FIRST,
marriage is an institution designed by God to fulfill the purposes of
companionship and reproduction. God said, in Gen. 2:18, "it is not good
that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him." I remind
you, God said that. In Matt. 19:4, Jesus said: "...he who made them from the
beginning made them male and female." Since marriage is a divine institution,
those who enter into it ought to do so with reverence for God's will. And
husbands and wives should let their relationship be under the regulations of the
God who designed it.
In the SECOND place, marriage is an intimate
union. God gave to human beings the capacity for sexual feelings and sexual
union. And then, He put that beautiful gift and privilege in the marriage
relationship. There, in a legitimate marriage relationship, sex is good, moral,
and pure. Heb. 13:4 says: "marriage is honorable among all, and the bed
undefiled." Paul said: "let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have
her own husband," (1 Cor. 7:2).
THIRD, marriage is a solemn responsibility of
mutual dimensions. Here's what I mean: in marriage, as set up by God,
both parties have responsibilities! It would be good for husband and wife
(better yet, potential husband and wife) - to go through the Bible together,
paying attention to the various duties God has given to husband and wife. In
that study, here are some of the words you'll find: CLEAVE ... LOVE ... OBEY ...
NOURISH ... CHERISH ... RESPECT! These duties must be obeyed - because it is
right in the sight of God, and, in the best interest of everyone's well-being.
FOURTH, marriage must be regarded as a permanent
contract. Now this is not the modern viewpoint! People all around you
will walk in and out of marriages. Perhaps among your friends, you will witness
separations, divorces and all the turmoil that accompanies those misfortunes.
And, there are pressures and temptations that will beckon you daily. But you
must regard your marriage as a permanent contract. God said: "for this cause
shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the
two shall become one flesh." And Jesus said this: "What therefore God hath
joined together, let not man put asunder!" (Matt. 19:6).
By Warren E. Berkley
The Front Page
From Expository Files 4.11; November 1997
