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Marriage is declining in America. According to a 2019 study by Pew Research CenterThe percentage of Americans who have ever cohabited is higher than the percentage who have ever been married. This is not surprising given that “most Americans tolerate unmarried couples living together, even those who do not plan to marry.”
As Western societies become increasingly secular, we should expect that religiously based practices such as marriage will be rejected. People tried to redefine marriage and abandon the Biblical practice and definition of marriage. For example, in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. This expanded the definition of “marriage” to include same-sex couples, giving same-sex couples legal rights and privileges. People who practice consensual non-monogamy (also known as ethical non-monogamy) believe that dating or having sexual relations with someone other than your spouse is not adultery, as long as all parties involved consent. claims.according to article by Psycho CentralThis arrangement, where husbands and wives are willing to have their spouses have additional partners, is seen as a healthy way to deal with being “attracted to more than one person at a time.”
Amidst this swirl of ideas and changes regarding the definition of marriage, where should Christians stand? Do we succumb to the whims of an ever-changing culture in order to be relevant? Do we ignore or reinterpret the Bible verses that define marriage to appease the world? , should we even discuss sexual relationships? Culture changes constantly, but the Bible remains the same. We need to obey God’s Word and hold fast to its truth. This includes being faithful to what the Bible teaches about marriage.
Although society is increasingly pushing its limits, marriage is still important. Here’s why:
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1. Marriage Ordained by God
The first marriage took place in the Garden of Eden. God knew that it was not good for the first man (Adam) to be alone (Genesis 2:18). He needed a suitable helper, which was not among the animals. To meet this need, the Lord created the first woman, Eve. Then he married them and made them one flesh (Genesis 2:20-24).
Based on the example of the union of Adam and Eve, we learn what God intended marriage to be like. He gave this union as a contractual relationship between one biological male and one biological female (Matthew 19:4-5). In a marriage, each party is responsible for remaining faithful to the other. They are also accountable to the Lord, the author of marriage. As Jesus said,
“Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Matthew 19:6,NIV
The Lord specifically restricted sexual activity within this relationship. Therefore, the Biblical definition of marriage excludes polygamy, homosexuality, and all forms of polyamorous relationships. Despite its popularity and prevalence, cohabitation is not the Lord’s plan.
Believers should realize that marriage is still important. The Biblical concept of marriage is ordained by the Lord and will never become outdated or irrelevant. God’s creation will last until His resurrection at the end of the world. From then on, people will not be able to marry or be married (Matthew 22:30). Until then, what the Lord has established remains.
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2. Marriage demonstrates Christ’s love for the church
In Western culture, people often think that marriage is a voluntary choice simply for a couple to express their love for each other. But the Bible teaches that marriage is much more than that.
The relationship between husband and wife is an expression of Christ’s love for the church.
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus discusses this special aspect of marriage. Husbands should love their wives as Jesus loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). He gave her life for her. Also, her husband should take care of his wife just as he takes care of his own body by properly nourishing and taking care of him (Ephesians 5:28-29). In caring for his wife with his loving sacrifice, he provides a parable of what Jesus did for the church.
Similarly, a wife’s behavior toward her husband shows the similarity of the church’s relationship with Christ. Just as the body of believers submits to the Lord, so too a wife must respect and listen to her husband (Ephesians 5:22-24, 33). When both sides live according to the Bible, they provide an image of Jesus’ loving care and the church’s godly obedience to Jesus.
Marriage reveals a greater truth. Jesus took the form of a servant and died for the sins of the world (Philippians 2:6-8). He bought the church with his blood (Acts 20:28). Today he is actively washing and cleansing his girlfriend for her future wedding (Ephesians 5:26-27). The Church, the bride of Jesus, will be adorned on that day with righteous deeds performed in love and reverence for her Lord and Savior (Revelation 19:7-8).
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3. Marriage is the foundation of the family
In the beginning, God instructed the first couple to have children and multiply.Genesis 1:28). The earth was to be filled with all of the Lord’s good creations. God then gave the same instructions to Noah and his sons (Genesis 9:1). These examples show that it was important to populate the world because there were so few humans.
Today, married couples do not need to have children. The earth is already full of people, so if a couple decides not to have children, they are not sinning. However, marriage continues to serve as the basis of the family unit.
The Bible’s instructions to children and parents assume this reality. As Paul wrote, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for it is right. “Honor your father and your mother”—this is the first commandment with a promise—“and you shall You will do well and enjoy a long life on earth.”Ephesians 6:1-3, NIV).The apostle quoted from the law Deuteronomy 5:16 And he mentioned both his father and mother.
Other parts of the Bible also discuss the need for fathers and mothers to participate in raising children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 1:8-9; Ephesians 6:4). The family is the central unit through which children learn about the Lord and prepare for life.
Broken families and single-parent families have become common throughout the world, but this was not God’s original plan for families. He wanted his children to grow up in a home where his parents loved and served each other.
If children do not have this, whether because they are orphans, have no father, or live in broken homes, they suffer. God shows great care and concern for these little children and calls others to do the same (Psalm 68:5;82:3-4; James 1:27). Marriage remains important because marriage is the Biblical basis for raising a family.
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4. The Bible tells us to respect marriage.
Marriage is a special relationship created by God. The author of Hebrews writes:
“Marriage should be respected by everyone.” – Hebrews 13:4,NIV
John Piper explains the Biblical meaning of this passage: message about Epistle to the Hebrews 13:1-6 upon hope for god. As he said, “[W]As you think about marriage, be captured by feelings of great respect and holiness. Develop the following feelings regarding marriage. [is] Do not touch it too quickly, handle it casually, or treat it casually. ”
Believers can honor marriage by upholding the Biblical definition of marriage within the church and among unbelievers. Although doing so may be viewed negatively, it is more important to follow the Lord. We should not be afraid to speak the truth in love.
Preventing sexual immorality in your life is another way to honor this union. Hebrews 13:4 It clearly states that sexually immoral adulterers will be punished. They desecrate the sanctity of the relationships the Lord created.
Our morally relativistic culture encourages acceptance of sexually immoral behavior, so we need to stand firm on Biblical truth. God teaches us to honor Biblical marriage and not confuse it with what the world accepts as “marriage.” Let us remember the seriousness of the marriage union and treat it with the holiness it deserves.
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5. Supporting Biblical Marriage Contributes to Our Gospel Witness
Adhering to our faith in the Bible’s definition of marriage strengthens our ability to testify. We remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible without being swayed by cultural trends.
People around us create different versions of the truth – what they want to believe to be true and correct. They realize that someone holds on to beliefs and principles that remain true regardless of cultural and societal changes. Christians who uphold Biblical truth in all areas, including marriage, act with integrity and consistency. Their ability to testify is not compromised because they stand on the authority of God’s Word, not their own opinions or feelings. For example, because they support the Biblical view of marriage, they can discuss the beautiful way marriage represents Jesus’ love for his church and point out the gospel message.
If we abandon the divinely ordained marital relationship, we lose the metaphor of Christ’s love for the church and dishonor what the Lord has ordained. Marriage may seem unnecessary and unimportant in today’s culture, but it is as important as ever.
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This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit:
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