Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and PurposeChristian marriage is a covenantal union between one man and one woman, instituted by God, designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. It reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and unity. The foundational purpose of marriage is to glorify God and to serve as a living testimony of His love and faithfulness.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of marriage is rooted in the creation narrative.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong, exclusive union.
Roles and ResponsibilitiesIn a Christian marriage, both husband and wife have distinct roles that complement each other.
Ephesians 5:22-33 outlines these roles, where wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of love and the importance of mutual respect and submission.
Love and SacrificeThe love that binds a Christian marriage is described in
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , which states, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This passage serves as a guide for the attitudes and behaviors that should characterize the marital relationship.
Unity and IndissolubilityChristian marriage is intended to be a permanent union. Jesus emphasized this in
Matthew 19:6 , saying, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." This underscores the belief that marriage is a sacred bond that should not be broken.
Procreation and FamilyOne of the purposes of marriage is to provide a stable environment for raising children.
Psalm 127:3 declares, "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him." Christian marriage is seen as the ideal context for nurturing and instructing children in the faith, as encouraged in
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 .
Challenges and PerseveranceWhile Christian marriage is a source of joy and fulfillment, it also requires perseverance and commitment. Couples are encouraged to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave them, as stated in
Colossians 3:13 . Prayer, communication, and reliance on God's grace are essential for overcoming challenges.
Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the ChurchThe relationship between husband and wife is a profound mystery that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Ephesians 5:32 states, "This is a profound mystery—but I am speaking about Christ and the church." This analogy elevates the significance of marriage, calling couples to embody the love, unity, and commitment that Christ has for His Church.
Topical Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Topicalbible.org2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
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Matthew 19:9
And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her which is put away does commit adultery.
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Matthew 19:4
And he answered and said to them, Have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
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Deuteronomy 7:3-4
Neither shall you make marriages with them; your daughter you shall not give to his son, nor his daughter shall you take to your son.
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Library
For whatChristian Men of Our Time Being Free from theMarriage...
... Section 15. For whatChristian men of our time being free from themarriage
bond? 15. For whatChristian men of our time being...
TheMarriage ofChristian Hearts.
... THEMARRIAGE OFCHRISTIAN HEARTS. 7,7,7,7,7,7 Voller Wunder, voller kunst.
[183]Paul Gerhardt. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869. Full of wonder, full of...
On the Good ofMarriage
... Section 15. For whatChristian men of our time being free from themarriage bond?
Section 16.... On the Good ofMarriage Christian Bookshelf. >.
Marcion ForbidsMarriage. Tertullian Eloquently Defends it as Holy...
... if any limitation is set to marrying"such as the spiritual rule, [2683] which
prescribes but onemarriage under theChristian obedience, [2684] maintained by...
Christian Singers of Germany
... cPaul Gerhardt. THE HOPE OF THE CONTRITE. THE TRUST OF THE TRIED. THEMARRIAGE OF
CHRISTIAN HEARTS. Electress Louisa. PENITENCE. George Neumarck. Anton Ulrich....
The Adornment of the SpritualMarriage
... THE JUDGMENT OF HOLY CHURCH. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. The Adornment
of the SpritualMarriage Christian Bookshelf. >.
TheChristian Home
... What can be said of the idealChristian home?... What can be said of the attack upon
the home; themarriage relation, the quiet of the home, the purity of the body...
Beyond Cincinnati
... There was passed in 1931 one constructive piece of legislation bearing on instruction
inChristian marriage which was enacted largely through the extremely...
Introduction
... and almost agreed with the Manichean view of it, as a defilement and degradation
to theChristian. They did, it is true, prefer Virginity toMarriage, but as St...
OnMarriage.
... A holymarriage, as here so beautifully defined, was something wholly unknown to
Roman and Greek civilization. Here we find theChristian family established.]....
Resources
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