The principles of marriage are based on God’s design, as seen from the beginning of creation.
Marriage is a covenant institution created by God in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:24, NKJV).
When God made the first man, He saw that man was lonely and needed someone, so He made a woman as a companion to man (Genesis 2:18, NKJV).
God wanted man and woman to multiply and subdue the earth through the institution of marriage (Genesis 1:28, NKJV).
There are five principles that govern Christian marriage:
Marriage is permanent
Marriage is established by God and is permanent. Jesus said, “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9, NKJV). It is a serious commitment with a solemn promise and pledge to one’s partner and before God.
Marriage is permanent, intimate, and mutual, and no other human being must interfere with the marriage between husband and wife. “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh” (Matthew 19:6, NKJV).
Marriage is sacred
Marriage is a relationship between two partners before God. It cannot be “same-sex marriage” because God condemns homosexual relationships. “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” Leviticus 18:22 (NKJV).
Intimacy in marriage
Intimacy should be between spouses; through sexual intercourse, the two become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NKJV), establishing a new relationship between previously unrelated individuals and families. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4, NKJV).
Marriage is mutual
The husband and wife freely give to each other in a marriage and are committed to each other in steadfast love and devotion. There is forgiveness and restoration of each one.
Wives must submit to their husbands and be “suitable helpers” (Genesis 2:18, NKJV), while husbands are to love their wives and bear the ultimate responsibility for the marriage before God.
“Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:3 (NKJV)
Marriage Reflects Christ and the Church
Marriage is more than a union between a man and a woman; it is a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives with the same sacrificial love that Christ has for His people, and wives are to respect and support their husbands.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV)
