God's intention for marriage is lifetime commitment, because He knows our need for the security such a commitment brings. Genesis 2:23-25 is the very first recorded marriage vow. Adam publically declares that Eve is not just his wife, but she is also part of him. They are now one. That is God's intention for marriage from the very beginning. Today’s society glamorizes the wedding. By this, I mean to say that more time and energy is spent on the planning and choreography of the parties, showers, meals, and reception than on planning for marriage. God emphasizes the lifelong covenant.
According to scripture, a vow is a sacred promise or covenant between two or more people with God sealing the agreement. Marriage should start acknowledging that this is a special relationship between a man and a woman and that Christ should be the foundation and focus of this very special relationship. The purpose of marriage is to grow together physically, intimately, and spiritually.
Marriage is to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman with God sealing this vow, but today we often see marriage not so much as a covenant between man, woman, and God but more as a casual agreement that ends when the relationship is no longer fun or convenient. The idea of a vow that lasts until “death do us part” is rejected in today’s society, and the sad part is that the average Christian marriage has about the same chance of surviving as does a secular marriage. Divorce is the tearing apart of the foundation of all stable societies - the family. Sometimes, it is necessary; sometimes, it is unavoidable. Does the Bible permit divorce? Yes. Is it ever the best option? No.
According to scripture, only two occurrences warrant a divorce: if a spouse has been sexually immoral and is unwilling to repent (Matthew 19:8-9), or if a non-Christian spouse permanently deserts the Christian spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15). Even with these two scenarios, repeated attempts at reconciliation should be made. Divorce is always the last, and least desired option. It is permitted, but never promoted.
Christ takes the marriage vow very seriously — so seriously that He uses marriage to define His relationship with those who believe in Him. He demonstrated the ultimate vow by opening His arms wide on the cross with the thought in His head … “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
BSFL Sunday School commentary for the week of May 9, 2010
"I Take You" Genesis 2; Malachi 2; Matthew 19
God's intention for marriage is lifetime commitment, because He knows our need for the security such a commitment brings. Genesis 2:23-25 is the very first recorded marriage vow. Adam publically declares that Eve is not just his wife, but she is also part of him. They are now one. That is God's intention for marriage from the very beginning. Today’s society glamorizes the wedding. By this, I mean to say that more time and energy is spent on the planning and choreography of the parties, showers, meals, and reception than on planning for marriage. God emphasizes the lifelong covenant.
According to scripture, a vow is a sacred promise or covenant between two or more people with God sealing the agreement. Marriage should start acknowledging that this is a special relationship between a man and a woman and that Christ should be the foundation and focus of this very special relationship. The purpose of marriage is to grow together physically, intimately, and spiritually.
Marriage is to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman with God sealing this vow, but today we often see marriage not so much as a covenant between man, woman, and God but more as a casual agreement that ends when the relationship is no longer fun or convenient. The idea of a vow that lasts until “death do us part” is rejected in today’s society, and the sad part is that the average Christian marriage has about the same chance of surviving as does a secular marriage. Divorce is the tearing apart of the foundation of all stable societies - the family. Sometimes, it is necessary; sometimes, it is unavoidable. Does the Bible permit divorce? Yes. Is it ever the best option? No.
According to scripture, only two occurrences warrant a divorce: if a spouse has been sexually immoral and is unwilling to repent (Matthew 19:8-9), or if a non-Christian spouse permanently deserts the Christian spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15). Even with these two scenarios, repeated attempts at reconciliation should be made. Divorce is always the last, and least desired option. It is permitted, but never promoted.
Christ takes the marriage vow very seriously — so seriously that He uses marriage to define His relationship with those who believe in Him. He demonstrated the ultimate vow by opening His arms wide on the cross with the thought in His head … “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”