{"id":15629,"date":"2024-03-26T21:21:01","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T15:51:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cccfornews.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/26\/5-reasons-biblical-marriage-is-relevant-for-current-generations\/"},"modified":"2024-03-26T21:21:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T15:51:01","slug":"5-reasons-biblical-marriage-is-relevant-for-current-generations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cccfornews.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/26\/5-reasons-biblical-marriage-is-relevant-for-current-generations\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons Biblical Marriage is Relevant for Current Generations"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Marriage is declining in America. According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center<\/span><\/span><\/a>, the percentage of Americans who have cohabited was larger than that of those who have been married. This is not surprising, considering that \u201cmost Americans find it acceptable for unmarried couples to live together, even for those who don\u2019t plan to get married.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since Western societies are becoming more secularized, we should expect the rejection of religiously grounded practices like marriage. People have tried to redefine marriage, wanting to abandon the biblical practice and definition of it. For example, in 2015, the American Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision. This expanded \u201cmarriage\u201d to include same-sex couples, granting them legal rights and privileges.<\/span>\u00a0Those who practice consensual non-monogamy (also called ethical non-monogamy) argue that dating or being in a sexual relationship with another person outside of their spouse is not adultery if all individuals involved give their consent. According to an\u00a0<\/span>article<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0by Psych\u00a0Central<\/span><\/em><\/span>,\u00a0this\u00a0arrangement\u00a0in which\u00a0husband and wife are willing for their spouse\u00a0to have\u00a0additional partners is seen as a\u00a0healthy way to cope with being \u201cattracted to multiple people at once.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Amid this whirlwind of ideas and changes to the definition of marriage, where should Christians stand? Do we give in to the whims of an ever-changing culture so that we are relevant? Are we supposed to ignore or reinterpret the verses in Scripture that define marriage and discuss sexual relationships just to appease the world?\u00a0<\/span>Even though the culture will continually shift, the Bible does not change. We should follow God\u2019s Word and remain steadfast to its truth. This includes being faithful to what Scripture teaches about marriage.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although society increasingly wants to move beyond it, marriage is still important. Here\u2019s why:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Photo Credit: \u00a9iStock\/Getty Images Plus\/Nadtochiy<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

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1. God Instituted Marriage<\/h2>\n

The first marriage took place in the Garden of Eden. God knew it was not good for the first man (Adam) to be alone (Genesis 2:18<\/a>). He needed a suitable helper not found among the animals. To meet this need, the Lord created the first woman, Eve. He then brought them together in marriage, making the two into one flesh (Genesis 2:20-24<\/a>). \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on the example of Adam and Eve\u2019s union, we know what God intended marriage to be. He gave this union as a covenant relationship between one biological man and one biological woman (Matthew 19:4-5<\/a>). Within the marriage union, both parties are responsible to the other for maintaining faithfulness. They are also answerable to the Lord \u2013 the Founder of marriage. As Jesus said,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTherefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.\u201d – Matthew 19:6<\/a>, NIV<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Lord specifically restricted sexual activity within the confines of this relationship. Thus, a biblical definition of marriage excludes polygamy, homosexuality, and any form of polyamorous relationships. Despite its popularity and prevalence, Cohabitation is not the Lord\u2019s design. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Believers should recognize that marriage is still important. A biblical view of matrimony will never grow outdated or irrelevant because the Lord instituted it. What He has created will continue until the end of age at the resurrection. After that time, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage (Matthew 22:30<\/a>). Until then, what the Lord has set in place remains.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Marriage Provides a Picture of Christ\u2019s Love for the Church <\/h2>\n

In Western culture, people often assume that marriage is an optional choice meant only to express a couple’s love for one another. However, the Bible teaches that marriage is so much more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The relationship between a husband and wife is meant to represent Christ’s love for the church. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul’s epistle to the church in Ephesus discusses this special aspect of marriage. Husbands are supposed to love their wives just as Jesus loved the church (Ephesians 5:25<\/a>). He gave His life for her. Also, a husband should care for his wife as he would his own body by properly feeding and caring for it (Ephesians 5:28-29<\/a>). In lovingly and sacrificially caring for his wife, he provides an analogy of what Jesus does for the church.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, a wife’s behavior\u00a0toward\u00a0her husband\u00a0provides an analogy of the church’s relationship to Christ. Just as the body of believers submit to the\u00a0Lord, a wife must respect and listen to her husband (Ephesians 5:22-24<\/a>, 33).\u00a0When both sides are living\u00a0in obedience to\u00a0Scripture, they provide an image\u00a0of\u00a0Jesus’\u00a0loving care\u00a0and the church’s reverent submission to Him.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Marriage points to a greater truth. Jesus took on the form of a servant and died for the world’s sins (Philippians 2:6-8<\/a>). He purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28<\/a>). Today, He is actively washing and purifying her for His future wedding (Ephesians 5:26-27<\/a>). The church, Jesus’ bride, will be beautifully adorned on that day with righteous works done in love and reverence for her Lord and Savior (Revelation 19:7-8<\/a>).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Marriage is the Foundation of the Family \u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the beginning, God instructed the first\u00a0couple to be fruitful and multiply\u00a0(Genesis 1:28<\/a>). The earth\u00a0was meant\u00a0to be filled with\u00a0all\u00a0the Lord\u2019s good\u00a0creations. Later, He gave Noah\u00a0and his sons the same instructions\u00a0(Genesis 9:1<\/a>). These examples show that populating the world was important because there were\u00a0few humans.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, married couples are not required to have children. The earth is already full of people, so if a husband and wife decide not to have kids, they are not sinning. However, marriage continues to serve as the foundation of the family unit.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scripture\u2019s instructions to children and parents assume this reality. As Paul wrote,\u00a0<\/span>\u201cChildren, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. \u201cHonor your father and mother\u201d\u2014which is the first commandment with a promise\u2014\u201cso that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth\u201d (Ephesians 6:1-3<\/a>, NIV). The Apostle quoted from the Law in Deuteronomy 5:16<\/a> and mentioned both a father and a mother.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other passages in Scripture also discuss the need for the father and mother to be involved in raising children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7<\/a>; Proverbs 1:8-9<\/a>; Ephesians 6:4<\/a>). The family is the main unit through which kids learn about the Lord and are equipped for life.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although broken families and single-parent homes have become commonplace around the world, this was not God\u2019s original design for the family.\u00a0He intended children to\u00a0grow up\u00a0in a\u00a0home where their parents\u00a0love and serve each other.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When a child does not have this, either because they are orphaned, fatherless, or live in a broken home, they suffer. God expresses great care and concern for these little ones, calling others to do the same (Psalm 68:5<\/a>; 82:3-4; James 1:27<\/a>). Marriage is still relevant because it is the biblical foundation for raising a family. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Scripture Tells Us to Honor Marriage<\/h2>\n

Marriage is a special relationship created by God. The author of Hebrews wrote,\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cMarriage should be honored by all.\u201d – Hebrews 13:4<\/a>, NIV \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

John Piper describes the biblical meaning of this verse in\u00a0<\/span>a message about\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/a>Hebrews 13<\/a>:1-6<\/span>\u00a0on Desiring\u00a0God<\/span><\/em><\/span>. As he said, \u201c[W]hen you think of marriage, let yourself be gripped by emotions of tremendous respect and sanctity. In relation to marriage, cultivate the feeling that this [is] not to be touched quickly, handled casually, or treated commonly.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Believers can honor marriage by upholding the biblical definition of marriage in the church and among unbelievers. We might be viewed negatively for doing so, but obeying the Lord is more important. We should not be afraid to speak the truth in love.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guarding against sexual immorality in our lives is also another way to honor this\u00a0union. Hebrews 13:4<\/a> mentions explicitly that the sexually immoral and adulterer will be punished. They defile\u00a0the sanctity of a relationship that the Lord created.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As our moral relativistic culture encourages us to embrace sexually immoral practices, we need to stand firm in biblical truth. God tells us to honor biblical marriage and not to confuse it with what the world accepts as \u201cmarriage.\u201d Let us remember the seriousness of marital unions and treat them with the sanctity they deserve.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Upholding Biblical Marriage Contributes to Our Gospel Witness <\/h2>\n

Upholding our belief in the Bible\u2019s definition of marriage strengthens our ability to witness. We do not move with the currents of culture but remain steadfast in scriptural teaching. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People around us create different versions of truth \u2013 what they want to believe to be true and right. They will notice when someone clings to beliefs and principles that remain true regardless of cultural or societal changes. Christians who uphold biblical truth in all areas, including marriage, act with integrity and consistency. Their ability to witness will not be undermined because they are standing on the authority of God\u2019s Word, not their own opinions or feelings. For instance, they can discuss the beautiful picture that marriage gives of Jesus\u2019 love of the church, pointing to the gospel’s message because they support a biblical view of marriage.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If we discard the God-ordained husband-and-wife relationship, we lose the analogy of Christ\u2019s love for the church and dishonor what the Lord has established. Marriage may seem unnecessary and insignificant in today\u2019s culture, but it is just as important as ever. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Photo Credit: \u00a0\u00a9iStock\/Getty Images Plus\/Nattakorn Maneerat<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit
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Sophia Bricker<\/strong> is a freelance writer who enjoys researching and writing articles on biblical and theological topics. In addition to contributing articles about biblical questions as a contract writer, she has also written for Unlocked devotional. She holds a BA in Ministry, a MA in Ministry, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing to develop her writing craft. As someone who is passionate about the Bible and faith in Jesus, her mission is to help others learn about Christ and glorify Him in her writing. When she isn\u2019t busy studying or writing, Sophia enjoys spending time with family, reading, drawing, and gardening.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

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5 Reasons Biblical Marriage is Relevant for Current Generations<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n