Biblical Marriage
Biblical Marriage Marriage is an institution as old as man. For as long as it has been there have also been problems that arise. In our modern society divorce is on the rise among Christians and non-Christians just the same. It would be helpful for those in a marriage, but preferably before, to examine what exactly marriage was meant to be from a Biblical stand point including, definitions, limitation, divorce, objections, remarriage, and the impact that divorce has. On the sixth day God created the first man. Upon completion he looked at the man and said “It is not good for man to be alone then he created them man and woman. I will make him a helper fit for him” This was the first time man and woman were put together and God had his purpose. Elwell says that “in this way he indicates the incompleteness of man and woman apart from one another and sets forth marriage as the means for them to achieve completeness.” God established marriage for the good of mankind. From this initial step of bringing man and woman together it had two purposes; to help one another and to complete one another. In our culture marriage is officially effective whenever the couple says I do. Legally they are married when the paperwork reaches the courthouse. Others living in what the bible calls sin, being involved in fornication, says it is made official by intent or even sexual relations. Some may find this to be a valid position through scripture such as 1 Corinthians 6:16. Elwell says “Some would say that sexual intercourse could be the time when God seems them to be married.” However that passage would be taken out of context and not what the Bible teaches. Elwell gives a definition that a married couple when a declaration of desire to be married, accompanied by the expression of mutual intentions of sole and enduring fidelity and responsibility towards the other, preferably undergirded by self-giving love, in the presence of accredited witnesses.” This would appear to
Bibliography: Elwell, Walter. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009.