Marriage is an important institution established by God, with clear principles and guidelines outlined in the Bible. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about marriage:
God’s Design for Marriage
Genesis 1-2 outlines God’s ideal design for marriage. God created man and woman in His own image to be partners and complement one another (Genesis 1:27). Marriage was established before the fall, indicating it is part of God’s original perfect design for humanity. The Bible says a man will leave his parents and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Marriage reflects Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:31-32).
Marriage is Meant to Be Permanent
God intends for marriage to be a lifelong, monogamous covenant between a man and woman. He tells us He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Jesus reinforced the idea that marriage is permanent, saying “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). Paul instructed believers not to divorce their unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:12-13). However, he did make an exception allowing divorce in cases of sexual immorality or desertion (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Qualifications for Marriage
The Bible outlines several important factors to consider for marriage:
- Husband and wife must be the opposite sex – God created male and female to complement each other (Genesis 1:27, 2:18)
- Spouses should be believers in Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14)
- Couples should have sexual purity before marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
- Partners should be committed to fulfill marital duties (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
Roles Within Marriage
The Bible assigns unique roles to men and women within marriage:
- Husband is the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church (Ephesians 5:23)
- Wives submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22, Colossians 3:18)
- Husbands love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25)
- Both should serve and submit to one another (Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 5:21)
Mixed Faith Marriages
The Bible discourages believers from marrying non-Christians (2 Corinthians 6:14). However, it does not prohibit such marriages from being valid. Paul encouraged believing spouses not to divorce their unbelieving partners and said the children would be holy (1 Corinthians 7:12-14). The believer can have a sanctifying influence on the family.
Remarriage
The Bible restricts remarriage in some cases:
- Remarriage after divorce is considered adultery, except in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32, 19:9)
- Widows are permitted to remarry (Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:39)
- Believers are not to marry someone who divorced unlawfully (Matthew 5:32)
Celibacy
Singleness is good and honored by God. But Scripture is clear that celibacy is a gift not given to all believers (1 Corinthians 7:7-9). Those who have not been given the gift of celibacy are permitted and encouraged to marry.
Same-Sex Unions
The Bible consistently restricts marriage to male-female relationships. Passages like Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9 explicitly prohibit homosexual behavior and unions.
Interfaith Marriages
Marrying someone of a different faith is strongly discouraged. Christians are called to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). The believing spouse should not compromise their faith or be pulled from Christ. Unity in faith helps strengthen marriages.
Marriage as a Covenant
Marriage is repeatedly referred to as a covenant in Scripture. The solemn vows and commitment reflect the covenant between God and His people. Covenants were a matter of life and death in biblical times. Couples entered marriage covenants wholeheartedly with sacrificial love and permanence in mind.
Purposes of Marriage
The Bible outlines several important purposes for marriage:
- Companionship and mutual help (Genesis 2:18)
- Procreation of children and family (Genesis 1:28)
- Prevention of sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 7:2)
- Reflection of spiritual truth (Ephesians 5:22-33)
Marriage as an Act of Worship
Marriage is a way for believers to glorify God. As husband and wife fulfill their biblical roles and responsibilities, they act as a living picture of Christ’s relationship to the church. Their love and submission to one another models Christ’s love (Ephesians 5:25).
God’s Faithfulness in Marriage
Human marriages will be imperfect, but God’s faithfulness always perfects the union between Christ and believers. In the same way, He is able to strengthen and redeem even struggling marriages between sinful human beings.
Common Marriage Problems
Because of sin, no marriage will be free of problems and conflicts. Common issues couples face include:
- Communication breakdown
- Unfulfilled expectations
- Selfishness
- Financial disagreements
- Sexual intimacy issues
- Interference of in-laws
- Struggles raising children
- Unfaithfulness
With God’s help, the Bible’s wisdom, and ongoing effort, couples can overcome challenges that threaten marriage.
Marriage Counsel from the Bible
Scripture offers much practical advice for strengthening marriages, including:
- Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
- Be quick to listen, slow to speak (James 1:19)
- Let no unwholesome talk come from your mouth (Ephesians 4:29)
- Manage anger properly (Ephesians 4:26)
- Be kind, compassionate and forgiving (Colossians 3:12-13)
- Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
- See to your spouse’s needs before your own (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Confess sins and pray together (James 5:16)
God Can Redeem and Restore Marriages
Many marriages today do not reflect God’s ideal plan. But the Bible promises that for believers, God can redeem and restore any marriage. By applying biblical principles, having faith, and relying on the Holy Spirit, couples can rebuild a marriage after infidelity, separation or other severe trials. With God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).