Marks of a biblical Marriage

SEVEN MARKS OF A BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

By Ezekiel Kimosop

Christian marriages (and church weddings) are anchored on a number of Scripture passages. The most prominent are Genesis 2:22-24; Malachi 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 7 and Rev. 19:1-10.

The following principles can be drawn from the passages:

1) A Christian marriage is subordinate to the authority of Scripture. It must be modeled along the teachings and illustrations of the word of God.

We learn from the Bible that God is the founder of the marriage institution. He joined Adam and Eve in holy matrimony and blessed them (Genesis 2:22-24).

The couple must therefore subject their marriage to the exhortations of the word of God. 

2) A Christian marriage is a monogamous relationship. Polygamy was not God's design for His people. It was apparently introduced after the Fall of Adam by Lamech who took two wives under unclear circumstances (Genesis 4:19). The fact that David and other faithful men of God were polygamous does not justify this model in the eyes of God.

3) A Christian marriage is exclusively meant for believers. No Christian shall marry outside the assembly of God's people. There is strictly no room for manouvres.

4) A Christian Marriage is life long - till death do us part. There is strictly no room for divorce for God hates divorce (Malachi 2:10-16).

Jesus affirmed this truth in Matthew 19:8 saying, “....Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so."

5) A Christian Marriage is a voluntary choice. It should not be impossed on anyone or obtained through coercion, duress or undue pressure.

6) Some believers may choose to remain single in order to serve God better. That choice should be respected.

This is what Paul opted for. The Bible reveals in 1 Cor. 9:5 that Paul and Barnabas were single and possibly celibate.

Paul laments: "Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?"

He was responding to a challenge on his apostolic authority from some leaders in the the Jerusalem Church.

This confirms that Apostle Peter and James, the half brother of Jesus, were both married.

A celibate can later marry if they so wish. Those who choose to voluntarily remain single should take a public vow of celibacy (my opinion here).

This decision should be clear to the church assembly so that the believer can be left alone to serve God unhindered.

I know of an AIC lady pastor who has faithfully served under a vow of celibacy for over 40 years of ministry.

However those who are unable to observe a life of celibacy are free to marry. The Bible teaches that it is better to marry than to burn with passion (1 Cor. 7:8).

7) A Christian marriage is holy and exclusive to the couple. It must be protected by the couple in all purity.

The Bible warns in Hebrews 13:4: "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."