Background
The Bible is considered by many to be the authority on a myriad of topics and that includes instruction on the proper role of marriage. But does the Bible actually say you have to get married? That depends on which authority you rely upon. The reason for this is because there are those who believe that the Bible absolutely commands us to marry and there are those who believe that it can be an optional choice.
When it comes to marriage, the Bible is quite clear about its purpose. God desires for marriage to be an example of our relationship with him. He commands us to be faithful and to treat others with loving kindness. Also, marriage is a picture of the commitment we should have to our spiritual covenant with God. But beyond the symbolic aspects, what does the Bible say about actually getting married?
Biblical Principles
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred and holy gift from God. In Genesis 2:24, it states: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This is the foundational biblical principle for marriage and it stresses the deep bond between a husband and wife.
Additionally, the Bible teaches about the importance of holiness and purity. In 1 Corinthians 7:2, it says: “Let each one of you so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” This principle speaks to the importance of treating marriage with respect and reverence.
Divine Guidance
In addition to the biblical principles of marriage, the Bible also offers divine guidance on when to get married. In Proverbs 18:22, it states: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the lord.” This suggests that one should pray for God’s guidance and actively search for a mate that can provide stability and security.
The Bible also offers advice on timing when looking to get married. In Ecclesiastes 9:10, it says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” This speaks to the idea that we should be striving for holiness and purity in all aspects of life and when the time is right, marriage will follow. So, it is important to be ready and to not rush into marriage without being spiritually, financially, and emotionally prepared.
Scriptural Prohibitions
The Bible also offers some prohibitions on marriage. In Romans 7:2-3, it states: “For example, a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living, but if her husband dies, she is released from that law. So then, if she unites with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress.” This clearly prohibits the idea of entering a marriage while the other is still living which is commonly referred to as “re-marriage”.
Additionally, the Bible recognizes and prohibits bigamy, or being married to multiple people at the same time. In Deuteronomy 17:17, it says: “Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away”. This principle was also reiterated in the New Testament (Matthew 19:4-6) which stresses the importance of one man and one woman for life.
God’s Plan for Marriage
Overall, the Bible does not necessarily have to say that one must get married, but it does speak to the importance of the institution of marriage. God’s plan for marriage is woven through many different stories in the Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament.
No matter what, we must remember that marriage is a sacred union between two people, blessed and established by God. It is also a symbol of our covenant and commitment to God. When considering marriage and the importance of it, the Bible does not say that we must get married, but it does offer a lot of insight on the subject.
What Jesus Said About Marriage
Jesus spoke more on marriage than any other Bible character. He spoke of it to his disciples, referring to marriage as a beautiful symbol of the Father’s love for his people. He also said that husbands and wives should be faithful to each other, saying “what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6).
The Bible also tells us that marriage is an example of the Kingdom of God, a place where the beloved are pure in heart and live in unity. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us a beautiful picture of marriage, saying that marriage “is to reflect the love and unity of the Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:48).
The Bible’s Advice on Choosing A Spouse
When it comes to choosing a spouse, the Bible offers a few important pieces of advice. In 1 Corinthians 7:2 it says: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord”. Jesus also said: “whoever marries the divorced woman commits adultery” (Luke 16:18). This implies that marriage is sacred and should not be entered into lightly.
The Bible also advises us to be sure of our motives for marriage. In Proverbs 18:22, it says: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing. He obtains favor from the Lord.” This passage reveals that marriage should not be based on mere physical attraction or even emotional desires, but rather upon a desire to glorify God.
The Bible’s Advice on Marriage After Divorce
Marriage after divorce is permitted in some circumstances, though not encouraged. In Matthew 19:1-9, Jesus stated: “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery”. This implies that remarriage is not an option if the cause of the divorce was not sexual immorality. Further, in 1 Corinthians 7:11 it says: “Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband”.
That being said, the Bible does not prohibit remarriage in all circumstances, though it is not encouraged either. In certain cases, such as when a spouse has been unfaithful or has abandoned their family, the Bible does permit remarriage. The important thing to remember is to first seek guidance from God through prayer.
What the Bible Says About Same-Sex Marriage
The Bible is quite clear about its view of same-sex marriage. In Leviticus 18:22 it says: “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable”. Jesus Himself condemned same-sex relationships when He said: “For from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female’” (Mark 10:6-8).
The Bible speaks to the holiness of marriage and it is clear that marriage should be between a man and a woman. The Bible also offers its own definition of marriage that emphasizes love and commitment. In Ephesians 5:32 it says: “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband”.
The Bible’s View on Living Together Without Marriage
The Bible has strong views on living together without being married. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 it states: “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” This speaks to the importance of honoring God through refraining from immoral behavior.
The Bible is also clear on the sin associated with sexual activity outside of marriage. In Hebrews 13:4 it says: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” This speaks to the importance of protecting the sanctity of marriage by abstaining from all sexual activity until marriage.
