{"id":10679,"date":"2023-12-26T10:14:02","date_gmt":"2023-12-26T09:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theholyscript.com\/?p=10679"},"modified":"2023-12-26T10:14:02","modified_gmt":"2023-12-26T09:14:02","slug":"does-the-bible-say-you-have-to-get-married","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theholyscript.com\/does-the-bible-say-you-have-to-get-married\/","title":{"rendered":"Does The Bible Say You Have To Get Married"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background<\/h2>\n

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.
\nWhen 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?<\/p>\n

Biblical Principles<\/h2>\n

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.
\nAdditionally, 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.<\/p>\n

Divine Guidance<\/h2>\n

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.
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

Scriptural Prohibitions<\/h2>\n

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”.
\nAdditionally, 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.<\/p>\n

God’s Plan for Marriage<\/h2>\n