While man has sought to redefine marriage to suit his wants and desires, it must be remembered that it was not man who created the marriage relationship. Marriage existed “at the beginning” (Matthew 19:4), and was ordained, defined and regulated by its Creator.
Marriage is a divine institution because it is ordained by God. The very first institution that God created was marriage, for it was God who “joined together” (Matthew 19:6) the first couple when “He brought her to the man” (Genesis 2:22). God said, “It is not good that man should be alone,” (Genesis 2:18), so He created the woman for the man.
Marriage is a divine institution because it is defined by God. Notice how specific God was in His creation of two distinct genders for each other. “Male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27; see Matthew 19:4). When God determined to “make a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18), “He made a woman” (Genesis 2:22). God then told the man to “cling to his wife” (Genesis 2:24).
Marriage is a divine institution because it is regulated by God. When He created marriage, God spoke clearly and succinctly, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Notice the following three points that are emphasized in this passage:
1. God’s design for marriage calls for “a man to leave his father and mother.” This new marriage relationship is exclusive to the one man and the one woman. Man’s fidelity and loyalty to his wife must take precedence over all other earthly relationships.
2. God’s design for marriage calls for a man to “be joined (or cleave) to his wife.” This new marriage relationship is to be a permanent union and commitment to each other. Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). Lifelong faithfulness is expected and required to the vows that are made, for each spouse is bound to the other “as long as he (or she) lives” (Romans 7:2-3). “Sexual immorality” is the only exception permitted by God for severing this relationship (Matthew 19:9).
3. God’s design for marriage calls for the married couple (and them alone) to “become one flesh.” The husband and wife are to experience an intimate oneness on all levels, which is only possible with a man and woman.
All society began and was built on the strength of godly marriages. May God help us to honor His design for marriage and not tarnish His creation.