In our culture today, there is an increasing disrespect and disdain for marriage and for God’s perfect plan for it. Some today view marriage as optional, yeah, even old-fashioned. Is marriage one of those things that we should let go—in the same way that we have let go of bell bottom pants, black and white television, and Pluto as a planet? Let’s consider some Bible truths.
First, God created man in the beginning. On the sixth day, God made mankind (Gen. 1:26-27). Without God, man would have no existence at all! So, does it not make sense that TO GOD—i.e., to the revelation He has given to us—we must go for all knowledge about life and existence on this earth?
Second, God created male and female in the beginning. When God created the male, He determined to create a close companion for him, for it was “not good that man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18). The God who created the male then created the female to complete the male, as a “helper” who was “suitable for” (or corresponding to) the man. Thus, there is something unique to the male/female relationship that can only be achieved therein.
Third, God created marriage for man and woman. Only a male/female couple may enjoy marriage together. God said that “a man (i.e., a male) shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife (i.e., a female)” (Gen. 2:24). God created marriage and God created sex (between a male and female), and He inseparably joined marriage and the enjoyment of the sexual relationship (Heb. 13:4). Only a husband and his wife may acceptably engage in any and all sexual activity. God created marriage for the purpose of procreation and population the earth (Gen. 1:28). Only a husband and his wife, once married to each other, are intended to have children. God created marriage to provide completion to the man and the woman (Gen. 2:18, 23), and to help man to have a vivid illustration of the beautiful relationship that exists between Christ and His bride, the church (Eph. 5:22-33).
Let’s go back and ask and answer this question: “Is marriage out-of-date and a thing of the past?” Not in the least! 4,000 years after God created marriage, Jesus Himself (God in the flesh, Matt. 1:23; John 1:1-3) pointed back to God’s creation of male and female and the marriage relationship “in the beginning” as the firm and unalterable foundation for understanding God’s design for mankind (Matt. 19:3-9). If nothing had changed in the first 4,000 years of man’s existence, why would we think that it would be any different after another 2,000 years?
Marriage is no joke! God designed it! Let’s respect it!