Topical Encyclopedia The call for faithfulness in marriage is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital covenant. This call is rooted in the creation narrative and is reiterated throughout Scripture, underscoring the importance of fidelity as a reflection of God's covenantal relationship with His people.Biblical Foundation The foundation for faithfulness in marriage is established in Genesis, where God institutes marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse highlights the intended permanence and exclusivity of the marital bond. Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament contains numerous exhortations to marital faithfulness. The seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), explicitly prohibits infidelity, underscoring its seriousness. The book of Proverbs frequently warns against the dangers of adultery, portraying it as a path to destruction. Proverbs 5:18-19 encourages delight in one's spouse: "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth... may you ever be captivated by her love." The prophet Malachi also addresses marital faithfulness, linking it to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Malachi 2:14-16 states, "The LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth... So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth." New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage and the call to faithfulness. In Matthew 19:4-6 , Jesus cites Genesis, saying, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the call to marital fidelity in his epistles. In Ephesians 5:25-33 , Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, emphasizing sacrificial love and commitment. He writes, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her... each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Spiritual Significance Faithfulness in marriage is not merely a social or legal obligation but a spiritual one. It reflects the faithfulness of God to His covenant with humanity. The marriage relationship is often used as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church, as seen in Ephesians 5. This parallel underscores the depth of commitment and love expected in marriage. Consequences of Unfaithfulness The Bible also addresses the consequences of unfaithfulness in marriage. Adultery is depicted as a sin that not only harms the individuals involved but also disrupts the community and dishonors God. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 , Paul warns, "Flee from sexual immorality... Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." Conclusion The call for faithfulness in marriage is a profound biblical principle that underscores the sacredness of the marital covenant. It serves as a reflection of God's unwavering faithfulness and love for His people, calling believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage in their own lives. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |