Marriage

Marriage, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred covenant established by God. It is first introduced in Genesis 2:24, where it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational verse underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman.

Throughout Scripture, marriage is portrayed as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:25-32 elaborates on this analogy, instructing husbands to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). Wives are called to submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). This mutual relationship is characterized by love, respect, and self-sacrifice.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of fidelity within marriage. Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." This verse highlights the sanctity of the marital relationship and the expectation of exclusivity between spouses.

Divorce

Divorce is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, often with a focus on its negative implications. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 24:1-4 provides regulations for divorce, allowing a man to write a certificate of divorce if he finds something indecent about his wife. However, this provision was not an endorsement of divorce but rather a concession to human hardness of heart, as explained by Jesus in the New Testament.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce in the Gospels. In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Him about the legality of divorce. Jesus responds by reaffirming the original design for marriage, quoting Genesis 2:24, and stating, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6). He acknowledges that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of human hearts but emphasizes that it was not intended from the beginning.

Jesus further clarifies that divorce is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality, saying, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). This exception clause highlights the gravity of marital unfaithfulness as a legitimate ground for divorce.

The Apostle Paul also addresses divorce in 1 Corinthians 7, providing guidance for believers married to unbelievers. He advises that if the unbelieving spouse is willing to live with the believer, they should not divorce. However, if the unbeliever departs, the believer is "not bound in such cases" (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on marriage and divorce underscores the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant. While divorce is permitted under certain circumstances, it is generally discouraged, reflecting God's original design for marriage as a lifelong, faithful union.