Marriage

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. It is designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:31-32: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." The union of marriage is intended to be lifelong, exclusive, and characterized by mutual love and respect.

The foundation of marriage is established 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 passage underscores the leaving of one's family of origin to form a new, independent family unit. The "one flesh" union signifies not only physical intimacy but also emotional and spiritual unity.

Marriage is also seen as a means of companionship and support. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." This highlights the complementary nature of the marital relationship, where both partners support and complete each other.

The New Testament further emphasizes the sanctity of 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 calls for the respect and purity of the marital relationship, warning against infidelity and sexual immorality.

Sexual Purity

Sexual purity is a significant theme throughout the Bible, calling believers to live in a manner that honors God with their bodies. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 instructs, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."

The call to sexual purity is rooted in the understanding that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 exhorts believers, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body."

Sexual purity is not only about abstaining from physical acts of immorality but also involves the purity of thoughts and intentions. Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:27-28, saying, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

The Bible also provides guidance for those who struggle with sexual temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 offers reassurance: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it."

In summary, marriage and sexual purity are deeply intertwined in the biblical narrative, with marriage serving as the appropriate context for sexual expression. Believers are called to honor God through their relationships and maintain purity in both thought and deed, reflecting the holiness to which they are called.