What other scriptures emphasize the sanctity of marriage like Song of Solomon? The fragrant invitation—Song of Solomon 4:16 “Awake, O north wind, and come, O south! Blow upon my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.” • A picture of exclusive, mutual delight within covenant love. • The garden is private; the invitation is singular—an image of protected, God-honoring intimacy. A love designed by God—Foundational texts • Genesis 2:24 – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” – Marriage is God’s first institution; one flesh points to physical, emotional, and spiritual union. • Matthew 19:4-6 – Jesus reaffirms Genesis, adding, “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” – The Lord Himself declares marriage indissoluble except by His standards. Guarding purity—Warnings and encouragements • Proverbs 5:15-19 – “Drink water from your own cistern…may you rejoice in the wife of your youth…may her breasts satisfy you always.” – Marital intimacy is celebrated; straying is forbidden. • Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” – Purity in marriage is not optional; it carries eternal accountability. Covenant fidelity—Malachi’s voice • Malachi 2:14-16 – “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.” – God Himself witnesses wedding vows; betrayal of a spouse is betrayal of Him. Mutual delight and duty—Paul’s instructions • 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 – Each spouse belongs to the other; withholding intimacy invites temptation. – Sanctity is preserved through mutual, willing giving. • Ephesians 5:25, 28, 31-32 – Husbands love as Christ loves; wives receive that love in oneness. – Marital love mirrors the gospel, elevating everyday affection to sacred symbolism. Christ and His Church—The ultimate marriage • Revelation 19:7-9 – “For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” – Earthly marriage points to the coming union of Christ and His redeemed people; fidelity now foreshadows eternity. Key takeaways on the sanctity of marriage • God authored marriage and guards it jealously. • Scripture celebrates marital intimacy while setting clear boundaries against immorality. • Covenant faithfulness is both a personal blessing and a public testimony of God’s character. • Human marriage is a living parable of the gospel—Christ’s self-giving love and the Church’s devoted response. |
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