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. In Genesis 2:24 , 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 establishes the divine intention for marriage as a union that is both physical and spiritual.

The New Testament further elaborates on the sanctity and purpose of marriage. In Ephesians 5:31-32 , Paul echoes Genesis, stating, "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." Here, marriage is elevated to a metaphor for the unity and love between Christ and His followers.

Marriage is also seen as a means of companionship and mutual support. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the benefits of partnership: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up." This passage underscores the practical and emotional support inherent in a marital relationship.

The Bible also addresses the roles and responsibilities within marriage. In Colossians 3:18-19 , it is written, "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." This instruction emphasizes mutual respect and love, with each partner fulfilling their God-given roles.

Eternal Life

Eternal life is a central tenet of Christian faith, representing the promise of everlasting communion with God through Jesus Christ. The concept is rooted in the assurance of salvation and the hope of resurrection. John 3:16 succinctly captures this promise: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The pathway to eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This exclusive claim underscores the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ for the attainment of eternal life.

Eternal life is not merely an unending existence but a quality of life that begins in the present and extends into eternity. In John 17:3 , Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." This knowledge is relational and transformative, impacting the believer's life now and forever.

The hope of eternal life also provides comfort and motivation for believers. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 , Paul writes of the victory over death: "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'" This assurance emboldens Christians to live faithfully, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure.

In summary, marriage and eternal life are both profound gifts from God, each reflecting His love and purpose for humanity. Marriage serves as a temporal reflection of divine love, while eternal life offers the promise of everlasting fellowship with the Creator.