Topical Bible: Marriage: Advised

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Marriage, as advised in the Bible, is a sacred institution established by God for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. The Scriptures provide guidance on the purpose, nature, and responsibilities within marriage, emphasizing its importance and sanctity.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of marriage is introduced in the early chapters of Genesis. God created man and woman and established the marital union as a foundational element of human society. 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 underscores the idea of leaving one's family of origin to form a new, independent family unit, highlighting the permanence and exclusivity of the marital bond.

Purpose of Marriage

Marriage serves several purposes according to biblical teachings:

1. Companionship: 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 indicates that marriage is designed to provide companionship and support, addressing the human need for relational intimacy.

2. Procreation: One of the primary purposes of marriage is to be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:28 records God's command to Adam and Eve: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This directive highlights the role of marriage in the continuation of the human race.

3. Mutual Support and Love: Ephesians 5:25-28 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives to respect their husbands. This mutual love and respect are central to a healthy marriage, fostering an environment of support and care.

Advised Conduct in Marriage

The Bible provides specific advice on how spouses should conduct themselves within marriage:

· Love and Respect: As mentioned in Ephesians 5, love and respect are fundamental. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, while wives are encouraged to respect their husbands.

· Faithfulness: Fidelity is a cornerstone 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 emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and faithfulness within marriage.

· Unity and Harmony: 1 Peter 3:7 advises, "Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." This instruction highlights the need for understanding, honor, and unity in marriage.

Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church

The relationship between Christ and the Church is often used as a metaphor for marriage. Ephesians 5:31-32 states, "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." This analogy elevates the marital relationship to a spiritual level, illustrating the depth of commitment and love expected in marriage.

Advised Preparation for Marriage

The Bible also advises individuals to prepare for marriage with wisdom and discernment:

· Seek Godly Counsel: Proverbs 15:22 notes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Seeking guidance from wise and godly mentors can provide valuable insights and support.

· Spiritual Readiness: 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" Spiritual compatibility is crucial for a harmonious marriage.

· Prayer and Discernment: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to pray about everything, including the decision to marry: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

In summary, marriage is advised in the Bible as a divine institution with profound spiritual and practical implications. It is a covenant relationship that requires love, respect, faithfulness, and a commitment to reflect the love of Christ.

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1 Corinthians 7:7,8,24-40
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man has his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
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Library

Whether Compulsory Consent Invalidates a Marriage?
... Reply to Objection 3: He ought not always to be advised to stand to that marriage,
but only when evil results are feared from its dissolution. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether compulsory consent invalidates a.htm

Marriage, I Say, is a Good, and May Be...
... could fearless sacrifice his only pledge of offspring, for whose sake marriage was
dear ... be a loss of virtue in the soul: but because what he advised could take ...
/.../augustine/on the good of marriage/section 24 marriage i say.htm

Daniel "Made a Marriage for his Son. "
... Here at eight o'clock in the evening the marriage supper commenced, and ... They thought
that if any ill-advised arrangements had been contemplated they would thus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter twenty daniel made a.htm

The Doctrine of Paul Concerning virginity Explained.
... the Lord, with reference to the giving of a virgin in marriage; for after ... greatest
caution, he modified his statement, showing that he had advised these things ...
/.../chapter xiii the doctrine of paul.htm

Would Indeed that Some Profit Might Come to Myself from this ...
... Then there is the memory of former days, curses on those who advised the marriage,
recriminations against friends who did not stop it; blame thrown on parents ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter iii would indeed that.htm

The Apostles that were Married.
... name, and saying, Oh thou, remember the Lord.' Such was the marriage of the ... ages,
who in their reaction from the licentiousness of the times advised and often ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxx the apostles that were.htm

Introduction.
... to think of a second marriage for herself. St. Ambrose, partly for her own sake,
partly that it might not be supposed that he had in any way advised the step ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 6.htm

Preface by David Lewis.
... they were two"and was as a second mother to them till her marriage, which took ... the
evil spirit might have something to do" with her, [8] and advised her to ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/preface by david lewis.htm

Chapter xvi.
... If, therefore, there is a like rule in the said law of marriage between man ... But a
believing husband is advised, if he has an unbelieving wife who is pleased to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xvi.htm

Of the Perverse Images of Dreams, which He Wishes to have Taken ...
... pride of life." [880] Thou hast commanded me to abstain from concubinage; and as
to marriage itself, Thou hast advised something better than Thou hast allowed. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxx of the perverse images.htm