Topical Bible: Marriage: Betrothal Made With the Spirit

◄ Marriage: Betrothal Made With the Spirit ►

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Marriage, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred covenant that reflects the divine relationship between Christ and His Church. The concept of betrothal, or engagement, is an integral part of this covenant, symbolizing a spiritual commitment that precedes the physical union of marriage. In biblical times, betrothal was not merely a promise but a binding agreement, often accompanied by the exchange of gifts and a formal declaration of intent.

Biblical Foundations of Betrothal

The practice of betrothal is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, we see examples of betrothal as a formal and significant step towards marriage. For instance, in Genesis 24, Abraham's servant seeks a wife for Isaac, and the process involves a series of spiritual and familial commitments. The servant prays for divine guidance, and Rebekah's willingness to marry Isaac is seen as a fulfillment of God's will.

In the New Testament, the betrothal of Mary and Joseph is a pivotal event. Matthew 1:18 states, "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit." This passage highlights the spiritual dimension of betrothal, as it is during this period that Mary conceives Jesus through the Holy Spirit, underscoring the divine nature of their union.

Spiritual Significance of Betrothal

Betrothal in the biblical context is not merely a social contract but a spiritual covenant. It is a time of preparation and sanctification, where both parties commit to purity and faithfulness. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:2 , uses the metaphor of betrothal to describe his relationship with the Corinthian church: "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ." Here, betrothal is likened to the Church's commitment to Christ, emphasizing purity and devotion.

The spiritual aspect of betrothal is further illustrated in the prophetic imagery of the Old Testament. Hosea 2:19-20 declares, "And I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD." This passage reveals God's desire for a covenant relationship with His people, characterized by righteousness, justice, and faithfulness.

Betrothal as a Reflection of Christ and the Church

The New Testament frequently uses marriage as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:25-27 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." This passage underscores the sacrificial love and sanctifying work of Christ, which is mirrored in the marital relationship.

Betrothal, therefore, is not only a precursor to marriage but also a reflection of the spiritual union between Christ and His Church. It is a period of anticipation and preparation, where believers are called to live in holiness and devotion, awaiting the ultimate fulfillment of their union with Christ.

Conclusion

In summary, betrothal in the biblical sense is a profound spiritual commitment that lays the foundation for marriage. It is a time of preparation, sanctification, and anticipation, reflecting the divine relationship between Christ and His Church. Through betrothal, believers are called to embody the virtues of faithfulness, purity, and devotion, as they await the consummation of their union with Christ.

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Ezekiel 16:8
Now when I passed by you, and looked on you, behold, your time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over you, and covered your nakedness: yes, I swore to you, and entered into a covenant with you, said the Lord GOD, and you became mine.
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Library

Treats of the Same Subject: Explains, by Some Delicately Drawn ...
... 4. Spiritual betrothal is different and like the grace of ... often dissolved; for though
two things are made one by ... is not so in the spiritual marriage with our ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii treats of the.htm

Turn Away Thine Eyes from Me, Because they have Made Me to Flee ...
... Many are exceedingly anxious to know when the spiritual marriage takes place; it
is easy to ... The Betrothal, or mutual engagement, is made in the union ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 turn away thine eyes.htm

His Marriage with Martha Savory.
... to the course of his life by his betrothal to Martha ... her sisters, written a few years
after her marriage, so fully ... a body, that so we may all be made and kept ...
/.../chapter vii his marriage with.htm

Society Soon Learned the News of the Countess Hermenstein's ...
... angry at the whole affair,"and whenever Sylvie's betrothal was spoken of he ... "The
marriage should never ... upon the Head of the Church had not made him otherwise ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxvii society soon learned the.htm

Verse 1. Let Him Kiss Me with the Kisses of his Mouth.
... the powers, which is a union of betrothal; it implies ... the perfect enjoyment and
consummation of the marriage by which ... Himself, and of His word, is made to the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/verse 1 let him kiss.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... rate, the woman had, in case of betrothal or marriage ... far otherwise is it in case
of marriage "in the ... they holy." Precisely the same distinction was made by the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ...
... It is, as far as it can be made such, a means of grace ... The Office for Matrimony has
two parts, one dealing with betrothal, and the other with the marriage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iii.htm

"We must Increase, but I must Decrease. "
... Second: we must view our relationship to Christ as the betrothal and marriage of
our ... "Wherefore, my brethren," says the apostle, "ye also were made dead to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ix we must increase but.htm

Skirting the Abyss
... mentioned, marriage means marriage, not just betrothal, as so ... custom of infant marriage
and child marriage, whether to ... son of man that shall be made as grass ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxv skirting the abyss.htm

Of Matrimony.
... had intercourse with a third, the former betrothal comes to ... vow of religion she may
have made, why should ... takes effect here, and annuls the marriage with the ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/of matrimony.htm