Topical Bible: Marriage: Expressed by Joining Together

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Marriage, as expressed by the joining together of a man and a woman, is a foundational institution established by God. It is both a covenant and a sacred union, designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. The concept of marriage is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, beginning with the creation narrative and extending throughout the biblical text.

Biblical Foundation

The institution of marriage is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. 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 verse underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a union that transcends familial ties, creating a new, singular entity through the joining of husband and wife.

Marriage as a Covenant

Marriage is often described in the Bible as a covenant, a solemn agreement that is not to be broken. Malachi 2:14 highlights this aspect: "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." This covenantal nature emphasizes the seriousness and sanctity of the marital bond.

Reflecting Christ and the Church

The New Testament further elaborates on the spiritual significance of marriage. In Ephesians 5:31-32 , Paul writes, "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 portrayed as a living metaphor for the relationship between Christ and His Church, characterized by love, sacrifice, and unity.

Roles and Responsibilities

Scripture outlines specific roles and responsibilities within the marriage relationship. Ephesians 5:22-25 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." These verses highlight the complementary roles of husbands and wives, rooted in mutual respect and love.

Procreation and Family

Marriage is also the context for procreation and the raising of children. Genesis 1:28 states, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.'" The family unit, established through marriage, is intended to be the primary environment for nurturing and instructing children in the ways of the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 : "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children."

Permanence and Fidelity

The permanence of marriage is emphasized by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 19:6 , He declares, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." This underscores the indissoluble nature of the marital bond, intended to last a lifetime. Fidelity within marriage is also a key biblical principle, as seen in Hebrews 13:4 : "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."

Conclusion

Marriage, as expressed by joining together, is a divine institution with profound spiritual, relational, and societal implications. It is a covenantal union that reflects God's design for human relationships, embodying love, commitment, and unity. Through marriage, individuals participate in a sacred partnership that mirrors the love of Christ for His Church, fulfilling God's purposes for companionship, procreation, and the nurturing of future generations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 19:6
Why they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether, in the Absence of Inward Consent, a Marriage is Made by ...
... to another, except in so far as it is expressed in words. ... on neither side is there
marriage, since marriage consists in a mutual joining together, as stated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the absence of.htm

Whether Matrimony is Fittingly Defined in the Text?
... [*The definition alluded to is as follows: "Marriage is the ... It also indicates the
force of this joining"-for it is ... all of which could not be expressed in one ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony is fittingly defined.htm

Letter Xlviii. To Pammachius.
... yield thirtyfold signifies wedlock, for the joining together of the ... 1137] "The apostle
has not expressed his preference for marriage so unreservedly ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlviii to pammachius.htm

The Papal Power in the Church
... dividing a wealthy see or joining together poor bishoprics ... the fact of the Council
was likewise expressed. ... dissolution of the metaphorical marriage between the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter x the papal power.htm

Jesus in the Garden of Olives.
... They eagerly crowded round him, and expressed their love ... in one flesh.' That was
the marriage of which ... vent to their fierce rage by joining together in large ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter i jesus in the.htm

The Christian Society
... and as constantly strengthened by those, joining the second ... life of the individual
is expressed and he ... about the sacredness of the marriage relation (Matthew 19 ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xii the christian society.htm

A Sketch of the Life of S. Gregory of Nyssa.
... may have led to the tradition of Gregory's marriage. ... When a friend expressed his
surprise that he had chosen ... his authority to prevent his brother joining in a ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter i a sketch of the.htm

Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
... he did, and it was finished." He expressed himself in ... term Church School) who after
his marriage came every ... was always notified of Catholics joining the club ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/reclaiming a church to meet.htm

Funeral Oration on Meletius .
... she remained chaste and kept the marriage vow. ... of all the people, of his joining
"the company ... very strongly condemns the sentiment here expressed, as savouring ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/funeral oration on meletius.htm

The Powers of Darkness
... whose condition cannot be exactly expressed by the ... through her, it forbade her marriage
and manifested ... demon wanders in waterless places, joining himself to ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xii the powers of.htm