Topical Bible: Marriage: Indissoluble During the Joint Lives of the Parties

◄ Marriage: Indissoluble During the Joint Lives of the Parties ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant designed to be indissoluble during the joint lives of the parties involved. This understanding is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is affirmed by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of marriage as a lifelong union is first established in the creation narrative. 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 permanent and exclusive union between a man and a woman.

Jesus Christ reaffirms this principle in the New Testament. In Matthew 19:4-6 , Jesus responds to questions about divorce by referring back to the creation account: "Haven’t you read," He replied, "that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Here, Jesus emphasizes the indissolubility of marriage, highlighting that it is God who joins the couple together, and thus, it should not be separated by human intervention.

Apostolic Teachings

The apostle Paul further elaborates on the permanence of marriage in his epistles. In Romans 7:2-3 , Paul writes, "For a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man." This passage clearly indicates that the marital bond is intended to last until the death of one of the spouses.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 , Paul instructs, "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." This directive underscores the expectation of reconciliation and the avoidance of remarriage, further affirming the indissoluble nature of marriage.

Theological Implications

The indissolubility of marriage reflects the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people. Just as God remains faithful to His covenant, marriage is designed to be a reflection of this divine faithfulness and commitment. The lifelong nature of marriage serves as a testament to the enduring love and fidelity that God demonstrates towards humanity.

Practical Considerations

In light of the biblical teachings on the indissolubility of marriage, believers are called to approach marriage with a sense of reverence and commitment. The permanence of the marital bond requires a dedication to nurturing and preserving the relationship through mutual love, respect, and forgiveness. Couples are encouraged to seek guidance and support from their faith community to uphold the sanctity of their marriage.

The understanding of marriage as indissoluble during the joint lives of the parties is a profound testament to the divine design for human relationships, calling believers to honor and uphold the sacred covenant of marriage as a reflection of God's unending love and faithfulness.

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

Romans 7:2,3
For the woman which has an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 7:39
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook