Topical Bible: Marriage: Lawful in All

◄ Marriage: Lawful in All ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. The Bible presents marriage as a divine institution, lawful and honorable for all who enter into it according to God's design.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation of marriage is established in the early chapters 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 lifelong union, characterized by unity and exclusivity.

Marriage as Honorable

The New Testament reaffirms the honor and sanctity 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 passage emphasizes the purity and respect that should be maintained within the marital relationship, highlighting its sacred nature.

Purpose of Marriage

Marriage serves several purposes according to Scripture. Firstly, it provides companionship, as seen in Genesis 2:18 , where God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Secondly, marriage is intended for procreation, as God commands in Genesis 1:28 , "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it." Thirdly, marriage is a means of sanctification, where spouses support each other in spiritual growth and holiness.

Marriage and Christ

The relationship between Christ and the Church is often depicted as a marriage, illustrating the depth of commitment and love expected in the marital bond. 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."

Lawful Boundaries

Marriage is lawful and blessed when it adheres to the boundaries set by Scripture. This includes the prohibition of adultery, as outlined in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14), and the call to fidelity and love within the marriage covenant. The Bible also addresses the issue of divorce, allowing it only under specific circumstances, such as marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9).

Cultural and Historical Context

Throughout history, marriage customs have varied, but the biblical principles remain constant. In ancient Israel, marriages were often arranged and served to strengthen family ties and social stability. The New Testament era saw a continuation of these customs, with an increased emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of marriage.

Contemporary Application

In contemporary society, the biblical view of marriage continues to be a guiding principle for many Christians. It calls for a commitment to love, fidelity, and mutual respect, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church. As societal norms evolve, the biblical mandate for marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman remains a cornerstone for those who adhere to scriptural teachings.

Conclusion

Marriage, as ordained by God, is a lawful and honorable institution for all who enter it according to His design. It is a covenant that reflects divine love and commitment, serving as a foundation for family and society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 7:2,28
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 5:14
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

If it be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, yet all Things ...
... Chapter VIII."If It Be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, Yet All
Things Lawful are Not Expedient. Let it now be granted ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter viii if it be granted.htm

Marriage Lawful, but not Polygamy.
... Book I. Chapter II."Marriage Lawful, But Not Polygamy. ... to "jus," human law; thus
"lawful," as opp. ... again it is ton aionon, the Jewish and all preceding ages ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter ii marriage lawful but not.htm

It is not Lawful to Make Marriages with all Sorts Of. ...
... It is not lawful to make marriages with all [sorts of ... It is not right to give children
in marriage to heretics, but they should be received if they promise ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxxi it is not.htm

Marriage and Property Allowed to the Baptized by the Apostles.
... Chapter 35. "Marriage and Property Allowed to the Baptized by the Apostles. 77.
Meanwhile, why do you rage? ... He goes on: "All things are lawful for me ...
/.../chapter 35 name and property.htm

Whether it was ever Lawful to have Several Wives?
... law, so as to be binding in all cases, but ... when they cease to be binding, it is lawful
to disregard ... the offspring is the principal end of marriage, it behooved ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was ever lawful.htm

Whether it May have Been Lawful by Dispensation to Put Away a Wife ...
... For in marriage anything that is opposed to the good ... Therefore it could be lawful
by dispensation for a man ... following its course: it is thus in all things that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it may have been.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... a marriage feast with his first public miracle. It was an institution of God himself,
even in paradise: and therefore, no doubt, lawful for all Christians ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

Of the Marriage of Priests.
... have said that there were certain causes why marriage was taken ... wives, and taught
that it was lawful for them ... Secondly Christ says, Matt.19,11: All men cannot ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxiii of the marriage.htm

Excursus on the Marriage of the Clergy.
... which imposes the celibate upon the clergy, and that all the texts ... priests, and deacons
to live in the use of marriage with their lawful wives....But there ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the marriage of.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ...
... An husband, therefore, and a wife, when they company together in lawful marriage,
and rise ... though he should wash himself in the entire ocean and all the rivers ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v the teaching of the.htm