Topical Bible: Marriage: should be Only in the Lord

◄ Marriage: should be Only in the Lord ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church. Within the Christian tradition, the concept of marrying "only in the Lord" emphasizes the spiritual unity and shared faith that should characterize the marital relationship. This principle is rooted in various scriptural teachings and is considered essential for a harmonious and God-honoring marriage.

Biblical Foundation

The apostle Paul addresses the issue of marriage in several of his epistles, providing guidance for believers. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul states, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord." This directive underscores the importance of marrying a fellow believer, ensuring that the marriage is grounded in a shared commitment to Christ.

Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 warns against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers, a principle that extends to marriage. Paul writes, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?" This passage highlights the potential spiritual discord that can arise when a believer marries someone who does not share their faith.

Spiritual Unity

The call to marry "only in the Lord" is not merely a matter of doctrinal adherence but is deeply connected to the spiritual unity that marriage is meant to embody. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides a profound picture of marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25), while wives are instructed to submit to their husbands "as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22). This mutual submission and love are most fully realized when both partners are committed to living out their faith together.

Practical Considerations

Marrying "only in the Lord" also has practical implications for the daily life of a Christian couple. Shared faith provides a common foundation for decision-making, parenting, and navigating life's challenges. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose, as both partners seek to honor God in their relationship and family life.

Moreover, a marriage grounded in shared faith can be a powerful testimony to the world. Jesus taught that His followers are to be the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), and a Christ-centered marriage can exemplify the love, grace, and truth of the Gospel to others.

Historical and Theological Perspectives

Throughout church history, the principle of marrying "only in the Lord" has been upheld by various Christian traditions. The early Church Fathers, such as Tertullian and Augustine, emphasized the importance of spiritual compatibility in marriage. The Reformers, including Martin Luther and John Calvin, also advocated for marriages that were rooted in a shared faith, viewing them as vital to the health and vitality of the Christian community.

Theologically, marriage is seen as a covenant that mirrors God's covenantal relationship with His people. This covenantal understanding reinforces the idea that marriage should be entered into with reverence and a commitment to spiritual unity.

Conclusion

While the Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of marrying "only in the Lord," it also acknowledges the complexities of human relationships. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and guidance in their choice of a spouse, ensuring that their marriage reflects the love and unity that God intends.

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

Library

St. Paul's Phraseology Often Suggested by the Jewish Scriptures ...
... Assuredly also, when (the apostle) rules that marriage should be "only in the Lord,"
[5505] that no Christian should intermarry with a heathen, he maintains a ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter vii st pauls phraseology often.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... our Lord and his disciples to the marriage, is not ... the mother of Jesus," having,
as it should seem by ... have no wine." She thought is sufficient only to inform ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

But the virgin of the Lord Advanced in Age and in virtues...
... so she reached her fourteenth year; and not only were the ... with the spirit of the
fear of the Lord. ... that were unmarried and fit for marriage should bring there ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of the nativity of mary/chapter 7 but the virgin.htm

Of a Spiritual Meeting of God and Ourselves
... THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE: THE FIRST BOOK CHAPTER XXV ... present in his
mind under some godly attribute; and thereby he should mean only Him Who ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxv of a spiritual.htm

The Marriage of the Lamb.
... by its having been "granted that she should be arrayed ... are they which are called
unto the marriage supper of ... homage, and pointed to God as the only object of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the marriage of the lamb.htm

At the Marriage Feast
... by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. ... Such associations can result
only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 15 at the marriage.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... he allows to the incontinent a second marriage, or in ... them from Satan, preferring
that a woman should be joined to ... to be married to whom she will; only in the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

Treats of the Same Subject: Explains, by Some Delicately Drawn ...
... one spirit,' [408] he meant this sovereign marriage, which presupposes ... here, for
His Majesty also said: Not only for them ... So should we all but for our own fault ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii treats of the.htm

On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
... thought of the great Sacrament he is about to receive; thinking only of how ... Indeed
it should be remembered, at whatever time the marriage takes place ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 36 on the third.htm

On Marriage.
... fornication;" and it regards as fornication, the marriage of those ... And not only is
he who puts her away guilty ... How should it be otherwise, one Lord being the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii on marriage.htm