. . . for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

 
God’s Gift in Marriage

Luther on Marriage

"For the union of man and woman is a great thing, taking place as it does by the law of nature as well as by divine order and arrangement." W-T 4, No 4786

". . . how gloriously God honors and extols this estate by both confirming and protecting it through His commandment." W 30 I, 161

With these words we are introduced to one of the great gifts of God to human kind -- the gift of marital union.

For God has created us not to be exactly the same, but as male and female and to be united and become one.

Marriage, a solemn covenant

The covenant a man and woman make in God’s presence is binding for life. Marriage is an illustration of Christ’s relationship with His people. So as God has made a covenant or promise to be with us forever so too is the covenant of marriage binding for life.

Jesus said regarding marriage,

"Haven't you read the Scriptures?" Jesus replied. "They record that from the beginning 'God made them male and female.' [5] And he said, 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' [6] Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together." [7] "Then why did Moses say a man could merely write an official letter of divorce and send her away?" they asked. [8] Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness, but it was not what God had originally intended. [9] And I tell you this, a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful." Matthew 19:4-9

Marriage is on God’s top 10 list

God has protected his design for human relationships with the sixth commandment. Within the bounds of the relationship of one man and one woman bound together with a life-long promise, God bestows a wonderful gift. Sexuality is a good gift from God. It is God’s design that a man and woman should be united in marriage to share this gift, to share their lives, to love and care for one another, and if it be God’s blessing for them, to raise children. As such God forbids those actions which would destroy His plan for marriage.

Sexual intercourse is to be reserved until marriage.

Marriage is the union of a man and woman. People of the same gender may not be united by a promise as a man and woman are for it is a relationship that goes counter to God’s desires. {See Romans 1:24, 26-27}

• Cor. 6:9-10 Don't you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, [10] thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers—none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God.

• Hebrews 13:4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

As such God hates divorce. God grants divorce only in the instance of marital unfaithfulness, either adultery or desertion.

• Matthew 19:6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together."

• Matthew 19:9 And I tell you this, a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful."

• Cor. 7:15 (But if the husband or wife who isn't a Christian insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is not required to stay with them, for God wants his children to live in peace.)

However, adultery and divorce are not the only ways that we can destroy God’s good gift of marriage. Other sexual sins can erode a marriage. So God forbids rape, homosexuality, incest, sexual child abuse, obscenity, and the use of pornography. For in truth God forbids any sexually impure thought. These thoughts can often lead to actions which destroy a marriage.

• Matthew 5:28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

• Matthew 15:19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

God’s gift of marriage can be eroded as well by other sins between the husband and the wife. Marriage was a gift bringing more than sexuality and children, but also mutual love, care, honor, and respect.

• Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."

• Ephes. 5:21-23 And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [22] You wives will submit to your husbands as you do to the Lord. [23] For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of his body, the church; he gave his life to be her Savior. :25 And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her

How often do we injure our marriages because of selfish desires, anger, no communicating, taking one another for granted, etc. . . .

God’s Good Gift of Marriage and Forgiveness

God’s gift of marriage can be damaged just like many of His other good gifts by our sins. But the greatest gift of all is the forgiveness and renewal granted to us through the blood of Christ. This rebirth can transform even a damaged marriage and make a good marriage even stronger. For in Christ husband and wife are one in God even as they are united to God.

And so with God strength we may avoid that which might erode or destroy God’s gift of marriage to us.

• Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. [12] And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God,

God’s grace in our lives helps us to be understanding of spouse and forgive one another.

Through God’s strength, forgiveness, and renewal in Christ, Christian couples can realize in their marriages the intentions that God had for marriage: love, respect, honor, companionship, growth, joy, and respect.

"I would not want to exchange my Kate for France nor for Venice to boot. . .  Martin Luther

I too must confess that my own wife is one of the greatest blessings God has bestowed upon me.
 

Rev. David D. Reedy 2002

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church   

Dayton Tennessee   

423.775.4253

Prince of Peace is a LCMS congregation located in Rhea County Tennessee, serving the entire county of some 32,000 people.