Proclaiming Christ ... For His Glory ... For Your Good

Marriage Statement

• God ordained the institution of marriage in the Garden. (Gen. 2:18-25)
• Marriage is to be a lifelong relationship between only a man and a woman. (Gen. 2:18ff; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39)
• When a man and a woman come together in marriage they form a one-flesh union. (Gen. 2:18ff; Matt. 19:4,5; Mk. 10:6-9)
• God joins the man and woman in this one-flesh union. (see above)
• Marriage is not eternal. (see above)
• Marriage provides for human companionship, sexual pleasure, procreation, society and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom. (Gen. 2:18ff; Song of Sol.; Eph. 5:22-33)
• Some are given the gift of celibacy (singleness) and are just as whole and complete as their married friends. (Matt. 19:11,12; 1 Cor. 7:7, 32-35)
• Husbands bear ultimate responsibility for marriage and family as they conduct themselves as the Head of their wives and families. (Gen. 2 & 3; Eph. 5:22ff)
• Husbands are to provide spiritual leadership, protection, sustenance, discipline, and love for their families. (Eph. 5:22ff, 1 Pt. 3:7-9)
• Husbands are to love and respect their wives. (see above)
• Wives share in the responsibility for marriage and family by assisting their husbands in the aforementioned areas. (Gen. 2:18ff, Eph 5:22ff, Titus 2:3-5; 1 Pt. 3:1-6)
• Wives are to honor and submit to their husbands. (see above)
• Marriage requires that both spouses reflect the character of God. (Matt. 6:33; Col. 3:1-21)
• Believers are free only to marry other believers. (1 Cor. 7:39; 2 Cor. 6:14)
• God hates divorce. (Mal. 2:16)
• Though debatable, there are two allowances, unrepentant infidelity and desertion by an unbelieving spouse, made in the New Testament for divorce. (Matt. 19:9; 1 Cor. 7:15)
• Beyond these two allowances, divorce is not permissible. (Matt. 19:9; Mk. 10:11,12; Lk. 16:18)
• Remarriage is prohibited beyond these two allowances and is considered adultery. (see above)
• God provides forgiveness in cases of divorce and unbiblical remarriage while consequences certainly follow. (1 Jn. 1:9)
• This forgiveness, as always, requires repentance and trust in Him. (Ps. 51:17; 1 Jn 1:9)
• Individuals who have remarried whether Biblically or unbiblically should remain faithful to that marriage. (Gen. 2:18ff; Matt. 19:4,5; Mk. 10:6-9)
• The Church is responsible to provide faithful ministry to those struggling in marriage as well as divorce and remarriage. (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 12; Eph. 4:1-16; etc.)
• The Church is responsible to hold believers in Christ Jesus accountable to the Biblical standards regarding marriage. (Matt. 18:15-20; Gal. 6:1-5)

 

Doug Richey, Pastor

Copyright 2008, Doug Richey

112 Pisgah Drive, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, USA

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