Marriage is the fundamental social unit for humans in God's creation (Genesis 2:24). The Bible shows us that it is a lifelong commitment that God takes seriously.
But what are the motivations for a Christian marriage? There are at least four reasons identified in the Bible why Christians should still marry.
1. For companionship (Genesis 2:18, 24).
God made Eve a companion for Adam—from Adam, saying that it was not good for man to be alone. This shows that marriage is the norm for mankind rather than the exception, and that men and women may not feel complete (humanly speaking) unless they are married.
Wanting to share your life with someone of the opposite sex is in line with God's plan for marriage and a great way to combat the loneliness of being a Christian in an increasingly God-denying society.
2. To raise godly children (Genesis 1:28, Ephesians 6:4).
God commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and fill the earth. For some, the motivation to marry may be based simply on a couple's desire to obey God's commands.
Since God has never commanded that marriages cease producing and raising children, the motivation to simply obey God lines up with God's plan for marriage and an excellent testimony to the value of a child—in the face of constant debate about abortion versus childbirth.
3. To avoid sexual impurity (1 Corinthians 7:8-9).
Paul was saying that to avoid fornication, it is better to marry (1 Corinthians 7:2) where sex is honorable and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4).
A couple may be motivated to marry to avoid the struggle with sexual urges, lust, and temptation (Colossians 3:5; James 1:15). Wanting to be married to avoid sexual sin and to exercise God-ordained sexual relations within the bounds of marriage is also in line with God's plan for marriage.
In a culture where premarital sex is celebrated, especially in movies and television series, marriage to avoid it is a testimony against worldly thinking.
4. To emulate and reflect the glory of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:25, 32).
Paul writes that marriage reflects the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:21-33 presents a wonderful parallel of the relationship between husbands and wives and Christ and the church in terms of submission (Ephesians 5:22), respect (Ephesians 5:33), sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25), and unity (Ephesians 5:31).
Reflecting the glory of Jesus Christ and His church through marriage is a testimony to the world that there are two sexes (male and female), and that these two genders (reproductive roles) are to dwell together in love and unity.
Whatever the motivations, whether those mentioned here or others, we must remember that there is no command to marry (1 Corinthians 7:6) just as there is no command not to marry. We should not judge anyone for their choices.
However, these are biblical reasons to marry that can help Christians resist the influence of the worldly culture around them and reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ.
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Note: All scripture passages are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted.
Source: Based on a past article written by the author at blogos.org.
Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC
Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.
Photo by Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash.
