Marriage is a sacred institution that has been established by God himself. In the Bible, we can find numerous passages that provide guidance on marriage, relationships before marriage, and the importance of this union. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about marriage, including Bible verses about relationships before marriage, 10 biblical reasons for marriage, and the importance of marriage in the Bible.
What Does the Bible Say about Relationships before Marriage?
The Bible makes it clear that sexual relations before marriage are considered a sin. In 1 Corinthians 7:2, it says, "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." This verse emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and the avoidance of sexual immorality.
Additionally, in Hebrews 13:4, we are told that the marriage bed should be kept pure and that sexual immorality is a sin. It says, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."
10 Biblical Reasons for Marriage
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Companionship - In Genesis 2:18, God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
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Procreation - God commanded Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28).
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To avoid sexual immorality - In 1 Corinthians 7:9, Paul says, "But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."
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To reflect God's love - Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
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To create a stable home - Proverbs 24:3-4 says, "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
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To raise godly children - Proverbs 22:6 says, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
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To provide for each other - 1 Timothy 5:8 says, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
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To support each other - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
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To glorify God - 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
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To strengthen the church - 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Importance of Marriage in the Bible
Marriage is a union that was created by God and is meant to be a reflection of His love for us. In Genesis 2:24, it says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This verse emphasizes the importance of the unity that is created through marriage.
Marriage is also important for raising godly children and providing a stable home. In Malachi 2:15, it says, "Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his.
And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth." This passage highlights the significance of marriage in the eyes of God, as a means to raise children who honor and serve Him.
Additionally, marriage is a symbol of Christ's relationship with the church. Ephesians 5:22-33 compares the relationship between a husband and wife to that of Christ and the church. This passage shows the importance of the covenantal nature of marriage, as it is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and his people.
Marriage is also a means of support and companionship. In Proverbs 18:22, it says, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." This verse highlights the importance of a loving and supportive spouse.
In conclusion, the Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of marriage and the reasons for this sacred union. It emphasizes the need for sexual purity before marriage and the role of marriage in raising godly children, creating a stable home, and reflecting Christ's relationship with the church. As Christians, we should strive to honor and uphold the sanctity of marriage, seeking guidance from the Bible in all aspects of our lives.