Biblical Standpoint on the Purpose of Marriage

If there are people who need to understand more about marriage, then they are Christians (Christ believers). OK, I will start with this:In our society today, many people don't really understand who a christian is. 


Now, I'll start this way:

Did you know that your regular Sunday service attendance does't make you a christian? Again, are you aware that your good confession of your identity as a christian doesn't qualify you as one? Maybe you will still affirm that you have eloquently mastered scripture quotations and that you rarely walk around without your Bible-but does this also make you a Christian?

Don't begin to stone me. Stay with me because I will start to explain what I mean.

I said one important thing in my about page: If you are seeking an untainted truth, then its here.

Now if you give all of the above reasons as justifications for your identity as a christian, well done. I also do it zealously. 

But the core thing is, they are all products of my being a christian. A christian is one at heart first before showing outside! You love the Lord first before you let that love overflow to others!

Remember what Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 7:22? "Many will say to me that day, 'My Lord, my Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, and in your name have cast out demons, and have done many mighty works in your name?'

Who then is a christian?

A christian is a person who has believed in Jesus Christ, shunned his/her former dark life and allowed Christ to lead him/her in the new life of righteousness by faith.The new way of life is what we can term as Christianity. 

Christianity is a RELATIONSHIP and not Religion. A relationship involves a mutual interaction between parties involved. Religion involves set of rules and standards (a custom) that one should adhere to in order to qualify for a deity's approval.

Therefore, a christian has allowed the past to 'go away' and has embraced the newness of Gods Spirit. A christian has been transferred from the kingdom of Satan (darkness) and introduced into the Kingdom of God (Light). In this new kingdom, Hallelujah, a christian is to walk and function in the reality of who he is - a SON (representing all gender);enjoying all the privileges accorded to him. 

A christian has therefore been made right before his Father (God) by the finished work of Jesus Christ at the cross! In the light of this, the only work of a christian is to walk out his/her salvation daily by not doing those things that can grieve his Father. He/she is to ask anything from God through the powerful name of Jesus Christ, who is the firstborn and mediator in this mighty Kingdom. 

Now, it's not satisfactory to claim to be a christian if you don't believe, confess nor show the fruits (actions) that befits a Gods son. Once you are adopted into the new family, its good to be willing to learn the things that pertain to your current nature. You walk in who you are! you walk as a princess or a prince in Gods kingdom.

And something else, A price or a Princess doesn't fight to be in the spotlight. No, they don't compete with outsiders for anything. 

Why? Because they know who and whose they belong!

See? Being a christian is simply letting Jesus LEAD. Making your flesh die as Gods Spirit takes the lead! And when that is done, the glorious fruit of the Holy Spirit will not go unseen in your life. Glory to our Lord. He has made us victors in this mysterious Way! 

Back to marriage; is it Gods Idea?

Again, the reason I gave the introduction of a relationship between a believer and God is for you to understand marriage better. God used this comparison too. It was part of His ordained plan to provide the picture of his love for men and women to the world. 

Just as Christ is married to the church and gave himself to it, loving her (the believer), likewise a man should show this kind of a sacrificial love towards his wife. 

In other words, marriage becomes the means where a couple demonstrates their love for GOD.

The worlds view on marriage is warped. It takes marriage as an end in itself.

But I'm here to confirm to you that marriage is a means of worshiping, serving and glorifying God. Solomon summarizes it so well in Ecclesiastes 12:13: " Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." 

This grand purpose shows us that the sole purpose of  a man is to glorify God and enjoying his presence forever. And that includes appreciating, adoring, being affectionate, and being in subjection to Gods authority. 

As you do this, his manifest blessings (inheritance) shall constantly flow your way. And that includes a MARITAL SPOUSE!

This truth helps my marriage profoundly. To know that I have to see every problem between me and my husband from Gods perspective, makes me glad to obey God. Living together in harmony with my husband requires me to embrace biblical means of conflict resolution and demonstration of Gods Agape (unconditional) love. The same applies to a wise husband.

Covenant or contract: which wins the day?

Since we live in a contract-minded society, it is unfortunate that many christian couples have joined the league of the contractors!

Imagine that?

OK, sorry, I know it's way far from imagination- marriage contracts are here with us!

They are so real that some Christians brag of being in their second, fifth, or tenth marriages- after series of contract terminations!

I think it's prudent for me to first define what a contract is. 

Basically, a contract is an agreement between two or more parties over a commitment to perform a duty. 

Legally speaking though, marriage is viewed as a contract, with some responsibilities and rights whereby if one party fails to meet these contract-targets, he or she will be forcefully made to do so or terminate the marriage making each party part with an equal share of their possessions.

I'm not in any way demonizing a contract marriage. What I am trying to pass across is that a contract or set of contracts should come under the larger umbrella of a covenant because they could be good checks as well as vital part of carrying out a covenant.

A christian will have abandoned the biblical way of perceiving marriage when he or she shifts and maintains the contract-view of marriage. for a believer, marriage should be more than a contract. It is a COVENANT.

A covenant is a tool designed by God to order his relationship between himself and man.Our kinship begun from a divine and everlasting bond initiated when we were adopted into Gods kingdom as sons.

That depicts a strong covenant. Stronger than blood. And this qualifies us as the heirs to Gods family of fortunes!

Whilst a contract involves exchange of promises, a covenant solely majors on exchange of persons involved. The term "Covenant" also means 'a coming together'. 

And because a vow is involved in any covenant, it shows a high degree of seriousness. A marriage vow is directed to God and to each other, in the presence of our families and communities to stand steadfastly in Gods unconditional love during the progressive growth of the marriage.

What then is Gods Primary purpose for marriage?

It is to simply model Christs love for His church. And that is achieved through the development of a godly character ushered from a journey of walking with the Lord. 

Simply put, it's is to bring glory to God by dwelling permanently in his temple (presence).

You see, marriage can be easily turned into an idol when young men and women view marriage as their primary goal. The problem is, this negates Gods initial plan for marriages, which is: To be a glorious state of mutual service to Him.

Here is the summary: The heart of God for marriage is for you to commit yourself to a covenant marriage where you and your partner should constantly embrace Gods steadfast love. This love never ceases.

Try it and you will not be disappointed!