Marriage and the Glory of God

This past Sunday we talked about the significance of marriage from God's perspective. The constitution is the law of our land and establishes the proper role of government. As a result we are a country of laws. The rule of law is a very important principle to the success of our society. Without the rule of law we would be vulnerable to the whims of our rulers, as are many countries today who are governed by monarchies and rulers with absolute power. For us as Christians, our rule of law, so to speak, is the Bible. The Bible reveals to us the heart and mind of God. It also establishes moral boundaries for the safety and success of societies and cultures. One such boundary that governs the relationships between men and women is marriage. Marriage is an institution ordained by God. It is not man's idea, and it is not man's institution. Therefore man does not have the prerogative to define marriage different from that already defined by God in His Word.

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24 NASB95).

God's Word clearly defines marriage as a covenant relationship that a man and a woman enter into before God. Therefore marriage is an exclusive relationship in which a man and a woman commit themselves to each other for life.

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6 NASB95). 

When God looked at man after He created him, he said … “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18 NASB95). That helper that God created for man to solve his aloneness problem was a woman. The purpose for marriage, however, goes far beyond meeting Adam's aloneness problem or providing him with a suitable partner, as important as these are. The ultimate purpose and goal of marriage is to magnify the truth, worth, and greatness of God. As Paul said concerning marriage in Ephesians … "This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:32 NASB95).

Understanding marriage as a way to have my needs met, or even for me to meet my spouse's needs, is only the starting point in a much deeper understanding of the purpose of marriage. Everything, including marriage, exists to and for the glory of God … "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:16 NASB95).

As we come to a more complete understanding of marriage it will strengthen not only our own marriages, but the entire institution of marriage. The ultimate goal and purpose of marriage is to bring glory to God. It is a picture of the relationship that the church, the Bride of Christ, has with Christ. Ultimately this will be fulfilled at the marriage supper of the lamb where the church is fully united with the Lord and His eternal purposes.

As John Piper said, "Marriage will be preserved for the glory of God when the glory of God is more precious to us than marriage." Marriage is not an end in and of itself; it points to something beyond itself. That something, or someone, is God Almighty Himself. To God be the glory, AMEN!