Introduction
The institution of marriage was established by God in the Garden of Eden before the fall of man, signifying its divine and untainted nature. This teaching will explore the biblical foundation of marriage as a covenant designed by God, predating human sinfulness, and will demonstrate that the ideal candidates for marriage are those who have been redeemed and restored to God’s original design through salvation in Christ.
1. Marriage as a Divine Institution Established Before the Fall
A. The Creation of Man and Woman
The narrative of creation in the book of Genesis clearly shows that marriage was instituted by God before the fall of man. Genesis 2:18-24 (KJV) provides a detailed account of the creation of woman and the establishment of marriage:
• Genesis 2:18-24 (KJV):
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him… And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
This passage highlights several key points:
• Divine Initiative: God Himself recognized that “it is not good for the man to be alone” and took the initiative to create a companion for Adam.
• Helper Suitable: The woman was created as a “help meet” (a suitable helper) for the man, indicating a complementary relationship.
• One Flesh: The union of man and woman in marriage results in them becoming “one flesh,” symbolizing a deep, intimate, and unbreakable bond.
B. The Purpose of Marriage in the Pre-Fallen World
Before sin entered the world, marriage served several divine purposes:
• Companionship: Marriage was intended to provide companionship, reflecting the relational nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, “Let us make man in our image”).
• Procreation: God commanded the first couple to “be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28 KJV), highlighting the role of marriage in procreation.
• Dominion: Together, the man and woman were to exercise dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28), demonstrating the partnership inherent in marriage.
These purposes indicate that marriage was part of God’s “very good” creation (Genesis 1:31), existing in a state of perfection before sin disrupted the divine order.
2. The Fall and the Distortion of Marriage
A. The Entrance of Sin and Its Effects on Marriage
The fall of man, as recorded in Genesis 3, introduced sin into the world, corrupting every aspect of creation, including marriage. Genesis 3:16 (KJV) reveals the consequences of the fall on the marital relationship:
• Genesis 3:16 (KJV):
“Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
This verse indicates that the harmonious relationship intended in marriage was marred by the fall:
• Pain and Suffering: Childbearing, a central aspect of marriage, became associated with pain and suffering.
• Distorted Relationships: The mutual partnership intended by God was distorted, leading to an imbalance in the relationship between man and woman.
B. The Restoration of Marriage Through Redemption
Although the fall brought about the corruption of marriage, God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ offers the possibility of restoring marriage to its original purpose. Ephesians 5:22-33 (KJV) provides a profound teaching on the redemptive nature of marriage, likening it to the relationship between Christ and the Church:
• Ephesians 5:22-25 (KJV):
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
In this passage, Paul underscores the spiritual significance of marriage, portraying it as a living illustration of Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church and the Church’s submission to Christ. Through Christ, the relationship between husband and wife can be restored to reflect the divine pattern established before the fall.
3. Salvation and the Qualification for Marriage
A. Marriage as a Covenant Between Believers
Given that marriage was instituted before the fall, its true nature is best understood and experienced by those who have been redeemed. The Bible encourages believers to marry within the faith, emphasizing the spiritual unity that should exist between husband and wife:
• 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV):
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
This verse speaks to the importance of spiritual compatibility in marriage, highlighting that those who are “unequally yoked” may face significant spiritual and relational challenges.
B. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Marriage
Believers, who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are uniquely empowered to live out the divine purposes of marriage. The Holy Spirit enables believers to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV), which are essential for a healthy and godly marriage.
• Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
These qualities, produced by the Holy Spirit, are foundational for a marriage that reflects God’s original design.
4. Conclusion
Marriage is a sacred institution, established by God before the fall of man, and intended to reflect His glory, love, and relational nature. Though the fall introduced sin and distortion into the marital relationship, through Christ’s redemptive work, marriage can be restored to its original purpose. Therefore, those who are genuinely saved, having been restored to right relationship with God, are best qualified to enter into the covenant of marriage, living out its divine purposes in a way that glorifies God.
This teaching serves as a reminder that marriage is not merely a social or cultural institution but a holy covenant established by God, which should be entered into with reverence, commitment, and a heart fully yielded to God’s will.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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