What Is the Purpose of Marriage in Christianity?
In Christianity, marriage has three important purposes: companionship, procreation, and redemption. Let’s look at each one individually
Companionship
The primary goal of marriage is to provide a lifelong companion. The Lord warned that man should not live in isolation in Genesis 2:18.
The intimate bond between a man and a woman was God's intention when He created marriage. This bond, which mirrors our relationship with the Lord, is built on mutual love, trust, and open dialogue.
In marriage, a man and a woman unite to form a family and share everything that life has to offer. In a happy marriage, each partner finds solace and strength in the other's company, away from the stresses of the outside world.
Procreation
The second reason people get married is to start a family. God created marriage so that people might build families and provide a stable environment for their children. It is essential to raise children in a home where they can learn about God's love since children are a gift from God.
Having two caring adults in a child's life is essential for their development. A family that has its roots in God's ideals has a far better chance of succeeding than one that doesn't.
Redemption
Thirdly, marriage serves as a means of atonement. In order for a man and a woman to be redeemed from their sins, God created marriage.
By committing to one another in holy matrimony, husband and wife affirm their faith in God's will for their life. A God-fearing home is an integral part of this strategy, as is the encouragement of one another to remain devoted to the gospel.
What Did Jesus Say About Marriage?
Jesus provides detailed explanations of marriage and divorce in multiple passages throughout the Bible. A man and a woman are to be joined in marriage from the beginning (Genesis 2:24), and it is strongly advised to avoid divorce (unless in cases of adultery) (Matthew 19:1-12).
Although many contend that Jesus did not explicitly condemn homosexuality, the book of Genesis describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the passages in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 explain why it is abhorrent for a man to sleep with another man.
Marriage in a covenantal relationship is a picture of Christ's union with His church in its purest form. It illustrates Christ's sacrificial love for the world and demonstrates that Christ should be the focal point of that connection (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Therefore, we should treat our spouse with the utmost care and reverence, just as we would ourselves, if our marriage is a reflection of Christ's unity with the Church (Ephesians 5:28-30).
Following what we know to be true from Genesis 1:27–28, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, and Ephesians 5:25, we are to treat each other with dignity and respect, and we are to make sacrifices for their welfare. Because of these things, we are no longer two but one flesh, as Matthew 19:6 says.
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10 Insights About Marriage in the Bible
Photo by Frederick Shaw on Unsplash
There are many dilemmas regarding biblical marriage. We’ve answered 10 of the most commonly asked questions on the topic.
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
The Bible talks about God's plan for relationships and marriage, but it doesn't say anything directly about living together. Genesis 2:24 says that marriage is a holy promise that makes two people one person.
God made this union as part of His perfect plan for partnerships. Living together without being married, on the other hand, goes against this scheme and is seen as against His plan.
Jesus meets a Samaritan woman who is living in sexual sin in John 4. He tells her the truth with love and grace, stressing that she can be saved, instead of condemning her. Christians are called to show the same kindness when talking about living together.
What Does the Bible Say About Kissing Before Marriage?
There is no direct talk about kissing in the biblical definition of marriage. Some people think that kissing before marriage is not wrong because it is not sexual, but others think that it should not be done until the wedding day. God and the Christian couple make the final decisions.
The couple's objectives and how they feel are the most important things. Even though kissing isn't always wrong, Christians shouldn't do it if it could lead one or both of them to lust, which is a sin.
The Bible says that Christians should never do anything that could tempt another Christian to sin or lead them wrong.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?
The Bible consistently condemns premarital sex as a form of sexual immorality (porneia).
While the term "porneia" encompasses various sexual perversions, sex is intended to be a sacred union between a husband and wife within the covenant of marriage in the Bible (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). Verses like 1 Corinthians 7:2 highlight marriage as the God-given solution to sexual immorality:
"But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband."
Any sexual activity outside of marriage, including premarital sex, distorts God’s design for intimacy and is considered sinful. Christians are called to align their desires with God’s Word, allowing biblical principles to shape their understanding of sexuality.
What Does the Bible Say About Same-Sex Marriage?
Genesis 2:24 defines marriage as one man and one woman. Jesus Christ and Paul support this notion of marriage in Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:31. All sexual conduct outside of such circumstances is considered sinful, or ‘sexual immorality’ in Mark 7:21.
"For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,"
Additionally, Scripture condemns same-sex practice several times. Throughout salvation history and culture, the Bible prohibits same-sex sexual conduct.
The Bible is unambiguous on sexual ethics, but it also promises forgiveness and eternal life to anyone who turns from sin and puts their confidence in Christ (Mark 1:15), regardless of how they may have violated his ideal design for sex and marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Having a Child Outside of Marriage?
The Bible does not specifically address having a child outside of marriage but emphasizes the importance of marriage as the God-ordained context for family life (Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4). Sexual immorality, including premarital sex, is consistently condemned:
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." (1 Corinthians 6:18)
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;" (Galatians 5:19)
While conceiving a child outside of marriage may result from sin, the Bible also teaches God’s grace, forgiveness, and love for all, including children born in such circumstances (Psalm 127:3).
Christians are called to repent, seek God’s guidance, and create a supportive, God-centered environment for raising children regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?
The Bible does not prohibit interracial marriage but emphasizes shared faith as the foundation of a godly union. Old Testament rules against marrying people of different races, like in Deuteronomy 7:3–4, were based on religion differences, not race, because marrying someone who doesn't believe in God could turn Israelites away from God.
In the same way, 2 Corinthians 6:14 tells Christians not to be "yoked together with unbelievers." Arguments about separating races, like the Tower of Babel, are wrong because the text is about language, not race.
Interracial marriage is a matter of Christian freedom, guided by faith, love, and wisdom for both partners, while also taking into account the problems that might arise in society.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage Problems?
When it comes to marriage issues, the Bible stresses that love, commitment, and mutual respect are the most important things for resolving problems.
Ephesians 5:25–33 tells men to love their wives as much as Christ loves the church and tells wives to honor their husbands. This shows how important love and honor are. In Colossians 3:13, it says that people should:
"bear with each other and forgive one another."
According to Proverbs 15:1, a gentle approach can help ease tensions when people disagree. It's also important to seek God in marriage. For example, Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken," which shows how God can make relationships stronger.
What Does the Bible Say About Selfishness in Marriage?
The Bible says that being selfish in a marriage hurts the unity and love that God wanted for the relationship (Isaiah 53:6). People who are selfish push each other away, which can hurt relationships, communication, and responsibilities. The Bible tells us to ourselves up the same way Jesus did for the church - Ephesians 5:25:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
Each partner in a marriage must help the other, put their needs ahead of their own, and make sacrifices for the sake of the relationship. When two people give their lives to Christ, they can learn to depend on each other, work out their differences, and experience the peace and closeness that God meant for marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage in Heaven?
According to the Bible, there will be no such thing as marriage in heaven. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:30:
“At the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
This means that ties on earth, like marriage, will be different in the next life. Heaven is portrayed as a place of perfect unity and fulfillment in God’s presence, where earthly bonds are no longer necessary. While the unique closeness of earthly marriage may not continue, the joy, love, and fellowship with God and others will be far greater.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage Vows?
The Bible doesn’t specifically outline modern marriage vows but emphasizes the seriousness and sacredness of commitments made before God. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns against making vows lightly, urging believers to fulfill promises to the Lord:
"When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow."
"It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it."
Passages like Ephesians 5:25-33 and 1 Corinthians 13 guide couples in living out their vows by loving selflessly, honoring one another, and staying committed. Marriage vows reflect these biblical principles of devotion and lifelong commitment.
5 Bible Verses About Marriage
We gain the deepest understanding of marriage as it is portrayed in the Bible when we look at some of the most important verses about it and their meanings:
1. Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Meaning: This verse establishes the foundation of marriage as a sacred union designed by God. It emphasizes leaving past attachments to form a new, inseparable bond of unity and intimacy with one’s spouse.
2. Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Meaning: Marriage requires sacrificial love, mirroring Christ’s selfless love for the church. Husbands are called to prioritize their wives’ well-being and demonstrate unconditional care and devotion.
3. Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
Meaning: This verse highlights the value of marriage as a blessing from God. A faithful and loving spouse is seen as a gift that reflects God’s favor in one’s life.
4. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Meaning: Marriage thrives when both partners work together and include God in their relationship. With God as the third strand, the bond becomes stronger and more resilient.
5. Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” ()
Meaning: Love is the cornerstone of marriage. It unites all virtues like patience, kindness, and humility, creating harmony and ensuring a healthy and lasting relationship.
Final Thoughts
Marriage in Christianity is deeply spiritual, offering companionship, a foundation for family, and a path to redemption through mutual faith. It is a sacred covenant meant to honor God’s design, reflect Christ’s love for the church, and encourage growth in faith and unity.
While modern dilemmas about marriage can stir debate, the Bible provides clear guidance on how to navigate these challenges with love, humility, and grace. By grounding their union in God’s principles, couples can build a relationship that not only thrives but also glorifies God, fulfilling the true purpose of Christian marriage.
Dilemmas, questions, and issues arise for all married couples, and the important thing is to work through them with patience. Download the AI Bible App and benefit from guidance whenever and wherever you are.
