“Sensitivity demands that we understand the grief, frustration, and concern of Christian young adults….They are the inheritors of a culture that has minimized marriage and has sent mixed messages concerning sex, gender, marriage and all the rest. The full biblical vision of marriage was not, in the main, held before them from their earliest years at home, and was not encouraged and enriched as they grew through adolescence into adulthood. Many of them — especially many young women — feel victimized by this pattern, and they are frustrated by the reality.” -Albert Mohler
According to anthropologists, there is no society wherein marriage does not exist in some format (Montague, p. 240). The institution is, therefore, a universal phenomenon. Since every effect must have an adequate cause, there must be some reasonable explanation for this feature of global society.
Here is a crucial point. If it is the case that marriage was designed and inaugurated by the Creator, then he has the authority to set the rules. Men and women do not have the right to treat this sacred human relationship in a cavalier, self-directed manner.
The institution of marriage involves a covenant between a man, a woman, and God. Man and woman, by mutual consent, enter the arrangement. But the procedure, in order to be valid, must be consistent with divine law.
Traits of Marriage
-First, the marriage, is a relationship between a man and a woman.
-Second, marriage was designed to be a strictly monogamous arrangement.
-Third, marriage was designed with a hierarchial arrangement. (A husband who loves his wife will provide gentle leadership; he will not assume the role of a “tin god” who attempts to rule his wife with an iron fist.)
-Fourth, the marriage union was intended to be a lifelong arrangement.
Purpose of Marriage
-First, marriage accommodates our social needs. (As a general rule, it is “not good to be alone” (Gen. 2:18).)
-Second, marriage provides the means for the gratification of sexual desire — a virtuous, God-given inclination.
-Third, a home sanctified by marriage affords the ideal environment for the rearing of children.
-Fourth, the husband and wife arrangement was intended to facilitate the divine plan for human redemption.
Source:
Jackson, Wayne. “Marriage: As Designed by God.” ChristianCourier.com. Access date: May 8, 2018. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/843-marriage-as-designed-by-god
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