Because culture accepts living together, many professing Christians are following suit. Some even claim they don’t need a license or ceremony to be “married in the eyes of God.”
Let’s examine that claim:
1. Marriage in the eyes of God reflects integrity.
Most people consider marriage a legal commitment, and most Christians consider it a public commitment before God and man.
In 2 Corinthians 8:21, Paul talks about handling donations and says, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
If having the appearance of integrity is important in finances, it’s certainly important in marriage. Without a marriage license, the majority of people consider a couple unmarried and simply living together.(1)
Jesus performed His first public miracle at a wedding (John 2:1-11). He wouldn't have done this if a wedding ceremony was inappropriate.
2. Marriage in the eyes of God reflects obedience to fair government laws.
Unless marriage laws violate God’s commands, He expects us to obey them (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:17).
3. Legal Marriage signifies commitment and protection.
Legal marriage is a sign of commitment, protecting the interests of both spouses. We wouldn't buy a car without getting the title, so what godly reason would we have for refusing to get a marriage license?
If we truly love another person, we want our union to declare our commitment in honorable ways.(2)
Footnotes:
(1) This truth is also found in Romans 12:17: “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
This means that everything is a reflection of our faith, and it should not have the appearance of evil. And Scripture clearly commands marriage before sexual intimacy (1 Corinthians 7:8-9).
(2) The only biblical exceptions would be when a country’s marriage laws forced a Christian to violate one of God’s commands or when legal marriage is unavailable. But even in these cases, the Body of Christ should be involved in affirming a marriage as valid. This is not something two people do on their own.
Bible Love Notes
Totally true!
ReplyDeleteA marriage ceremony is indeed required in order for a couple to declare themselves husband and wife.
ReplyDeleteI can't, see it acceptable to God,but l think it would be less sinful than the 51 percent of divorced couples
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I understand your statement.
DeleteI don't think we can justify one sin by measuring it with another.
Yes. Agree.
ReplyDeleteMeried with no sertificate is like animals.