What I Believe About Marriage
Marriage, Biblically speaking, is not a random or arbitrary concept. Instead, it is a highly theological symbol that is integral to God's grand narrative of redeeming His people.
Marriage Redefined
The recent Supreme Court ruling has sparked a nationwide debate about the nature and scope of marriage. It is now considered unconstitutional for a state to ban gay marriage. Some view it as a triumph for equal rights and progress, while others lament it as a degradation of morality and an affront to religious freedom. However, before we rush to take sides, it's essential to understand the Biblical perspective on marriage. Now is the time to speak with clarity on the issue of Biblical marriage.
Marriage is God’s Idea
Marriage, Biblically speaking, is not a random or arbitrary concept. Instead, it is a highly theological symbol that is integral to God's grand narrative of redeeming His people. the Bible begins with God speaking into the chaos and creating order. In God’s good and orderly creation are complimentary pairs working together to bring glory to God.
Day 1 Night and Day
Day 2 Water and Sky
Day 3 Land and Sea
Day 4 Sun and Moon
Day 5 Swimming Creatures and Flying Creatures
Day 6 Land Animals and Humans; then, And and Woman
God designed the sexes to be complimentary and together, culminating in the sacred union of one man and one woman. This union is a reflection of God's order and goodness, pointing towards His ultimate plan to unite heaven and earth in a grand wedding feast.
The Messiah’s Glory Revealed at a Wedding Celebration
In John 2, marriage becomes the backdrop for the launch of Jesus' earthly ministry. In John 2.11 it is said to be the first sign through which Jesus’ glory is revealed. God chooses a wedding celebration to reveal the glory of the Son. He chooses marriage to be the platform upon which the anointed Jesus of Nazareth, with the Holy Spirit and power, went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil. Jesus’ ministry which brings about our redemption, is inaugurated at a wedding celebration.
Our Ultimate Redemption is Celebrated with the Ultimate Wedding Feast
The marriage/redemption narrative does not stop there. Revelation 19, the ultimate redemption of all things is celebrated with a wedding supper! John the Revelatory sees the New Jerusalem descending onto the earth. It is God’s final and ultimate act of redeeming all things. Heaven and Earth come together and all things are made new. The earth and humanity are healed forever. The ultimate end consummated in the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb.
Why Marriage is Different for Christians
So marriage for us Jesus followers, is much more significant than a legal union that affords certain rights to couples, ensuring them of certain benefits and privileges. It is an earthly signpost that points us to the goodness of God and His creation. It is the emblem of His plan to ultimately and finally unite us with Himself. Marriage is sacred; something we approach with reverence and awe and participate in as unto the Lord.
When we understand Biblical marriage we understand that it transcends culture’s definitions. While the recent Supreme Court decision may have changed the legal definition of marriage, it has not altered the Biblical perspective on the sacredness of the God-ordained union between one man and one woman.
As Christians, we should engage in discourse about marriage in a way that elevates the discussion to redemption and God's great love for all creation and people. We should view marriage as an emblem that reminds us of the truth of God’s design, Jesus’ glory, and our freedom. Always remember we belong to a Kingdom that can never be shaken (Hebrews 12.27-28), and so we should not be shaken by this or any other decision.