The Sanctity of Marriage #1
Categories: Bible Study LessonsINTRODUCTION
James A. Garfield once said, “The sanctity of marriage and the family relation make the corner-stone of our American society and civilization.” The Hebrew writer declared, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Solomon, in all his wisdom, informs us that, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22).
From the beginning of time man had recognized the need of the institution of marriage and the benefits that it bestows. In the beginning God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” [or, a “helper comparable to him” – NKJ] (Genesis 2:18). From the very beginning man has been shown that marriage is of great benefit to him. Marriage provides for the domestic unit a sphere of stability in which one has the right to a family name, the security of property, and an intimate atmosphere of love and trust.
We are living in a very sad day. We are living in a day when most of the world no longer believes in the sanctity of marriage, or at least act as though they don’t. Did you know that there are over one million divorces each year. Ohio State University concluded in one of their studies that 82.5% of all marriages end in either the courts or the heart. Another study showed that in the near future that marriage survival rates could drop to approximately 50%. Many marriage counselors are saying that only one out of six marriages today work in the sense of two enjoying being together. Studies have also shown that 70% of teenage marriages (where both are 19 or under) end in divorce within five years. The eventual divorce rate of teenage marriages is 85%.
With the rising divorce rates these days, it is almost as though the marriage vows are being changed from “till death do us part” to “till something better comes along.” Too many people are treating marriage like flies on a screen door. Those on the outside want to get in, but some of those already on the inside wants to get out. Why is all this occurring? People do not know of, or respect, the sanctity of marriage as set forth by God in His holy word.
One of the reasons our country, and even the church in many places, is in its present decaying state is because the family unit is deteriorating. We have all heard how it was not foreign powers that destroyed the great Roman Empire, but was internal decay – the deterioration of the family. We know to be true what was said by Solomon in long the ago, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Strong marriages are a must if the church is to be strong. The Psalmist declares, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
MARRIAGE IS ORDERED BY GOD
From the scriptures we learn that marriage is a precious and valuable union. In the beginning God ordained marriage and, if you please, officiated at the first marriage ceremony. Hence, it is a divine institution and is not to be tampered with by God. In the very opening chapters of Genesis, the Bible teaches: (1) the everlasting power and divinity of God, (2) the importance of doing right, and (3) the value of marriage and the home. The Almighty says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). When God tells us that in marriage, a husband and wife become “one flesh,” we are told in sure and certain terms of the indissoluble unity of marriage.
Jesus said, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4-6). In marriage God’s rule is: “One man for one woman for life.” We must sound this message forth from our pulpits, in our classrooms, and in our homes. This must be entrenched in the minds of our youth. This eternal truth is not set forth to embarrass those who lives are in a mess. It is done to encourage people who have developed no conflict in their marriage relationship to avoid a tragic mistake, and also to help the unmarried to understand God’s rule and avoid a transgression that could darken their lives and hopes and bring eternal regret.