Biblical Answer

The Purpose of Marriage According to the Bible

The Bible presents marriage as a multifaceted institution with various purposes. One of the primary purposes of marriage is to establish a relationship or fellowship between two people. This relationship is built on the foundation of love, which involves binding oneself to another and surrendering to the needs of one's partner (Gen 2:18-25; Mt 19:3-6). The Bible views marriage as a union that makes a person complete, as seen in the account of Adam and Eve, where Adam's incompleteness was fulfilled by the presence of Eve (Gen 2:18-25).

The second purpose of marriage is to provide a means for individuals to become their future glory-selves, the new creations that God will eventually make them. This is achieved through the mutual support and encouragement that spouses provide for each other, with the ultimate goal of reaching the Throne and becoming holy, spotless, and glorious (Eph 5:22-23). Marriage is not just about romantic fulfillment or the propagation of the human race; it is about helping each other to become the persons God created us to be.

The Bible also presents marriage as a reflection of God's relationship with His people. The analogy of Christ and his church is used to illustrate the sacrificial love that husbands are called to demonstrate towards their wives (Eph 5:25-33). This love is not just a feeling, but a commitment to putting one's spouse's needs before one's own, with the goal of helping them to grow spiritually and become more like Christ. In this sense, marriage is a task that requires effort and dedication, but it is also a gift that brings blessings and joy when pursued with persistence and faith (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9).