Biblical Answer

The Marriage Covenant: A Binding Promise

A Covenant Relationship

Marriage is a unique relationship that is deeply covenantal. It has both strong horizontal and vertical aspects to it. In Malachi 2:14, a man is called to love his wife as the Lord loves the church, indicating the vertical aspect of marriage. This love is a demonstration of God's character as the great covenant-maker and covenant-keeper. In a covenant, the crucial elements are fidelity and integrity, not freedom to make wild, limitless commitments that can be discarded easily.

A Binding Promise

Marriage is a binding promise, not a casual relationship that can be discarded easily. Jesus confirms this when he quotes Genesis 2:24, denying that you can divorce for any reason. This emphasizes that marriage is a covenant relationship, much like a spouse walking out on a marriage would be considered unfaithful. The book of Hosea uses the marriage analogy to emphasize the mutual service and dependence in a covenant relationship. A covenant promise is one by which a covenant relation is set up, such as marriage vows.

The Framework of Love

A covenant relationship is not just intimate and affectionate, but also has a framework of binding obligation. Love needs a framework of binding obligation to make it fully what it should be. When you get married, you make a solemn covenant with your spouse, promising to love and cherish each other for life. This covenant is not just a promise, but a binding agreement that requires commitment and fidelity. In this sense, marriage is a covenant relationship that is deeply rooted in the biblical perspective.