Biblical Answer

The Purpose of Marriage: A Biblical Perspective

The Bible presents several purposes of marriage, each of which sheds light on the significance and importance of this sacred institution. The first purpose of marriage is relationship or fellowship, which is rooted in the biblical concept of love. In the biblical narrative, God created humanity in his own image, and when Adam, the first human, was alone, God saw that he was not complete (Gen 2:18-25; Mt 19:3-6). Therefore, God created Eve to be Adam's companion and helper, and their union was characterized by love, oneness, and wholeness (Gen 2:24). This fundamental purpose of marriage is echoed in Ephesians 5:22-23, where husbands are encouraged to love their wives as Christ loves the church, and wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ.

The second purpose of marriage is to help each other become the future glory-selves that God will eventually make us. This idea is rooted in the concept of sanctification, where God transforms us into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18). Marriage is a catalyst for spiritual growth, as husbands and wives support and encourage each other in their walk with God. This purpose of marriage is not limited to the husband's role, but is a shared responsibility between both partners. In fact, the Bible emphasizes the importance of mutual submission and support in marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:21-22 and Colossians 3:18-19.

The third purpose of marriage is to glorify God and reflect His love to the world. This purpose is rooted in the biblical concept of the Trinity, where God is love and is characterized by self-giving, self-sacrificing love (1 Jn 4:8). Marriage is a reflection of this love, as husbands and wives demonstrate their love and commitment to each other through their words and actions. In this sense, marriage is not just a human institution, but a sacred calling that reflects God's character and love to the world. As the Bible says, "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" (Mt 19:6). Therefore, marriage is a sacred institution that is designed to bring glory to God and to reflect His love to the world.