Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Nature of Marriage in Scripture

Marriage is a unique relationship in Scripture, characterized as a covenant between a man and a woman. This covenant is an exclusive commitment for life, where the couple becomes one flesh physically (Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:14; Matt. 19:4-6). The Bible presents marriage as a deeply covenantal relationship, with both horizontal and vertical aspects.

Step 2: The Covenant Nature of Marriage in Scripture

The covenant nature of marriage is evident in several aspects. First, marriage is a binding promise or oath, where the couple commits themselves to each other for life (Eph. 5:31; Gen. 2:24). This commitment is not based on limitless commitments or radical and lasting ways, but on fidelity and integrity (Mal. 2:14). The Bible emphasizes that marriage is a sign and demonstration of God's character as the great covenant-maker and covenant-keeper (Mal. 2:14).

Step 3: Jesus' Confirmation of Marriage as a Covenant

Jesus confirms the covenant nature of marriage when he quotes Genesis 2:24 in Matthew 19:4-6. He denies that divorce is possible for any reason, emphasizing that marriage is a covenant that cannot be easily discarded. The book of Hosea uses the marriage analogy to emphasize the mutual service and dependence in a covenant relationship (Hosea 1-3). The Bible presents marriage as a covenant relationship that requires a framework of binding obligation to make love fully what it should be.

The final answer is: Marriage is a covenant in Scripture, characterized as a binding promise or oath between a man and a woman, with both horizontal and vertical aspects, emphasizing fidelity and integrity, and requiring a framework of binding obligation to make love fully what it should be.