Why Do You Believe in the Christian View of Marriage Over Other Views of Marriage?

The Role of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in a Godly Marriage

Central to the Christian view is the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding and strengthening marriage.

The Holy Spirit empowers couples to live out the selfless love exemplified by Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to “love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,” setting a high standard for love and commitment.

This goes beyond emotional feelings, fostering a deeper unity that reflects God’s divine love.

In Christian marriage, the Holy Spirit not only strengthens this bond but works to sanctify both individuals, drawing them closer to God and to each other.

The Old Testament Foundations: The First Marriage and God’s Covenant

The Old Testament provides foundational insights into the Christian view of marriage, starting with the creation of the first marriage between Adam and Eve. In Genesis 2:24, God establishes that a man and a woman shall become “one flesh,” symbolizing a profound, unbreakable union.

This first marriage is described as a marriage covenant, not a temporary arrangement. God Himself instituted this covenant, showing that marriage was designed to reflect His steadfast love for His people.

Unlike secular views, which often see marriage as a flexible contract, the Christian view is rooted in the understanding of a covenant that is meant to be lifelong and sacred.

Apostle Paul’s Teaching on the Meaning of Marriage and Mutual Submission

The Apostle Paul offers crucial teaching on marriage, particularly in Ephesians 5:22-33, where he emphasizes mutual submission between husband and wife.

In the Christian view, marriage is not about one spouse ruling over the other but about a loving partnership where both submit to God’s authority. Mutual submission means that husbands lead in love and service, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love, while wives honor their husbands in a way that fosters unity and respect.

This complements both partners’ roles in fulfilling God’s purpose for marriage, which Paul describes as symbolizing the relationship between Christ and the Church.

This biblical view stands in contrast to modern conceptions that often emphasize equality without considering the spiritual purpose of marriage.

A Christian View of Marriage as a Reflection of God’s Purpose

Christian marriage uniquely reflects God’s purpose for humanity.

While secular views often treat marriage as a pathway to personal happiness, the Christian view sees marriage as a journey of sanctification—a process where both spouses are molded into Christ’s image.

Through the daily challenges and joys of married life, God uses marriage to refine character, promote holiness, and bring glory to His name.

Ephesians 5 links this process to the glory of God, where each marriage is an opportunity for spouses to mirror God’s love, patience, and forgiveness in a world where self-centered views of marriage often dominate.

Marriage Covenant vs. Contract: A Biblical Perspective on Successful Marriage

One of the most striking differences between the Christian and secular views of marriage is the emphasis on covenant over contract.

In modern society, marriage is often seen as a contract—an agreement that can be dissolved if it no longer meets personal needs.

In contrast, the Bible frames marriage as a marriage covenant, a binding agreement made not just between two people but also before God.

This covenant is meant to endure through all circumstances, including the “good times” and the difficult ones.

Research shows that couples who view marriage through this covenantal lens tend to have more successful marriages, as their foundation is built on commitment, not convenience.

God’s Plan for Marriage and the Role of Mutual Submission

Marriage is central to God’s plan for human flourishing, designed to reflect His relational nature and His desire for unity.

In the Christian view, mutual submission is key to this design, where husbands and wives work together in love, respect, and service.

This model doesn’t reduce either spouse’s importance but acknowledges that different roles contribute to the flourishing of the relationship.

Husbands are called to lead by example, following Christ’s sacrificial love, while wives offer their support and wisdom. This balance, as seen in God’s plan, provides a deeper fulfillment than the purely egalitarian models that prioritize individual happiness.

Same-Sex Marriage and the Biblical Image of God’s Design for Marriage

The Christian view of marriage stands apart in its commitment to the biblical union of one man and one woman, based on the image of God.

Genesis teaches that both men and women are made in God’s image, and their union in marriage reflects His creative and relational design.

Same-sex marriage falls outside of this biblical framework because it does not align with the complementary nature of male and female roles as established by God.

The Christian view is not just about biological complementarity but reflects a theological understanding of how marriage mirrors Christ’s relationship with the Church.

Sexual Sin, Purity, and the Glory of God in Marriage

Another key aspect of Christian marriage is its focus on purity and holiness, which protects the relationship from the dangers of sexual sin.

In contrast to other views that may be more permissive regarding sexual ethics, Christian marriage emphasizes faithfulness and purity as essential for reflecting the glory of God.

Sexual intimacy is reserved for the marriage covenant, where it serves as both a physical and spiritual bond between husband and wife.

This commitment to purity not only strengthens the marriage but also honors God’s design for human relationships.

How Marriage Reflects the Image of God and the Glory of God

Ultimately, Christian marriage reflects the image of God. Men and women, each bearing the image of God, come together to form a partnership that glorifies God.

The Bible consistently points to marriage as a picture of Christ’s union with the Church—full of sacrificial love, grace, and faithfulness.

While other views of marriage may focus on personal satisfaction or legal rights, the Christian view elevates marriage to a place of divine purpose, where the union points to something far greater: the eternal relationship between God and His people.

Conclusion: Why the Christian View of Marriage Stands Out

In conclusion, the Christian view of marriage is profoundly different from other perspectives because it is rooted in God’s design, upheld by the power of the Holy Spirit, and modeled after the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

It is a marriage covenant, not a contract, aimed at God’s purpose of sanctifying both spouses and glorifying God.

While other views may emphasize personal fulfillment or legal rights, the Christian view sees marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church, making it a deeply sacred and transformative institution.