Marriage was divinely established
in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and
a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment
is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between
partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility
are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity,
closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church.
Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse,
except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although
some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners
who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving
unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church.
God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other
toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love
and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them
that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants
them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family
closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (
Genesis 2:18-25;
Matthew 19:3-9;
John 2:1-11;
2 Corinthians 6:14;
Ephesians 5:21-33;
Matthew 5:31, 32;
Mark 10:11, 12;
Luke 16:18;
1 Corinthians 7:10, 11;
Exodus 20:12;
Ephesians 6:1-4;
Deuteronomy 6:5-9;
Proverbs 22:6;
Malachi 4:5, 6.
)