Christian marriage must obey biblical foundations.

Marriage is an institution established by God since the origin of man (Genesis 2:18). In the book of Genesis, God declares that man will leave his father and mother and attach himself to his wife and the two will become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Today, there are so many deviations on this issue that it is important that we return to the standards set by God. 

I- The basics of Christian marriage

It is not appropriate for the Christian to marry like a pagan since in all things he is called to make the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Christian marriage has biblical foundations that are:

  • Maturity: The Christian who aspires to marriage must be physically and spiritually mature. The physical maturity we are talking about here relates on the one hand to being major according to the laws set by the country and on the other hand to being mature-minded and responsible. Also, the word of God does not condone the marriage of children (1 Corinthians 7:36). This physical maturity does not entitle you to spiritual maturity. We are talking here about being a baptized Christian, strengthened who can hear and discern the voice of God. Just as a child cannot marry, a spiritual child must not marry.
  • The search for God’s will: the Christian must be led by the Lord in the choice of the spouse. This is what Abraham did for his son Isaac (Genesis 24). Today, any Christian wishing to marry must pray that the Lord may refer him to one of his children (1 Corinthians 7:39). Thus, all those who are not converted (pagans) (Genesis 24: 3-4, Esdras 10:10, Nehemiah 13:27) and even Christians on whom God did not have his choice are excluded from the Choice of the Christian. It must be said that the choice of the spouse must be made exclusively by the Lord Himself because being our father, He knows what is best for us; it is the Lord’s specific will for the marriage of his children. 
  • To be autonomous: the Christian who wishes to marry in a just marriage must be financially independent, i.e. have a source of income (an income-generating activity) (Proverb24:27). He must also be self-reliant with his parents (Genesis 2:24). In other words, he is responsible for all his actions and does not need his parents to make decisions about his home.  

II – The stages of marriage

II – 1. authorities to be respected

For a marriage to be valid according to God, the suitors must respect the established authorities, namely parents, administrative authorities and religious authorities.

  • Parents: Marriage begins with the ‘agreement’ of the girl’s parents.  They may or may not require a dowry (Exodus 22: 16-17). However, the payment of the dowry does not yet constitute marriage. So suitors don’t have to live together after the dowry.  
  • Administrative authorities: The Christian must respect the authorities established in his country. Spouses must therefore appear before them to validate their marriage (Roman 13:1); it’s civil marriage.
  • Religious authorities: After respecting the other two authorities, Christian spouses must also present themselves before the men of God (spiritual authorities) who are empowered to pronounce blessings to form a home. This means that the spouses came before God. At this level, it is necessary to ensure that the spiritual authority that officiates marriage is approved by God.

II – 2. Celebrating marriage

Nowadays, it has been found that weddings are done with great pomp, whether during the dote or during other ceremonies.  This leads to exorbitant costs. This results in either the indebtedness of the bride and groom or simply the resignation of some Christians to marriage. They are thus subject to fornication, cohabitation and other evil simply because the word of God is deflected.

The dowry must be done with great simplicity. It only concerns the parents of the bride and groom. You don’t have to invite « the whole world », to rent a room, … for after all this the brideandisfind themselves without money so the other stages of marriage are suspended or while waiting the bride and groom live in impudence. They thus sin against God by wanting to appear.    The same deviations can be seen in the other ceremonies. Christians copy the world and this becomes a norm in the church: 

  • Wedding colors
  • page children and honor girl
  • the ladies of company
  • The dredges
  • confetti
  • sponsorships 

It is not these things that give value to a marriage but the approval and presence of God. Marriage is a moment of joy, but it does not give us the right to fall into extravagance and excess. (1 Corinthians 6:12 , Roman 12: 16 , 1 John 2:15-16 , jeans 17: 16).

It is true that the Christian here on earth will do with the heathens identical things that are good; but it is not for the Christian to copy the pagan world. 

N.B: The world divorces for several reasons, but to the Christian this is not permitted (Matthew 19:6). Nevertheless, for reasons of infidelity, the Christian couple may separate but the spouses do not have the right to enter into another marriage or to live in adultery because in the eyes of the Lord, they are still married. However, if they want to live in a household, they have no choice but to reconcile (Mark 10:11-12).