The True Purpose of Marriage (according to the Bible)
We all know the statistics. Marriage is hard. In fact, some may wonder what the true purpose of marriage is anyhow. Why get married when so many marriages fail? But the truth about marriage is that with the right perspective (and help from the Holy Spirit), it can be one of the greatest blessings of our lives. One of the first things we have to remember about marriage is that it was originally God’s idea. (Genesis 2:18, 21-22) Not only that, but He outlines the true purpose of marriage in His Word.
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God’s Original Purpose for Marriage:
- Marriage was designed by God in the Garden of Eden – Adam needed a “helper.” Genesis tells us that Adam’s helper was created to be “just right for him.” (Genesis 2:18)
- God blessed the marriage of Adam and Eve and commanded them to be “fruitful and multiply” meaning that one of the original purposes of marriage was to establish a family. God desired for Adam and Eve to have sons and daughters who would serve Him. (Genesis 1:28 & Psalm 78:5-7)
- Marriage was designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. For husbands, this involves a sacrificial love – one that presents his wife as holy and blameless before others. And wives are called to submit to their husbands as he submits to God. (Ephesians 5:22-33 & Isaiah 62:5)
Fact or Fiction?
- Myth: Marriage automatically produces happiness.
- Truth: Only God can bring about true joy. You will never find happiness in another person. A person can make you feel happy for a short time, but only God can give you a joy that never ceases.
- Myth: Marriage will make you “whole” or “complete.”
- Truth: Your spouse cannot fill the void in your life. Only God can restore you and make you whole. As loving as your spouse can be, it is God alone who can take away the loneliness in your life.
- Myth: Problems in the relationship will go away once you get married.
- Truth: Most problems actually intensify once you marry. Only God can restore brokenness within a relationship if you allow Him. Marriage is never a solution to relational issues.
TRUTH: You will be sorely disappointed if you expect your spouse to make you happy and fill a void in your life!
Yes, there are feelings of happiness and completion when you meet the person God has called to be in your life. But it is God alone who sustains you. He is the source of joy and restoration when things get difficult… and trust me… they will.
More Truth about Marriage:
- God designed men and women to work together as one in marriage. We each bring different traits and skills to the table. God created the female to be a suitable helper for man, and He has called husbands to meet the needs of their wives. We simply work better together. (Genesis 2:18-24)
- The bond between husband and wife is established by God – two shall be united as one flesh. (Ephesians 5:31 & Matthew 19:6)
- True love does exist, but it can only come from God. He is love. When we rely on Him as our source, He makes it possible to sacrificially and unconditionally love others. (1 John 4:7-8)
Yes, marriage can be difficult. (If you’re married, you know what I’m talking about.)
But a marriage designed and maintained by God is an amazing blessing – one worth fighting for.
You’ve just read the introduction to my series on the Truth About Marriage. Click here to read more from this series!
*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
**Photo by Ben White at ChristianPics.co