Have you ever wondered about God’s initial intent for marriage?

Well, Marriage is a sacred covenant and a divine institution established by God. In Hebrews 13:4, we read, 

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Understanding the depth of this scripture serves as a powerful anchor for understanding the significance of the marriage covenant and the dangers that arise when it is broken through strife, unfaithfulness, infidelity, and a lack of Christ’s burning love between husband and wife. We would examine each as we navigate the real dangers to enjoy God’s very best for marriage.

The Sanctity of MARRIAGE

UNDERSTANDING THE COVENANT

In the beginning God created man and woman and brought them together in Holy Matrimony, in Genesis 2:23-25 (KJV):

“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed”.

Marriage is not merely a social contract. It is a covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and His Church.

In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul writes,

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

This profound love is characterised by selflessness, sacrifice, and a commitment to the well-being of the other. When you say your marriage vows, you are not just making a promise to your spouse. You are making a Covenant with your spouse before God and holding yourself accountable to God and to your spouse. Breaking a part of this Covenant means breaking you both, because you are both one before the Lord.

Notice that Adam was inspired by God in Genesis 2:23-25 to say,

‘This is the bone of my bone and the flesh of my flesh. Therefore shall a man leave his father’s and his mother’

This has to do with the Covenant. You shall LEAVE the covenant you have with your father and mother (by reason of birth, nurturing, and traditions), and you shall CLEAVE to your spouse (form a new Covenant with your spouse). This new Covenant MUST supersede all else because you are coming into a new marital and family union. The question is, “Have you left home? Or are you still tied to your father’s covenants and traditions?”

Many still are! Many have refused to LEAVE! As a result, they are having difficulty cleaving.

To the Husband → You say your mother cooks your rice in a particular way; therefore, your wife must cook it the same way. You say your father beats your mom daily to keep her submissive to him, so you do the same.

To the Wife → You say your father gives you certain financial allowances; therefore, you expect your husband to do the same. You say your mom talks to your dad in certain ways, so you must do the same.

You both say you are believers in Christ, yet you have refused to leave your father and mother’s covenants and traditions, and you have refused to cleave to your new Covenant partner! Even worse, you have rejected God’s Covenant Plan for you both and are rewriting your parents’ marital story in error.

So, where do you go from here?

THE IMPORTANCE OF HONOR

Hebrews 13:4 emphasises the importance of honouring marriage. The Greek word for “honour” (τιμή, timē) implies a value that is precious and esteemed. When you honour your marriage, you recognise its worth and God’s divine purpose behind it. Ignoring God’s Covenant Plan for your marriage leads to a breakdown in your marriage, opening the door to strife and discord. Remember in Genesis 2:24-25, as inspired by God, Adam said,

“And they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed”.