In Christianity, marriage is considered a sacred and divinely ordained institution, symbolizing a covenant not only between the couple but also with God. The sanctity of marriage is rooted in several biblical teachings and theological principles, which we notice when we read both the Old and New Testaments.
For example, in the book of Genesis, marriage is established as part of God’s design for humanity. The union of Adam and Eve represents the first marriage, where God declares that “a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This unity underscores marriage as a lifelong, exclusive bond. Unlike a contract, which is based on mutual benefits, a covenant is a sacred, binding agreement that reflects God’s commitment to His people. Marriage is viewed as such a covenant, implying permanence and fidelity. Jesus reinforces this covenantal nature in the New Testament when He states, “What therefore God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:9).
We notice this understanding of the bond between the husband and wife compared to the bond between Jesus Christ and His Church. Therefore, Christian theology often compares the relationship between Christ and the Church to that of a husband and wife. Ephesians 5:25-33 explains how husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, giving Himself up for her. The sacrificial love of Christ becomes a model for marital love, emphasizing mutual respect, selflessness, and unconditional love. This metaphor enhances the sacredness of marriage, elevating it beyond a mere social arrangement to a divine reflection of Christ’s relationship with humanity.
Faithfulness is central to this commitment. The marital relationship is meant to be exclusive, mirroring the fidelity that God expects in His relationship with humanity. Adultery and infidelity are considered serious violations of this sacred trust. Therefore, marriage provides a deep, intimate partnership where husband and wife are called to support and complement each other. This companionship reflects the relational nature of God, who exists in a triune relationship as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Another main aspect of marriage is the purposes of procreation. Children are seen as a blessing from God, and the family unit becomes the fundamental building block of society and the Church.
In contemporary society, issues such as divorce, cohabitation, abortion and changing views on the definition of marriage challenge traditional Christian views on marriage. Despite these cultural shifts, many Christians continue to uphold the sanctity of marriage as a reflection of divine order and a core aspect of moral and spiritual life.
Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian
