The concept of legal marriage has become a significant challenge to biblical marriage in today’s postmodern society. In this article, we will explore the problems associated with viewing marriage as a legally binding contract. To understand the issue, let’s turn to the Bible and examine its perspective on marriage.
In the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 2, verses 20 to 24, we witness the union of Adam and Eve. Later, we encounter the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, marriage is consistently described as a covenantal agreement. Notably, God’s Word does not mention the establishment of marriage by the state or government. It is important to delve into why this is the case.
In 1913, the American Federal government recognized legal marriage, marking a significant shift in history. Previously, throughout human history, marriage had largely remained separate from the state. The government’s involvement came in the form of policies allowing civil authorities and church leaders to officiate marriages legally. Consequently, over the past century, the Christian church has embraced and perpetuated the idea that marriage requires state endorsement. Although this concept is not remotely stated in the Bible. Sadly the partnership between the church and state regarding marriage has become widespread globally.
You might be wondering, what’s the problem with having the state granting licenses and maintaining official marriage records? Is it causing any harm? Let’s address these questions and examine some of the issues this notion raises.
- Legal does not necessarily equal biblical. Just because something is legally recognized does not mean it is accepted in the eyes of God. Individuals within a legally recognized marriage might mistakenly believe that their relationship is also approved by God. This can lead to a dangerous misconception, where individuals engage in sinful behavior without acknowledging their wrongdoing because they possess a legal document validating their union. For instance, a husband may mistreat his wife while still engaging in sexual relations with her, believing he is free from sin due to their “marriage licence”.
- The legal aspect overshadows the spiritual. In Mark 7:13, Jesus warns about nullifying the word of God through tradition. When believers accept the notion that marriage must be legally recognized to be official, they elevate the law above God’s authority. Marriage cannot have two masters. Either the legal or the spiritual aspect will take precedence. In today’s society, man-made traditions often hold greater value than God’s word.
- The law permits divorce, but God does not. When we allow the law to replace God’s authority in matters of marriage, conflicts between the two inevitably arise. Different countries have extensive lists of reasons that legally permit divorce, which diverge from God’s intentions. For God, marriage exists to reflect His image and bring Him glory. However, for the state, marriage becomes a means of generating revenue and exercising control over the population. The same discrepancy arises regarding divorce. The state focuses on asset distribution and managing individuals after the dissolution of a relationship, disregarding the spiritual aspects of marriage, God’s glory, and the harm inflicted on the institution of marriage itself. God permits divorce solely on grounds of adultery, while the state allows it for numerous reasons, with adultery being just one of them.
- The law challenges God’s authority over marriage. Sin entered the world when humanity rebelled against God’s authority, seeking to make decisions contrary to His word. The Legal marriage represents another instance of sinful human nature attempting to replace God as the ultimate authority. The Legal marriage does not work in harmony with God’s authority; instead, it directly challenges His position as the authority over our lives and marriage itself.
It is essential to note that God never instructed Moses to permit divorce. Moses acted on his own authority, granting divorce to the people of Israel. Although Moses’s intentions were not rebellious, his actions were a result of the hardness of man’s heart.