The Oldest Divine Institution

Marriage is the oldest institution on earth. It was given to us before the first sin, while man was still in the paradise of Eden. It existed in slightly different form in the Patriarchal age, the Mosaic age, and it has now been restored to God’s original intent and purpose in this glorious Christian age.

God’s purposes for marriage show the glory of this great institution. An understanding of what God had in mind when he made marriage is essential for us to understand how to behave as husbands and wives. What does the Bible reveal about the purposes of marriage?

God made marriage because it was better for man than being alone. Genesis 2:18 – And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Man needed an suitable helper; and when God made woman for man, he gave him exactly what he needed. Genesis 2:21-24 – 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 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. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

What were God’s purposes in marriage? What does he intend us to be and to do for each other? What things do we find in marriage?

1. Sexual fulfilment – God intended a marriage to have a sexual component. He made man and woman so that their physical bodies compliment and complete each other. He designed a one-flesh relationship that helps us to cleave together.

2. Procreation – In addition to sexual things, the bodies of men and women are able to procreate, bringing offspring into this world. God is seeking a godly seed through marriage (Malachi 2:15).

3. Mutual support/companionship -- God made women and men in such a way that they could give exactly what is needed emotionally to each other. Psychologists tell us that what men need most from their wives is respect, and what women need most is love. Duh! Look at Ephesians 5:22-31. These are exactly the things that God commands us to give each other. We didn’t need psychologists to tell us that, we needed to understand God’s design.

Men are to dwell with their wives considerately, treat them with honor (1 Peter 3:7), and love them as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:28). Men who understand this will not be rough or harsh with their wives and they will not be emotionally distant and uncaring. Certainly, if men honor and love their wives they will be understanding and patient in trying to meet the emotional needs of their wives.

Women who understand God’s design will give respect to their husbands in their speech. They will speak respectfully to their husbands and about their husbands. They will also be respectful in their deeds, submitting and making an effort to be true helpers of their husbands.

God designed marriage to be a spiritual aid to man. The physical part of it helps to keep a man pure, but it is more than that. A woman who adorns her hidden heart with the ornaments of a meek and quiet spirit can win her husband to the Lord by her chaste manner of life (1 Peter 3:1-6).

When all of these things are considered, truly marriage offers the perfect divine plan for companionship, the oldest institution on the face of the earth.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Family Bulletin Board

Remember those who have chronic illnesses: Delsie Bishop, Reva Brewer, Ella Brumitt, Eloise Deaton, Jamie Farmer, Francis Ferren, Elizabeth Fowler, Savannah Green, Lola Mae Hamlett, Louise Hunt, and Edith Lechenet.

ELSIE SKAGGS will be leaving for the Winter on the 13th of this month.

RUSTY AND LAURA will be leaving for a lectureship in Tennessee on October 17th. They will return on October 25th. Several others will be going also, please pray for safe travel for all.