The Bible doesn’t specify rules about age differences in marriage or mention marriage certificates, suggesting these are cultural rather than spiritual concerns. It outlines marriage as a committed partnership, ideally lifelong, with family as a central focus, and does not explicitly address the use of birth control within marriage.
Marriage and Family
The Bible places significant emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family. In the scriptures, marriage is more than a personal commitment; it’s a divine institution.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24
This verse not only underscores the union of a couple but also the beginning of a new family unit, foundational to biblical teachings.
Family roles are also outlined with clarity. Ephesians 6:1-4 advises,
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—’so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'”
This directive establishes a structure within the family, emphasizing respect and the flow of wisdom from one generation to the next.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the complexities of family life either. Proverbs 31:10-31 praises the virtues of a strong and capable wife, highlighting her value beyond her marital and familial roles. It’s a celebration of her contributions to both her household and her community.
In these ways, the Bible provides not just guidelines but a vision for marriage and family that is as much about spiritual harmony as it is about social structure. It’s a vision that has been guiding and shaping the concept of family for millennia.
Age Difference in Marriage
The Bible doesn’t provide specific guidelines on age differences between spouses. Instead, it offers examples of couples who had successful marriages regardless of age.
For instance, Abraham and Sarah had a significant age difference, yet they are one of the most renowned couples in the Bible, known for their faith and the promise God made to them:
“Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, ‘Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?'”
Genesis 17:17
This passage highlights that in biblical times, the focus was on the divine plan and faithfulness between couples rather than their ages.
Similarly, the story of Ruth and Boaz is another example where age difference is present but not emphasized as a barrier to marriage:
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went into her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.”
Ruth 4:13
These examples suggest that the Bible values the covenant of marriage and the character of individuals over their age difference. It’s a perspective that can inform modern views on age gaps in relationships, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, love, and shared faith.
Permanence of Marriage
The Bible presents marriage as a significant and lifelong commitment but stops short of declaring it eternal in the sense that it continues after life on earth. Jesus speaks to this in the Gospel of Matthew:
“At the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
Matthew 22:30
This verse indicates that while marriage is a sacred and enduring institution on earth, it does not extend into the afterlife. However, the commitment of marriage is meant to be a mirror of God’s eternal covenant with His people, as emphasized in Ephesians:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25
For modern couples, this underscores the importance of a devoted and lasting partnership that honors God’s design for a loving, lifelong union. The biblical perspective is that marriage, while not eternal, is a profound and enduring covenant meant to last throughout our earthly lives.
Prioritization in Marriage
In the Bible, the concept of prioritization in marriage is centered around unity and mutual support. Ephesians speaks to this, stating:
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:21
This verse calls for a shared prioritization, where both husband and wife are to consider each other’s needs as paramount, reflecting the selfless love that is expected of followers of Christ.
Additionally, the Gospel of Mark reiterates the inseparable nature of this bond:
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Mark 10:9
Here, the prioritization is clear: the marital union is to be held above all earthly ties. The husband and wife are to prioritize their relationship as a singular, indivisible unit, with both partners equally important in the eyes of God.
In essence, the Bible doesn’t rank the husband or wife but rather emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the marriage itself, fostering a partnership where both feel equally valued and committed to maintaining the integrity of their union.
Sexual Relations and Marriage
The Bible presents sexual relations as an integral component of the marital bond, but it does not equate the act of sex with the institution of marriage itself. Instead, sex within marriage is portrayed as a profound expression of love and unity that strengthens the marital relationship.
The book of Hebrews speaks to the sanctity of marriage and the special place of sexual relations within it:
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Hebrews 13:4
This verse emphasizes that sexual relations are to be reserved for the marriage relationship, where they play a crucial role in the bonding and prioritization of the husband and wife. It’s a celebration of love that is meant to be exclusive and honoring the covenant made between the two.
Furthermore, the Bible makes it clear that while sexual intimacy is a key aspect of the marital relationship, it is not a substitute for the covenant commitment that defines marriage. The act of sex is not a standalone declaration of marriage but rather a physical manifestation of the vows. It promises that a couple has made to each other before God.
In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul underscores the importance of this commitment:
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!”
1 Corinthians 6:15
Paul’s words here remind believers that sexual relations are not only about physical pleasure but are also about honoring the spiritual union that marriage represents. It’s about respecting the body and the marriage covenant, which are both seen as sacred.
In summary, while the Bible does not equate sex with marriage, it does hold sexual relations in high regard as a vital and beautiful part of the marital union, meant to be enjoyed within the parameters of a committed, covenantal relationship.
Birth Control in Marriage
The section on “Birth Control in Marriage” is meant to address what the Bible says about the use of contraception within the context of a marital relationship. The Bible does not explicitly mention birth control or contraception as we understand it today. However, biblical principles can be applied to the discussion about family planning and the responsible stewardship of family resources.
The closest the Bible comes to addressing the concept of birth control is in the story of Onan in the book of Genesis, where Onan is punished for “spilling his seed” rather than providing offspring for his brother’s widow, as was his duty according to the law of the time.
“But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went into his brother’s wife, he wasted his semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother.”
Genesis 38:9
While this verse is about Onan’s act of disobedience rather than a direct comment on birth control, it is often brought into the conversation by those seeking biblical guidance on the issue.
Fast forward to today, and the conversation around birth control in marriage among Christians is nuanced. It often involves a couple’s intentionality about family size, their health, and their ability to provide for future children. Many argue that responsible family planning can be a way to honor the marriage and the family unit, ensuring that each child is brought into a loving, stable, and supportive environment.
So, while the Bible doesn’t give a clear directive on the use of birth control, it does emphasize the values of love, responsibility, and stewardship—all of which can inform a couple’s personal decisions about contraception within the context of their marriage.
Marriage Certificate
The Bible does not mention marriage certificates as we know them today, because such documents are a relatively modern invention. In biblical times, marriages were typically formalized through public ceremonies and covenants before God and witnesses, not through written documents.
The closest the Bible comes to the concept of a formal record might be found in the book of Ezra, where marriages are recorded in a genealogical list:
“These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.”
Ezra 2:62
While this verse refers to genealogical records rather than marriage certificates, it shows the importance of recorded agreements and lineage in biblical times.
In terms of modern interpretation, a marriage certificate is a legal document that recognizes a marriage in the eyes of the law, conferring certain legal rights and responsibilities upon the married couple. It’s a way of formalizing the commitment that a couple makes to each other.
In summary, while the Bible does not specifically discuss marriage certificates, it does emphasize the importance of marriage as a public and solemn covenant. The modern practice of issuing marriage certificates aligns with the biblical principle of making a formal and public declaration of a marriage covenant.
Conclusion
We’ve explored the Bible’s timeless wisdom on marriage. It teaches us that marriage is a divine covenant, not bound by age or modern legalities, but by commitment and love. The Bible doesn’t spell out rules for age differences or mention marriage certificates, yet it emphasizes the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong union, with family at its core.
Biblical teachings guide us to prioritize our marital bonds, cherish the unity of family, and honor the sacredness of our vows. While marriage is not eternal, it is a profound reflection of God’s promise to us, meant to last a lifetime. These principles offer a compass for navigating marriage with respect, love, and a deep sense of commitment, encouraging us to uphold the values that make the marital journey meaningful.