Christian definition of marriage (woman, church, believe, Christ)
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I have often wondered (as a Christian living in the U.S.) how one becomes officially married. I used to just assume you got a marriage license and had a ceremony by someone legally able to do so. This is intriguing to me as the U.S. has only been a country for a couple hundred years yet the Bible's teaching existed long before. Who's to say that a man and woman who decide to live together and maintain an exclusive relationship aren't married (besides the U.S. government)?
I have often wondered (as a Christian living in the U.S.) how one becomes officially married. I used to just assume you got a marriage license and had a ceremony by someone legally able to do so. This is intriguing to me as the U.S. has only been a country for a couple hundred years yet the Bible's teaching existed long before. Who's to say that a man and woman who decide to live together and maintain an exclusive relationship aren't married (besides the U.S. government)?
Nothing in the Bible says marriage is a sacrament. Rome's lies again. IMHO, a government issued license is not absolutely necessary for a couple to be considered married in God's eyes, neither is it necessary for a Christian minister to bless it. What is expected for Christians is that this declaration of marriage be public, and that the man and woman commit themselves to life long permanent marriage in front of witnesses. A secret marriage is not sufficient to prevent one of the couple from reneging and denying such a commitment was made. Unfortunately, people could take advantage of the other party with a secret marriage. After that declaration they are then husband and wife. They and everyone else can and should treat them as married persons.
I will add it is best, if possible for Christians to follow the law, as God does expect us to follow the laws of the land that God has placed us in. Rom. 13.
IMHO, a government issued license is not absolutely necessary for a couple to be considered married in God's eyes, neither is it necessary for a Christian minister to bless it. What is expected for Christians is that this declaration of marriage be public, and that the man and woman commit themselves to life long permanent marriage in front of witnesses.
Sorry not a sacrament nor is marriage between only a male and female biblical. As to the other comment, I believe that marriage is not a church institution. Civil marriage is no different in the eyes of the government than a church marriage. What differs is the blessing before God - don't want it, okay but you are still married (if you have a service). In some places, like Canada we have common-law marriage; live together for X period of time and you are the equivalent of married in the eyes of the government.
Sorry not a sacrament nor is marriage between only a male and female biblical. As to the other comment, I believe that marriage is not a church institution. Civil marriage is no different in the eyes of the government than a church marriage. What differs is the blessing before God - don't want it, okay but you are still married (if you have a service). In some places, like Canada we have common-law marriage; live together for X period of time and you are the equivalent of married in the eyes of the government.
If you are Catholic marriage is a sacrament.
If you are not Catholic then marriage is whatever you want marriage to be.
Hebrews 13:4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
Hebrews 13:4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
I realize this. I'm wondering if anyone has Biblical verses or interpretation of how one goes about becoming married as God sees fit.
I realize this. I'm wondering if anyone has Biblical verses or interpretation of how one goes about becoming married as God sees fit.
The Hebrew marriage cerimony is the likeness of the marriage cerimony of Christ and his Bride (yet to come). I have never been to a Hebrew cerimony and have no experience to share. Had I to get married again I would consult a rabbi. Would I ever step foot in a church again? No, but I would have a cerimony and I would likely choose a messianic rabbi. Dont' believe the bible ignorant BS posted above regarding shacking up or pretending to be married, you'll pay a price for that.
The Hebrew marriage cerimony is the likeness of the marriage cerimony of Christ and his Bride (yet to come). I have never been to a Hebrew cerimony and have no experience to share. Had I to get married again I would consult a rabbi. Would I ever step foot in a church again? No, but I would have a cerimony and I would likely choose a messianic rabbi. Dont' believe the bible ignorant BS posted above regarding shacking up or pretending to be married, you'll pay a price for that.
The Bible is ignorant? Did you not just quote it earlier?
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