Family Research Council

The Bible’s Teaching on Marriage and the Family

Introduction

  • Current misunderstanding of "marriage" and "family" in culture.

  • Impact of same-sex marriage activists on societal views.

  • Aim: Define marriage and family biblically.

Defining the Family

  • Narrow Definition: Union of one man and one woman, traditionally with children (natural or adopted).

  • Broad Definition: Includes extended family relations.

  • Biblical Foundation: Genesis 2:18, 24 sets the pattern: one man and one woman become one flesh.

    • Emphasizes procreation and establishment of family.

    • God's original command: Genesis 1:28 - "be fruitful and multiply".

  • Universal understanding across cultures but fuller Christian understanding through Scripture.

  • Call for the church to educate on biblical foundations.

Marriage: Contract vs. Covenant

  • Cultural View: Marriage seen as a temporary social agreement; easily dissolvable.

    • Focus on individual choice and freedom.

  • Biblical View: Marriage as a divine covenant, not merely a human contract.

  • Jesus’ perspective: "What therefore God has joined together…" (Matthew 19:6)

  • Definition of a covenant as a sacred bond established before God.

  • Long-lasting commitment between partners, witnessed by God.

Elements of Marriage

  1. Permanence: Intended to be lifelong; limited circumstances for divorce.

    • Biblical basis: Matthew 19:6, Mark 10:9.

  2. Sacredness: Not a human agreement but a divine institution.

    • Limitations on same-sex marriages.

  3. Intimacy: The "one-flesh" union extends beyond physical to emotional bonds.

  4. Mutuality: Self-giving relationship emphasizing love and responsibility.

  5. Exclusiveness: Commitment to fidelity; addressing issues like adultery.

Consequences of Sin on Marriage and Family

  • Sin results in:

    1. Polygamy: Violates the monogamous design of marriage.

    2. Divorce: Goes against the intended permanence.

    3. Adultery: Breaking marriage vows, condemned in the Ten Commandments.

    4. Homosexuality: Contradicts procreation and God’s creation design.

    5. Sterility: Lacking fertility as intended by God.

    6. Gender Role Confusion: Distortion of intended gender roles.

Restoration Through Christ

  • New Testament emphasizes restoration of God’s design for marriage through Jesus.

  • Ephesians 5 outlines marital roles showcasing authority and mutual submission.

  • The concept of spiritual warfare and the challenges faced by couples today.

Singleness

  • Cultural and biblical views on marriage and singleness transition over time.

    • Singleness glorified by figures like Jesus and Paul.

    • Affirmation of mutual advantages in both states, with a vision for an eternal state without marriage.

Homosexuality

  • Genesis confirms heterosexual marriage.

  • Shortcomings of homosexual unions in terms of procreation and divine complementarity.

  • Discussion on biblical passages addressing homosexuality, including interpretations of Sodom and Gomorrah, and teachings of Apostle Paul.

  • Clear prohibitions of homosexuality in both Testaments.

Divorce

  • Old Testament regulations on divorce vs. Jesus’ teachings.

    • Jesus only permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9).

    • Paul annotations on abandonment in mixed-faith marriages.

  • Emphasis on the sanctity and commitment of marriage despite challenges.

Conclusion

  • Present crisis regarding marriage and family rooted in spiritual neglect.

  • Call to return to biblical foundations for restoration of marriage as a sacred institution.