Hey there, my lovely reader! Today, let’s chat about something very important that’s been around (almost) since the beginning of the world. It’s a beautiful yet sometimes complicated thing – marriage. Many of you wonder: Is marriage a Christian concept? No judgment if you asked yourself this question too – it’s actually a good one! So let’s brew some virtual tea as we always do and unpack this subject together, shall we?
Marriage in the Bible
Let’s start from the Scripture where the whole idea of marriage is repeated sooo many times. First book of the Bible already mentioned it: Genesis 2:24: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse is the foundation. It shows that marriage is a union, created by God and composed of a man and a woman – husband and wife – in today’s culture, there is a need to clarify that.
After Jesus died and resurrected, or actually already during His teachings, the idea of marriage got an even deeper and more profound meaning.
Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This. Was. Revolutionary!
Not only was marriage a holy union, but it was also supposed to represent the relationship between Christ and His church. What a wonderful analogy! Marriage is so much more than just a man and a woman wearing wedding rings and living in one house. It’s a mission of selfless love and sacrificial actions rooted deeply in the Gospel.
Is Marriage a Christian Concept? Marriage Beyond Christianity
It’s obvious that even though Jesus gives us a blueprint of what marriage is, people know the idea of marriage in different cultures and religions. It existed already in ancient times, and even if I’m not a historian, I remember when, during history lesson, we talked about ancient tribes of Mesopotamia and marriages there. But honestly, I believe that the universality of marriage does not deny its creator.
Because let’s look at it carefully. The existence of marriage in Hinduism, or even Islam, still points back to the Creator of it. Since God created men and women, it’s only natural that they want to commit to a union between themselves.
What sets Christian marriage apart from a non-Christian marriage is its spiritual purpose. It’s not only about humanity, feelings, traditions, and building families. It’s about glorifying God and showing the Gospel. It literally mirrors what Jesus has done to the church – isn’t it so amazing!
(Feel free to check my guide on How to Create a Marriage That Honors God.)
Cultural Marriage Vs Christian Marriage
In many societies, marriage is centred around feelings of love, family, community, and sometimes even money or status. Christianity, however, gives marriage a deeper and unshakable dimension:
- a Covenant, not a Contract – Unlike marriages based on mutual benefits, Christian marriage is an unbreakable promise before God and people. It’s not “I will love you as long as you’re good to me”, but rather “I’ll love you till death do us part”.
- Love That Reflects Christ – there is no place for being selfish, since selflessness is the goal. Loving in a Christian marriage is not 50/50 like in a business partnership. It’s 100/100/100. 100 of God, 100 of husband, and 100 of wife.
- God’s Kingdom Focus – Godly marriage is a part of the greater mission, raising generations and uplifting communities in His name. It’s more than just a social expectation – it’s a calling from God.
Does Marriage Still Matter?
YES. Even in a world of shifting values and identities, marriage remains a central point of God’s plan. It’s like a sanctuary of love, sacrifice, and serving. It does not expire, and its definition does not change.
Marriage isn’t just about the couple, although as a married nearly five years woman I must say, it can be so fulfilling! – but its’a also a ministry. It’s a way of growing in God and maturity by serving each other, sacrificing one’s comfort, and learning how to love unconditionally.
I know that in the world, the definitions of what a marriage and a relationship are, might shift (and how quickly it does, I already lost track of it!). In some crazy countries, you can get married to a doll. Or a tree. The author of this blog refused to comment on this matter 😉
Yet the essence of marriage designed by God remains the same. It doesn’t expire or adapt to trends. Matthew 19:6: “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” This passage reminds us that God has created marriage.
So, Is Marriage a Christian Concept?
Yes and no. Yes, because God is the ultimate creator of it. That was His wonderful idea, and copyrights are not salable 😉 But also, no, in the sense that it existed long before Christ came to earth, lived among us, died, and resurrected.
Here is the thing: even though Jesus’ appearance on earth happened at a specific point in history, His presence and purpose were always a part of the plan. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies and glimpses of the Messiah, who is about to come and save. Similarly, marriage was established from the very beginning to reflect something far greater than human passion – it was designed to show the profound mystery of Christ’s love for His church.
Of course, the idea of the relationship between a man and a woman exists in many cultures and places. From ancient Mesopotamia to modern civil ceremonies, marriage has always been a cornerstone of human civilisation. While such cultural expressions of marriage are important, they lack the connection to Christ and His ultimate sacrifice.
Christian Blueprint for Marriage
God’s idea of marriage goes beyond cultural understanding and traditions; it’s more than just a legal agreement, a multiplying or partnership. When two believers become united in marriage, they become a living reflection of God’s relationship with His people.
- The husband represents Christ, loving his wife selflessly and sacrificially
- The wife represents the Church, responding with love, submission, and devotion.
This dynamic is unique to the Christian understanding of marriage, making it clear that marriage might be a universal institution, but its deepest meaning is rooted in God’s design and Christ’s mission.
I hope this last sentence answered your question: “Is marriage a Christian concept?”. *sipping the tea*. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any doubts or simply want to discuss.