Marriage is a union of one man and one woman who become one holy unit, one holy union. This holy union is a covenant, witnessed by God (Malachi 2:14-16). The Lord’s intimate involvement renders the marriage commitment a spiritual union for life (Matthew 19:6).
One of the purposes of marriage is to enjoy one another in true companionship (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 7:14) and together to fulfill God’s calling and purpose for the couple’s lives. Marriage binds a man and a woman into a unity that is stronger and greater than either individual, both for the purpose of individual blessing and stability for raising a spiritual family, year after year, generation after generation.
Marriage is a covenant relationship before God, designed to preserve the family institution and help prevent immorality in society. Marriage preserves the human race until the Lord returns to take us home. Marriage is a gift from God to last a lifetime because a family is God’s gift to the human race – a duplication of the Trinity, if you will; a reflection of Heaven on earth.