Wednesday, July 31 ~ They will become one flesh.​—Gen. 2:24.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, July 31

They will become one flesh.—Gen. 2:24.

 

Marriage is sacred. Before God and eyewitnesses, the bride and groom exchange their marriage vows. They usually promise that they will love, cherish, and respect each other and that they will do so “for as long as [they] both shall live together on earth according to God’s marital arrangement.” Others may not have said these exact words, but they still made a vow before God. They are then pronounced husband and wife, and their marriage is meant to be a lifelong bond. (1 Cor. 7:39) “Therefore,” to use Jesus’ words, “what God has yoked together, let no man put apart”—neither the husband nor the wife nor anyone else. Thus, couples entering marriage must have the view that divorce is not an option. (Mark 10:9) Of course, there has never been a perfect marriage. Each marriage is made up of two imperfect people. That is why the Bible says that married people “will have tribulation” at times.—1 Cor. 7:28. w17.04 7 ¶14-15

[Bek]

What if a person has not given a vow to God or he did so in an Islamic ritual, does it mean that his marriage is still scriptural? I am just trying to understand what a scriptural marriage is. It is just that there is a scriptural divorce and a legal divorce. So logic tells me that there should be a scriptural marriage and legal marriage. 

[Shawnster]

2 hours ago, Hun said:

What if a person has not given a vow to God or he did so in an Islamic ritual, does it mean that his marriage is still scriptural? I am just trying to understand what a scriptural marriage is. It is just that there is a scriptural divorce and a legal divorce. So logic tells me that there should be a scriptural marriage and legal marriage. 

It's the legal aspect of marriage that is the key.  When two people are legally married (as opposed to living together and simply self-declaring they are married), then their marriage is recognized by  Jehovah.  So, two worldly people are married, their marriage is recognized by Jehovah providing they are of opposite genders.  Jehovah does not recognize homosexual marriage.  However, a homosexual couple would need to legally get a divorce if one of them ever wanted to marry a woman.  Likewise, a polygamous marriage is not recognized by Jehovah.  In such a situation a Christian would be required to keep his first wife and legally divorce the rest.

 

The same holds true for any type of marriage union.  2 Christians, 1 Christian and 1 worldly person, etc...  If they meet the legal requirement and are one man and one woman, they are considered married in Jehovah's eyes.  

 

If someone is in a marital relationship that Jehovah disapproves of, such as homosexual or polygamous, that person would need to get out of such a situation if they wish to have a relationship with Jehovah.

 

*** w06 10/15 p. 19 pars. 4-7 Weddings That Are Honorable in the Sight of God and Man ***
4 In many countries today, Christians who want to marry must meet certain legal requirements. Once they do so, they may wed in any legally accepted manner. That could be in a small, simple ceremony that is conducted by a judge, mayor, or minister authorized by the State. Some choose to marry in such a way, possibly asking a few relatives or Christian friends to be present as legal witnesses or just to share in the joy of this important occasion. (Jeremiah 33:11; John 3:29) Similarly, other Christians may choose not to hold a sizable wedding feast or reception that would require considerable planning and cost. They may arrange, instead, for a quiet meal with some close friends. Whatever our personal preferences in this regard may be, we should recognize that other mature Christians may have viewpoints different from our own.—Romans 14:3, 4.

5 Most Christian couples choose to have a Bible-based talk at their wedding. They recognize that Jehovah originated marriage and provides in his Word wise advice on how marriage can succeed and bring happiness. (Genesis 2:22-24; Mark 10:6-9; Ephesians 5:22-33) And most couples want Christian friends and relatives to share in the happy occasion. Yet, how are we to view the great variety of legal requirements, procedures, and even prevailing local practices? This article will consider situations in various regions. Some may differ considerably from what you know of or from what is done in your area. Nevertheless, you can note certain common principles or aspects that are important to God’s servants.
Honorable Marriage—Legal Marriage

 

6 While Jehovah originated marriage, human governments have some control over the actions of those getting married. This is appropriate. Jesus said: “Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Mark 12:17) Similarly, the apostle Paul directed: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.”—Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1.

 

7 In most lands Caesar, or the civil authority, determines who is eligible to marry. Thus, when two Christians who are Scripturally free choose to get married, they conscientiously comply with local law. This may involve obtaining a license, using a State-authorized marrying agent, and perhaps registering the completed marriage. When Caesar Augustus required a “registration,” Mary and Joseph complied, traveling to Bethlehem “to get registered.”—Luke 2:1-5.
 

Edited July 31, 2019 by Shawnster

[Nirex]

What if someone never consumates(sp?) their marriage?

[tekmantwo]

On 7/30/2019 at 1:09 PM, GrumpysWife said:

Of course, there has never been a perfect marriage

What about Adam and Eve, wouldn't their marriage be considered perfect, at least for a while?...

[GrumpysWife]

Hummmm