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. Therefore "God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27). 15, 16. 1. Marriage mirrors God’s covenant relationship with His people. Using one of Adam’s own ribs, He created Eve. Center your attention on those words, mirror His image. Would you like to read this article in %%? If there must be a civil marriage, how would this affect the wedding talk? 5. This may involve obtaining a license, using a State-authorized marrying agent, and perhaps registering the completed marriage. If a Christian elder will deliver a wedding talk, that too should be marked by honor. There would be only one such talk. 12 The Watchtower of May 1, 1962, page 287, offers comments about common-law marriage. In many lands, the government authorizes a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses to solemnize marriages. That could be in a small, simple ceremony that is conducted by a judge, mayor, or minister authorized by the State. 14 In some lands where customary marriage is recognized as legal, there are also provisions for civil (or, statutory) marriage. Why do many Christians want to have a wedding talk when they marry, and what does it feature? Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Marriage is honorable in God’s sight. Adultery could not occur in remarriage if divorce ended the first marriage. I will make a helper suitable for him.” …Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. . Overall, what this says is that the marital commitment is a serious one and is never to be taken lightly. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. He should not include overly personal observations that might embarrass the couple and the listeners. For the groom: “I [name of groom] take you [name of bride] to be my wedded wife, to love and to cherish in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christian husbands, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God’s marital arrangement.” For the bride: “I [name of bride] take you [name of groom] to be my wedded husband, to love and to cherish and deeply respect, in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christian wives, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God’s marital arrangement.”. Bible examples when two people are married in the eyes of God. 15 When a problem arose in the marriage of a Persian king, a chief adviser named Memucan gave advice that could have a positive effect—‘that all the wives give honor to their husbands.’ (Esther 1:20) In Christian marriages, that does not need to be decreed by any human king; wives want to honor their husbands. One reason is that marriage is meant to be a special covenant between a man, a woman, and their God. • Why should we be interested in both the legal and the spiritual aspects of weddings? 15 When a problem arose in the marriage of a Persian king, a chief adviser named Memucan gave advice that could have a positive effect—‘that all the wives give honor to their husbands.’ (Esther 1:20) In Christian marriages, that does not need to be decreed by any human king; wives want to honor their husbands. Contemporary English Version Have respect for marriage. Many Bible versions render that verse something like this: “There was a wedding in Cana.” But the original-language word is well rendered “marriage feast” or “wedding banquet.” * (Matthew 22:2-10; 25:10; Luke 14:8) The account makes it clear that Jesus was present at and contributed to a feast linked to a Jewish wedding. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the marriage feast.”—JOHN 2:1, 2. The government granting a divorce does not end a person’s first marriage in God’s judgment. Registration can offer protection for the couple or for the wife if she becomes a widow and for any future children. . This article will consider situations in various regions. Why is there a legal aspect to Christian weddings? The government views such customary marriage as valid, legal, and binding. to him who calls for honor, such honor.” (Romans 13:7) Yes, it is fitting that Christians, right from the wedding day, honor the arrangement that God has in place for the present. God officiated. Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. That could be in a small, simple ceremony that is conducted by a judge, mayor, or minister authorized by the State. Christ even made one wedding outstanding by performing his first recorded miracle there, adding to the pleasure of that event. The congregation would urge any who enter such a customary marriage to register it as soon as possible. In addition to confirming that the couple have a good reputation, these overseers will make sure that the timing of the wedding will not interfere with the regular meetings and scheduled programs at the hall. 13 The couple legally united in such a customary process become husband and wife when that marriage occurs. The account about Jesus in Cana draws attention to what? THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION October 15, 2006, The Watchtower—Study Edition | October 15, 2006. 2 Christians have found that the advice in God’s inspired Word is very helpful when a man and a woman plan to get married. 5. 17. Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join _____ and _____ in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying to us the mystical union which is between Christ and His Church. The same word might be used for a feast that was not connected to a marriage.—Esther 9:22, Septuagint. Interestingly, it seems that under the Mosaic Law, marriages and births were officially recorded.—Matthew 1:1-16. The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. 6 While Jehovah originated marriage, human governments have some control over the actions of those getting married. Christians often choose to follow up that legal step with a wedding talk at the Kingdom Hall on the same day or the next. 14. The account about Jesus in Cana draws attention to what? Honor marriage is like Don't love money because God wants to take care of you. The following article will consider that very matter.*. ... as such Cato often said that "if the world was without women, the gods would come down and converse with men; but whilst those are here, these will never visit us." It’s like the sunshine and the rain that fall ”on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). God intended for it to be beautiful, unifying and honorable. Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics. . 12 In some countries, couples enter into what may be called a customary (or, tribal) marriage. 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. 10 The elder giving the wedding talk will strive to make the discussion warm, spiritually upbuilding, and dignified. Those in attendance at the Kingdom Hall will rejoice with the couple and benefit from the counsel given from God’s Word.—Song of Solomon 3:11. Marriage predates civil government – Marriage was established in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:24), before the first city (Genesis 4:17) or first kingdom (Genesis 10:8-10) were established. He brought Eve to Adam to be his wife. 10. What type of wedding do some Christians choose, and why? On the wedding day, the bridegroom brought his bride to his own home or to his father’s. Only in the married state does God permit sexual relations (Hebrews 13:4 Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. The Lord did not disagree, but knew that some could not keep this saying - so marriage, when properly esteemed is left honorable in the sight of God and man (Hebrews 13:4). Rather, he will strive to be warm and upbuilding, highlighting the Originator of marriage and His outstanding advice. God Bless You And Help You To Do His Will By His Grace. What information does the Bible contain about weddings? PRIVACY POLICY, THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION October 15, 2006, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/ct/a281a290e9/images/cvr_placeholder.jpg, Share No. If there is such a gathering, how can counsel from the Bible help us to ensure that it too will bring honor to God and reflect well on the newlyweds and on the Christian congregation? Thereafter, they might share in a celebratory feast, such as that mentioned at John 2:1. Marriage was ordained by God in Eden and confirmed in Cana of Galilee by the presence of the Lord Himself, and is declared by the inspired Apostle Paul to be honorable among all men. What might a Christian do if both a customary and a civil marriage are possible? That is the local place of true worship and an appropriate location for a talk about this arrangement, which Jehovah God instituted. Marriage is an institution created by God and therefore is holy. And the 6th men she only lived with. 13. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Granted, the Bible does not outline exact procedures for a Christian wedding. Hence, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not repeat a marriage by having multiple legal ceremonies, nor do they renew marriage vows, such as on a couple’s 25th or 50th wedding anniversary. Once they do so, they may wed in any legally accepted manner. 13. 22:1-14) to the ultimate feast in glory, the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. (Matthew 5:37) (Some churches ignore a legally approved civil marriage ceremony, claiming that it is not really a proper marriage unless a priest or a clergyman performs a ritual or declares the couple man and wife.) Christians are to “aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21, ESV; cf. Yet, all of us ought to be aware of how important it is that wedding arrangements among Jehovah’s Witnesses manifest respect for local laws, for the requirements of Caesar. As noted above, the couple who are thus married may want to follow that registration right away with a Bible-based talk at the Kingdom Hall. A definition of the word marriage is a legally recognized relationship, established by civil or religious ceremony between two people who intend to live together as sexual and domestic partners. • If two Christians marry in a civil ceremony, what might they decide to have soon afterward? This may involve the full payment and acceptance of a bride-price, by which the couple are legally and Scripturally married. . We see this last parallel throughout the Bible. The discussion is helpful for the couple getting married and for all attending the wedding. But we may not want to push this too hard since God actually arranged and conducted the marriage. ^ par. How to Stop Always Trying to Be Right in Your Own Eyes, by David Sanford - Christian Marriage advice and help. What information does the Bible contain about weddings? In light of this, consider the one who stays married but secretly hates his wife and fantasizes about being with another, or just being free. 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