What is God Purpose for Establishing the Marriage Institution?
What is God Purpose for Establishing the Marriage Institution?
God is far above all human frivolities to engage in any project without a good reason. Therefore, if He had no worthy reason for it, He wouldn’t have established marriage. The Bible records that God established the marriage institution for the following purposes:
1.Procreation
Marriage is designed for procreation—to increase the numerical strength of humanity. This is why God blessed Adam and Eve, saying:
“Be fruitful and multiply, replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion.”
The human population produced through marriage serves these purposes:
To replenish the earth, subdue it, and have dominion: This task is beyond the capacity of just two people. It is evident in the way humanity exploits and manages God’s creation across all aspects—demonstrating dominion over the earth for sustenance.
To raise co-rulers with Christ in the new world: Jesus will recruit those who will reign with Him in the new heaven and earth. As it is written:
“If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12, NIV).
These co-rulers are Christians, also called believers.
2. Companionship
Marriage provides companionship between man and woman. Its importance cannot be overstated, as Solomon, the wisest king, noted:
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV).
Common sayings capture this truth: “A problem shared is a problem solved,”* and *”Two heads are better than one.”
Even spiritually, Jesus assured us:
If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20, NIV).
Also read:Â What Does the Bible Say About the Purpose of Marriage?
3. Preservation of the Human Race
Marriage ensures the continuation of the human race, preventing extinction before the end of time, in line with God’s divine plan.
4. Moral Purity and Sexual Fulfillment
Marriage provides a legitimate and permanent sexual partnership to satisfy natural desires and avoid immorality. The Bible advises:
“Each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2-3).
5. Raising Godly Offspring
Christian marriage aims to raise children with strong spiritual foundations:
Spiritual Instruction:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV).Â
God also instructs children:Â Â
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9, NIV).
The home should be a place of security, love, care, provision, training, and discipline rooted in love.
Caring for Children’s Needs:Â
Parents are responsible for their children’s physical (food, clothing, shelter), emotional (love, security), and spiritual (Christian education, morals) needs. This nurturing environment helps children become productive citizens and prepares them to be candidates for heaven.
6. Reflecting Christ’s Relationship with the Church
The relationship between husband and wife mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church:
“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior” (Ephesians 5:23-24, NIV).
Just as a photograph reflects an image, earthly marriage reflects the real image of the heavenly marriage—the union of the Church (believers) with Jesus Christ in heaven.
