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What Are the Purposes of God for Marriage?
by Gary and Betsy Ricucci
What is this mystery of marriage? It began in the Garden of Eden when God himself fashioned a women perfectly suited to Adam and "brought her to the man" (Genesis 2:22). From Genesis 2:24 we glean this divine description of marriage: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
So from the earliest pages of Scripture, we see that marriage - an exclusive, passionate, and permanent relationship between a man and a woman - owes its very existence to God.
As significant as marriage was in Eden, the full meaning of marriage was not disclosed until the coming of Christ.
When the Apostle Paul taught about marriage in Ephesians 5, he quotes Genesis 2:24 and draws back the curtain on this amazing truth: "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."
This revelation explodes all human-centered explanations for marriage. The relationship between a husband and a wife is meant to be a reflection of Christ's relationship with his church. It isa living parable of the supernatural union between Jesus and his Bride.
To grasp this staggering truth is both inspiring and sobering. What a privilege! What a responsibility!
Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman. Based on the book, Love That Lasts by Gary and Betsy Ricucci. Published by Crossway Publishers.
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