Marriage is Good

Why get married?  What is the purpose of marriage?

Part of the plan of marriage is having kids.  When the Lord confirmed his covenant with Noah we read the following:

Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. ... As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it" (Gen. 9:1,7). 

How did Rebekah's sisters bless her?

Our sister, may you increase    to thousands upon thousands;may your offspring possess    the cities of their enemies (Gen. 24:60).

When was the last time you read the book of Ruth, chapter four?  Have you considered the implications for marriage?  A wedding should have witnesses (Ruth 4:9. cf. Gen. 29:22).  It should be legal (Ruth 4:2, 11).  Marriage is between one man and one woman - in this case Ruth and Boaz.      

Sadly marriage is under attack from many corners in our world (music, TV, courts etc.).  The Lord called holy matrimony “very good” (Genesis 1:26-31).

Also, think about Paul's directive, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word" (Eph. 5:25, 26).  Is not being made holy a good thing?

How does spousal abuse arise?  "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them" (Col. 3:19).  Contrast this with what it says in the Qur'an (4:34):

Men are in charge of women by what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient ... But those from whom you fear arrogance - advise them; forsake them in bed; and, strike them.

Peter would never say such a thing but instead gives us this command, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers" (1 Pet. 3:7).