Marriage, as presented in the Bible, stands as the primary bond of society and the foundation of social life. Before a society or family can exist, a marriage must be formed between a man and a woman, a union that remains the true definition of marriage. This divine institution, established by God from the beginning, serves multiple purposes: companionship, romantic relationship, sexual union, covenant, joint livelihood, parenting, and a shared relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ. The principle that two become one in marriage underscores its significance, with God actively joining husband and wife together. God ordained marriage as His idea for humanity, creating it alongside human beings to teach the type of relationship the church must have with Christ. From the creation story, God Himself decided man needed a mate, pronouncing the first marriage union by bringing Eve to Adam. Marriage reflects God's purpose for mankind, emphasizing faithfulness as essential to both human and divine relationships. The purpose of marriage in this life is to prepare us through faithfulness for an eternally faithful union with Christ, highlighting the sanctity, sacredness, and permanence of the marriage bond. While not every human must marry, God desires peace in marriages, as the fruit of the Spirit is sown in peace. Marriage serves as a type of the coming divine union with Christ, where He will present the church to Himself as glorious, holy, and without blemish. Throughout the Bible, God's relationship with His people is pictured as a marriage, with Christ as the husband and His people as His wife. Faithfulness in marriage mirrors the covenant relationship with God, and unfaithfulness, akin to spiritual adultery, breaks this bond. The prophets often used the marriage metaphor to express Israel's unfaithfulness to God, yet also spoke of future restoration as a renewed marriage covenant. In the New Testament, the church is seen as the betrothed bride of Christ, with a call to remain spiritually undefiled. Principles for a successful marriage include submission, giving, and humility, as well as choosing to communicate positively, to make a house a home, to embrace the whole family with patience, to live in love as a decision, and to commit to staying together until death. These choices reflect the preparation to be the Bride of Christ, a union that will last forever. Ultimately, the marriage of the church to Jesus Christ signifies an intimate Family relationship, ruling with Him in glory for eternity.

Marriage, as presented in Ephesians 5, carries a profound spiritual purpose, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. Love forms the foundation of this union, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, with a sacrificial and caring devotion. This love is not about control but about mutual submission and deep affection, mirroring the unity between Christ and His bride. The purpose of marriage is to manifest this divine relationship, growing progressively more spiritually oriented and Christ-like over time. Christian marriage stands distinct from worldly perspectives, requiring a positive and inspired conception. It is not merely about avoiding certain pitfalls but about actively aligning the relationship with the heavenly pattern of Christ and the Church. Couples are urged to continually test whether their married life corresponds to this glorious ideal, ensuring it remains governed by spiritual principles rather than fleeting emotions or instincts. A key principle in achieving this purpose is the necessity to think and understand, rather than relying on automatic success or feelings alone. Marriage demands deliberate thought from a right perspective, guided by the teachings of Scripture, to navigate the stresses and strains of life. Without such understanding, couples lack the foundation to withstand challenges, often leading to failure when difficulties arise. Another essential aspect is the rejection of self and selfishness, identified as the primary causes of marital failure. Marriage is a unity where two become one flesh, making any assertion of self contrary to its fundamental nature. Submitting to one another in the fear of God is crucial, ensuring that personal desires do not disrupt the oneness of the relationship. For husbands, the purpose of marriage involves recognizing their wives as part of themselves, loving them as their own bodies. This means nourishing and cherishing their wives, protecting them from weaknesses, and building their resilience against life's trials. Husbands must avoid abuse, neglect, or taking their wives for granted, instead fostering a relationship of active care and mutual growth. Their love should be sacrificial, willing to pay any price for their wives' well-being, and marked by gentleness and self-control, enriching both partners spiritually and personally. Ultimately, the purpose of marriage in the Christian context is to create a fellowship that glorifies God, sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit and guided by His Word. It is a union meant to produce the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more—within a peaceful home, overcoming selfishness through submission to Christ and to each other. This unbreakable bond prioritizes the relationship with God and Christ above all, ensuring that the marital relationship remains rooted in divine fellowship.