God's Design for Marriage
Marriage is more than just a relationship status; it's a God-ordained covenant meant to last a lifetime.
Pastor Brandon Woodward, in his sermon The Theology of Marriage explains that marriage can be approached 3 ways:
Casually
Contractually
Covenantally
Only a covenantal marriage aligns fully with God’s vision for marriage.
(Don’t) Pursue A Casual Marriage
Pastor Brandon defines marriage as:
“Marriage is a God ordained lifelong covenant and sacred bond between one man and one woman.”
Some approach marriage casually, seeing it as just "dating gone too far." Couples may live together without commitment, assuming marriage is "just a piece of paper."
But this casual approach ignores the seriousness with which God views marriage, which has been with us from the very beginning.
Genesis 2:24 clearly illustrates marriage's divine origin:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
The Bible has no category for casual commitment.
Marriage requires intentionality and sacred dedication.
Contractual Marriage: Conditions and Convenience
Contractual marriage operates under conditions: "You do you your part, and I'll do mine."
It’s temporary, protective of personal interests, and easily dissolvable if expectations aren't met.
Yet this self-centered, conditional view falls short of God's vision.
As Pastor Brandon explains, a contractual marriage protects oneself from a spouse rather than giving oneself fully.
Jesus Himself reiterates marriage’s permanence in Matthew 19:6:
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Contracts safeguard our rights; covenants require sacrifice.
Covenantal Marriage: Sacred and Selfless
The biblical ideal is covenantal marriage a lifelong, sacred bond initiated by God, filled with unconditional love and mutual self-giving.
Covenants involve not only husband and wife but also God Himself, forming a holy three-fold unity.
Pastor Brandon underscores this, saying:
“Covenants are based on self-giving love. You don't protect yourself from your spouse, you give yourself to them.”
Covenantal marriage echoes God's own nature of steadfast commitment and faithfulness.
Pastor Brandon also highlighted, “marriage has been a partnership for mission from the very beginning.”
Ephesians 5:25 sets the bar high:
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Marriage is Not the Target
Marriage itself isn't the ultimate goal. As Pastor Brandon clarifies:
“The target of life is becoming like Christ. And so some of you will do that through singleness, and maybe even a life of singleness. Others of you, part of your formation and becoming like Christ will take place in and through your marriage.”
Some Practical Steps to Foster a Covenantal Marriage
Prioritize Spiritual Connection:
Regularly engage in prayer and the Bible together.
Commit Beyond Conditions:
Love unconditionally, forgiving often, and avoiding conditional attitudes.
Guard the Sacredness:
Actively protect your marriage by setting boundaries and reinforcing commitment.
Sermon Highlights
“Marriage is a God ordained lifelong covenant and sacred bond between one man and one woman”
"I'm not saying that marriage is the target for life, right? Not everybody's gonna get married,
“[The] target of life is becoming like Christ."
“You don't protect yourself from your spouse, you give yourself to them”
Watch the full sermon, "Theology of Marriage," here.
