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| Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo |
The Institution Of Marriage
Dear Reader,
The Bible presents marriage as a divine institution. Marriage, however, began with God. It was established by God at the beginning of human history, when He created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
Marriage is the legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife, to the exclusion of all others. It is a covenant union of a man and a woman – the two becoming one flesh. Marriage is not only for companionship, it is also a relationship for procreation and rearing the next generation of humankind. All through this month, I will be looking at The Institution of Marriage.
This week, I will like to start with the subject, A Divine Institution
Marriage is the oldest institution known to man. It dates back to creation and the Garden of Eden. God Himself performed the first marriage ceremony. He also gave away the first bride. On the sixth day of creation, having made the world a home for man, God made man. He knew man needed a companion, so He said to Himself: It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him (Genesis 2:18).
After God made Adam, the most marvellous creature in the wonderful new world, He took a rib from his perfect body to make a life companion for him. God’s Word says: So the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib which the Lord had taken from the man he made into woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore a man leaves his Father and Mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:21-24).
God performed this mystery because He wanted man to know right from the beginning that his wife was truly a part of him, so that he would treat her as he would treat himself. Instantly both realize that they belong to each other. God’s Word says: The two shall become one. So they are no longer two but one (Colossians 1:16).
Apparently it was God’s idea for the institution of marriage of man and woman to be united, not only legally but totally. A wedding is two hearts laid upon the altar with the fire of divine love, to be fused as one for God. It’s the beginning of a lifelong experience of thinking together, planning together, hoping together and praying together. Marriage is a beautiful gift from God to make two people happy, share in every phase of life from the wedding day till the end of the journey of life. God knew that by sharing life together, they will be joyful and enjoy fulfillment.
God designed marriage to be the closest and best of all human relationships. A man and woman were created to complement one another’s physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs and abilities in the special relationship we call marriage (Genesis 2:18-25).
God conducted the first marriage ceremony, and He has been involved in every ceremony since then. Jesus referred to the creation account of Adam and Eve and the one-flesh union of man and wife, and then He said: Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate (Matthew 19:6).
To be able to benefit from what has just been discussed, you need to be connected to God. This is by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready to be born again, please say this prayer:
“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, and conselling@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores:
Marriage Covenant
Making Marriage Work
Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
Click HERE to read other messages written by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
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