Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4, KJV)

ABSTRACT

God’s design for marriage stands as a divine blueprint, a sacred covenant rooted in eternal principles that reflect His character and purpose. This article explores the unchanging truths of Scripture, revealing marriage as a holy institution established in Eden, demanding purity, honoring the wife, and calling believers to a life of holiness. Through biblical and inspired counsel, it equips believers to uphold this divine standard in a world that seeks to erode it, fostering homes that reflect heaven’s glory.

A SACRED CALL TO COVENANT

Moments arise, brothers and sisters in faith, when the world’s clamor feels like a relentless tide pushing against our faith’s ancient landmarks. A young couple, faces etched with earnest distress, once asked with piercing sincerity, “How can we build a home that lasts, a marriage that is holy, when everything around us is designed to fall apart?” Their question echoes our era’s cry. This article seeks to re-establish, with clarity and conviction, the divinely-ordained meaning of marriage—an urgent call to uphold God’s holy standard in a world that has lost its moral compass. The biblical standard for marriage is not a relic but an eternal, life-giving principle, essential for individual salvation, church health, and societal stability. To support this truth, Scripture declares, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh” (Mark 10:7-8, KJV), affirming the inseparable bond of marriage. Additionally, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22, KJV), highlighting marriage as a divine blessing. Sr. White further illuminates, “God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided ‘an help meet for him’—a helper corresponding to him—one who was fitted to be his companion” (The Adventist Home, 25, 1952). She also states, “The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth” (The Ministry of Healing, 356, 1905). Thus, as we journey through the sacred architecture of God’s design, we affirm that marriage is a divine gift, calling us to defend its sanctity with unwavering resolve. How, then, does marriage stand as a divine covenant in a world of fleeting commitments?

THE COVENANT UNVEILED!

Marriage stands as a granite pillar of permanence, a holy contrast to a world that champions the provisional. Marriage is not a human invention but a divine institution, originating in God’s mind in Eden’s perfection. The Scriptures testify: “And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24, KJV). This union was a miraculous creation of a new entity. Sr. White affirms, “God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe… it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 46, 1890). Scripture further declares, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, KJV), emphasizing the strength of unity in marriage. Additionally, “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord” (Proverbs 19:14, KJV), underscoring God’s role in providing a spouse. Sr. White adds, “The marriage relation is holy, and it is to be entered into with a full sense of its responsibilities” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 504, 1881). She also writes, “God has placed His stamp upon the marriage institution” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, 192, 1990). Thus, marriage’s divine origin elevates it to a holy ordinance, a fragment of Eden’s perfection entrusted to humanity. What does this covenant demand of us in an age that trivializes sacred vows?

THE SACRED BOND OF COMMITMENT!
Scripture elevates marriage to a holy covenant, a solemn agreement sealed by God, unlike the fleeting emotions of modern culture. Malachi rebukes those who violate this bond: “Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, with whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant” (Malachi 2:14, KJV). The term “wife of thy covenant” signifies a relationship built on a sworn oath before God, making its breach a spiritual betrayal. Sr. White states, “The marriage vow should be sacredly observed; for the covenant is holy. But the laws of God are lightly regarded, and sin and crime are the result” (The Adventist Home, 57, 1952). Further, Scripture affirms, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6, KJV), reinforcing the permanence of the marital bond. Also, “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever” (Psalm 138:8, KJV), reflecting God’s enduring commitment mirrored in marriage. Sr. White writes, “The marriage relation was to be a symbol of the union between Christ and His church” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 46, 1902). She also notes, “God intended the marriage relation to be the most sacred and enduring of human relations” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, 174, 1990). Teaching marriage as a covenant restores its divine dignity, arming believers against the casual disregard for sacred promises. How does the ancient betrothal reflect this covenant’s seriousness?

THE BETROTHAL’S BINDING VOW!

In contrast to today’s casual relationships, the Hebrew betrothal, or erusin, was a legally binding covenant, establishing a man and woman as husband and wife before the wedding feast. Deuteronomy illustrates this: “If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you” (Deuteronomy 22:23-24, KJV). The term “neighbour’s wife” underscores the covenant’s gravity, rooted in the spoken vow. Scripture further states, “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed” (Ecclesiastes 5:4, KJV), emphasizing the seriousness of vows. Also, “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made” (Psalm 145:13, NIV), reflecting God’s fidelity mirrored in betrothal. Sr. White writes, “The sacredness of the marriage vow is not to be lightly regarded” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 363, 1885). She also states, “The marriage vow is a sacred pledge, binding for life” (Letter 17, 1896). This covenantal fidelity rebukes modern emphases on physical compatibility over sacred commitment. How does defending this covenant engage us in spiritual warfare?

THE BATTLE FOR MARRIAGE’S SANCTITY!

We saw marriage’s erosion as a central front in the great controversy. “Marriage is, in fact, a divine institution, biblically revealed to have been designed by, and established by God directly without human cooperation or assistance. No governmental entity existed when God ordained marriage, and, therefore, no later governmental institution has the right to alter, change, or make void, that institution” (Article 10—Sexuality and Marriage, James White). Sr. White connects disregard for the covenant to Satan’s work: “Satan takes possession of their minds, and leads them into every species of deception” (The Adventist Home, 57, 1952). Scripture affirms, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:7, KJV), offering divine strength for this battle. Also, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17, KJV), assuring victory in defending God’s design. Sr. White writes, “The institution of marriage was designed to be a blessing to mankind” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 391, 1868). She also states, “Satan is constantly seeking to break down the barriers that God has set up” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 7, 234, 1990). Defending marriage’s covenantal nature is spiritual warfare, upholding God’s order against end-time delusions. How does this covenant shape society’s foundation?

MARRIAGE: THE CORNERSTONE OF SOCIETY!

Marriage as a divine covenant is the foundation of a stable society, where God sees the household as the heart of church and nation. Sr. White declares, “Society is composed of families, and is what the heads of families make it. Out of the heart are ‘the issues of life’; and the heart of the community, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences” (The Adventist Home, 15, 1952). Jesus reaffirmed this: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4-6, KJV). Scripture adds, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1, KJV), emphasizing God’s role in family stability. Also, “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children” (Psalm 103:17, KJV), showing generational blessings from godly homes. Sr. White writes, “The family institution is heaven’s plan for the upbuilding of society” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 126, 1900). She also notes, “A well-ordered Christian home is an argument that the infidel cannot resist” (The Adventist Home, 36, 1952). The family, built on this covenant, is God’s cornerstone for societal blessing. How does purity safeguard this sacred institution?

THE SACRED SANCTITY OF PURITY!

Purity is a prerequisite for a sanctified life, reflecting God’s character. The world drags purity through the mire, but God’s people must raise the standard high. Deuteronomy commands: “But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s house: so thou shalt put evil away from among you” (Deuteronomy 22:20-21, KJV). Paul adds, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18, KJV). Sr. White states, “God is purifying a people to have clean hands and pure hearts to stand before Him in the Judgment. The standard must be elevated, the imagination purified” (Review and Herald, May 24, 1887). Scripture further warns, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators… shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, KJV). Also, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Purity must characterize the life of the Christian” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 147, 1882). She also states, “God requires purity of heart and holiness of life” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 8, 112, 1990). Purity is a sacred gift, reserved for the marriage covenant, protecting the body as God’s temple. How does fidelity within marriage uphold this purity?

FIDELITY: GUARDING THE COVENANT!

Fidelity within marriage is non-negotiable, as adultery is a treacherous violation. Leviticus commands: “And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death” (Leviticus 20:10, KJV). Proverbs warns, “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul” (Proverbs 6:32, KJV). Scripture adds, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14, KJV), a clear divine mandate. Also, “Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance” (Proverbs 29:3, KJV), showing the ruin of infidelity. Sr. White writes, “The sin of adultery is a crime against God and man” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 70, 1868). She also states, “Adultery is a violation of the seventh commandment and a sin against God” (Letter 26, 1887). Fidelity guards the covenant, preserving the soul from spiritual ruin. How does rejecting prostitution protect the nation’s sanctity?

PURITY AGAINST SPIRITUAL DEFILEMENT!

Prostitution defiles the individual and nation, turning a vessel of honor into an object of common use. God commanded: “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel” (Deuteronomy 23:17, KJV). Hosea illustrates national unfaithfulness: “My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God” (Hosea 4:12, KJV). Scripture warns, “Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods” (Exodus 34:15, KJV), linking sexual and spiritual infidelity. Also, “Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you” (Leviticus 18:24, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The sin of impurity pollutes the soul and the land” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 142, 1882). She also states, “Impurity is a sin that brings ruin upon the soul” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, 162, 1990). Sexual purity reflects spiritual fidelity, preserving the nation’s sanctity. How does purity begin in the heart?

PURITY OF HEART: CHRIST’S STANDARD!

Jesus elevated purity to the heart: “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28, KJV). Paul echoes, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, KJV). Sr. White states, “Thoughts must be controlled…. He who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of his soul” (Messages to Young People, 285, 1930). Scripture adds, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23, KJV). Also, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The heart must be purified from every defiling thought” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 147, 1882). She also states, “A pure heart is essential to a holy life” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, 171, 1990). Purity of thought determines character, guarding the soul for Christ. How does purity separate God’s people?

HOLY SEPARATION: GOD’S PECULIAR PEOPLE!

Biblical laws on purity emphasize separation, distinguishing God’s people from the world. Leviticus commands: “And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them…. I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people” (Leviticus 20:23-24, KJV). Paul adds, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV). Sr. White states, “God is purifying a people” from “all earthliness and sensuality” (Review and Herald, May 24, 1887). Scripture declares, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV). Also, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “God’s people are to be distinguished from the world” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 136, 1855). She also states, “The church must be kept pure from the world’s defilement” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 12, 321, 1990). Purity upholds our sacred identity, preserving our witness. How does the wife’s role reflect this sanctity?

A CROWN OF GLORY: THE WIFE’S HONOR!

The virtuous wife is a crown to her husband, a symbol of royalty and honor. Scripture declares, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4, KJV). Also, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10, KJV). Sr. White counsels, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband. Let not your conduct be unbecoming to a woman professing godliness” (Messages to Young People, 456, 1930). Scripture adds, “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30, KJV). Also, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26, KJV). Sr. White writes, “A woman of principle is a treasure to her husband” (The Adventist Home, 114, 1952). She also states, “The wife’s influence can make or break the home” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, 183, 1990). Her character transforms a house into a sanctuary, reflecting divine honor. How does her role mirror Christ’s bride?

THE WIFE AS CHRIST’S BRIDE!

The wife’s role symbolizes the church’s purity in relation to Christ. Leviticus commands: “And he shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife” (Leviticus 21:13-14, KJV). Paul describes the church: “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27, KJV). Scripture adds, “As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee” (Isaiah 62:5, KJV). Also, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come” (Revelation 19:7, KJV). Sr. White states, “The church is the bride of Christ, to be presented pure and holy” (The Desire of Ages, 680, 1898). She also writes, “The wife represents the church in her fidelity to her husband” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, 175, 1990). The wife’s purity mirrors the church’s devotion to Christ. How does marriage reflect Christ’s love for the church?

MARRIAGE: A DIVINE MYSTERY!

Marriage illustrates Christ’s love for His church. Paul writes: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:22-25, KJV). Sr. White explains, “God has ordained that there should be perfect love and perfect harmony between those who enter into the marriage relation” (In Heavenly Places, 202, 1967). Scripture adds, “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Colossians 3:19, KJV). Also, “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5:33, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The husband and wife are to be one in Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 45, 1902). She also states, “The marriage relation is a type of the union between Christ and His church” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, 192, 1990). This divine parallel elevates marriage to a spiritual plane of mutual blessing. How does a wife’s character consecrate the home?

THE HOME AS A SANCTUARY!

The wife’s character consecrates the home as a sanctuary. Peter counsels: “Whose adorning let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3-4, KJV). Sr. White states, “The sweetest type of heaven is a home where the Spirit of the Lord presides” (The Adventist Home, 15, 1952). Scripture adds, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25, KJV). Also, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28, KJV). Sr. White writes, “A Christian home is a light to the world” (The Adventist Home, 31, 1952). She also states, “The wife’s influence makes the home a haven” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, 183, 1990). Her meek and quiet spirit makes the home a reflection of heaven. How does God’s love shine through these laws?

GOD’S LOVE IN MARRIAGE LAWS!

God’s commands on marriage reflect His protective love, preserving joy and sanctity. Proverbs states: “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love” (Proverbs 5:18-19, KJV). Also, “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity” (Ecclesiastes 9:9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The divine love emanating from Christ never destroys human love, but includes human love, refined and purified” (In Heavenly Places, 202, 1967). Scripture adds, “A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence” (Proverbs 13:2, KJV). Also, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23, KJV). Sr. White states, “Jesus wants to see happy marriages, happy firesides” (The Adventist Home, 99, 1952). She also writes, “Love is a precious gift, which we receive from Jesus” (Messages to Young People, 450, 1930). God’s laws guard hearts from pain, ensuring a foretaste of heaven. What are my responsibilities to God in this covenant?

My foremost responsibility is to pursue holiness, recognizing my body and mind are God’s. Paul asks: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, KJV). Also, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1, KJV). Sr. White states, “All who will stand the test and trial just before us, will be partakers of the divine nature” (Review and Herald, May 24, 1887). Scripture adds, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15, KJV). Also, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Holiness of heart and life is the only safety for God’s people” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 147, 1882). She also states, “The soul must be cleansed from every defiling thought” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 8, 112, 1990). I must live as a living sacrifice, honoring my Creator and Redeemer. How do I fulfill my duty to my neighbor?

My duty to my neighbor is to live as a witness, upholding purity and integrity. Peter commands: “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12, KJV). Also, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV). Sr. White states, “Society is composed of families, and is what the heads of families make it” (The Adventist Home, 15, 1952).
Scripture adds, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV). Also, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV). Sr. White writes, “A Christian home is a powerful argument for the truth” (The Adventist Home, 35, 1952). She also states, “Our lives must testify to the transforming power of grace” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 126, 1900). My home must be a beacon, drawing others to Christ. How do we live out these truths in a fallen world?

FINAL CALL: UPHOLD THE STANDARD!

Marriage is a divine covenant, purity is non-negotiable, and the family is God’s center for spiritual formation. In a society in moral freefall, we must rise, filled with the Holy Spirit, like the men of Issachar, “which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32, KJV). Scripture adds, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Galatians 5:1, KJV). Also, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “God calls for faithful sentinels to stand firm in these last days” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 147, 1882). She also states, “The truth must be lived out in the home” (The Adventist Home, 32, 1952). We must boldly proclaim these truths, confident in God’s grace to live them. How do we reflect these truths in our hearts?

SELF-REFLECTION: A HEART EXAMINATION!

I must examine my heart against God’s standard, asking where I’ve allowed worldly philosophies to erode conviction. I must re-consecrate my mind and home to reflect God’s will, relying on the Holy Spirit. Scripture commands, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5, KJV). Also, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23, KJV). Sr. White writes, “We must daily seek the transforming power of God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 147, 1882). She also states, “The heart must be surrendered to God’s will” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, 171, 1990). This requires daily surrender to uphold God’s standard.

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6, KJV).

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