Is the Biblical view of marriage outdated?

According to the Bible, marriage was given as a gift of God at the time of creation. (Genesis 1-3) The Creator made humans in His own image, both male and female. God’s stated intention still is that the two shall become one in a blessed partnership. One of the most important roles of that partnership is parenting. A man and woman join together to give birth and to raise and nurture children.

This is the blessed relationship for the family for the good of life on earth. Without it there would be no future generations of human beings capable of experiencing and sharing God’s love and forming a moral society. So, we can say with confidence that never is the Biblical view of marriage outdated. Challenged yes, perhaps politically incorrect, but never passé.

The glorious gift of sex symbolizes and sustains this intimate divine union. The sexual act for humans is intended only within the boundaries of marriage. Marriage is intended to be a life-long relationship, “Until death do us part,” based on mutual trust, fidelity, and chastity. After giving the gift of marriage, the Lord stepped back and proclaimed,” It is very good.”

God’s beautiful dream of what marriage was meant to be has unfortunately been tainted by sin and our secular human updates such as divorce, adultery, slavery, spousal abuse, and more recently so called “open marriage,” same-sex unions and sadly broken homes with single parents.

We can say with certainty that there will never be an acceptable substitute for a Biblical view of marriage. The gift of marriage as God intends is evident yet all around us. Loving, healthy family life is still one of the best parts of our broken world. It is the fundamental nurturing institution of any nation. Biblical marriage outdated? Heaven forbid! Thankfully, no.