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Answer
Biblical principles can be applied to every area of life, including a Christian marriage ceremony. However, there is a difference between preparing for a marriage ceremony and preparing for marriage. Many people put far more effort and thought into the marriage ceremony than they do into the future marriage, and the divorce statistics reveal this sad truth. But, when Christians marry, every part of the ceremony and the resulting marriage can be guided by biblical principles. When those principles are honored and obeyed, not only is the ceremony meaningful, but the marriage is built upon a solid foundation.
Marriage ceremonies vary greatly from culture to culture. Christian marriage ceremonies can differ in style, length, expense, and elements and still be God-honoring. The elements a couple chooses to include in the ceremony are not of great significance. What matters more are the hearts of the bride and groom and their willingness to keep God at the center of their lives and family. As indicators of that commitment, Christian marriage ceremonies often include the following:
1) A brief, biblical sermon by the pastor performing the ceremony
2) An exchange of vows and rings between the bride and groom
3) A prayer for the couple
4) Some type of symbolic act representing the union of two individuals. This may be the lighting of a unity candle, combining two colors of sand into a keepsake vase, or any other creative way the couple can express their oneness.
A Christian marriage ceremony may even incorporate an invitation for guests to respond to a salvation message.
The most important biblical principle in a Christian marriage ceremony is understanding what marriage is and how God views it. Our world treats marriage as one option among many for establishing a household, to be sustained only as long as both parties want it. Marriage has become as disposable as
Spousal relationships are being overlooked in favor of cohabitation without marriage. However, cohabitation is considered a sin according to Scripture and should not be an option for Christians (see Hebrews 13:4). Understanding the purpose of marriage can guide couples to honor God in their relationship and influence the ceremonies they plan.
Marriage originated from God, who defined its purpose and boundaries. In the Garden of Eden, God created Eve for Adam, stating, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” «And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. », (Genesis 2:18). He instructed them to “be fruitful and multiply” «And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. », (Genesis 1:22), a command achievable only through the union of two different genders. Jesus affirmed this truth in the New Testament by emphasizing that “at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:6-9).
Scripture reveals several principles about marriage:
1. Marriage, as ordained by God, is a lifelong union between one man and one woman «And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. », (Genesis 2:18,22) «and the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. », (Genesis 2:22).
God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (Genesis 2:18,22).
Marriage is the combining of two distinct individuals into a new entity, a new family (Genesis 2:23-24).
Marriage is witnessed by God Himself as He makes two people one (Malachi 2:13-15).
Divorce was not an option in God’s original design (Matthew 19:7-10).
Marriage is a small glimpse of Christ’s intimate, loving relationship with His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:31-32).
When Christian couples keep these principles in mind, the ceremonies they design can be beautiful, meaningful, and God-honoring without going to great expense. The extravagance of the marriage ceremony has nothing to do with the strength of the resulting marriage. But, when biblical principles are applied to a Christian marriage ceremony, those principles follow the couple throughout their lives and provide a strong and lasting foundation for life.
