Deborah Chan
Weddings are a celebration of the union of two people in marriage. In the context of religion, particularly Christianity, a wedding is also a covenant, or a sacred and solemn vow, made before God. The Bible describes marriage as a covenant, and in some US states, couples can enter into a legally distinct type of marriage contract called a covenant marriage. This type of marriage is more difficult to dissolve and requires premarital and marital counselling. For some, a covenant marriage provides the security of an almost unbreakable promise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A sacred bond between a man and a woman, ordained and sealed by God |
| Nature | A solemn, binding agreement witnessed by attendees |
| Requirements | Varies by state, but may include pre-marriage counselling and a marriage license |
| Commitment | A lifetime commitment to each other, only dissolvable by death or severe transgression |
| Priority | The husband-wife relationship becomes the primary human relationship |
| Adultery | A sin, as per the seventh commandment given at Sinai |
| Divorce | Allowed under strict conditions, such as substance abuse or prolonged separation |
| Source | The Bible, with references in Genesis, Psalms, Proverbs, Titus, Exodus, Matthew, and Galatians |
| Modern Interpretations | Some states in the US have legally recognised covenant marriages |
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What You'll Learn
A sacred bond between a man and a woman
A wedding is a covenant—a sacred bond between a man and a woman. It is a lifelong commitment, a promise made in the presence of God and witnessed by a community. The Bible describes marriage as a covenant, a solemn and binding union between one man and one woman. This covenant is not just a contract but a sacred vow, reflecting the nature of Christian marriage as a God-designed union to fulfil God's purposes.
The concept of a covenant marriage is not new, and it is recognised in some US states, including Arizona, Louisiana, and Arkansas. It is a legally distinct type of marriage contract with very limited grounds for divorce, making it more challenging to end. Couples choosing a covenant marriage often do so for religious reasons, seeking a more binding legal contract. The requirements for entering into a covenant marriage include pre-marriage counselling and a declaration of intent, highlighting the seriousness of the commitment.
The Bible reinforces the exclusivity of the marriage covenant, emphasising faithfulness and prohibiting adultery. In a covenant marriage, the couple promises to work through their problems rather than walking away. They prioritise their spouse above all others, including family and friends. This commitment is a lifelong promise kept even "when it hurts."
The wedding ceremony itself symbolises the creation of a new family, a new unity, and a shared identity. The man and woman come together as "one flesh," leaving their old lives behind and embracing a new life together. Their diverse backgrounds, families, and experiences now become intertwined as they walk the pathway of life as one.
The exchange of vows and the signing of the marriage license solidify the covenant relationship, embodying God's intentions for marriage. Wedding pictures, vows, and other mementos serve as reminders of the sacred bond and the solemn covenant entered into on that special day.
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A lifetime commitment
A wedding is a covenant when it is a lifetime commitment between two people. It is a sacred bond, a solemn vow, and a promise made before God, family, and friends.
The Bible describes marriage as a covenant, a God-designed, lifelong, solemn, binding union between one man and one woman. In the Bible, the word 'covenant' can simply mean a contract or business arrangement, but in the context of marriage, it carries a more solemn and sacred sense. Marriage is described as an "exclusive heterosexual covenant between one man and one woman, ordained and sealed by God."
In a wedding covenant, the couple makes a lifetime commitment to each other, and their marriage can only be dissolved if one partner dies or if one partner breaks their vows in a severe way, such as through adultery. The covenant is a promise to stay together and work through any problems, even when other factors, such as passionate feelings, financial benefits, or children, are not enough to keep the couple together.
The wedding covenant also establishes a new unity and shared identity, where the couple becomes one flesh, with a new, shared mystery of oneness. This is reflected in the traditional wedding vows, where the couple promises to "love, honor, and cherish" each other until "death do us part."
In some states in the US, such as Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana, couples can enter into a legal covenant marriage, which has additional requirements such as premarital counseling and limited grounds for divorce. These marriages are often chosen by couples who are opposed to divorce or whose religious doctrines do not allow it, providing an almost unbreakable promise.
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A primary human relationship
A wedding is a covenant, a sacred bond between two people, in the presence of God. It is a lifelong commitment, a promise to stay together through thick and thin, and to prioritise each other above all others.
The Bible describes marriage as a covenant, a solemn, binding union between a man and a woman, to fulfil God's purposes. In the book of Genesis, it is written that "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This idea of "two becoming one" is further emphasised by the apostle Paul, who wrote, "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it" (Ephesians 5:28-29).
In a wedding covenant, the couple makes solemn vows before God, family, and friends, to "love, honour, and cherish" each other until "death do them part". These vows are not to be taken lightly, and the couple is expected to remain faithful to each other exclusively.
In some US states, such as Arizona, Louisiana, and Arkansas, covenant marriages are legally recognised and have specific requirements and limitations on divorce. These marriages appeal to religiously-minded couples or those seeking a more binding legal contract. To enter into a covenant marriage, couples must attend pre-marriage counselling and agree to seek marital counselling if problems arise during the marriage. Divorce is permitted in covenant marriages, but only under strict conditions such as adultery, substance abuse, or a prolonged period of separation.
A wedding covenant, therefore, establishes a primary human relationship, where the spouses prioritise each other above all others, and work through their problems together, rather than walking away. It is a sacred bond, witnessed by God and the community, and intended to be a lifelong commitment.
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A legally distinct type of marriage contract
A covenant marriage is a legally distinct type of marriage contract. It is a sacred, solemn, and binding agreement between a man and a woman that is witnessed by God and the attendees of the wedding ceremony. The concept of covenant marriage is derived from the Bible, where marriage is described as a covenant between a man, a woman, and God.
Covenant marriages are recognized in only a few US states, including Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Couples who choose a covenant marriage agree to be bound by certain rules and requirements, such as mandatory premarital and marital counseling to resolve any domestic issues that may arise during the marriage. They also agree to limited grounds for divorce, making these marriages more challenging to dissolve.
The decision to enter into a covenant marriage is often influenced by religious beliefs and the desire for a more binding legal contract. For some couples, a covenant marriage provides the security and comfort of an almost unbreakable promise. It emphasizes the commitment to stay together and work through any challenges that may arise.
The process of leaving a covenant marriage can be lengthy and costly. There are strict requirements for marital counseling, and specific and limited reasons for divorce must be met, such as adultery, ongoing addictions, domestic violence, or abuse. The option for a no-fault divorce is not available in a covenant marriage.
Covenant marriages are uncommon, with only around 1-2% of couples in the US choosing this type of marriage contract. However, they hold significant value for couples seeking a deeper level of commitment and a more enduring union.
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A pledge made with God
A wedding is a covenant, a pledge made with God, and a sacred bond between two people. It is a lifelong commitment, a promise to stay together through thick and thin, and to love, honour, and cherish each other until death do they part. This covenant is witnessed by God, who is the ultimate witness, and is also witnessed by those in attendance at the wedding.
The Bible describes marriage as a covenant in several places, often sadly when referring to those who did not keep their commitment. In the context of biblical marriage, a covenant carries a solemn sense, reflecting the nature of a Christian marriage as a God-designed, lifelong, binding union between one man and one woman. The apostle Paul wrote that husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies, and that the two shall become one flesh, creating a new shared identity and a new family.
The wedding ceremony itself is a sacred ritual where two people publicly enter into this covenant before God and the community, exchanging vows and signing the marriage license. In some traditions, a large document is created, titled something like "Our Holy Covenant on Our Wedding Day," which the couple and their witnesses sign. These witnesses, usually family and friends, play an important role in a marriage covenant, agreeing to pray for the couple and hold them accountable to their vows.
A marriage covenant is a serious commitment, and it is meant to be a lifelong union. In some US states, such as Arizona, Louisiana, and Arkansas, covenant marriages are legally recognised, with specific requirements and laws governing them. These laws include mandatory pre-marriage counselling and stricter requirements for divorce.
Ultimately, a wedding as a covenant is about pledging to God and to each other to stay committed, faithful, and loving towards one another, come what may.
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Frequently asked questions
A covenant marriage is a legally distinct type of marriage contract that is available in only a few US states, including Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It is a serious commitment with very limited grounds for divorce, making it more difficult to end.
The requirements for a covenant marriage vary based on the state. However, some common requirements include pre-marriage counseling, a marriage license, and a declaration of intent.
A contract marriage is based on a mutual exchange of benefits, and when troubles arise, couples may seek happiness elsewhere. In contrast, a covenant marriage is a solemn vow before God, and couples are expected to work through their problems rather than walk away.
The Bible describes marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, ordained and sealed by God. It is a lifelong, solemn, binding union, and the Bible emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and exclusivity in marriage.
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