GODLY
HOMES
In an ungodly world (8)
An ongoing study of the Home as God’s
Word teaches.
The
Marriage
Covenant
Contract vs. Covenant
What is a contract?
 An agreement between
parties that agree in writing to
specific terms to do
something
 Often based upon a lack of
complete trust
 It is legal and can be
enforced in court.
Contract vs. Covenant
What is a contract?
 Many marriages today
treated only as a contract
 Cf. “Prenuptial
agreements” – Such are
sinful! (materialistic, a lack
of trust, temporary
marriage)
Contract vs. Covenant
What is a covenant?
 A solemn agreement… by
which two or more parties
commit themselves to the
rights and responsibilities
demanded by their
relationship and accept the
consequences of breaking
faith.
Contract vs. Covenant
What is a covenant?
 From Hebrew, berith –
meaning “to fetter”
 Found some 318 times in
NKJV (292 – KJV, 321 –
NASU)
Contract vs. Covenant
 Primarily deals with the
agreement between God
and His people
 Gen. 15:18 – Abraham
 Gen. 6:18 – Noah, Deut.
29:9-14 – Israel
 New Testament - Heb.
8:6, 13, etc.
Contract vs. Covenant
 Differences
 Covenant based upon trust –
contract distrust
 Covenant unlimited
responsibility – contract
limited
 Covenant life long – contract
can be voided by mutual
consent
Contract vs. Covenant
 Marriage is a covenant
 Mal. 2:14
 Prov. 2:17
 Ezekiel 16:8
 Eph. 5:22-33 –
relationship compared to
that of Christ & His church
Contract vs. Covenant
 Marriage is a covenant that
is binding for life (cf. Rom.
7:1-3)
The Marriage Ceremony
 Many traditions associated
with the wedding ceremony
are based upon the
reverence of the occasion
in God’s eyes and towards
one another
The Marriage Ceremony
 Groom enters first – He
initiated the covenant
 White runner – the purity
and sacredness of the
union the wife is about to
enter into
 White dress – presenting
herself pure to her husband
The Marriage Ceremony
 The veil – a sign of
submission and modesty
 “IF there be any cause” –
demonstrates seriousness of
the occasion
 Rings – symbol of unending
love & devotion; a declaration
to the world that you entered
this covenant relationship
The Marriage Ceremony
 Pronouncing husband and
wife – before witnesses
announces the marriage has
begun
 Guest book – a list of
witnesses
 Marriage certificate – the legal
“contract”, signed by
witnesses.
The Marriage Vows
 The vows exchanged need
to contain substance that
demonstrates an
understanding of the
covenant they are entering
into.
The Marriage Vows
 Vows are serious –
 Eccl. 5:1-5
 Mal. 2:14
 Deut. 23:21-23
 What God has joined
together – Matt. 19:6
The Marriage Vows
 “I __________ take you
________ to be my lawfully
wedded (husband/wife)”
A declaration that you can
and are willing to be joined
to this person. You
understand what you are
entering into.
The Marriage Vows
 “To have and to hold from this
day forward”
to take your spouse to be
your friend and companion
BEFORE others (Eccl.
4:9-12)
The Marriage Vows
 “For richer or poorer”
prosperity (or lack there of)
can cause marital problems
(1 Tim. 6:6-10)
We will be there for one
another regardless of
material circumstances
The Marriage Vows
 “In sickness and in health”
will we grow old together
and take care of one
another when our health
fails?
The Marriage Vows
 Wives “To love, honor and obey”
A promise to obey God by
submitting to your husband
(Eph. 2:22-24, 1 Pet.
3:5-6). NOTE: Is he
worthy of submitting to?
The Marriage Vows
 Husbands “To love, honor and
cherish”
A promise to take care of
and provide for her and
your family (1 Peter 3:7,
Eph. 5:25-33). NO
selfishness
The Marriage Vows
 “Till death do us part”
Marriage is for life! (Rom.
7:1-3, Matt. 19:6)
The Marriage Vows
 IF one were unwilling to
say these things, I would
be hesitant to perform the
ceremony! And you
should be hesitant to
marry one who refuses to
exchange these vows!
May God
influence
our decisions
in our homes