The Institution of Marriage | Marriage and Divorce

The divine origin of marriage in Eden - Purpose, definition, and the sacred covenant

Marriage is not a human invention nor a social construction that evolves with time. It is a divine institution, created by God in Eden, before the entrance of sin. Understanding the origin of marriage helps us understand its purpose and its boundaries.

The Creation of Marriage

When and where was marriage instituted?

After the fall into sin In the Garden of Eden, before sin With the law of Moses It was a gradual cultural evolution

Marriage was created by God in Eden, when everything was still “very good.” This means that marriage is part of God’s original and perfect plan for humanity, not a concession to sin.

Why did God create woman for man?

To serve man Because Adam was sinning It was not good for man to be alone; God made a helper who corresponded to him To populate the earth only

The Hebrew word “ezer” (helper) does not imply inferiority. The same word is used for God as our “help” (). Woman was created as a partner and complement, not as a servant.

“Eve was created from a rib taken from Adam’s side, signifying that she should not dominate him as head, nor be trampled under his feet as inferior, but stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46

The First Marriage

Who performed the first marriage?

Adam and Eve's parents Adam and Eve married themselves God Himself brought Eve to Adam An angel officiated the ceremony

God was the officiant of the first marriage. He created Eve, brought her to Adam, and united them. This reveals that marriage is a divine institution, not merely human.

What was Adam's reaction when he saw Eve for the first time?

He was silent He exclaimed: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh!' He asked who she was He asked for time to think

Adam’s exclamation expresses joy, recognition, and union. Eve was not a stranger, but part of him — “bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh”.

The Biblical Definition of Marriage

What is the biblical formula for marriage established in Genesis?

Man will leave his parents and live with multiple women Man will leave father and mother, be united with his wife, and become one flesh Man and woman will each live with their own family Marriage is optional for those who want it

The biblical formula of marriage involves three elements:

Leave: establish a new family unit
Unite: public and permanent commitment
One flesh: physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy

How many people make up a biblical marriage?

Any number, as long as there is love One man and one woman One man and many women was the ideal The Bible does not define the number

God’s original standard is monogamy: one man and one woman. Although polygamy is recorded in the Bible, it always brought problems and was never God’s ideal.

Marriage As a Covenant

What type of relationship is marriage described as?

A temporary contract A business partnership A covenant of which the Lord is witness An informal agreement

Marriage is not a mere contract that can be rescinded: it is a covenant. In the biblical world, covenants were sacred, involved God as witness, and were lifelong commitments.

What does God think about breaking the matrimonial covenant?

It is acceptable in certain circumstances God hates divorce It is better than an unhappy marriage God is indifferent

“The bond of the family is the most intimate, the most tender and sacred of any other on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind.” — Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 356

Marriage As a Reflection of Christ and the Church

Marriage is an illustration of which relationship?

The relationship between God the Father and the angels Christ and the Church God and Israel only Parents and children

Human marriage is a reflection of the relationship between Christ (the bridegroom) and the Church (the bride). This elevates marriage to a sacred level; it is not merely a social convenience, but a symbol of God’s redemptive love.

And Now?

Understanding the divine origin of marriage transforms our perspective:

Marriage is sacred: We should not treat it lightly or redefine it according to our convenience.
God is present: He is witness to the matrimonial covenant and desires to bless couples.
There is a standard: One man and one woman, in lifelong commitment, is God’s plan.
Marriage points to Christ: Our union reflects Jesus’s love for the Church.

I accept that marriage is a divine institution created by God. I recognize His standard: one man and one woman in a lifelong covenant. I desire to honor marriage as something sacred and, if I am married, treat my spouse as a partner given by God.

1) The Institution of Marriage