1) The Institution of Marriage
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?
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Answer: In the Garden of Eden, before sin
Genesis 2:21-24: "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
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?
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Answer: It was not good for man to be alone; God made a helper who corresponded to him
Genesis 2:18: "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."
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 the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior, but to 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?
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Answer: God Himself brought Eve to Adam
Genesis 2:22: "And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man."
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?
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Answer: He exclaimed: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh!'
Genesis 2:23: "And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."
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?
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Answer: Man will leave father and mother, be united with his wife, and become one flesh
Genesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
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?
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Answer: One man and one woman
Genesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
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?
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Answer: A covenant of which the Lord is witness
Malachi 2:14: "Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant."
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.
“The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind.” — Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, MH 356.4.
Marriage As a Reflection of Christ and the Church
Marriage is an illustration of which relationship?
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Answer: Christ and the Church
Ephesians 5:31-32: "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
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.
My Decision
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.