What makes a man and woman, ‘Man and Wife’?  Is it church tradition - is it a ceremony - is it law - or is it God?

 

‘They’re not even married’ shouted the preacher ‘they’re just living in sin’!   This local Pastor was referring to a couple who were living as man and wife, without a marriage certificate.  According to the doctrines of most ‘churches’, a man and a woman are not married unless they have had a ceremony, which includes making vows before witnesses and the signing of a legal document.  It may surprise some to know that this is pure legalistic tradition and has absolutely no basis in Scripture.  

 

Phrases such as 'they're living in sin' are judgements based on the laws of men - they are an exercise in self-righteousness.  We deceive others by using such phrases.  The term 'sex before marriage' should also be deleted from our vocabulary.  It is misleading.  Believers should realise that, when they have sex, they become one flesh - they marry, and are consequently joined for life. 

 

Marriage is a life long union designed by God.  As with every aspect of our lives; the true nature of marriage is something that we should look to Scripture to establish, rather than to the doctrines of any denominational church.