The Purpose of Marriage:
A Divine Institution in a Broken World

Marriage, though not eternal (Matt. 22:30), was instituted by God for companionship, reflecting His character, symbolising Christ’s covenant with the church, and raising a godly generation. Despite human struggles, God’s wisdom and grace sustain marriages, making them a means of spiritual growth, family nurture, and a reflection of His love on earth.

We had a mango tree in front of our house that bore fruit every season, and many in our neighbourhood enjoyed its mangoes. However, as the tree grew larger, its roots began to break through our boundary wall. Since it was planted too close to the structure, we faced a dilemma—should we continue enjoying the fruit while allowing the damage to worsen, or should we cut it down to save the wall? Eventually, we had to remove the tree because the cost of repairing the wall was more than we had expected. The tree’s original purpose was good, but over time, it began to cause destruction.

Marriage, too, was instituted with a noble purpose. However, if marriage is not eternal (Matthew 22:30) and if God, in his foreknowledge, knew the complications that would arise in and through it, why did he still establish it?

The answer lies in God's sovereign wisdom. He designed marriage as the best possible arrangement for humanity, fulfilling certain wonderful purposes. God could have filled the earth instantly by creating an entire population on the same day he formed Adam and Eve. But he chose to establish a system through which human life would continue—one that involves relationships, growth, and co-creation.

God is an independent being; he exists without needing anyone or anything to sustain him. Yet, he did not create us as independent beings. Though we are made in his image (Genesis 1:27), we need both God and one another to survive and thrive.

None of us chose when or where we would be born, which parents we would have, or even the illnesses we would face. No one decided one day to come into existence—we all had to be born through human parents, except for Adam and Eve, whom God created directly. Marriage is part of God's system for human existence and flourishing.

1. Companionship: Reflecting the Trinitarian God

God designed humans for companionship. We naturally enjoy eating together, walking together, playing together, and working together. Why? Because we were made for relationships.

This principle is rooted in the very nature of God. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exists in a perfect relationship of love, unity, and cooperation. In the same way, marriage provides a deep, lifelong companionship where two individuals support and strengthen each other.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 illustrates this beautifully:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

From the moment of conception, we depend on others—receiving life in the womb, nourishment through the umbilical cord, and care as infants. Marriage is a continuation of this design, where two people commit to support, encourage, and uplift one another through life’s challenges.

2. Reflecting the Character of God

Marriage is one of the two institutions God established to reflect his character—the other being the church. The family unit is meant to be a visible demonstration of God's love, unity, and faithfulness on earth.

Jesus prayed in John 17:21:

“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Likewise, Jesus commanded in John 13:35:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The way a husband and wife love, forgive, and serve each other should reflect the very nature of God, showing the world a glimpse of his character.

3. A Picture of Christ and the Church

Marriage is more than a relationship between two people—it is a living symbol of Christ’s relationship with the church. Ephesians 5:25-32 makes this clear:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

Just as Christ laid down his life for the church, marriage calls for self-sacrifice, commitment, and faithfulness. It is a covenantal relationship that mirrors God's unwavering love for his people.

Throughout Scripture, God often compares his relationship with Israel to that of a husband and wife (Hosea 2:19-20; Jeremiah 3:14). Even when Israel was unfaithful, God remained faithful. This same principle applies to marriage—calling spouses to persevere, forgive, and work through challenges.

4. Raising a Godly Generation

God could have chosen to bring up a godly generation without human involvement, yet he invites us to partner with him in this divine task. Raising children is not just a biological function but a spiritual calling.

Malachi 2:15 states:

“Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.”

Proverbs 22:6 reinforces this responsibility:

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

It is a privilege to be entrusted with shaping the next generation, instilling in them the fear of the Lord, and preparing them to carry forward his purposes. Parents make mistakes, but God does not. He equips and guides those who rely on him to raise their children in his ways.

Marriage in a Fallen World

Though God's design for marriage is perfect, human sinfulness introduced struggles and conflicts. Pride, selfishness, and a lack of forgiveness often strain relationships (James 4:1-2). While Scripture acknowledges that adultery and abandonment may be grounds for divorce (Matthew 5:32; 1 Corinthians 7:15), it encourages reconciliation, forgiveness, and godly wisdom whenever possible (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 3:13).

God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), not because he wants people to suffer in broken relationships, but because he knows the pain and consequences it brings. However, he also offers grace and restoration to those who have experienced marital failure.

Conclusion

God did not institute marriage expecting it to be free of conflict. Instead, he designed it as a holy covenant, a reflection of his love, and a means of growth. Though sin has introduced struggles, God's purposes for marriage remain unchanged—to build strong families, reflect his character, and draw people closer to him.

Even as the world redefines marriage and challenges its foundations, God's word stands firm. Marriage is not a temporary human arrangement but a divine institution with eternal significance. As we navigate its joys and trials, may we always seek his wisdom, grace, and guidance to honour him in this sacred covenant.