Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1-3 NKJV)
What would a society look like that “forbids” people to marry?
It seems a little outlandish and unthinkable to most Christians today. However, few recognize that this little prophecy in some ways has already come to pass.
Take the Catholic Church for example, the idea with the priesthood is that one is “more holy” and closer to God if they don’t marry than if they do marry. In fact, priests are forbidden to marry and must live a life of celibacy. This would be one example in today’s culture it’s clear this prophetic word has come to pass.
Are there any other examples of how this prophecy has come true? What about the idea of a marriage license? This topic is not discussed much from the pulpit, yet, in the hour we live, it’s a very real and necessary conversation for Christians.
When the state government issues a license for a couple to marry, this institution is in a sense, attempting to prohibit or forbid marriage. Take a closer look at the definition of license according to Black’s Law Dictionary.
License: 1. A revocable permission to commit some act that would otherwise be unlawful. An agreement that it will be lawful for the licensee to enter the licensor’s land to do some act that would otherwise be illegal, such as hunting game.
Every time a Christian couple goes to the court house to apply for a state marriage license they are in fact agreeing to the idea, that marriage between a man and a wife is an illegal, unlawful act and thankfully they can receive permission to commit this crime from the state, thus making it okay to marry. From the state’s point of view, without the license, the couple is committing an illegal act.
When Christian couples sign the marriage license they are agreeing (whether they know it or not) with the state, that what they are doing is a criminal act and requires permission from the government. This opposes God’s word all together. God says the opposite about marriage between a man and a woman. He calls it good and commands them to be fruitful and multiply.
Now the federal and state government are condoning homosexual union. The government is attempting to call such relationships, “marriage.” No society since the beginning of time, until now, has ever called or identified homosexual relationships as “marriage” because they understood, fundamentally, it’s not the same thing. The irony in all of this is God calls homosexual union an illegal, unlawful act. By definition of a license, if the government wants to recognize homosexual union, a license is 100% fitting.
So what should Christian couples do if they want to get married?
There’s another option that is increasing in and out of the Church. Couples are increasingly going back to what is known as “common law marriage.” The truth is, a marriage license is not mandatory for a couple to be lawfully married. The state government might attempt to tell us otherwise, but it’s simply not true.
In October 1877, Meister versus Moore the US Supreme court ruled that the government cannot force people to apply for or sign a marriage license. Here’s an excerpt from the case:
“Such formal provisions may be construed as merely directory, instead of being treated as destructive of a common-law right to form the marriage relation by words of present assent.”
What did the court mean when they used the word “directory?” Here’s another look at Black’s Law Dictionary.
Directory: A provision in a statute, rule of procedure, or the like, is said to be directory when it is to be considered as a mere direction or instruction of no obligatory force, and involving no invalidating consequence for its disregard, as opposed to an imperative or mandatory provision, which must be followed.
There are two misconceptions today regarding “common law marriage.”
- Common law marriage is used for people who simply want to fornicate and live in sin together because they have lived this way for so long the government now recognizes them as a married couple.
- Common law marriage is outlawed in most of the 50 states.
The truth is, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln were all married without a marriage license – legally and lawfully. People today can still maintain their right to be married, without agreeing with the government that what they’re doing is an illegal act.
The Meister versus Moore Supreme court ruling also allows for legal marriages to occur in all 50 states without a marriage license. Being that marriage is simply a change in a relational status, common law married couples still receive all the same benefits as couples with marriage licenses. Proving a marriage exists just looks a little different without a license.
Paul says it best in 2nd Corinthians:
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among [them]. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NKJV)
Repeatedly in scripture God is calling a people out unto Himself, to be in the world but not of the world. Taking inventory of marriage in this nation, it seems to be falling apart at the seams. If the government has completely lost sight of what the definition of marriage is and is not, why should Christians even care what the government says about the matter?
If the state can take the ten commandments and prayer out of our school system, then why can’t Christians, take their private marriage relationships out of the state?
Keep in mind Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 both exhort believers to submit to authority for that which is “good.” Christians who decide to not to get a marriage license are not rebelling against the authority of man because in this country it is the right of everyone to be married – one man and one woman, as it’s been since the beginning and affirmed by the 1877 Supreme court ruling.
In the coming days, it will be interesting to see how this prophetic scripture, “forbidding to marry” develops. Clearly, there is an attack on marriage and the family unit.
Karl Marx said, “In order to establish a perfect socialist state, you have to destroy the family. You have to substitute the government and its authority for parental authority in the rearing of children.” (Source: WND)
The question is, how far will it go and to what extent?
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” (Hosea – 4:6)
May God’s people search out the truth surrounding the important conversation of marriage and family.
Author
Actually, State marriage licenses began about 400 years ago. Prior to the government getting involved, marriages were performed by Clergy; ie: a Pastor or Priest and were completely valid and legal. Marriage licenses granted by States and jurisdictions were originated to enforce the concept of whether two people were actually permitted to marry each other. 400 years ago, there had to be a notice of intention to marry made public so many weeks prior to the ceremony, if that had not been done the couple could not marry. In addition, there was a time when people of different racial and cultural backgrounds were not permitted to marry. The “marriage License” requirement kept those marriages from being performed. An example would be that my Great Grandmother who was Onondaga – Native American and her white fiancé were denied a marriage license in the State of New York. They did find another State that would give the License for marriage. It was not lawful for inter racial marriages to be performed at that time. Today this kind of denial does not happen for heterosexual couples, a man and a woman regardless of their race or culture. Instead we now have issues that defy the word of God where marriages are concerned. Same gender couples wanting what God calls an abomination to be seen as spiritual acceptable to God. Last week a woman in KY sued the State because she could not get a License to marry her pet. Another man in TN sued because he could not get a License to marry his computer…..if my mother were still alive she would have said “this world has gone to Hell in a handbasket”, meaning everything that was good is seen as evil and everything that was evil is seen as good in the eyes of the world.
As an Ordained non-Denominational Pastor, I allowed my License to expire so that the present day law could not require me to perform marriage ceremonies for same gender couples and so that I could not be sued for not doing so. I cannot do what God clearly has said is wrong.
Does this mean I can no longer perform marriages? No it doesn’t. Lately my husband and I (he is an Ordained Methodist Pastor) have had couples come to us with the same concerns about too much government oversight, but still wanting to be married in the eyes of God. We both agree that performing the marriage ceremony with witnesses, completing and signing a church marriage Certificate is acceptable in the eyes of God.
The obvious issues are problems with health insurance for the spouse in this kind of marriage, although there are no problems covering children with insurance from one of the parents employers. The other issue in this kind of marriage would be if a spouse passes away and they were of retirement age, the surviving spouse would not receive the deceased Social Security or Pension benefits as spouses of State recognized marriages can. All other legal issues can be managed with a “Last Testament and Will” wherein the spouse is the beneficiary of all property etc., or the children; however the family wants to designate. In addition couples can legally purchase homes, cars, businesses without a State recognized marriage. So “Common Law” marriage really isn’t a marriage in the eyes of God, even if the government’s of some States feel 7 years of living together constitutes a marriage, its still fornication in the eyes of God. It’s a heavy topic and quite frankly more and more people are going on a cruise or to the Bahamas and getting married out of the United States as well.
Kasey,
I’d love to see where you came up with marriage licenses came about 400 years ago. Do you have a link or reference to the material? I’d like to read it, if possible please.
What about the lady in KY? Do you have that link by chance? I’ll see if I can find it because this is the kind of thing I felt the ruling last year would open the door to.
Out of curiosity, how many non-marriage license ceremonies have you performed roughly? I know of another pastor who refuses to sign the marriage licenses and has performed about 50 or so.
I’ve spoken with couples who have had no problem getting health insurance and the benefits you mention. Has that been challenging for the couples you’ve married? Why?
Lastly, you stated:
“We both agree that performing the marriage ceremony with witnesses, completing and signing a church marriage Certificate is acceptable in the eyes of God.” (without the state marriage license/certificate).
Did you realize marriages performed outside the confines of the state civil marriage license/certificate are considered “common law marriage?”
Because in your closing comments you communicate:
“So “Common Law” marriage really isn’t a marriage in the eyes of God, even if the government’s of some States feel 7 years of living together constitutes a marriage, its still fornication in the eyes of God.”
Common Law marriage encompasses multiple definitions and perspective, all laying outside the state marriage license jurisdiction.
To clarify, your first example of a marriage ceremony, witnesses, church certificate is actually considered a common law marriage, legal and valid both in the state’s eyes and God’s eyes – without the marriage license.
Common law marriage regarding a couple shacking up for 7 years in fornication (may be considered legal in some states) and is clearly communicated in scripture that this apposes God’s way of doing things because we know “fornication” is sin.
Thank you so much. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Josh:
I will try to answer each of your questions in the order you have asked them.
1. http://www.en.m.wikipedia.org – marriage licenses required in the State of MA since 1639. In Europe it was as early as the 1400’s, the 15th century.
2. http://www.christiantimes.com and http://www.cnsnews.com – marriage denied for humans to pets and computer
3. Health Insurance for no marriage license couples trying to cover their spouse has been an issue.
4. http://www.legal-dictionary.the freedictionary.com – Common Law Marriage is only recognized in 14 States, Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and the District of Columbia. The common law marriage you are referring to has three basic features that must be met before recognition by these States. In all three the couple must declare publically and live publically as a married couple, which includes a ceremony, cohabitation and public representation of marriage.
5. While these States consider a marriage ceremony performed by a Pastor a “common law” marriage, I personally find that this type of marriage is more than common, but instead an absolute meeting of the requirements God would have on marriage being legitimate. These are the concerns the couples we have spoken with have, is a marriage performed by a Pastor without a State License condoned and accepted by God. My answer to that is yes.
6. I agree with you that a couple just living together, with no ceremony by a Pastor, OR no marriage with a license is not a marriage.
Hope that helps! Blessings, KB
Thank you Kasey,
I will review this. Yes, I discovered the license first came about through the Council of Trent in the 1400’s.
Yes, common law marriage – to be “recognized” and “legal” are two different things. It’s important to understand what those differences are.
Great post and thank you for the links.
Warm Greetings Kasey,
I spoke with one individual who I know didn’t get a license and asked about the health insurance question this was the response:
“Hi, yes we received health insurance together!”
Please feel free to email me if this is something you’d like to know more about for the couples you’ve mentioned.
Joshua:
Yes, I would love to know how they approached this and what State they were in. Please feel free to email me.
Blessings
Joshua Paul,I read where Kim Davis was being sued for prohibiting to marry someone and their pet on http://www.charismanews.com
I tried to locate the article a few minutes ago and could not.Will try again as time permits.
Also,may help your search to know that Neville Johnson spoke at Lancaster Ca. Conference 2015 (session #1) He said there was already a petition before the Supreme Court to marry their pet…..What about the abuse to these poor pets….I have a word I would say but I won’t here……
Hi Diana,
Thank you. Yes, this is exactly where the entire issue of June 2015’s ruling will go and it’s terrible.
Joshua Paul, Fyi..research.also add to this that Neville Johnson said there was a application before supreme Court to have equal rights with chimpanzee s. ….Days of Noah and Lot for sure.
Article in charismanews. .another wants to wed their computer. I am going to order your book.I am also seeking many answers to questions that I have.It effects the younger generation much as you implied,but the older generation is getting shaken in regards to marriage and divorce,remarriage issues.Also in days of refuge camps etc.we will need wisdom on marrying and giving in marriage.I’m not sure what constitutes fornication and adultery after reading this article and other issues that are arising.Thankyou for the work that you have done…Also prepping is another are that is important that I’m applying myself to..
× area
Thank you for this post and support.
The evil one is clearly targeting the youth in a MAJOR way. We need the adults to get educated and teach the youth the truth from the Word. That’s what this message is about, educating and developing understanding for the people to catch and run with. I’m not saying I have all the answers, we’re all in a learning process that’s ongoing. What I’ve discovered I’m happy to share with those interested to hear and dialog with the Holy Spirit about.
Being the nature of the book, I also hit on marriage and remarriage topic. Which is interrupting the middle aged generation currently. In fact, I was impacted last week with people coming to me regarding those types of questions. Sobering. The King’s getting ready to step down and come down, we all need to clean our act up. The wedding supper of the Lamb is drawing closer day by day.
The major reason I bring up Jesus’ words on divorce and remarriage is because people need to understand common law marriage isn’t set up for people to live together in fornication. Marriage is real and Jesus has much to say that invokes – the fear of the LORD in this matter, at least it does to me.
Lastly, I believe everyone knows the difference between fornication and marriage. Marriage is something that’s a committed decision, it’s understood and agreed upon by two people. Fornication, is people living together for sex, with an indefinite timeline they may or may not include marriage? No commitment, where purity or Jesus are neither a priority in the way they conduct themselves and the relationship.
If you think about it and enjoyed or appreciated the book please leave a review on Amazon. 🙂
Thank you so much.
God bless!
Thankyou for taking the time to respond ,I will order the book and hopefully get more light on this subject.It is very important that we know what truth is concerning this subject. Foundational.okay I won’t keep dragging this conversation out,but I wanted to add that I take marriage very seriously…I stayed in an abusive marriage for 16 years because I did not believe that I was free to leave.So that’s not the end of my story,it kind of continues.Its just now I’m in my 50’s and everything that I thought was true I find was not (concerning marriage,remarriage) When you made the comment that” everyone knows the difference between fornication and marriage”,I truly did not .All my life I thought people who had common law marriage were living in fornication. ..seriously,and that’s what alot of us have been taught, (by the church)You are either “legal” (state married,license ) or in sin…Wow where was my ability to discern..If I can ask one more question from you..?I know that you are still in a search also…but wondering if you have any answers to this..The woman at the well had 5 husbands..Jesus recognized them as marriages? But the one she was living with was not her husband he said…Any ideas on this subject? How did he distinguish between those.?Okay well thankyou again for your time.I will give a review of your book on amazon after I get finished with reading.I will also seeking the Lord for these answers myself, as I need them myself and for others that I minister to..blessings today. …
Hi Diana,
Thank you for your response.
Please allow me to clarify. While some people may not know the definitions and distinction between fornication and marriage, I believe any given couple understands if they’ve committed to their partner in a life long relationship versus a relationship that’s more casual involving sex – come and go as you please kind of thing. Does that help or make sense?
Meaning, the couple has verbally or written out and defined the terms of the relationship as marriage – husband and wife, if not it’s fornication. Where’s the intent?
The woman at the well is an interesting conversation. Honestly, I’ve not explored what other’s have spoken about on this topic. We know she was a Samaritan and not a Jew. If that’s the case, I don’t know that she would be under the law of Moses, but is considered a gentile? Jesus acknowledges that she was married to 5 men and was currently with a man who is not her husband. The question boils down to what happened with those 5 men? Are they still alive? Did they die? We don’t know exactly. I don’t think it’s the point of the story.
She does go and evangelize the town, “meet a man who has told me everything I’ve ever done.” It seems that this story is not about marriage protocol, as much as it is Jesus using a word of knowledge about who this woman has been, to awaken her heart to the fact He is the Messiah, that she might be saved.
It’s interesting because she realized, like Jesus, she had been married and now was with a man – not married, ie fornication seems to be implied. The Lord commends her for being honest about her past and present.
Then much of the town gets saved/believes He’s the Messiah. We come to the Messiah as we are and then let His Spirit transforms us, as we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first. It’s a process and one step at a time.
It seems there’s other Scripture that more clearly defines the protocols of the marriage relationship we can look to where Jesus clearly defines the matter.
The beautiful thing is there’s only one unpardonable sin – the blaspheme of the Holy Spirit, we can change our ways today, ask for forgiveness where we’ve made poor choices, been ignorant or simply didn’t understand. The Lord loves to give mercy. As we grow and learn more about this Good News, desiring to align our lives with the Word, the living water flows out of us more and more. He came to give life and life abundant. Thank You Jesus! 🙂
Father in heaven, thank You for Diana. I ask Holy Spirit that You lead and guide her into Your truth. Speak to her heart and mind today. I ask that You bless her with more and more discernment between truth, conviction and the lies from the accuser of the brethren – condemnation, guilt and shame. Please answer the questions in her heart, that’s Your truth and Your heart for her. Let her find these answers not in any other human, but in You. You are good Lord and I thank You for the work You’re doing in her life! I praise You for the fruit that is coming forth and the harvest that is hers to receive. Hear her prayers and respond powerfully and obviously. Restore all that the enemy has stolen and the locusts have eaten 7 fold.
Thank You Father for setting the captives free. I lift up marriages and families across the face of the earth today that You might draw them closer to Your Son Yeshua/Jesus, that they might glorify You in all of life. We love You Lord. I ask all of this in Yeshua’s name amen. Thank You.
I hope that’s helpful. Feel free to communicate further as you desire to. I read recently, “You’re a master piece and a work in progress at the same time.” I like that idea and it seems to line up with the truth of the Word. He’s faithful to complete the good work He’s begun.
Have a great day! 🙂
Joshua Paul,
Thankyou once again for corresponding to my concerns and questions. I appreciate your sharing the rightly dividing of scriptures.Okay I understand what you mean by fornication and marriage, but I was truly taught all of my life that if you were not married by the state you were a fornicator…No matter how much verbal or written was between you.I was raised up that anything other than state license was “shacking up”It was just a few years ago when I heard Harold smith say that his daughter and (her man) had lived together for a couple years but that they were married in God’s eyes.That he (Harold) was going to preform the marriage ceremony for them..I read that and was thinking,”Oh,my,another teaching to okay fornication. …SAD but true,my eyes are being enlightened now at this late day.I have repented for accusing these of things which I was ignorant of…Okay last note: THE Samaria woman I believe like you is not the best teaching on marriage. I believe that the story was about Jesus knew her ,all about her..And he pointed out that her lifestyle was not fulfilling her…5 husbands and a 6th man were not satisfying her emptiness..Only he could do that ,HE being living water….
And I am thinking that her marriage was probably not according to Jewish law..And Jesus was not really acknowledging her marriages as “proper “Just according to her customs she was married.Just thinking…..And THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THIS prayer,it truly touched my heart and I believe that it is answered,I will walk out what Yah shows me and bring forth fruit for his glory.You have truly been a help and a brother…I expect much enlightenment and truth to spring forth due to this appointed time..”He will perfect that which concerns me”
Shalom and thank you. ..for you are a blessing to the body of Yehushua.
Praise the Lord! Thank YOU! 🙂
This is a fascinating, fascinating topic. It just goes to show that there are so many topics that we don’t deal with in the church today. This is a very large topic and no doubt can’t be exhausted here. But I’ll share some thoughts based on my experience. To begin with, I believe cultural context is a big piece that can’t be ignored. There are cultural norms that God definitely opposes if they are ungodly; but there are also other cultural norms that I don’t believe God opposes. So does current government marriage fit in that mold? I’m from Africa and when I got married a couple of years ago, I had 2 weddings. This is very common in Africa. The first marriage is what is called a traditional marriage and has nothing to do with church. But this is the marriage that the ‘community’ and relatives recognize and involves the blessings of the relatives. Think of it this way: Before christianity came to Africa, people used to get married though they didn’t know what a church was. Up to this day, this is the marriage that is considered the real marriage over the government sanctioned church marriage. But having said, practically all Africans that get married also end up doing the white bride gown wedding, because … what bride doesn’t like wearing a fancy white gown. I’ll also say its more so because of western influence. So my wife who is also a believer, insisted we had to have both types of weddings. But I can also appreciate the civil/government weddings on one level. A couple of decades ago, men used to leave their wives and children and just go start families somewhere else and leave their previous family out in the cold. With government marriages, the state did a good thing by requiring those men to support the families they abandoned especially when there was a marriage license since women had less rights then. This would be harder to do when you just made a vow between yourselves and nobody knew about it.
Jemba, thanks for your sharing of your experience and culture….interesting. …
I’m understanding a small bit at this time…lol…
Like render unto ceasar the things that are ceasars and unto God the things that are Gods.
SO culture speaks alot ….and then we join with God through repentance and faith in Christ and enter into His kingdom and his way of doing things…that’s where it gets a bit complex to me…….but I believe that there is revelation knowledge from the Word and the spirit..I am seeking these answers….There are many other questions that I have for God….Hmmmmm,may take awhile for the answers…blessings
Just about everyone knows the government is rotten to the core. But….just where and why does Abraham having to write letters of divorcement fit in?? We know it was because of the hardness of the people’s hearts and it was not intended to be so from the beginning. What…? Does it means that God did not intend that folks should get divorced and if so why was letters of divorcement needed? Did God not want anyone to publicly join in marriage and have the church add their blessing to the God appointed union? Somehow it seems like if we won’t acknowledge God before men that He won’t acknowledge us then public acknowledgement of this sacred union of man and woman like Christ and church should have order, public acknowledgement giving man’s tendencies to break laws, twist facts and boundaries etc. Seems like we should kick the government out out out and have the church marry and issue the papers of marriage to couples.
These are great questions Timothy. I have a chapter dedicated to ideas on how to be married legally, without the government becoming covenanted into the marriage. For example, signing the “family bible” is considered a legal binding document for holy matrimony. This is what I understand George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, people of that day did to record the marriage.
There are other things one can do to acknowledge God, public acknowledgement and the like as you mention. We’ve been so indoctrinated with a different view, it can be challenging at first to think differently in the matter.
People are beginning to think. 🙂
James, I would like permission to re-post this article on http://www.DivorceHope.com. I can put the link where it appeared back to this article. Let me know. Thanks, Stephen
It is fine with me as long as you link back and attribute it to the author, Joshua Paul. I am assuming Joshua would appreciate the added exposure.
Sure thing. Please send me a link when you’re done. I’d like to see it.
I spoke with a pastor once on this subject in one of the Southern States. They were not allowed to use the word Married or Wedded in a ceremony of those making life commitments to one another (without a license). (or to say it the other way, they could only use the word ‘married/wedded’ when a license by the state was issued. . and they could lose their agency to officiate weddings if they did). The pastor is really being an agent of the state in this capacity. All of this is well and good, when the state’s values are largely aligned with Judeo-Christian ethics. It becomes another issue, I think, when the state becomes antagonistic to Christian values and principles. Do you even want the State to ‘bless’ your marriage and confer ‘rights and privileges’ to you? Are you willing to live with the consequences (legal, social and otherwise) by making this relationship? Is your close family supportive of this arrangement and understand what you are doing and why? Are you willing to go through a public ceremony in front of witnesses (even two) of your vows to love this person til death do you part? Do you know each other well enough that you know, but you know, that both of you are committed to each other? Have you prayed about this and believe that this is either God’s active or permissive will for you? . . There are lots of questions that need to be asked and answered for those considering this . . Certainly as believers we should be aware that this trend is likely to grow in the years to come.
I’m struggling to understand what your underlying argument is. At first you suggest that the use of the term license implies that the absence of one makes the licensed act illegal.
This is problematic because there are many instances of the term license for which this does not apply. For example, a software developer may choose to not apply a software license to something he has made. That doesn’t mean it’s illegal to use that software. So with marriage. Getting married without a marriage license isn’t illegal (confusingly, you actually argue this yourself later in the article by saying “a marriage license is not mandatory for a couple to be lawfully married”).
Later you say “If the government has completely lost sight of what the definition of marriage is and is not, why should Christians even care what the government says about the matter?” I’d like to agree with you.
But why, then, take the time to write a whole article arguing that marriage licenses should be avoided on the basis of an argument (not having a license is illegal, so the government is trying to control marriage) that you later correctly disprove (by showing that common law marriages are a perfectly valid legal option for marriage)?
It seems to me that you’ve done a good job demonstrating that a common law marriage and a licensed marriage are both valid legal avenues. If that’s the case, and we don’t care what the government thinks of our marriage, shouldn’t our approach to the issue be purely pragmatic? Shouldn’t the discussion revolve around the legal and tax benefits of either route? I struggle to see how this discussion can be turned into anything else, especially how the article seemed to try and make this a moral issue.
Great points and questions.
Most Christians and Americans for that matter “think” it’s illegal or not a real marriage without the marriage license. Even the states advertise in such a way that communicates the idea that is illegal to get married without their permission.
Illinois for example says, “Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk’s office.”
Notice the word “must” that makes anyone think, “Wow. There’s no other solution. I have to do it this way to be legally married.” Did you know in Black’s Law dictionary must and may are interchangeable synonyms? That’s a big difference.
Again, to your point, there’s only so much one can go into regarding the nature of the legalities in an article. I couldn’t touch upon some of the other red flags of the license such as how the State owns your children when a couple has a marriage license. It’s been proven in a court of law actually.
To your closing remarks, common law marriage people lose 0 benefits that are afforded to marriage license couples.
There’s much more going on beneath the surface, that I failed to get into here. The desire was to simply communicate some truth and hopefully encourage people to search these ideas out further for themselves. The story extends well beyond this brief article.
So Question, How does one get married without a license than? Is it just between Man, Woman, and God? Making Vows and uniting together as one in private? My Girlfriend and I have recently got a Marriage License from the court house, and cant stress enough how wild its been since we got it, feels like some never ending spiritual battle in that matter, would love to hear more
I have often said in my own opinion one can be “legally” married and not “morally” married, and one can also be “morally” married not “legally” married. By legally I am meaning the government recognizes, and/or accepts your marriage, and by morally I am meaning God recognizes and accepts your marriage. I have often given examples to ponder on.
Let us give an example of the possibility of being morally married, but not legally. Let’s take a man and a woman who madly in love which other, They both love God, and they want to serve him, and spread the the Gospel. They both accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior, they are equally yoked, and they want to get married, however, both parties are of a different race. The man is black and the woman is white. Now let us say the government says interracial are forbidden to get married, and these two are not allowed to get married under any circumstances, would then if these to went to a priest, to get married, with out a license, and had a couple of witness, be seen as morally married (accepted marriage) in God’s eyes? Me personally, I would say yes. Or if you were a slave in a land, and the governing authority over you forbids slave to marry each other, and to God fearing, and equally yoked if they got married with a priest and some witness, would God recognize their marriage? I would say yes.
Now take being legally married (government accepts marriage or union) and not morally married. A very popular example of this is same sex marriage. If two people went and some who got a marriage license and found a wicked priest to marry them, does God accept their marriage, even though the government does? Well, this would be an obvious no.
Let’s look a some other not as clear questions, and examples, and see what z3ers think. Because I have found this topic quite fascinating, and a good discussion.
Does God accept two unbelievers (gentiles, people who do not believe in God, people believing in another God, such as Allah), marriage, even if it between one man and one woman?
What if a person is saved, and then foolishly decides to marry an unbeliever, because the unbeliever showed them a form of love they were looking for, does God accept this marriage? What if the saved person repents after getting married, are they morally (Biblically) allowed to stay married together?
Does God only accept marriage of two believers of the Christian faith?
What about pre-arranged marriages where the parents, puts the child in a marriage where the government accepts it, but the two parties involved do not, does God accept this marriage? What about silly shows that come on TLC married at first sight? Does God accept their marriage.
Let us say you have a 15 year old and a 45 year old getting married, they both claim they love the Lord, and they are both equally yoked, does God accept their marriage, if they get married without a license, even though the government does not? What if he government is okay with this type of marriage, does God still accept it? If the person is 15 years of age and the other is 45 years of age, this means, at some point, one party would be 30 years of age, and the other 60 years of age, so then what age gap limit does God accept/not accept?
What if some one is a Hermaphrodite, are they allowed to get married in the eyes of God?
This is all a fascinating subject, and I am NOT saying I already have the answer to these questions, I just love this topic of conversation. Most people do not talk about the realities of these realistic situations. I would love to hear Z3ers thoughts on these questions.
Matt,This subject needs to be opened up Caseys had interesting points as did others.Mark and his Bride need answers.The reason. for all this opening up I believe is that the church needs revelation knowledge.I personally believe that the “church” puts God
in a box….we try to rightly divide the Word for sure…but we are missing it.God is willing to give us all these answers if we truly seek him.Do we need these answers.?Yes…..some do not care to know,some think that they already know….
FOR example. .We know that some people are leaving their spouse now…getting divorced because they believe that the Lord led them to based on scripture .even though they are both christians. (Scripture that says if you marry again after you have been divorced you are committing adultery…)So what if you come to that conviction after you have had children together…Really…You think that now it’s God’s will to put away your spouse and children…I think that the enemy is getting place…WHAT is God’s law concerning marriage and divorce. YOUR SPOUSE HAS to sleep with someone before you can leave???REALLY….I know that most believe that they have the answers but do you???When Jesus said to the woman at the well that she had 5 husbandsand the one she now had was not her husband.. ( as Jerry brought out earlier)Jesus did recognize 5 of these asarranges and not just “shacking up”,but what law was she abiding by?Jewish?? So did she marry all brothers (after each one died) according to the law…I don’t think that was the case….Was she put away by the husbands???What constitutes marriage GOD’S WAY…Be not unequally yoked means more than naming the name of Christ. ..I can tell you that..I have been married to “IN NAME ONLY”..Abusive,non working,sexually deviate…only in my 30 at the time.Was I to remain single until I die..See people want to put all these patients answers out there….OF COURSE we are to obey the word at all costs..I am just concerned that most people do not know the Word and revelation of truth in it.
NOW the state legalized homosexual unions..homosexuals have their own brand of bibles now ,twisting the scriptures to say what their wicked hearts want..NO,THEY ARE NOT MARRIED in God’s eyes.Someone filed a lawsuit against Kim Davis (apparently) wanting to marry their pet!!!Okay I have many questions also Matt……Another point I want to share is when the state marries you,they also need to divorce you..Who makes all the decisions concerning your finances,home and children..Lawyers,judges..What laws are they upholding when they give custody to a wicked spouse..We need answers.Moses had the law and judges in the land…That’s who Jesus was addressing mostly with comments…Also he referred to Adam and Eve before the law…What voices are we listening to? I LIKE TO HEAR WHAT OTHERS ARE THINKING ALSO…
I BELIEVE that God is shaking us up because he wants us to know his ways,to walk in his paths..
Yes Diana. There are some questions people refuse to answer in the body of Christ. Many people, (66%) according to the Barna institute base their morality off of their feelings. So,their are people who base their belief of marriage of their feelings, not what God says.
Diana another good example, if one spouse is in the military and is presumed dead, and a couple of years pass, and their is no contact at all, then assumed widow remarries, but the other spouse turns out wasn’t dead, was just a POW, and comes back home, what happens then?
Good thought Matt.We need answers..I’m believing that the Lord will teach us His ways..Answer to your question….I suppose if the woman is a Christian( who married) and POW Spouse. comes home that she will pick the one she likes the best…then find scripture to confirm her feelings. ..Lol
..No, sad…but just saying
..that’s what we as a church have been basing alot of scriptures on..Picking the cherries thar we like and building a whole doctrine around it..Hope to see more here. (Comments.)
Diana,
lol… true story.
Matt I ask some of these questions too.But after reading this article I asked myself what makes a marriage in God’s eye sight. While pondering the question in my kitchen Between the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter is established! 2Corinthians 13:1 Came to mind The witnesses plus vows make a marriage in the eyes of God.
Kimmie,
There are so many different ways for people to have a “legal” marriage in God’s sight. You don’t even need to have “vows” which if we read Matthew 5, Jesus is kind of against that idea and is not required for a legal marriage before God and man. Notice Isaac and Rebekah, no real ceremony that we can see – yet very God honoring and legal in His sight.
Witnesses help, but also are not necessary in a court of law and can still be legit in God’s sight.
Great questions and ideas… seek, knock, ask and the door will be opened. If there’s one relationship we as followers of Christ want to get right, it’s this one.
Matt,
Great questions! Thought provoking for sure!
I’ll speak to your 15 and 45 year old example. In scripture we see some “protocols” repeated, combined with the law of Moses surrounding marriage. Take Isaac and Rebekah (even though this was pre-law), it’s my suspicion she was quite younger than Isaac based on the time line from his birth to Abraham’s death, tied into how Isaac was getting old when his blessing was passed to Jacob and Rebekah was still, seemingly, much more functional. (I’m willing to be wrong.)
My hunch is, she was at least 10 years younger, up to possibly 20 years. Not the same gap you mention, however, notice what transpired in Genesis when Abraham’s servant met Rebekah. Her family was willing to let her go (granting permission) and become Isaac’s wife. She was also WILLING to become Isaac’s wife.
In your example, it seems that for this to be a legitimate marriage before God, the parents would need to approve of it and the 15 year old agree as well. “Honor your mother and father.” Now, maybe if this were in today’s culture the parents might suggest waiting until 18 to get married, which seems to be a reasonable request all things considered. If the parents were okay for the marriage to occur at the age of 15 or as a minor in our culture, there might be a little more involvement legally in terms of issuing their consent, etc. At which point, contacting a family lawyer would be recommended.
I agree. Just very thought provoking. One such would be in-laws marrying. There is so much out there, to think about, even though I’m happily married.
Mark,
You’re hammering home some fundamental ideas discussed in the book, “The Biblical Marriage: For God or Government?” The book offers God’s perspective, the history of marriage biblically, nationally and how to proceed with a legal-lawful marriage without a marriage license.
Your comments about the stress and “wild” is not something you’re imagining or dreaming up. The implications of the license are deep and profound. I think you would really find the book helpful. In fact, email me your address if you don’t have the money for a copy.
I would gratefully appreciate that!! My email is Markbechara1992@gmail.com
I think the eighth chapter of the Book of Romans applies here, summarized in verse 9:
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
Of course, Paul is writing about eating meat offered to idols, but I think the same admonishment applies, in that, even if any specific couple is fully confident in the Lord and their marriage outside of civil license, not every believer in Christ would have this same confidence and understanding.
Two could easily make themselves the target of accusations, and become a stumblingblock to others.
I’m not trying to persuade you, rather only adding a point for thought.
I would also add that the Marriage license is a three way contract between the two parties and the state; even the children from such a union the state has a party and controlling interest in and can revoke the rights of the parents. I am definitely sympathetic to a couple that makes a vow before God and others of their commitment to each other til death to do they part without a license. The only thing people need to understand is there are legal and even social ramifications to this decision. Further, couples need to tie up the legal end as tight as they can with Power of Attorney, Wills, etc.
article hits home to me. I often ponder a lot of things today and question how they got that way.
1. why did churches submit to 5013c?
2. Why can’t priests marry?
3.. Why can a man only have one wife? Elders were required to be men of one wife, not entire world population. I have seen nothing in the Bible to support this law.
I suspect 2,3 were man made laws by Catholic church, just like indulgences, praying to Mary became there made up religion. The thing I got from this article is It’s time we look at common accepted things and question are they from insitutions of men or God?
Hi Daniel,
You’re hitting on the very things that caused this topic to become a focus for me.
Give to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are God’s.
1. In this country we have freedom of religion so both the 501c3 and marriage license are not necessary for followers of Jesus.
2. Priests not marrying is a Catholic thing, not a biblical thing. I believe that would fall under false doctrine and/or traditions of man.
3. I would agree, it seems, polygamy is not considered “sin.” According to the new testament, one simply cannot be an elder in the Church, probably, because he’s going to have enough responsibilities overseeing the things within his own home. Another interesting thought is this, Jesus is coming back for “The Bride of Christ” also known as “the Church,” yet you make up the Bride and I make up the Bride and millions of other individuals make up the Bride of Christ. Seems like, God’s kind of okay with the idea?? Am I advocating that men start having multiple wives? No. I’m simply highlighting the truth that God doesn’t seem to make polygamy something to be categorized as “sin” or “unlawful” in the Bible.
Your last question hammers it home. If people continually acknowledge, “We’re in the last days.” and Jesus said, “As in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of Man returns on the earth.” How much more should we followers of King Jesus, question EVERYTHING going on around that’s considered “normal?” because the mark of the beast is about show it’s ugly face.
One last thought, if we can’t buy or sell, how are we going to survive? It’s time to consider going back to the garden now, getting some chickens and understanding the fundamentals of living. It kind of makes the picture come full circle, doesn’t it? Going back to where we started… the Garden.
Hi Daniel…To answer your question as to why churches went with 501c3, I heard discussions about it before they went with it and the consensus was they wanted to be good stewards of God’s money not realizing the Devil is definitely in the details! I recently saw a good u tube video on it and in the comments it had a database so you could search to see if your church was 501c3.
1 Timothy 4:2-4
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
This passage I believe definitely refers to the Catholic church. A French priest was quoted as saying, ” I took a vow of celibacy, but not a vow of chastity!”.
Charlotte Keckler as a young nun was brought to a priest who wanted sex under the pretext that he (the priest) was just like the Holy Spirit (impregnating Mary, mother of Jesus).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5TyNPG88aU
Your article only applies to the United States and probably most other common law jurisdictions. Now if we start talking about many European countries or China, where only civil marriage is recognised, how do we handle things? Let’s take Mainland China (i.e. China excluding Hong Kong and Macau) where only civil marriage is recognised and a Marriage Certificate (not licence) is issued. At present, China only allows marriage between one man and one woman (same in Hong Kong and Macau). However, China does not recognise marriages outside of the civil system. My advice to Christians here, is to submit to this as the state in this case is doing something good, by organising something that God has ordained so as to bring order to society. However, should the state start doing something in this area against God’s order, then my advice would probably need to change in some way to deal with the new situation. I’d be grateful if you could expand your article to take on a more global perspective, including both common law and civil law jurisdictions.
I want to add that couples in China also have to apply for a license to have children. (I live here).Though the law now “allows” two children per couple now, they still have to “apply for having children.” When they do not and the woman gets pregnant, she is forced to have an abortion, or pays a penalty, or has the baby in secret. I knew such a child. In public, she called her parents uncle and aunt, but she also lived with a feeling of rejection. Her older brother lorded over her.
So…
Hi Roger,
Truthfully, I’ve not investigated, in great measure, marriage laws outside the USA. I guess my question is, why do you want to be recognized? The states here do not “recognize” non marriage license/certificate marriages simply because they are not party to the contract. The state refuses to recognize something it doesn’t know the terms and conditions for or is a part of. Yet, common law marriages are perfectly legal.
If I were in another country, I would probably, most definitely, still be married to my wife without concern for the government civil law. They can’t stop me being in relationship and living together can they? Regarding any “benefits” I might miss out on from the government, I think YHWH (God) and His blessings over my life are tremendously more desirable than anything the government has to offer. I simply won’t attempt to take advantage of their benefits, whatever those might be?
I was shocked what I found out about the “benefits” here in the USA that I won’t go into now. I will say, there was something left to be desired.
Please let me know if you find out any additional information on the matter.
Blessings to you!
I have to admit I haven’t heard anything quite like this. Every culture has some form of marriage ritual. As was stated above, the Word says obey the laws of the land, if they aren’t contradictory to His law. I’m thinking abortion and the like.
When Jesus was talking to the woman at the well He said, you’ve been married five times, and the man you’re with now you’re not married to. So there was a definite distinguishing between what constituted a marriage and just being with a man. I know a number of people who say, We’re married in the eyes of God.
I’m not buying on that one. I’m sure God is not displeased with those who have gone the “traditional” route, but I sure wouldn’t take the chance going the other way.
This post also made me readjust my mindset and look at the “government’s marriage license” from a distance. We in the US are so programmed to move with the bells, trust the government edicts from Obamacare to gay marriage laws! Why not readjust our perspective? My dear dad used to tell me, what the government has made law, is a form of “highway robbery!” They’ve robbed our minds in public school indoctrination, “don’t ever question those in authority, they have the education, they are smarter and know best what is right for us!” Heaven forbid, don’t think for yourself. Our souls, are polluted with so much sin, most can’t see through its fog, so when truth is presented its mocked as a joke! American’s heart’s are “wicked” as the scripture says, until it’s regenerated by Christ through His blood, those in our government, all the way down to the toddler screaming, demanding to get his way, is what exemplify who we are in this land. The “land of the free, really isn’t! We are free as long as we obey all the laws, on time and in order of priority. Get your marriage license three days ahead, get it signed by witnesses and the pastor, approved and properly filed, get your preschooler loaded with vaccines, on time as directed by the UN, who manipulates local doctors, all the way to to school nurses office, where the students file is stored! This goes on and on..from high school diplomas, which signify they sat in school for 13 years, to signing up for Social security, on time or get fined, and lastly, having your family members seeing your death certificate is properly signed and sent in triplicate to government offices you didn’t know existed! Abba Father must look down on we Americans and sigh and shake his head! Get in the proper line, sheep to the slaughter, that’s coming next!
By signing a “Marriage License” (contract), that is HOW they get the around 40% of your wealth of your estate when you pass away. This wealth should be going to your children.
Everything the “Government” does is a contract. They’re man’s “laws” which are just a way they are tricking us into signing contracts with them so they can collect the wealth from us in fees, licenses, permits and taxes.
They took almost all the gold and silver and gave you PAPER “Money”. They took the land which is why you pay property “taxes’ (rent) to them. They even turned you into a CORPORATION and trade your Name the Bond Market. (Google “Birth Certificate Bond”) That is THE most graven of graven images. See Revelation 18:13 – “Trading in Bodies and Souls”
We are in the “End Times” (The “Day of the Lord”) where we’re supposed to follow the Lord and “Come OUT” from following this system (see Revelation 18).
from what you and Todd said below. It seems a relic of the Babylonian system to give the state control if not ownership of you, your family, kids, grandkids. Maybe I’m heretical but I don’t think you need to be registered as a 5013c to be a church nor do i think you need a marriage license to be married in the eyes of God. I believe in marriage, but I do not believe the state needs to be involved.
Daniel,
You’re totally right here.
In fact, it seems as though 501c3 Christian organizations are being primed like the state churches in China under the government’s rule and direction. There is coming a day when, I believe, Christian ministries will have to choose flat out – to surrender all to the government or Jesus?
The underground, non registered Church is arising in the nation right now, the sheep and goats are being separated.
It’s time to choose this day, whom shall we serve…
Funny you mention that Joshua,
A couple/few weeks ago I researched the 501(c)3 church “laws” (which is actually a contract) to get tax breaks. But, churches are already tax-exempt and the Pastors let the system swindle them into signing this contract.
Now they’re cursed because they put mammon before the Lord and their flocks are in trouble because they’re considered to be in the “goat herd” and they’re not learning the Lord’s Holy Words. The Lord is MAD as these Shepherds as you can read in Zechariah 10:3, Hebrews 10:3, Zephaniah 3, etc, etc.
Here’s the article I read:
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20Government/Police%20State/501c3_unbiblical.htm
The 501c3 status was an invention of the IRS prompted by the wicked man, Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1952. He was taking all kinds of heat from real pastors who had guts to speak out about what a wicked man he was from their pulpits. He went to others telling them it was him now, but could be them in the future. They crafted the legislation inventing this status. Johnson and others sold it to the pastors telling them that it would protect them from lawsuits and church property seizures. What it actually did was make the government a partner in the church and removed Christ from headship. These pastors must have forgotten Matthew 10:28:And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. It turns the church into a corporation and it’s Latin root word is the same for corpse. A dead Body. They so-called American Church has so much to answer for. It needs a good dose of 2 Chronicles 7:14 :If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. I know this will probably not happen. There cannot be a strong Godly nation on hand for the One World government of the Anti-Christ to be ushered in.
True. Isn’t that when “Nebuchadnezzar” ruled and they had the Babylonian “law” (man’s law, NOT God’s) called the “Code of Hammurabi” which man wrote and enforced for the express purpose of robbing, cheating and stealing from the people? That was the 1st Beast Kingdom and God made Nebuchadnezzar eat grass like a COW. Today’s beast kingdom is the same sort of thing, but the “laws” are a but more sophisticated.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi
Truth!
This article is incredible!! Thank you for posting this Joshua, this is beautifully written and presents a very compelling argument that I feel is definitely from The Lord. While I was reading this the 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 passage that you have example to really made sense regarding the marriage contract. I know that scripture is primarily regarding to whom we are to marry for a spouse and where they are spiritually. However I felt like God really opened my eyes to seeing how the marriage contract yokes people unequally to the “state” and that because it is a legal binding document it can literally become an open door of whatever the “state” is involved with to enter into a marriage. Very similar to the concept of soul ties and how the enemy can use them to transfer all types of bad things. Could this be a reason why so many Christian marriages or marriages in general are under attack and end in divorce because of so much infidelity? Could both the natural and spiritual decisions and direction of the state have a direct effect on individual marriages because of the marriage license contract between the state and the husband and wife and their marriage? What I find to be so profound in your article is that marriage from God’s design has always been God, husband and wife. This is the three fold cord that is not easily broken and with God as the head, the covenant is secure, pure and protected. With what is happening now without people understanding, is today’s marriage is between State, husband and wife or any other combination that is now deemed legal. The part that is clear is that marriages are yoked to the “state” as a third party entity. There is legal contract in place that is binding.
We know that at the highest levels of the state the they worship and follow the luciferian/satanic agenda. We know natural contracts have spiritual consequences regarding binding and loosing. Can we suggest that the marriage contract is actually a Trojan horse that the enemy has used to gain legal right to influence, destroy, and even kill people, marriages and destinies? One thing that I am becoming much more aware to as God is revealing much revelation on the Courts of Heaven and how these things operate is that the devil knows how to use God’s legal system against us and because of that as you have stated, people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Again, great article Joshua, I pray God gives more revelation on this and that it would impact the Body of Christ now more than ever.
Casey, that’s quite mind-blowing suggestions you have there! I am going to follow this with great interest! Have got 3 children at or near marriageable age 🙂 Looking forward to reading what others have to say .
Thanks for posting James!
Lynne,
Now would be a great time to become educated on this topic. In a lot of ways, it seems this message is for the younger generation. The attack Satan is bringing at them is unlike anything the world has seen, probably going back to the flood.
It’s my belief, light is getting lighter and darkness is getting darker. God wants beautiful, thriving marriages that reflect the very nature and character of who He is. The coming generation have a tremendous opportunity to be that city on a hill.
May the Lord grant you wisdom and revelation over this topic of marriage and family in the coming days. In Jesus name. Amen.
Hi Joshua. A million years ago (when my oldest children were young!!) I bought a tape set (!!!!) about why you should teach your children not to date!!! Interesting, the speaker said the same thing to me…Now is a good time to educate against dating. My children (adults now!) do not date 🙂
I have ordered your book, I am very interested in the subject of marriage for my children in the days ahead.
Little question….would your book on Marriage licence fraud be relevant for laws in other country’s like New Zealand?
Many thanks, Lynne
Hi Lynne,
Thank you for your support!
I agree, dating, just to date is not a great idea. Developing healthy friendships seems like a good idea.
Regarding your last question, I would say, the principles are there and can be applied in such a way to accommodate the laws of New Zealand, whatever those might be.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or insights in the matter. Also, I’d be interested to hear about the laws of NZ surrounding marriage if you care to develop that conversation. 🙂
I have a serious question to ask anyone. When we go to heaven or the new earth will there be relationships there? I’ve always wanted to get married and have kids but god says marriage will be no more when we leave this earth? Im only worried with the events happening in this world that i may never have a chance to experience it.
Hi Ali,
In about 2002 the Lord gave me a revelation about how natural marriage is a picture of the heavenly marriage to our Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus. In Hebrews and other places the Bible says that many earthly things are pictures of heavenly realities.
When Jesus told the Pharisees in Matthew 22:23-32 that there was no marriage in heaven, He was speaking of earthly marriage. There will be a marriage, of the Bride and the Lamb. Jesus spoke several times about being the Bridegroom.
In 1 Cor. 7, Paul talks about marriage and says because of the present distress he thought it better to stay single as he was. But it wasn’t a sin if you chose to marry.
When we get to heaven we will know and recognize all of our family relationships that we had here on earth if they were believers. There will be a special bond between those, but it will not be in the sense that we think of marriage. God is the designer of the family. That is why He chose to do this whole creation-earth thing, so He could raise up a family for Himself. He wanted children, and a bride for His Son.
During the millennium, the saints will have their glorified bodies. They will be ruling and reigning with Christ. Those mortals who survive the tribulation and are allowed to enter the millennium will continue having children. In the book of Isaiah there are places it talks about this.
In conclusion, I would say, cast all your cares on the Lord because He cares for you. Tell Him how you feel about this, then surrender yourself totally to Him and ask Him to work that all out to His glory. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
What an awful thought to have to live in eternity with your spouse if you dont like them.
shelley if one does not like ones spouse then dont expect a trip to heaven.
What?
Relationships yes, but not marriage with “giving” in marriage as the Lord Jesus Christ taught, meaning no longer will we experience marital relations (sexual). All believers will collectively be the Bride of Christ. We will not desire sexual relationships in heaven as we will be completely fulfilled to be in the very presence of God. The word teaches that if you marry, you do not sin, but only marry in the Lord, with a Christian women, do not become unequally yoked (married) to an unbeliever. But the time will come when it may be better NOT to marry because of persecution……..only pray and be directed by the Lord
Ali,I want to say that I believe that I believe that Jerry gave you a very thorough answer.On that note I would like say that I have great news for you:) I believe that it was Neville Johnson (a prophet from God) that said Jesus told him that those who won’t be able to get married here not to be at loss,he said they would have the perfect companion on the other side…YEAH!!!!Well obviously there will be no sexual union….but also no divorce,fighting,etc…lol ..You will have a companion that you love deeply as in the way the Lord loves.I also know that people have died and come back and say that there are families in heaven pic nicking and all.And they have beloved pets with them.So I believe that Father has everything planned.Then of course ,there will be a 1,000 reign on earth as Jerry said…so I’m sure the companion would be with you there…Okay….I think we do limit God to who he is and what he can do……Be blessed :)Yes,as said…Cast all your cares upon him,for he cares for you…Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart…
Great feedback Diana. I’ve also heard numerous people who the Lord has transported to heaven and they also saw families. In fact, some even raised their babies that they aborted. Jessie Duplantis’ “Godly Encounters of the God Kind” which is also on youtube is one of the most popular one. Someone asked what if they don’t like their spouse. That will be impossible in heaven as those sentiments won’t be present in heaven as everyone will be full of love. Even people the world considers unattractive physically are perfectly beautiful in heaven as there will be no imperfections in heaven physically, emotionally, etc.