El propósito del matrimonio - Pastor Héctor Salcedo

This week, Pastor Héctor Salcedo preached the sermon "The Purpose of Marriage" based on Genesis 2:24-25. The topic of marriage is one that always generates enormous interest; it's as if people are always looking for answers to their problems with their spouse. The most important thing to know is that marriage is much more significant, sublime, and important than we suppose. It is an institution born in the mind of God (Gen. 2:18), with the goal of creating from two beings a relational unity that reflects the very image of the triune God (Gen. 1:27), that allows human beings to fulfill the purposes for which God created them (Gen. 2:18), and that is a beautiful reflection of the relationship that exists between Christ and His church (Eph. 5:32). How does God understand that marriage should work? Genesis 2:24 is the quintessential passage on marriage. If we want to know what is supposed to happen in the marriage relationship, we must go to Genesis 2:24 and its context. There are at least four conditions that must be met for a marriage to function as God intends. 1. It must be a complementary relationship (Genesis 2:18) God creates a "suitable helper," thus creating a structure of roles. Woman was created to help man do what God has called her to do (1 Cor. 11:9; 1 Tim. 2:13). Woman, created from male DNA, in the image of God, is by God's design placed under the authority of her husband in the marriage relationship. This may be shocking to women, especially in our day, but it is important to remember that marriage is not about us, but about reflecting a larger reality. In the case of men, this can inflate their pride and "give them license" for authoritarianism within the home; but remember, God created women because men need help. Furthermore, the role of head is not about the man; he is called to reflect Christ Himself in his treatment of His church, His bride (Eph. 5:25; Eph. 5:28-29). 2. It must be an autonomous and priority relationship (Genesis 1:24a) Unless the married couple does not leave their parents, there is no way for the new family structure to take hold. The new husband must be the authority; the father cannot continue to be the authority, not even over his son or daughter, for that would boycott the new husband's authority. The new wife must be a helpmate, and the mother cannot continue to be a helpmate for her son or for her daughter, for that would boycott the new wife's role. Marriage reflects Christ in His union with His church, and for Christ to join the church, the father had to surrender Himself, and the son had to give up his glory in order to join. In addition to being autonomous, marriage must be a priority relationship above all other human relationships. Marriage implies “a man shall leave…” which implies that my spouse is now the relationship in which I must invest most intensely. 3. It must be a relationship of total unity (Genesis 2:24b) The word “cleave” literally implies “cleave to his wife,” thus producing “one flesh.” This implication goes far beyond the physical-sexual aspect: unity must occur in every aspect of our lives. God wants to communicate this so clearly that he creates woman from the very body of Adam. In Ephesians 5:28-29, Paul tells men to care for their wives as if they were “their own bodies…” Again, this may seem radical to me, but it is the best way to adequately reflect what marriage is meant to reflect, which is the union of Christ with His church. 4. It must be a safe and therefore transparent relationship (Genesis 2:25) “Now the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.” Before the fall into sin in Genesis 3, there was nothing to hide and therefore nothing to fear. The reason for not feeling shame was NOT because they had perfect bodies; the lack of shame was evidence of the security that comes with a clear conscience and a secure relationship. Maintaining transparency will require a willingness to confess, acknowledge our faults, and a willingness to forgive. —————————— A production of Integrity & Wisdom Ministries Reproduction of this resource in whole or in part, by any means or procedure, without our prior, express, written authorization is prohibited. Any unauthorized use will be prosecuted under international copyright laws. All rights reserved.