By

Shelby G. Floyd

The subject of marriage shows up near the conclusion of the letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 13:4). It appears in one verse preceded by several matters the author wants to get over to his readers.

Those other matters besides marriage are:
1. Let your brotherly love continue to be a part of your life (Hebrews 13:1).

2. Be hospitable especially to strangers, for some have entertained angels (messengers) unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

3. Remember those who are being persecuted and are imprisoned, because it could happen to you, since you are still in the body of flesh (Hebrews 13:3).

It is at this point that we have the statement on marriage. This subject needs much teaching today in view of the breakup of the family and the failure to honor the God-given design of marriage. Therefore, the author says,

“Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers” (Hebrews 13:4 NASB).

Marriage is held to be honorable by all who believe that God ordained marriage in the beginning. “The water is always purest at the source of the stream!”

God created Adam, the first man. The Hebrew word Adam means man! Adam was made aware that in all of God’s creation before him, there were male and female animals, insects, and plants etc., (See Genesis 2:19-20). But Adam was also aware that he was alone. There was not any companion comparable to him. He was by himself!

It is at this point that God the Creator said to Adam and all who would read the Genesis account: “Then the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18 ESV).

Therefore, from the beginning of the creation it has been good for man and woman to marry, raise children and to love the extended family and the God who created the family.

And it seems that the marriage of man and woman mirrors the God family of Father, Son and Holy Spirit: “And God (Elohim-plural sgf) said, Let us (plural sgf) make man in our (plural sgf) image, after our (plural sgf) likeness: and let them (plural) have dominion over….” (Genesis 1:26).

Take note that the word God is plural as well as the pronouns “us” and “our.” So, Adam was not destined to live by himself while all created beings were created male and female. And “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

Therefore, God finished his work of creation in six days, including man and woman. And he concluded that all of creation, including man and woman, was “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
—To be continued, SGF

* Copyright © 2021 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142