What Are Six Purposes for Marriage?
God designed marriage to fulfill six important and vital functions. When we understand them, we will be better able to honor marriage.
1. Companionship
True companionship grows out of a oneness of spirit. This occurs in marriage when both the husband and wife can say, “My spouse is my best friend.” “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
2. Enjoyment
The principle behind enjoyment is self-control. “Marriage is honorable [precious] in all, and the bed [should be kept] undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
3. Completeness
God designed Eve to complete that which was lacking in Adam’s life. “And Adam said, … She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:23).
4. Fruitfulness
God’s first command in Scripture is this: “… Be fruitful [bear fruit], and multiply [increase], and replenish [fill] the earth …” (Genesis 1:28).
The very nature and character of God is to multiply life, whereas the nature and character of Satan is to multiply death.
5. Protection
A husband is to protect his wife by laying down his life for her. (See Ephesians 5:25.) A wife is to protect the interests of her home. (See Titus 2:4–5.) Parents are to protect their children to raise up a Godly seed.
6. Typify Christ and the Church
Marriage is to be a human object lesson of the divine relationship between Christ and believers. (See Ephesians 5:31–33.)
The six purposes for marriage are adapted from The Wedding Covenant booklet.