An individual once asked me, “If a man and woman are living together in fornication, are they truly married?”
When God described the unique relationship that he had with His chosen people Israel, he declared in Ezekiel 16:8: “Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, says the Lord God.“
In the context of Ezekiel 16:6-14, God uses highly descriptive terms in describing Israel as His pure bride demonstrated by the finery of jewelry and dress in which she was attired (note the similarity in Ephesians 5:22-32 in describing the church as the pure bride of Christ).
One of the sins of God’s people was infidelity toward their spouses, their wife “by covenant” (Malachi 2:14). This breach of fidelity violated the covenant the man had made with his spouse — a covenant which was witnessed by God Himself (cf. Matthew 19:4-6).
The biblical answer to the above individual's question then is “No” because this man and woman did not make a marriage covenant or contract, witnessed by God, agreeing to be a faithful husband and wife. Thus, if they are living together in fornication, they are living in a sinful relationship.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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When God described the unique relationship that he had with His chosen people Israel, he declared in Ezekiel 16:8: “Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, says the Lord God.“
In the context of Ezekiel 16:6-14, God uses highly descriptive terms in describing Israel as His pure bride demonstrated by the finery of jewelry and dress in which she was attired (note the similarity in Ephesians 5:22-32 in describing the church as the pure bride of Christ).
One of the sins of God’s people was infidelity toward their spouses, their wife “by covenant” (Malachi 2:14). This breach of fidelity violated the covenant the man had made with his spouse — a covenant which was witnessed by God Himself (cf. Matthew 19:4-6).
The biblical answer to the above individual's question then is “No” because this man and woman did not make a marriage covenant or contract, witnessed by God, agreeing to be a faithful husband and wife. Thus, if they are living together in fornication, they are living in a sinful relationship.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
Related Articles:
- Marriage: As Designed by God
- Sermon on Marriage: Honorable Marriage
- Dealing Treacherously with One’s Spouse
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