Bible Discussion Thread

Do you have to have a price of paper to be married inthe eyes of God

Hello Beth. I don't believe that a piece of paper declaring the marriage of two persons is a requirement of God. Marriage in the days of old were often very elaborate affairs, as still are in countries of Asia, etc., & the presence of so many witnesses & before God, were sufficient evidence of a 'recognized' marriage. In the 13th Century AD, "banns of marriage" were introduced in the U.K. whereby a public announcement in the couple's Church was made over three Sundays prior to the wedding day. But this was done, so that any 'objections' to the proposed marriage could be submitted. And from this 'banns of marriage', marriage licences were introduced later.

Today, if two people plan on marriage without a ceremony, witnesses, or a licence (i.e. wanting to enter a permanent, loving cohabitation on their terms), would do well to ensure that their union will not suffer in terms of any legal requirements or acceptability in the (Christian) community/Church. Before God, such a union would be considered a marriage & any permanent separation would likewise be deemed a divorce. I feel that it's in the best interests of all, most of all the couple, that a marriage be solemnized officially with a marriage licence received at the end. But before God? A licence is only a piece of paper that can easily be lost or destroyed - it's the agreement, commitment, & sacrificial love between two people that's vital.