VI. Concerning Matrimony.

¶58. We believe and confess, that it is a divine institution introduced by God Himself in paradise and confirmed in the case of our first parents, Adam and Eve, one man and one woman -- for mutual help and joy and for the prevention of all uncleanness and disorder - and blessed to fill the earth. Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:18-24; Proverbs 5:17-18.

¶59. This institution of God, the Lord Jesus Christ has confirmed. Thereby it has been sanctified for the believers of the New Covenant; only let it be entered upon in the Lord in accordance with divine and human ordinance, and let this tie be confirmed and sanctified by the church through the Word of God and prayer and the matrimonial life be kept sacred. Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians ch. 7; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Timothy 4:5; John 2:1-2; Matthew 22:1-14; Hebrews 13:4.

¶60. Concerning the sacredness and firm union of the matrimonial bond our Lord and Savior teaches: He which made them at the beginning made them male and female .... and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder . . . . . . Moses because the hardiness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery:and whosoever marrieth her which is put away committeth adultery, and causeth her to commit adultery. Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-15; and 39; Ephesians 5:22-33.

Bibliography

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