We believe and confess that, in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, marriage is ordained by God.
Genesis 1:27–28 “So God created man... male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it...’”
Marriage is the voluntary act by which one man and one woman consent to live together for their entire lives. A man is permitted to have only one woman as his wife; likewise, a woman is permitted to have only one man as her husband. After the death of one of the spouses, the remaining spouse is free to marry.
1 Corinthians 7:39; Romans 7:2 “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes...”
Since marriage is also a civil ordinance, it must first be concluded legally according to the laws of the state, followed by the blessing of the Church. We maintain that those who are Christians should enter into marriage only "in the Lord," that is, only with fellow believers.
2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.”
1 Corinthians 7:39 “...she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
Marriage should not be dissolved by divorce. Divorce is forbidden for believers.
Malachi 2:16 “‘For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.’”
Matthew 19:6 “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
In the case of proven adultery or a malicious desertion of the home, we believe that Holy Scripture admits divorce.
Matthew 19:9 “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
1 Corinthians 7:15 “But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved.”