Back to Basics in Christian Marriage | Pastor Patrick Hines Reformed Christian Podcast

When all else fails, go back to the simple Word of God:

Genesis 2:18–24 — The foundational institution of marriage: one man and one woman joined as “one flesh.”

Matthew 19:4–6 — Jesus appeals to Genesis and teaches that God joins husband and wife together.

Ephesians 5:22–33 — Marriage as a picture of Christ and the church; the wife's submission and the husband's sacrificial love.

Colossians 3:18–19 — Wives submit to husbands; husbands love their wives and must not be harsh with them.

1 Peter 3:1–7 — Duties of wives and husbands, including the husband's responsibility to live with his wife “according to knowledge” and honor her.

1 Corinthians 7:1–16, 32–40 — Sexual obligations, permanence of marriage, separation, unbelieving spouses, and singleness.

Hebrews 13:4 — “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled”; sexual immorality and adultery are condemned.

Proverbs 5:15–20 — Marital sexual faithfulness and delight in one's own wife.

Proverbs 18:22 — “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”

Proverbs 31:10–31 — The character and work of a godly wife.

Malachi 2:14–16 — Marriage described in covenantal terms; God condemns marital treachery.

Romans 7:2–3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 — Marriage normally binds husband and wife for life, until death.

Matthew 5:31–32; 19:3–9 — Christ's teaching concerning divorce and sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 6:15–20 — Sexual union is profoundly bodily and covenantal; sexual immorality contradicts belonging to Christ.