For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Alicia Kazansky
Wait. I have been led to believe by spiritual leaders that if the government of my state recognizes common law and it is upheld in courts etc, then it is in obeyance of the LAW and acceptable to God. The fact that it takes a court divorce supports its acceptance.
The public acknowledgement of that marriage and one's living and growing in Christian ways is what brings God praise. After all, the having a couple of witnesses is a "public declaration" and does not require an expensive or gathering to make it official.
In Biblical references of old, if the area around the couple identified such ones as a couple..married then it was so. Can it be that this is misleading and hence cursed and unrecognized by God? There is a "leaving" others for only one and stops temptation of immorality.
Sounds confusing...and how does one really "for-sure" when there were no marriage certificates originally? Again, if the state law and government recognizes common law then I believe the Christians choosing this as still being faithful. I may be wrong but I sure would appreciate stronger evidence that it is rather than promoting the burden of expense and showy-ness.
Is there a need for birthday parties to mark one's birthday in the Bible?
Bruce Lyon
Adam joined with Eve and they became one flesh - were considered married. That was a legitimate marriage and if anyone does as Adam and Eve did they are married as to what the state refers to as common-law marriage. I have been with my wife in a common-law marriage for 30 years now and expect to be with her until I die or she does. My marriage is according to that set down in the beginning by Adam and Eve and perfectly legitimate according to the place where I live. It has never been a problem for us. In fact because we have been together so long most people probably assume we had a church wedding.
Alicia Kazansky
I understand and agree with the common law idea. As I understand it as long as the state in which you reside recognizes it, then God will also, since he commands us to be faithful to the law of the land since he allows them to rule at this time.
I too am in a common law situation. However, it has been pointed out by my church that until it has been consecrated BY THE CHURCH, somehow it is not a somewhat honorable, SANCTIFIED marriage in God's eyes. There are many understandings it seems, and since I agree with how Adam and Eve did not have a ceremony, but were DIRECTLY put together, and David just moved in with his wife after treching thru the fields a long time...they didn't need a "sanctified" blessing...the neighbors all had to recognize them as "married" is all. I guess in the very end, this will be straightened out.
Bruce Lyon
Alicia, the only reason that churches say you are not married or your marriage is not sanctified has nothing to do with scripture and everything to do with control.
When Jesus was asked the question divorce he went back to Adam and Eve and said when they came together they become one flesh...
Genesis 2:23-24: And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Mt 19:3-6: The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they two shall be one flesh? wherefore they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.
All followers of the lord Jesus are priests, saints [holy ones]. We are all equal in the lord Jesus male and female. So if two believers have decided to come together and live as man and wife to the exclusion of all others, and become one flesh then according to what the word of God says in the beginning they are married, joined together and what therefore God has joined together, let no man or church put asunder. Jesus is our lord!
Alicia Kazansky
Makes you wonder about those who live in non-commonlaw states, other than being obedient to the laws of the state. One day I will inquire if my church will perform marriage ceremony for the pleasure of family and see if they will charge, out of curiosity. I am SURE you are correct and thank you for your comments.