I do want to say there is not a single scripture to back up what is continued to be discussed here.
We shoiud be together and standing on what is taught in the scripture.
I would ask that if anyone wants to continue to discuss this please use scripture to back up your stance on this or any subject.
maybe we could get someone here to explain this verse to all of us without locking this thread.
1 Corinthians 7:36
36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
Jesus speaking to the woman at the well differentiated between having a husband (5 previously) and living with a man. I noticed no reponse from any defenders of "living together." (John 4:16-18)
1 Corinthians 7 appears to be clear on marriage being a bit more than a man and a woman living together and that relations before marriage is sinful, look I have been guilty of this as well, I am not setting myself up as better or holier than thou.
I am trying to reconcile all of this in my mind with the idea of a traditional ceremony with a physical ring and tangible paperwork, etc.
We should always strive to seek out the spirit of the scripture, as opposed to merely just the printed letter.
Hi Joey,QuoteI am trying to reconcile all of this in my mind with the idea of a traditional ceremony with a physical ring and tangible paperwork, etc.
I don't think anyone was suggesting that someone should go through a church wedding.
There were alternatives brought up, but that is not something that needs to be decided here.QuoteWe should always strive to seek out the spirit of the scripture, as opposed to merely just the printed letter.
I think that is the whole objective of those of us here :)
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
I've heard Ray say a few times that "the bible doesn't always mean what it says, but it always means what it means." I've seen people say that we must back up our beliefs on this issue with scripture. That certainly is true, but it's never really as simple as that. We should always strive to seek out the spirit of the scripture, as opposed to merely just the printed letter. After all, every major Christian denomination in the world backs up their doctrines with scripture. So just because the scriptures speak of marriage feasts and so forth doesn't necessarily mean that the scriptures endorse an actual wedding ceremony, with an exchange of vows, conducted by a "minister'' or "priest.''
The ceremony, the ring and all that is not important at all it is the public proclaimation and record of this proclaimation in regard to the intent for a man and a woman to love and cherish each other for the rest of their natural lives. The state requires a marriage certificate in the case of dividing property or inheritence to the children, of course a will can cover these things, social security benefits and other things are affected by marriage and even the length of the marriage.
Hi Kirk,
I just noticed that was your first post! Welcome in His name; we're happy to have you here and yes anything biblical that you have, please share it with us.
In Him,
Dwight
Dwight.....Let's see if I can figure out this response system. I hope this posts.....
I see the pattern as pretty simple:
1. mutual dedication towards one another (until death)
2. public proclamation of dedication
3. sexual intercourse
This pattern is presented more or less in Genesis (Adam and Eve) and again when Isaac and
Rebekah are betrothed.
This would be the Biblical pattern, and adjunct civil laws should also be followed. When my wife
and I took out our marriage license, we were technically then married. The ceremony followed
three weeks later.