The biblical phrase “What God has joined together, let no one put asunder” is one of the most profound declarations about marriage in the Bible. Found in Matthew 19:6, Jesus speaks these words to emphasize the sacredness, divine origin, and permanence of marriage. This statement encapsulates God’s intention for marriage as a divine covenant, a lifelong union not to be broken by human or spiritual forces.
Understanding what this truly means requires exploring its biblical roots, divine purpose, the role of the church, the importance of parental blessings, and the factors that can threaten or undermine divine unions. It calls believers to honor God’s design for marriage and to approach it with reverence, wisdom, and spiritual discernment.
Biblical Foundations of the Statement:
Matthew 19:4-6 records Jesus’ response to the Pharisees questioning Him about divorce:
“Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (ESV)
This passage underscores several key truths:
Divine Creation: Marriage is rooted in God’s creative act, He designed it from the beginning.
Union of One Flesh: Marriage is a union that becomes one flesh, symbolic of intimacy, unity, and covenant.
Divine Joining: It is God Himself who joins the couple together, emphasizing the sacredness and divine authority behind the union.
Permanence: The phrase “let not man separate” underscores the intended lifelong nature of marriage.
The Meaning of “What God Has Joined Together”
1. Marriage as a Divine Institution
Marriage was established by God as a sacred institution to reflect His divine love, unity, and purpose. In Genesis 2:18-24, God created woman as a suitable helper for man, establishing the first marriage:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
This union is not merely physical but spiritual and emotional, designed to mirror God’s covenant relationship with His people.
2. The Covenant Nature of Marriage
Marriage is a covenant, a sacred promise and agreement before God. Malachi 2:14 describes marriage as a covenant:
“The Lord was a witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
This covenant involves mutual commitments, fidelity, love, and divine oversight.
3. God’s Role in Joining
When God joins a couple in marriage, He does so with divine purpose. It is not just a social contract but a spiritual union blessed and sanctioned by God. This divine joining signifies His approval, presence, and blessing over the relationship.
4. The Permanence of Divine Union
Jesus’ words emphasize that the union established by God is meant to be lifelong. Human attempts to break or dissolve this bond, through divorce or separation, should be approached with caution, prayer, and divine guidance.
The Church as a Place of Joining:
1. The Church’s Role in Marriage
The church is God’s designated institution to oversee, bless, and uphold marriages. It serves as a spiritual authority that:
Sanctifies the Union: Through marriage ceremonies, prayers, and blessings.
Provides Guidance: Offering biblical counsel to couples preparing for marriage.
Offers Support: In times of difficulty, the church encourages reconciliation, forgiveness, and renewal.
Symbolizes Christ’s Love: The church exemplifies Christ’s love for His bride, the church, reflecting in marital love and commitment.
2. Importance of the Church in Confirming Divine Joining
In many Christian traditions, a marriage is not complete until a religious ceremony is performed. The church’s involvement signifies:
Divine Approval: The church’s blessing aligns the marriage with God’s will.
Spiritual Covering: The couple is covered under the spiritual authority and prayers of the church.
Community Affirmation: The congregation witnesses and affirms the divine union.
3. Biblical Examples of Marriage and the Church
Ephesians 5:22-33 describes marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the church: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This highlights the divine model of sacrificial love and mutual submission.
1 Corinthians 7:17-24 emphasizes that each person should remain in the calling in which they were called, and that marriage should be entered into with prayer and divine guidance.
The Significance of Parental Blessings:
1. Biblical Basis for Parental Approval
Throughout the Bible, parental approval and blessings are integral to marriage:
Genesis 24:60 records the blessing of Rebekah by her family: *”Blessed be the Lord… who has not forsaken His steadfast love and faithfulness.”
1 Samuel 18:19 shows the importance of parental consent in marriage.
2. Parental Role in Marriage
Parents’ blessings are vital because they:
Represent Authority and Wisdom: Parents have lived longer and have spiritual insight to guide their children.
Provide Emotional Security: Parental approval fosters peace and unity.
Invoke Divine Favor: Blessings are prayers for God’s grace, protection, and success in the union.
3. The Power of Blessings
When parents bless a marriage, it:
Invokes divine favor and protection.
Strengthens the bond and commitment.
Sets a spiritual tone for the marriage.
When Marriages Are Not Divinely Joined
1. Marriages Without God’s Approval
Not all marriages are initiated or blessed by God. Such unions may face spiritual, emotional, and relational challenges:
Forced Marriages: Marriages entered into under coercion or manipulation lack divine blessing.
Unbelieving Partners: Marriages between believers and unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14) can be problematic if not aligned with God’s will.
Deceit or Fraud: Marriages based on false pretenses or deception are not rooted in divine truth.
2. Consequences of Unblessed Marriages
Spiritual Disconnection: Lack of divine blessing may lead to spiritual emptiness.
Increased Conflict: Without God’s guidance and blessing, couples may struggle with unity.
Divorce and Separation: Unaligned unions are more susceptible to breakdown.
3. The Need for Divine Guidance
Before marriage, couples should seek God through prayer, counsel, and divine confirmation to ensure their union is rooted in His will.
The Importance of Discernment, Prayer, and Wisdom
Seek God: Pray for clarity and divine direction.
Involve Spiritual Leaders: Seek counsel from pastors or mature believers.
Reflect Biblical Principles: Ensure values align with Scripture.
Confirm Divine Joining: Look for signs of God’s approval, peace, prayerful confirmation, and mutual conviction.
“What God has joined together, let no one put asunder” is a declaration of divine authority, sanctity, and permanence of marriage. It reminds us that marriage is not just a human contract but a spiritual covenant established by God Himself. The church plays a crucial role in witnessing, blessing, and supporting this divine union, while parental blessings carry spiritual authority and favor.
Marriage that is truly joined by God is characterized by love, faithfulness, mutual respect, and divine grace. It reflects Christ’s love for the church and serves as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. Conversely, unions not aligned with God’s will lack the divine backing and are vulnerable to challenges.
For a marriage to stand the test of time, couples must seek God’s guidance, involve the church, honor their parents’ blessings, and commit to the divine principles of love, fidelity, and covenant faithfulness. Only then can they enjoy the fullness of God’s blessing and the joy of a union that glorifies His name.
Let us remember that marriage is a divine mystery, an earthly reflection of heavenly love. When God joins a couple together, He does so with purpose, love, and eternal intent. Respect and uphold this divine institution, and let no one, human or spiritual, attempt to sever what God has joined.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
