The Biblical Foundation of Marriage

Scripture References

• Genesis 2:24 (NIV):
  “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

• Matthew 19:4–6 (NIV):
  “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, couples should be able to:

1. Understand God’s original design for marriage.

2. Recognize the covenantal (not contractual) nature of marriage.

3. Appreciate the spiritual, physical, and emotional unity of marriage.

Main Teaching Content (20 minutes)

1. God is the Author of Marriage

• Marriage is not a human invention or cultural idea—it was instituted by God in Eden.

• In Genesis 2:24, marriage is presented as a divine pattern: leaving, cleaving, and becoming one.

2. Key Principles from Genesis 2:24

1. Leave – The man leaves his father and mother (independence from parental authority, establishing a new household).

2. Cleave/Unite – He joins to his wife (commitment, loyalty, covenant love).

3. Become One Flesh – Physical, emotional, and spiritual oneness.

👉 This shows marriage as a total union, not just physical or legal.

3. Jesus Reaffirms God’s Design (Matthew 19:4–6)

• Jesus references Genesis to remind His listeners that marriage is:

  • Between male and female.

  • A divine union (not easily broken).

  • Permanent (“let no one separate”).

• Marriage is not just about two individuals, but a joining by God Himself.

4. Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract

• A contract is based on conditions and can be broken.

• A covenant is based on unconditional commitment and sealed before God.

• Marriage is a reflection of Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:25–32).

Practical Application (10 minutes)

Couple Activity:

• Each partner writes down: “What does leaving, cleaving, and becoming one mean for me personally?”

• Share with each other and discuss where challenges might arise (e.g., family interference, commitment struggles, intimacy barriers).

Discussion Prompt:

• What practical steps can you take to “leave and cleave” in your relationship?