Holy Marriage: One Man, One Woman

God’s Design for Marriage

From the beginning, God’s intention for marriage has been clear: one man and one woman united in covenant love. This is not just a cultural ideal—it is a theological truth rooted in creation.

Genesis 1:27 
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Matthew 19:4–6 
“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.”

Jesus reaffirms that the creation model of marriage is still God’s ideal: one man and one woman. Marriage was never designed to include multiple spouses or repeated unions without biblical grounds.

Polygamy and Serial Marriages: Outside God’s Will

While it is true that some biblical figures, such as David and Solomon, had many wives, this was never endorsed by God. In fact, the consequences of their polygamy are clearly recorded in Scripture.

1 Kings 11:1–4 
“King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women… He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.”

God permitted it as part of His permissive will, not His perfect will. Just because something is recorded in Scripture does not mean it is prescribed by God.

Even for kings, God gave clear instruction:

Deuteronomy 17:17 
“Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away…”

Polygamy—both ancient and modern—leads hearts away from the Lord.

The Samaritan Woman: A Lesson on True Marriage

In John 4, Jesus encounters a woman who had been in multiple relationships. Instead of shaming her, He lovingly calls her to a deeper truth:

John 4:16–18 
“He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’
‘I have no husband,’ she replied.
Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’”

Jesus didn’t recognize her string of past relationships as valid marriages. He didn’t say, “Go call your husbands.” He said, “Go call your husband”—singular. This affirms that true marriage, in God’s eyes, is monogamous.

Marriage Reflects Christ and the Church

Marriage is not just about companionship or procreation. It is a living picture of Christ’s relationship with the Church.

Ephesians 5:31–32
“‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

Christ has one Bride—the Church, not many. Therefore, Christian marriage should reflect that spiritual reality: one husband, one wife, in unity and holiness.

What About Serial Marriages?

Many today believe that moving from one marriage to another is acceptable as long as it’s legal. But biblically, remarriage without biblical grounds (such as sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse) is equivalent to adultery.

Luke 16:18 
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

This is why Jesus told the Samaritan woman she had five husbands—she had been through serial relationships, none of which aligned with God’s standard.

The Cost: Missing the Water of Life

Polygamy and unrepented serial relationships can hinder our relationship with Christ, who is the Living Water.

John 4:13–14 
“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”

To receive this eternal life, we must come to Jesus in truth and repentance, surrendering every part of our lives—including our relationships.

Hope and Healing in Christ

If you find yourself in a polygamous or unbiblical marital situation, know this: Jesus does not condemn you—He invites you to new life.

John 8:11 
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

There is grace available through repentance, and God offers restoration when we walk in obedience to His Word.

The Eternal Marriage Feast

Those who remain faithful to God’s will—both spiritually and relationally—are invited to the eternal wedding banquet in heaven.

Revelation 22:1–5 
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life… flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb… The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him… They will reign for ever and ever.”

Let us live now in a way that prepares us for that glorious day.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ cover us, correct us, and guide us into His holy truth. Amen.

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