I can't find scripture references how did the early Christians have their "wedding".
I've read that Quakers who want to be married hold hands and announce it to the fellowship of believers.
Is this question in reference to thread, "Churchgoers have joined the ranks of cohabitating couples"? Just wondering.
The Bible speaks of Jesus attending a marriage feast which possibly indicates a ceremony of some type. But what took place first was a betrothal and that "was definite and binding upon both groom and bride, who were considered as man and wife in all legal and religious aspects, except that of actual cohabitation." (Jewish Encyclopedia)
All of this in the natural is a shadow of the Lord and His relationship with us spiritually. We are betrothed to Christ and will one day be His Bride and it will consummate at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
A wedding can be as simple as going to the court house to get married!! Very low cost!
God bless,
Lisa
PS: Also, speaking legally, unless there is some form of license, when the man dies, the women is left with nothing and visa versa if the woman dies first; if you have nothing to prove you are married to each other.
In common law marriage, which is older than licensed marriage, couples cohabitated with a mutual understanding and intent to be married, held themselves out publicly as married, the wife assumed use of her husband's last name, and they lived as any married couple, had children, etc.
All but a few states did away with common law marriage after the Revolutionary War period. A handful, including mine, still recognize it. A common law marriage is one that is seldom announced or surrounded by a momentary event, so when one spouse dies the survivor may well have to prove the marriage after the fact. Sometimes, parties will think they are married legally under the common law only to learn later they are not in the event of a separation where property interests are an issue or in the event of the death of one of them. Most people in common law states are mistaken badly about what makes people married under the common law.
So, mere intent is a dicey proposition. It needs public display as a practical matter for both parties' protection. I am sure this was a part of the Quaker rationale for their announcement practice.
Actually there is a sweet simplicity in what a brother and sister do in a Quaker assembly. I wonder if we will not go to simple ceremonies if the church in America comes under increasing persecution from the LBGT issue. Is it possible that pastors or unordained house church leaders or the assembly itself in an underground situation perform a simple ceremony of a brother and a sister who feel called to share life together. Maybe even be martyred together.
I have a feeling these questions will have to be addressed as we see the established church becoming more and more under governmental control. And God calling forth His remnant to come to a simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus.
Some simple thoughts on this.
But this does make a question. What is required to be married in the eyes of God? Does a marriage license issued by a state authority constitute a marriage in the eyes of God? Does a marriage performed by an ordained clergymen in a church constitute a marriage in the eyes of God?
Can it be a simple as what the Quakers do. A brother or a sister standing up holding hands and announcing to the assembly their desire to for marriage. Perhaps saying there vows to one another. And the assembly acting as the witness.
This may have to be considered if the church goes Underground.
Again my thoughts. Also I sincerely apologize for my use of the P word. But brothers and sisters if we are in an underground situation. And people still have a desire to get married. We may have to take a look at these questions.
Simply my thoughts.
I believe our God is a marriage honoring God. I believe he is present in all marriages starting from a simple court marriage to a pagan marriage. All marriages are between 3 people Man, women and God.
Regarding how to get married, I believe we Christians should respect the law of the land and get married accordingly. A simple announcement of union before the congregation of people known to both parties is good enough.
Sreeram, you absolutely right, it is definitely biblical for a couple to submit to the government, as long as the requirements do not contradict God’s Word and are reasonable.
States allowing common law marriage.
http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/common-law-marriage.aspx
I was surprised to see Tennessee omitted.
I think marriage is a scriptural or God-ordained institution first and foremost. In the not so distant past in the US, there was no such thing as a state issued marriage license. Marriages were performed before a minister as an institution ordained of God and recognized because they had been entered into before God and witnesses. I think the reason for state instituted licenses is more to establish the legal basis for marriage in the courts, etc.. I do not believe that is is appropriate for believers to enter into common law marriages as I think they are simply long term cohabitation rather than an institution established before God. There is no grounds to say that any form of elaborate ceremony is required, but I think it needs to be entered into in the presence of other believers and someone who can represent that "government of God" so to speak such as a minister. And, in America, we also need have the marriage recognized with the states license so that it is properly recognized in the legal system.
TN dumped it in the 19th century. :)
In Nigeria, a lot of money is spent on wedding. they do the church Western wedding, court registry and the traditional marriage.
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