Biblical perspective: Marriage as a covenant relationshi

Marriage in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament is best understood in light of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel and between Jesus and the Church. Genesis 2:18 establishes the foundation on which marriage between God's people is expected to function. With the rising divorce rates, ironically more within the body of Christ, and other alternate and compromising arrangements being found, it is time that the body of Christ pause and analyze whether the purpose and sanctity of the marriage as established in the Garden of Eden by God Almighty Himself has been understood and executed.;The first chapter lays the biblical foundation of marriage with an exegetical study of Genesis 2:18 and the purpose of marriage. Furthermore, this thesis explores a new dimension in Genesis 2:18 and presents woman as a "power equal to man." Chapter two explores the covenant aspect of marriage and its implication for the relationship with regards to the Ancient Near Eastern treaties. Chapter three investigates Paul's use of the words kephale and hupotassomenoi in Ephesians 5:21--33 in light of the understanding of the household codes of the Greco-Roman world. Chapter four concludes with the emphasis on the three dynamics of marriage and a call to understand marriage as a covenant relationship based upon the foundation laid in Genesis 2:18. This thesis aims to challenge God's people and emphasize the profundity and sanctity of the divinely ordained marriage relationship based in equality.