MARRIAGE

Matrimony: A Sacred Covenant in the Life of the Church

Matrimony is honored not merely as a social contract or legal arrangement, but as a holy and grace-filled vocation. From the earliest days of the Church, Christian marriage has been understood as a sign of God’s creative purpose and redemptive love, and Anglican worship continues to affirm its sacramental character.

Marriage is both deeply human and profoundly theological—a union that reflects God’s design for creation and reveals the mystery of Christ’s love for His Church.

Marriage as Holy Estate

Anglican teaching consistently refers to marriage as a holy estate. The historic Book of Homilies speaks of matrimony in sacramental terms, and the 1662 Book of Common Prayer describes it as “holy matrimony” from the opening words of the marriage rite. Scripture is read not simply to bless a couple, but to proclaim God’s intention for marriage itself.

This language signals that Christian marriage is more than a private choice. It is a calling lived before God, shaped by His Word, and sustained by His grace.

Biblical Foundations of Christian Marriage

The Anglican marriage liturgy is firmly rooted in Scripture. Both historic and modern Prayer Books draw on the same biblical passages, especially Ephesians 5, which presents marriage as a living image of Christ’s union with His Body, the Church.

Marriage is woven throughout the biblical story. From creation, where God establishes the covenant between man and woman, to the prophets who speak of God as the faithful spouse of Israel, to the New Testament’s vision of Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church, marriage becomes a central metaphor for divine love.

It is no accident that Jesus chose a wedding at Cana as the setting for His first miracle. By His presence, He affirmed marriage as a place where God’s grace is made visible.

Grace Given for Faithful Living

Anglican liturgy speaks clearly of grace bestowed in the marriage rite. In the prayers of the Church, God is asked to strengthen the couple so that they may faithfully keep the promises they make. This reflects the belief that Christian marriage is sustained not only by human resolve, but by divine assistance.

The vows exchanged in a Christian marriage are made not only to one another, but also before God. Because of this, the Church prays that the couple will receive grace to live out their covenant with fidelity, patience, and steadfast love.

Marriage: Creation and Sacrament

Marriage is a creation ordinance, established by God for all humanity. It is part of the order of creation and therefore honored across cultures and societies.

Yet when two Christians enter marriage in the presence of God and the Church, something more is taking place. Their union is drawn into the life of Christ Himself. The marriage becomes sacramental—not merely symbolic, but a means by which God strengthens and sanctifies the couple for lifelong faithfulness.

In this sense, Christian marriage participates in the great mystery of salvation, reflecting the covenant love between Christ and His redeemed people.

A Sign of a Greater Love

Saint Paul describes marriage as a “great mystery” because it points beyond itself. In the love of husband and wife, the Church sees a reflection of Christ’s self-giving love, faithfulness, and unity with His people.

Christian marriage, then, is not an end in itself. It is a witness—a visible sign of God’s enduring covenant with humanity, lived out in daily life through mutual sacrifice, forgiveness, and joy.

A Vocation Lived by Grace

Matrimony is not simply about happiness; it is about holiness. The Anglican Church understands marriage as a vocation in which two people are called to grow together in love, faith, and service.

Through the sacramental life of the Church, married couples are sustained in their calling, reminded that their union rests not solely on human strength, but on the grace of God given generously and faithfully.

In honoring matrimony, the Church celebrates not only the love of a man and a woman, but the faithful love of God—made visible in human lives.