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Marriage
The Salvation Army affirms the New Testament standard of marriage, that is, the voluntary and loving union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, this union being established by an authorized ceremony.
“Voluntary" indicates that the parties freely choose or, in some cultures, agree to enter into the marriage. "For life" indicates there can be no such thing as a trial or temporary marriage. "One man and one woman" means that marriage is possible only between members of the opposite sex, and "to the exclusion of all others" stresses the fidelity inherent in the marriage bond.
By its nature, marriage rests on a relationship of love, a reflection of God's love for the human race. The permanence of the marriage bond provides for security and developing mutual trust, referred to in Scripture as a "one flesh" relationship (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31), which Jesus affirmed: "What God hath joined together let no man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6).
The exclusive nature of marriage leaves no room for sexual infidelity. In sexual intercourse spouses express to one another profound feelings of love, mutual respect, interdependence and belonging. Sexual relationships outside marriage will always fall short of this. Only assurance of each other's total loyalty leads to the proper growth of the marriage relationship.
The Salvation Army asserts that God's standard concerning marriage, revealed in Scripture, pertains to all people everywhere. Jesus taught that divorce is failure (Mark 10:2-12; Matthew 19:3-12). Salvationists believe, however, that His attitude to those caught up in marital strife would never be anything but loving and compassionate.
Therefore, The Salvation Army, while defending vigorously the ongoing relevance of God's will for men and women in relation to marriage, recognizes the reality that some marriages fail and is willing, under God, to offer counsel and succor to couples so affected. Where remarriage could lead to the healing of emotional wounds, the Army will permit its officers to perform a marriage ceremony for a divorced person. Sound doctrine with practical mercy are the hallmarks of the Salvationist's approach to marital and emotional strife.
The Salvation Army reasserts that the strengthening and encouragement of the institution of marriage remains an essential precondition for sound family life which is, in turn, crucial to a stable society.
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Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Ephes. 5:31
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."
Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
Mark 10:2-12
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"
[3] "What did Moses command you?" he replied.
[4] They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."
[5] "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. [6] "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' [7] 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, [8] and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. [9] Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
[10] When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. [11] He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. [12] And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
Matthew 19:3-12
Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?"
[4] "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' [5] 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'? [6] So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
[7] "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"
[8] Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. [9] I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."
[10] The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."
[11] Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. [12] For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."
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