Written by When people say, “a match made in heaven,” they mean a relationship between people who are perfectly suited to each other, which produces a very happy and successful relationship. Of course, these relationships are usually being judged by the world’s standards, which are often quite opposite of the truth of how God views these relationships. God gave us His standard of “a match made in heaven” in His Word, the Bible. Here are 3 ways to know if your marriage is “a match made in heaven” according to God’s Word:
- At least one spouse must be born again in the kingdom of God.
In John 3, the Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, and Jesus told him, “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” When Nicodemus struggled to comprehend this concept, Jesus continued with, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:14-21 then outlines the purpose of Jesus as the Son of God, dying on the cross for the salvation of all those who believe.
Therefore, in order to be part of the kingdom of God, we must believe Jesus is the Son of God, believe that He died on the cross for our salvation, and follow Him obediently as Lord of our lives. Further, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the promise of God the Father (Acts 2:33, 38-39) to all those who the Lord calls, and who repent of their sins and believe.
Only one spouse in the marriage need be born again, according to 1 Corinthians 7:14, “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.”
If you or your spouse is born again in the kingdom of God according to the above descriptions, then your marriage meets this first requirement to be a “a match made in heaven.”
- Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman.
God ordained marriage from the very beginning of creation to be an intimate union of one man and one woman, who become one flesh. This is evident from the very creation of Eve from Adam’s side (Genesis 2:21-22) and explicitly in Genesis 2:24, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” These exact words were repeated by Jesus in Matthew 19:5, showing us His endorsement of marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman. Jesus explained the concept further in the next verse, verse 6, when He revealed that marriage between one man and one woman is a joining together enacted by God Himself, which no man can separate. There is a supernatural element of marriage when one man and one woman are joined by the power of God, and they actually become inseparable, because nothing can hinder God’s purpose, as Job tells us (Job 9:12; 11:10).
If your marriage fits this description – one man and one woman, then you have met the second requirement to be “a match made in heaven.”
- Marriage is a covenant that is binding unto death.
When tested by the Pharisees to justify divorce, Jesus pointed them to God’s original intention for marriage – one man and one woman are joined together in a way that they are no longer two but one. Permanently. Until death. He said it this way: “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). The only way a marriage can end in God’s eyes is by the death of one spouse (Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:39).
Does that divorce paper separate a marriage? Not in God’s judgment. Man doesn’t have the power within himself to undo what God has done – meaning even an act of adultery cannot break the “one” back into “two.” Even an illegal atrocity that lands a spouse in prison doesn’t severe the union. The so-called exception for divorce found in the gospel of Matthew must be viewed in context – divorce is allowable only during the period of betrothal on the grounds of fornication, just as Joseph was justified in considering his divorce of Mary. However, once the knot has been tied, even fornication cannot undo it. What God joins together, no man can separate. Ever. Consequently, one who remarries after divorce while his/her spouse lives commits adultery (Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18) and polygamy.
Therefore, to be “a match made in heaven,” your marriage must be the first marriage of both spouses.Or, if either or both spouses were previously married, then the first marriage(s) must have ended by the death of a spouse, and not divorce. In any other situation, a second marriage is adulterous.
If your marriage meets all three requirements above, CONGRATULATIONS! You are “a match made in heaven.” And you are “a match made in heaven” whether you feel like it is or not! Sometimes people question down the road whether they married the right person or not. The truth is, if you are married, and if you meet the three requirements above, that person IS now – and will be unto your death or his/her death – the right person.
If your marriage does not meet all three requirements above, do not despair! We have a wonderful, merciful, gracious, compassionate Judge named Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who is so ready to help us come into a relationship with Him and His Father. He will help us to repent of the areas of our lives that don’t align with His standards – through His grace, which is the very power of God! He is quick to forgive and forget our sins when we turn to Him and away from following our own ways. He has open arms and an open invitation today. Seek Him today for direction in your life and marriage; through His Word and with other Christians in a Bible-believing church.
STAY MARRIED. is a movement to remove divorce from the church.
The vision of STAY MARRIED. is to help couples keep their marriage covenant unto revealing the mystery of Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32).
The mission of STAY MARRIED. is to promote the truths of God’s Word that are vital to the fulfillment of His purpose and design for marriage and family. Since marriage was His idea, His wisdom is necessary for healthy marriage.
STAY MARRIED. 