Marriage is obviously a 'contract'. It involves 'vows' to a spouse as well as to God. It was instituted by God for the good of mankind.
In what ways is it a 'covenant', if at all? Is there an aspect of grace or redemption in marriage?
-----Added 2/2/2009 at 10:32:40 EST-----
A Biblical covenant is between two parties: God and man. It is an act of grace on the part of God and it is for the benefit of man and usually has some kind of redemptive aspect. Since marriage was instituted before the fall, I don't see how it has any 'redemptive' qualities. (Correct me if I am wrong)
Does marriage fit this mold? Could we say that marriage is a covenant between God and a man and his wife who are made 'one flesh'? Is it truly an act of grace? Would it be better to avoid the word 'covenant' when speaking of marriage?
In what ways is it a 'covenant', if at all? Is there an aspect of grace or redemption in marriage?
-----Added 2/2/2009 at 10:32:40 EST-----
A Biblical covenant is between two parties: God and man. It is an act of grace on the part of God and it is for the benefit of man and usually has some kind of redemptive aspect. Since marriage was instituted before the fall, I don't see how it has any 'redemptive' qualities. (Correct me if I am wrong)
Does marriage fit this mold? Could we say that marriage is a covenant between God and a man and his wife who are made 'one flesh'? Is it truly an act of grace? Would it be better to avoid the word 'covenant' when speaking of marriage?