If Marriage is ONENESS... or as Jesus refers to Gen. 1-2 and then comments about it in Matthew 19:4-6, what does this mean for singles.
Jesus says the following:
Marriage is a male and female coming together and becoming ONE FLESH.
- this is a mysterious bond that unites the couple emotionally, spiritually, and physically
- ancient Jewish custom reserved a special place in the marriage ceremony for the consummation of the marriage (i.e. the deal went down when they got under the sheets)
- they allowed the couple into a private tent (serious), let them consummate... and then started to party
- the party only begun after they became ONE
This has implications for singles and sexuality.
- you become ONE FLESH with someone during sex
- so it's not really sex before marriage that is problematic (though you'll see why it is)... but if you approach sex without viewing it as marriage and then marry someone else (and eventually become ONE FLESH with them) you're now committing adultery
- this explains why a nonlegal or unfinalized divorce (or divorce for a silly cause other than unfaithfulness) would force a women into adultery - since she is ONE with her husband and her divorce wasn't valid, she would be committing adultery (and so would the man)
- the high view of sex and marriage are important for singles to understand (for married couple as well)
- sex is not just an act or physical activity, it's an expression of a covenant marriage - 2 people's physical selves becoming ONE FLESH
Jesus' teaching helps singles understand why sex needs to be reserved for marriage... so it can be experienced in fullness of relational ONENESS - which includes spiritual, emotional and physical union
To understand the power of sex in marriage watch Rob Bell's Nooma VIDEO, FLAME (it's probably an illegal copy online, but I own one)
For a great understanding of sex and spirituality, read SEX GOD, by Rob Bell
(let me know if you want to borrow the DVD and watch with friends for a good discussion)
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