Marriage establishes an emotional and spiritual oneness which enables both partners to respond to the spiritual, physical and social needs of the other. It provides the Biblical context for the procreation of children. Marriage is to be an exclusive relationship that is maintained in purity. It is intended by God to be a permanent relationship. It is a witness to the world of the relationship between Christ and His Church.
Marriage requires a commitment of love, perseverance and faith.
Because of its sanctity and permanence, marriage should be treated with seriousness and entered into only after counsel and prayer for God's guidance. Christians should marry only those who are believers. An individual who becomes a believer after marriage should remain with his or her partner in peace, and should give witness to the gospel in the home. The Bible holds family life as a position of trust and responsibility. The home is a stabilizing force in society, a place of nurture, counsel, and safety for children.