Rather marriage is considered a social arrangement enjoying a divine sanction because it incorporates mutuality and for that reason adultery and the profana- tions of marriage are prohibited. This then is the divine grace manifested in marriage, that two people who are sexually attracted to each other are moved by God to enter into lifelong alliance for better or for worse. Hence the Christian marriage is more than a mere social or ecclesiastical institution. Nevertheless it is not by itself holy but only when both partners accept it as God's way of bringing them together for a lifelong union. Its sanctification is therefore a constant process rendered possible by the fact that God provides all the necessary means and abilities to use His gift in understanding and obedience.
True marriage develops genuine fellowship and complete mutuality.