Confession of FaithChapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce

Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife,1 for the increase of mankind with legitimate issue, and of the church with an holy seed;2 and for preventing of uncleanness.3

1. Genesis 2:18

   Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (ESV)

2. Malachi 2:15

   Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. (ESV)

3. 1 Corinthians 7:2

   But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

   1 Corinthians 7:9

   But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (ESV)