At Fellowship Baptist Church, we hold firmly to the belief that marriage and family are sacred institutions ordained by God. As an independent, fundamental Baptist congregation, we base our understanding of these relationships entirely on the authority of Scripture. In a world that often redefines marriage and family according to cultural trends, we return to the timeless truths of God’s Word to guide us. This article explores key biblical principles for building a strong Christian marriage and family, offering practical insights grounded in the King James Bible.
Marriage as a Holy Covenant Before God
The Bible teaches that marriage is not merely a social contract but a lifelong covenant established by God Himself. In Genesis 2:24, we read: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” This verse establishes the foundation: marriage involves leaving previous family ties to form a new, unified bond.
From a Baptist perspective, marriage is exclusively between one man and one woman, as designed by the Creator (Matthew 19:4-6). Jesus affirms this in Matthew 19:6: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Divorce is not part of God’s ideal plan, except in specific cases outlined in Scripture (such as fornication in Matthew 19:9). Couples are called to honor this covenant with faithfulness, reflecting Christ’s unbreakable love for His church.
Biblical Roles for Husbands and Wives
Ephesians 5:22-33 provides clear guidance on marital roles, picturing marriage as a type of Christ’s relationship with the church. Wives are instructed: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). This submission is not about inferiority but about voluntary respect and order in the home, mirroring the church’s submission to Christ.
Husbands are commanded: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). This sacrificial love means leading with selflessness, nurturing, and protection. As the head of the home, the husband bears great responsibility to guide his family spiritually, just as Christ sanctifies the church.
These roles, when lived out biblically, create harmony and mutual edification. In our fundamental Baptist faith, we emphasize that true fulfillment comes from obeying God’s design, not modern ideas of equality that blur these distinctions.
The Role of Prayer, Forgiveness, and Spiritual Growth
A strong marriage thrives on daily communion with God. Couples should pray together, seeking wisdom and strength (James 1:5). Colossians 3:13 urges: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Forgiveness is essential, as no marriage is free from conflict.
Spiritual growth is key—attending church faithfully, studying the Bible together, and discipling children in the faith. Proverbs 22:6 instructs: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Parents have a divine mandate to raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), teaching them to love God and obey His Word.
In today’s challenging world, families face pressures from secular culture, but standing on biblical principles equips us to resist. As Proverbs 14:34 declares, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” The same applies to homes—righteousness builds strong families.
Applying These Principles Today
Practically, couples can strengthen their marriage by prioritizing time together in God’s Word, serving in church ministry, and modeling Christ-like behavior for their children. Avoid worldly influences that undermine God’s design, and instead contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3), speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
For further encouragement on how God’s design for family unity shines through contemporary stories, read our related article: God’s Design for Family Unity: Lessons from 2025’s Family Films. There, we explore themes of reconciliation and community in recent family-friendly movies, drawing parallels to Scripture.
May the Lord bless your home as you build it upon the solid rock of His Word (Matthew 7:24-25). If you’re seeking a church family committed to these truths, we invite you to join us at Fellowship Baptist Church in Fountain Inn.