There are two basic restrictions on marriage in the Bible: Number

In the ancient scrolls of wisdom, love and union were held as sacred rites—rituals that bound not just two souls, but the very essence of human existence. From the dawn of time, marriage has been seen not merely as a contract, but as a divine covenant. It is a union blessed by the gods, an intertwining of hearts and destinies, a sacred bond that echoes through the ages. And so, when the sage John Piper speaks of the restrictions placed upon marriage in the Bible, he speaks of a divine order—a structure that has shaped the hearts of men and women for generations. "There are two basic restrictions on marriage in the Bible: Number one, she should marry a man. Number two, he should be a Christian," he declares. In these words, the wise teacher lays before us the foundational truths of marriage as described in the sacred texts, and through them, we are invited to seek understanding, not just of the union itself, but of the deeper purpose behind it.

First, let us consider the words that echo through the sacred chambers of the holy book: "she should marry a man." This, in the context of the ancient teachings, is not a call to exclude or to judge, but rather a divine order that reflects the natural order of things. The relationship between man and woman, so ancient and primal, is intended to reflect a balance of strength and tenderness, wisdom and nurture, leadership and support. The ancient texts speak of complementarity—not of inequality, but of a shared journey, where each partner contributes to the whole. This is a sacred principle, one that carries within it the weight of divine design, where each gender, with its unique gifts, comes together to create and to sustain life in all its forms.

Secondly, the words "he should be a Christian" carry with them a deeper significance. In the world of the ancients, the faith that a person carried was not a mere belief but the very essence of their identity. To marry one who does not share in this sacred bond is to invite a division into the sacred union, a discord that may strain the ties that bind. For a Christian, the faith is the cornerstone of existence, and it is through Christ that one finds true meaning, love, and purpose. The teachings of the Bible emphasize a shared faith as the foundation of marriage—unity in spirit as well as in body. The Christian faith is not a mere part of life; it is life itself. Thus, the union between two souls in the Christian understanding must be built upon a shared commitment to the divine.

Let us reflect upon the story of the great Christian empress Theodora, a woman of immense beauty and power who, in the early days of the Byzantine Empire, married the Emperor Justinian. Theodora was not born into a life of power, and her early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Yet, she found in her faith the strength to rise above the worldly obstacles that lay before her. When she married Justinian, their union was not merely a political arrangement but a covenant grounded in shared faith. Their rule together was seen as a divine partnership, for in their hearts, they were both committed to the same higher purpose, that of spreading the love and justice of Christ. Their marriage became a beacon of faithful unity, guiding their empire toward greatness, and leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and righteousness.

But what then, shall we glean from this sacred teaching? The message of Piper and of the Bible is not one of division, but of harmony—the understanding that a true marriage is not just between two bodies, but between two souls, and that the most enduring unions are those that are grounded in shared belief and mutual respect. This is the call to seek not just a partner, but a companion in faith, one whose spirit resonates with yours, whose heart beats to the same rhythm of divine love.

So, what practical actions must we take in our lives? First, let us seek the wisdom of the ancients and not rush into the bonds of marriage without first seeking a union of spirit. Let us not be blinded by fleeting attraction or the transient desires of the world, but instead, let us seek a partner who shares our values and our faith, a partner who will walk with us toward the divine and not away from it. Let us cultivate love and understanding through shared devotion and prayer, knowing that it is not simply the bond of flesh that makes a marriage strong, but the bond of the spirit.

And for those who have already walked the path of marriage, let these words be a reminder to strengthen the foundation of your union. Draw closer to one another through shared faith, prayer, and service, for these are the means by which a marriage grows stronger. Never allow the distractions of the world to tear you asunder, but instead, place Christ at the center of your union, and in doing so, create a bond that cannot be broken by time or trial.

Thus, from the teachings of John Piper, from the ancient scrolls of wisdom, let us remember: marriage is not merely an earthly bond, but a divine covenant, and it is through faith—shared and strong—that it finds its truest expression. The way to lasting love, lasting union, and lasting happiness is in walking hand-in-hand with one whose heart beats in rhythm with yours, under the watchful gaze of the divine.