Can a couple be married in God's eyes if they said their vows before witnesses, but are not legally married by the 'state?'
Is marriage a religious covenant, a civil contract, or both?
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Asked April 22 2015
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Deborah MARPLE
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Darrell McKnight
Yes! But while the covenant is sanctified by God yet there is a civil requirement that must be satisfied as well. So as Christians we must submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto to them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well (1 Peter 2:13,14). Without civil laws there would be chaos throughout the land because not everyone believes in the one true God nor do they believe in the same way unfortunately. With that being said Christians are subject to these laws for government is ordained of God and must not be resisted as stated in (Romans 13:1-7). This to silence the unbelievers and for conscience sake. So marriage is both a religious covenant in the eyes of God and a civil contract before government so a couple may reap the benefits of social and civil rewards (i.e. death benefits, wills etc.).
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