Christian marriage is a covenant relationship not a contract. Like i said earlier on in the note on the white wedding dress, it actually has a twofold significance. It is a symbol of the wife's purity in heart and life, and in reverence to God. It is also a picture of the righteousness of Christ described in Revelation 19:7-8. Christ clothes his bride, the church, in His own righteousness as a garment of fine linen, bright and clean. In joining of right hands as the bride and the groom face one another to say vows, they join right hands publicly commit everything they possess, in a covenant relationship. They leave their families, forsake all others, and become one with their spouse.
Exchanging of the rings is an outward symbol of the couples' inward bond, illustrating with an unending circle the eternal quality of love. It signifies so much more in light of the blood covenant. A ring was used as a seal of authority. When pressed into hot wax, the impressing of the ring left on official seal on legal documents. Therefore when the couple wears a wedding ring, they demonstrate their submission to God's authority over the marriage. The couple recognizes that God brought them together and that he is intricately involved in every part of their covenant relationship.
A ring also represents resources. When the couple exchange wedding rings, it symbolizes the giving of all their resources-their wealth, possessions, talents, and emotions to the other in marriage. Not only does the bridal veil show the modesty and purity of the bride and her reverence for God, it reminds us of the temple veil which was torn into two when Christ died on the cross.
The removing of the veil took away the separation between God and man, giving believers access into the presence of God. Since Christian marriage is a picture of the union between Christ and the church. The removal of the veil through marriage gives authority to the couples to now have full access to one another (1 Corinthians 7:4). So you see! Get prepared before you say “I DO”.
January 30, 2012.
Copyright © Sarah Worldchanger Dominique
