Biblical Principles in Christian Wedding Vows
The moment has come. Silence fills the air. The Man of God speaks softly, calling the Bride and Groom by her name. He asks them a question and they reply “Yes, I do.” He then tells them to repeat after him the Special Event Christian Vows. Finally, when everything is done; the Man of God declares that the Bride and Groom are Husband and Wife.
The words they utter are described as Christian special event vows, but what makes them particularly Christian. Are they sanctified by an ecclesiastical authority? Have they been handed down by Almighty God on stone tablets? I don’t believe it.
The bride and groom express their love and commitment to each other with words that we call promises and vows. Since they are officiated by a representative of the church, namely a priest or minister, they can be identified as Christian wedding vows, however, there is more.
In the United States, the Episcopal Church is the main source of Christian wedding vows. Historically, the Anglican Church or Church of England was known as the Episcopal Church. Many other denominations have launched since then, from Methodist and Presbyterian churches to Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. However, Christian Special Event Pledges remain uniquely tied to these church traditions and are therefore known as Christian Special Event Vows.
Christian Wedding Vows then are promises made between couples that express the values and traditions of the Christian churches of all different denominations including the Roman Catholic Church. However, many churches have developed their own official versions that reflect their special traditions. For example, you’ll find Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, or other specific denomination versions, but they can all be described as Christian wedding vows.
The meaning of the Christian Special Event Vows focuses on the nature of marriage and the marriage relationship as described and defined in the Bible. These values and viewpoints emphasize the differences and similarities in roles, as well as the guiding principles that ensure successful relationships.
When we trace the biblical record and teachings on marriage, we find a very definitive vision of what marriage should be. For example, in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, God makes Adam, the first man. He commissions Adam to have dominion over creation, to name the animals, and then to work the land to provide sustenance. He is also instructed to lead and protect his wife Eva.
The Bible continues to teach that the husband should assume the responsibility of being the producer, protector, and leader of his home. The Apostle Paul declares that a husband should love his wife with sacrificial love. The basic concept of a Christian husband is one who provides for his wife and family, protects them from all kinds of dangers, purposefully guides them toward a positive family destiny, and willingly sacrifices his own wants and needs for the benefit of his wife and family. .
Then God made Eve from Adam’s side. The central teaching here is that the woman is meant to be the partner of the man and a help in the activities of life. She was never meant to be his slave, his toy, or his antagonist. The biblical role of a wife is that of a helper to work alongside her husband. A noble wife is described by Solomon in the Song of Songs as more precious than rubies. She promises her respect, her devotion, her cooperation, and her company. She has the special task of bearing and raising children, but throughout the marriage relationship she shares in the reciprocity of effort, purpose, and mission. Fundamentally, her commitment is to give herself freely and voluntarily sacrificing her own desires for the benefit of her family.
Many variations of Christian Wedding Vows exist today, but the elements that make them Christian Special Event Promises include officiating by an ordained minister or priest; reflecting the traditions of the church; and affirming the basic biblical relationships of husband and wife.
The central nature of marriage is highlighted in Christian Wedding Vows, and you can see many different examples of Vows and commitments that are valuable as Christian Wedding Vows.