“‘Have you not read,’ He replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” — Matthew 19:4–6 (BSB)
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.” — Ephesians 5:31–32 (BSB)
“Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” — Hebrews 13:4 (BSB)
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer describes marriage as ordained “for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord; for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; and for the mutual society, help, and comfort that the one ought to have of the other.” It is thus a gift from God that sanctifies human love and provides a framework for godly family life.
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) writes, “Marriage is more than affection—it is a covenantal bond that mirrors God’s steadfast love. It is not sustained by feelings alone, but by vows, grace, and the daily choice to serve.” Marriage, rightly lived, becomes a visible sign of Christ’s love for His Bride, the Church.
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) states, “Christian marriage is not a cultural invention but a biblical vocation. It demands fidelity, sacrifice, and prayer—and in return, God grants deep joy and spiritual maturity.”
J.C. Ryle emphasized the biblical seriousness of marriage: “No relation in life brings with it more solemn responsibilities… Let it be ever remembered that marriage is God’s appointment, and those who enter it must do so with reverence and care.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
In marriage, spouses are called to grow in holiness together. It is a school of self-giving, forgiveness, and humility. When grounded in the Gospel, marriage not only strengthens the family but also reflects the beauty of Christ’s redeeming love.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Marriage is a sacrament of the Church—a good and holy thing. In it are signified fidelity, offspring, and the unbreakable bond of Christ and the Church.” — On the Good of Marriage, 24
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Let marriage be honored, for it is the root of every household. If husbands and wives train one another in virtue, the home becomes a little church.” — Homily on Ephesians, 20
St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD): “Marriage is blessed when it is entered with prayer and governed by love of God above all.” — Stromata, 2.23
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
