#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” — Ephesians 5:31
Have you ever noticed how cultural arguments can sometimes twist what Scripture clearly teaches? Every month, emails come flooding in from those who claim that polygamy is acceptable today. Yet, when we return to God’s Word, we find a radically different picture. God’s design from the very beginning was for marriage to be a unique, monogamous union between one man and one woman.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
From Genesis 2:24 onward, Scripture establishes that God created man and woman with a beautiful intention: they are meant to bond singularly, forming a deep, exclusive oneness. This pattern is evident throughout the Bible. For instance, though Genesis 4:1 notes other arrangements during a time when sin marred perfect relationships, God’s original intent remains unaltered. The Mosaic law, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:17, commands leaders not to multiply wives, reinforcing the idea that an abundance of marital partners undermines the intended harmony. Later, Jesus Himself (Matthew 19:4) reiterated that “at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,” directly affirming God’s design for marriage. The apostle Paul further underscores this by insisting that every husband have only one wife (1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Timothy 3:2,12). Many apologists, such as John Lennox and Greg Koukl, have pointed out that this exclusive relationship is not merely a social construct but a divine pattern that prefigures a greater spiritual truth: monogamous marriage mirrors the profound mystery of Christ’s relationship with His church (Ephesians 5:31-32). When we see marriage in this light, we understand that deviating from this one-to-one relationship diminishes the beauty and intentionality of God’s creation.
Encouragement & Application:
If you find yourself grappling with messages that suggest polygamy could ever align with Scripture, take heart. The clear testimony of the Bible supports monogamy as God’s ideal for relationships, pointing us to a reflection of Christ’s sacrificial love for the church. In a world where moral standards shift, anchoring yourself in God’s timeless plan offers lasting security. Consider diving deeper into Scripture daily, discussing these questions with trusted mentors, and studying comprehensive works by reliable apologists. Let the clarity of God’s Word transform confusion into confidence.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Ephesians 5:31 speak to you about the beauty and purpose of a one-to-one marital relationship?
- In what ways can you affirm God’s design for marriage in your daily life and community?
- How does understanding monogamy as a reflection of Christ’s love for the church enhance your perspective on relationships?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the clarity and wisdom of Your Word. In a culture that often distorts truth, help us to grasp Your original design for marriage—a sacred, monogamous union that reflects the deep love You have for us. Give us courage to stand firm in Your truth and to share it with grace and compassion. Strengthen our relationships so that they may mirror the unity between Christ and His church. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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