In marriage, couple's commitment to each other comes out of God's commitment to us. God loves, protects, cherishes and cares for us (forever) and that is a covenant that cannot be broken. Likewise, God has empowered husbands and wives to love protect, cherish and care for each other until death and that is a covenant that should not be broken.

Covenant is the "invisible" foundation that makes long term marriage possible. It is the answer to "oneness" and delights in fulfillment. The essence of covenant marriage: the death of 2 wills and the birth of one.

the Hebrew word for being united or joined together means "to cleave, cling, or stick." the corresponding Greek word means to be "glued" together.

So what do you want to communicate to a married couple or engaged couple?

1) A covenant marriage is Serious: Why? because the Hebrew word for covenant (berith) connotes a cutting of the flesh causing blood to flow out. That's pretty serious! In the Old Testament, covenants were so serious that God held those accountable those who broke it.

2) A covenant marriage is Sacred: In the bible a covenant was the most serious/sacred/solemn agreement that could be made between human beings. It is sacred to enter into a covenant marriage before God, family and friends.

3) A covenant marriage is Sacrificial: There is no such thing as covenant without sacrifice, and marriage is designed to be the most sacrificial of all relationships. Covenant represents total surrender.