Expert: Bruce Gourley - 10/19/2007

Question
Hi,

I have a question for you on marriage. I know a couple who is not legally married, nor have they been married in a church, but they did exchange vows at home, in their living room. They did it very religiously, praying in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and they exchanged rings. The Lord God was their minister and their guardian angels were the witnesses. The only things which were lacking were the human witnesses and the human minister. They were sincere and they are planning a church wedding in a few months.

From what I understand a marriage union occurs when the couple exchange vows.

From your understanding do you think that in the eyes of God this is a married couple? If they live together are they living in sin?

Thank You!! - Joshua

Answer
Hello again Joshua,

You're asking both a legal and moral question. From a legal perspective, of course they are not married. From a moral perspective, I don't know of any religion (Christian or otherwise) that would consider what they did legitimate. Even ancient religious customs required some kind of witnessed ceremony when it came to being wed. As to what God thinks, I'm not God. But we can hide nothing from God, and God would certainly know the real reasons behind why any two individuals would choose to declare themselves married in private with no witnesses.

Bruce Gourley
www.baptistlife.com
www.brucegourley.com