4: When does marriage begin? - Covenant + Sex

[FollowingHim]

This thread is not to debate the topic named, but exists to collate scripture in support of one position only as part of a structured discussion. Posts that debate the topic will be deleted. Read this thread first before participating.

Position 4: Both Covenant and Sex are required to form a marriage.

If a man and woman have sex, they are not yet married. If they form a covenant, they are betrothed, but not yet married. They must do both in order to be married:

• If they have had sex, depending on the circumstances, they have an obligation to form a covenant and thus be married.
  
• If they have a betrothal covenant, it is expected that they will one day consummate this and be married.

The term "One flesh" is synonymous with sex, and integral to forming a marriage. When they become "one flesh", through sexual intercourse (physical act + potential formation of offspring / family), they are either married or obliged to form a covenant and become married.
Adam and Eve were put together by God as a betrothed couple, but were only truly married once they became "one flesh" through sexual intercourse.

Please post further refinements or explanations of this perspective, with scriptural backing, below.

 

[FollowingHim]

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

This appears to be speaking about a man who is betrothed to a virgin. She is called "his virgin", so she belongs to him in some sense, presumably through betrothal. However, they are not yet considered married. They appear to only be considered married once they have also had sex.

 

[Ann]

Genesis 24:67 (NKJV)
67 Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her...

When Abraham sent his servant to take a wife for Isaac , the servant obtained approval from Rebekah's father for marriage , then she went with servant to be Isaac's wife. Isaac took her into his tent and consummated the marriage.

Malachi 2:14 (NKJV)
14 Yet you say, “For what reason?”
Because the Lord has been witness
Between you and the wife of your youth,
With whom you have dealt treacherously;
Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant.

Marriage between man and woman is a covenant and consummated by sexual intercourse .

 

[windblown]

"Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth." Joel 1:8

 

[Verifyveritas76]

This perspective is my understanding and default definition of marriage. Keep in mind that for the ketubah to be initiated, the Bride to be would signal her acceptance by drinking from the cup that he had poured for her. There had to be approval by both parties in all cases I can think of except for a captive or a maidservant (whose approval was not necessary due to being indentured by the father)