Are They Legit In God's Eyes?

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

So you feel that God recognizes a union while being displeased at the same time?

Is it pleasing to God that Matt is questioning the validity of the marriage?

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by tv1a

A couple of times it was asked why this couple didn't get a marriage license. Maybe what should be asked is what would the situation have to be for one to accept this type of marriage as a legitimate marriage... Please note the word is legitimate, not legal. It is obviously not a "legal" marriage. Could one call it an "illegal" marriage?

Definitely not.

Legal is ... permitted by law; lawful

Illegal is... forbidden by law or statute.

They have done nothing that is forbidden by law or statute. It is not illegal to be married before God and yet not bring that marriage under the jurisdiction of the law.

It is a decision one makes whether to bring their marriage under the jurisdiction of law or to refrain from doing so.

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

It is a decision one makes whether to bring their marriage under the jurisdiction of law or to refrain from doing so.

Right, why would you want to let the government have jurisdiction re: your marriage??

[rrford]

Originally Posted by Neckstadt

As soon as they have relations with another they would be committing adultery.

That is the case without or without the divorce. My question therefore remains.

[rrford]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

Right, why would you want to let the government have jurisdiction re: your marriage??

Oh, I don't know.

Property rights, Social Security, children's well-being upon your death, etc.

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by rrford

Oh, I don't know.

Property rights, Social Security, children's well-being upon your death, etc.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by rrford

Oh, I don't know.

Property rights, Social Security, children's well-being upon your death, etc.

Those are legitimate reasons to want to bring a marriage under legal jurisdiction.

People have their own reasons for not wanting to do so....

Each should be left to their own decision.

Originally Posted by Carpenter

Married by a preacher is the same in God's eyes regardless of what the government says. The preacher does have the power granted by the state to do a marriage. After all, the marriage ceremony is a covenant made before the Lord.

Does a person need a baptismal certificate to validate his baptism?

The only thing the State does in issuing marriage licenses is determine the terms under which it will recognize marriages as valid for the purposes of rights, privileges or benefits the State offers on the basis of marriage, e.g. status as next of kin, inheritance rights, tax benefits, etc. Whether the State recognizes a marriage or not is really irrelevant in terms of the covenant itself.

Originally Posted by tv1a

I work with a lady who had a marriage cermony officiated by a preacher. The couple did not get a marriage license. Reasons for not getting a marriage license are irrelevant, but the question is are they married or are they not? Would you consider this a legitimate marriage or are they living in sin?

How can it not matter as to why they did not get an official license? I would say it is very relevant to the whole thing...it's not that simple...sorry can't vote!