In "Western Civilization", most Christian Marriages are
understood and generally recognized as occurring at the
performance of a Wedding, whereat the Bride and Groom
profess to each other what are called as "Wedding Vows".
Even though it has become culturally understood as "Wedding Vows",
the actual terminology of the would-be "Wedding Vows" reveals
that the words expressed are that of being a COVENANT. It is
a promise, a contract, a profession of commitment between the husband
and wife. Yet, there is no "swearing of/to" anything, nor is there any
saying "I vow such and such by and such".
Now, we need to be mindful, that, even so, even as it is understood
that what is really going on at a Wedding is that of the making of a
Marriage COVENANT, and not an issue of "vows" at all, the truth remains
Romans 1:31b,32 and
clearly explain that the known "judgment of God" (unto the lake of fire and brimstone) comes upon "covenant breakers". As such, even as this
is herewith clarifying that so-called "Wedding Vows" are not really
"vows" at all, but that such an occurrence at a Wedding is only a COVENANT instead, that does not mean the covenant itself is then somehow unilaterally "voidable".
It is not.
While the marriage itself is not subject to "re-negotiation",
the terms of the COVENANT to which both parties agreed IS
indeed able to be "re-negotiated". But this is possible
ONLY so much as both parties give their uncoerced,
freely-given, mutual GENUINE ASSENT to choose
to re-write and re-word the terms of the COVENANT
(within Godly parameters, of course).
As such, the terms of a Marriage COVENANT may be
re-worded into a NEW and righteously made covenant,
only as long as both agree.
(Otherwise, one person tryin to unilaterally change
ior re-word the terms of the covenant amounts to the
sin of covenant breaking.)
It is issues such as that and others which is what makes
it so important to note the difference between VOWS/OATHS
and COVENANTS, as there are indeed different doctrinal issues
which pertain covenants and which pertain to oaths/vows.
So, the point which therefore must be understood is that, even
as "Western Civilization" might be referring to the words expressed
at a Wedding as being "Wedding Vows", the truth is that it is a
COVENANT to which Scriptural covevant breaking doctrine applies,
and not "vow/oath" doctrine. (And besides, the Saviour Jesus
instructed Christians to never make Oaths/Vows anyway, telling us
in Matthew 5:33-37
to say Yes or No as to whether or not we accept the terms
of a COVENANT.)
Clarifying all these important issues is the purpose of the entire
"Covenant Breaking" section here at this web-site, in clarifying and addressing all such issues.
For more specific details, please be sure to also read, "Doctrine Revealed".
© May 11, 2001, TruthBearer.org
P.O. Box 765, O.O.B., ME 04064