Appraising Adam and Eve as Biblical Standard of Submission in Contemporary Marriage

Abstract

This paper is an x-ray of the marital relationship between Adam and Eve for the purpose of enhancing submission among contemporary couples as well as guiding intending persons on the nature of an ideal Christian marriage. It reveals that the concept of marriage existed in the loving heart of God before man was ever created. Moreover, it was initiated by Him after the creation. Adam and Eve perfected the qualities required for the best of marriage in three dimensions: physical, mental, and spiritual. Though, they erred at the fall, it did not change their sense of commitment to each other. It was rather reinforced when they were forgiven because of their remorse and repentance. Therefore, although contemporary couples and those intending to marry are beset with numerous challenges, there is hope and solution for them if only they are willing to inculcate the lessons of cohesion at every level of marriage as drawn from the union of the first man and woman in faith, love, humility, obedience, and worship of God.

Keywords

Submission ordinarily means the process by which an individual yields or surrenders him or herself to the power or will of another person. It can also be seen as a way of abiding by someone’s opinion. It is the ability to be subject to a condition or treatment. Submission can be regarded as a state of being humble or compliant (Merriam Webster).

Marriage is viewed in this paper from its natural and biblical point of view as a legal contract of union between a male and female for life. It is God’s provision of a strong foundation for the family through the setting up of a "lifetime commitment and relationship between a man and woman" (NIV Quest Study Bible, 2005:5). Similarly, it "is a divine ordinance… establishing the home as the basic unit of the social order” (Merrill F. Unger, 1981:14). Thus, it has no room for same sex marriage in whatever way construed. It also nullifies the condition of co-habitation.

Biblical implies that the Bible constitutes the background on which this discussion is being treated with regards to Adam and Eve as a standard of submission in contemporary marriage. It is centered mainly on the Genesis account of creation.  References are drawn where necessary from other areas of the Bible.