Question
- As a young Christian brother planning to get married, is it wrong or sinful to make beauty one
of the requirements for a marriage partner? Please note: Godliness is also a requirement.
Answer
If you had asked only about beauty, I would have responded that it shows carnality and would lead to sin. Moses records concerning the world before the Flood:
“Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose” (Genesis 6:1-2).
“Sons of God” does not refer to angels, for angels do not marry (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25;
Luke 20:35-36) but are spirits (Hebrews 1:13-14) which have no fleshly body (Luke24:39). Apparently “sons of God” here are godly men (cf. Deuteronomy 14:1; Psalm 73:15; Romans
8:14; Galatians 3:26). They chose young women to marry solely because of their beauty. What
followed was the world becoming so corrupt that God decided to destroy all mankind except the family of Noah (Genesis 6:5-9).
One primary purpose of marriage is to produce godly children (Malachi 2:14-15). It is primarily the father’s obligation to do this (Ephesians 6:4), but he needs the help of a devoted wife to accomplish this (Genesis 2:18; e.g., 2 Timothy 1:5).
It is implied Jacob loved Rachel rather than her sister Leah because “Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance” (Genesis 29:17, English Standard Version). Sexual attraction is central to marriage (1 Corinthians 7:2-5), but remember, your spouse will be your closest earthly companion (Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:8; 1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:31). Choose one who will help you go to heaven and help direct your children to heaven.
- Is it right to marry a sister from a liberal congregation?
Answer: Choose one who will help you go to heaven and help direct your children to heaven.
