April 2024 BLOG
What does the marriage vow “Till death do us part,” mean?
Jennifer Carosello
Biblical Counselor
“Till death,” means exactly as it reads. It is a commitment couples make to one another, it is a truth that screams that “I will be with you till the end, no matter what comes our way!” I once read a commentary about this vow. I recall being stunned at what the writer wrote. He said that if death is the only option for a marriage to end, then we really are not promising the truth when we say our wedding vows. I would dare say that in 2024, the wedding vow should be something like this… “till adultery do us part,” or, “till pornography do us part.” However, we do not say those words do we. We have been promising “Till death,” since Thomas Cranmer wrote the marriage vows in 1549. If marriages are going to last “till death,” an in-depth examination of the current relationship and heart condition before marriage is essential. This is why premarital counseling is so important. It opens a dialogue between couples that can save a future marriage from disaster.
The key to remaining married “Till death,” is to hold a strong conviction in the fact that God has commanded us to fulfill our vows. In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 23, verse 21, Moses wrote that, “When you make a promise to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.” An important truth to hold dear is the acknowledgement that when a marriage vow is said publicly, it is made to the Lord first, and then, to a spouse. It should be difficult to go against a promise when one acknowledges that his/her vow was made to God first. In Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, King Solomon who was known for being the wisest man in the scriptures wrote that “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.”
Renew counseling offers premarital counseling to couples that are involved in a serious relationship, engaged to be married, or newly married. Let us help you get on the right path towards a long and successful and fulfilled marriage!
Resources:
(9) SYMBIS Assessment - Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott - YouTube
The key to remaining married “Till death,” is to hold a strong conviction in the fact that God has commanded us to fulfill our vows. In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 23, verse 21, Moses wrote that, “When you make a promise to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.” An important truth to hold dear is the acknowledgement that when a marriage vow is said publicly, it is made to the Lord first, and then, to a spouse. It should be difficult to go against a promise when one acknowledges that his/her vow was made to God first. In Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, King Solomon who was known for being the wisest man in the scriptures wrote that “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.”
Renew counseling offers premarital counseling to couples that are involved in a serious relationship, engaged to be married, or newly married. Let us help you get on the right path towards a long and successful and fulfilled marriage!
Resources:
(9) SYMBIS Assessment - Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott - YouTube