Common Law Marriage

[Judith]

Please provide all the scripture to support the idea of a couple being “properly married” with a “proper ceremony”. I’ll save you time, there is none.

Why are we even asking for proof of marriage? If they say they are married, where in scripture does it say the church must verify the marriage?

Peace to you

The Jews always held long ceremonial events for legal marriages in the site of God. In scripture if God accepted what man calls common law marriage then Jesus was wrong to tell the woman at the well (John 4:18) that she had prior 5 husbands but the one she currently has is not her husband. She had clearly went through the marriage ceremony 5 times but now was just shacked up (common law marriage) Show me scripture that God accepts what we call common law marriage.
Also, even in a common law marriage until all conditions are legally satisfied the couple is living in fornication (sin).

 

[Reynolds]

Some great discussions so far!
I dont want to get to far off OP, but to answer the question by candyjd -

When a person wants to join our church by transfer of letter - why do we want that letter?
is it to confirm they were members in good standing at their last church?

The way things are going in this day and age, maybe we should request a copy of the marriage license!

Probably a good idea.

 

[Reynolds]

Living in sin.

So is a couple that has shacked up so long the state considers it a marriage.

 

[Judith]

So is a couple that has shacked up so long the state considers it a marriage.

Yes, I agree.