When does marriage really start??

[Roos]

In the bible what kind of ceremonies made a marriage a marriage?

Are people who marry but really don't believe in God really married?

*What God has made as one flesh, let no man seperate.*
I have read that marriage starts with sex between a man and a woman not vows or ceremonies?? (which would make first time sex for someone even out of marriage bound to a marriage) Is there any truth or substance to this??

I would appreciate help on this from those with more knowledge.

 

[Johnnz]

The first account talks about 'leaving" parents and "cleaving" to one's spouse. Marriage is a setting up of a new unit. That unit is to be so intimate that it can be used to express God's relationship with us.

They become 'one flesh'.This involves sex, but it also speaks of a deeper unity of relationship that originated in Eve's being taken from Adam's side. Only as a man and a woman share deeply in a special covenenat relationship, sealed by blood (breaking of the hymen) is can the deepest longings for human intimacy be fully satisfied. That was God' s intention for marriage. It has never been just about vows or ceremonies, although these are important. Or about legalised sex. Sex expresses the relationship, it is not the basis of one.

John
NZ