Marriage is interpreted or defined in different ways.
But before marriage became disorganized into the confusion we see today, it is important to understand that the original idea of (and plan for) marriage was God’s.
Adam – the first man, was busy doing what God asked him to do – when God looked at him and realized that Adam was not fulfilled. He required a partner.
God was the one who decided Adam needed a partner.
It was not Adam’s idea to request for a wife
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
God determined Adam needed a wife and God proceeded to get him a wife. That was how marriage started. (Paraphrased in reference to link Genesis 2:21-25 KJV)
Since God was the original initiator of marriage, He had a design for marriage in mind.
God’s plan for marriage is Companionship {link Gen 2;18). This companionship encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual companionship between the husband and wife. Couples should be together as much as possible. Long distance relationship for prolonged period should be avoided. Emotional triangle is certainly not part of the plan, couples should find emotional solace in each other.
Marriage is for Procreation. The original plan is for humanity to populate the earth through procreation {link Gen 1;27-28).
Marriage is for Raising of Godly Children. Marriage ought to provide a conducive environment to raise godly children, to provide instruction for children in the fear of God. God had good words to say about Abraham in this regard {Link Gen 18:19}.
Marriage is a platform for joint blessings. The intention of God is to use the marriage institution to bless His people {link Gen 1;28). The blessing of God is upon every Christian marriage. The fruitfulness and multiplication described in Genesis 1:28 is not limited to procreation but in everything. That multiplication includes finances and business ventures. Husband and wife business venture is not an aberration, it’s part of the plan. Couples should trust each other enough to be plain about their finances to one another. The efforts in trusting each other, pulling in the same direction attracts the favor and blessings of God {link Proverbs 31:10-12 (NLT).
Marriage is to reveal the relationship between Christ and the church. The ultimate plan of God for marriage, is to showcase the relationship of Christ and the church i.e. body of believers who accepted Jesus as Lord. {link Ephesians 5:21-32 (NLT)
Conclusion
Pursuing marriage according to God’s original design demands that the partners submit to each other out of reverence to Jesus Christ and love each other like their own bodies. Pursuing marriage according to God’s original design brings out Christ’s love, love so deep it can’t be put in simple words.