Becoming
Marriage is a holy covenant ordained by God for intimacy, the formation of children, personal sanctification, and mutual support, reflecting the union between Christ and His Church.
The anointing of the sick is a sacrament of grace that brings healing, strength, and peace, allowing the believer to face illness or adversity under God’s blessing.
Both sacraments manifest how God cares for, restores, and forms His people at every stage of life.
Holy Matrimony
It is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, “until death separates them.”
This covenant unites the couple in commitment, joy, and fidelity.
It has a spiritual purpose: it is a holy act because God is the one who unites, not only civil authority.
Purposes of Marriage According to God
1️⃣ The deepest intimacy between human beings
Marital intimacy is unique; it cannot be found in friendships.
It is the closest and most intimate human relationship designed by God.
2️⃣ Procreation and nurturing of children
Children require a father and a mother to be created and to be raised.
Children are physically, mentally, and emotionally vulnerable; they need stability and protection.
Marriage creates the stable foundation for their formation.
Genesis 1:26–28 commands to be fruitful and multiply.
3️⃣ Sanctification of husband and wife
Marriage reveals personal flaws and promotes spiritual growth.
God grants grace to live together, overcome difficulties, and move from selfishness to altruism.
4️⃣ Mutual support in daily life
Marriage exists to strengthen, complement, and edify both spouses.
It is a foundation for the flourishing of the family, the church, and society.
According to Ephesians 5:25, the model of marriage is Christ and His Church.
Spiritual Nature of Marriage
Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:6: in marriage, the two become one flesh.
What God has joined together, no one should separate.
It has divine meaning: it reflects the union between Christ and His Church.
The Place of Singles
Singles also participate in a spiritual covenant with Christ through the Church.
They can live spiritual intimacy and prepare for a possible future marital covenant.
The Anointing of the Sick
It is a sacrament in which prayer is offered for the sick and they are anointed with oil.
The minister invokes God’s blessing for those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
James 5:14–15 establishes this sacrament as apostolic practice.
Grace Conferred in the Anointing
It may confer:
Physical healing,
Spiritual healing,
Peace and strength,
Perseverance in adversity, especially in the face of death.
Recovery may be complete, but it is not always God’s will to heal physically.
Important Clarifications About Healing
Death remains part of earthly life; even those who were healed eventually died (such as Lazarus).
It should not be wrongly taught that “everyone will always be healed.”
God can work miracles, but He also grants grace to face adversity with strength and peace.
The anointing prepares the believer to face illness, suffering, or death with Christian dignity.
