Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife, for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the Church with a holy seed; and for preventing of uncleanness.
As background, one should read 1 Corinthians 7.
Marriage as ordained by God has several purposes. It provides for "the mutual help of husband and wife," harkening back to the provision to Adam of Eve as a suitable helpmate. Life in general is better when one has a like-minded partner able to tackle the problems that come up over the course of the years. Marriage is also God's appointed vehicle for multiplying not just mankind in general but the church. All of those appointed to salvation from the foundation of the earth need to be born. This is the means by which God works out his eternal purposes, to provide a suitable bride for his Son. And marriage is a means toward sexual continence. While procreation is certainly a worthy purpose it should not be the only reason for the legitimate expression of sexuality within marriage. But by the same token, a Christian marriage is expected to result in children whenever possible, and the purposive avoidance of children is roundly discouraged.
Tomorrow: Lawful marriage.
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