The Biblical “One Flesh” Theology of Marriage as Constituted in Genesis 2:24

Book excerpt: This book provides a thorough study of the sole biblical foundation of marriage as given in the short description of Genesis 2:24: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." All the other biblical texts dealing with marriage are traced back to this basis that was declared as the original ideal by Jesus even in the times of the New Testament and the emerging Christian church. Thoughts about crucial questions concerning marriage, divorce, remarriage, and even what we might expect of marriage in the world to come are thus presented in the light shining forth from the first pages of the Scriptures. The intriguing connections to the biblical plan of redemption, conversion, and baptism are also investigated, developing a deeper understanding of the human-divine covenant that is exemplified by this beautiful Edenic marriage pattern.