Wedding Ceremony
63-1201w, Wedding Ceremony, Life Tabernacle, Shreveport, LA, 12 min




Who will I ask for this woman to be the wife of this man?
[The bride's father answers, "We do."--Ed.]
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together in the sight of God, and the face of this company, to join together this man and woman in holy matrimony, which is commanded by Saint Paul to be honorable among all men. It is therefore not by any to be entered into unadvisably or lightly, but reverently, discreetfully, soberly, and in the fear of God.

I will require and will charge you both, as you will surely answer at the Day of the Judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, if there is either of you that know any impediment why you should not be lawful joined together in this holy matrimony, do you now confess it, for be it assured unto you that any couples that are joined otherwise than God's Word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful.

Will you have this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together in this holy state of matrimony; do you promise to love and honor and cherish, and support in sickness or health, riches or poverty, and will forsake all others as long as you both live? [The groom answers, "I will."--Ed.]
Will you have this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together in this holy state of matrimony; do you promise to love, honor and cherish, and support in sickness or health, riches or poverty, and cleave thee only unto him as long as you both live? [The bride answers, "I will."--Ed.]
I will require a token. [Two rings are placed on the minister's Bible, then offered to the groom for the bride, then to the bride for the groom--Ed.] Will you join back your right hands, and step forward for your covenant.
Let us bow our heads.

I pray Thy blessings upon them, Almighty God. Make them an example in this day of reckless living, that a man and a woman can live true and virtuous in the sight of the world and before God. Make them fruitful, Lord. May they always serve You. May You be the unseen Guest, at all times, at their home. And as Thou did bless Isaac and Rebekah, and they lived so happily together through their life, I pray likewise that You will bless this young man and this young woman. Father, I pray that You hear me, Lord. [Genesis 1:28]

God bless you. You are married. [The couple kiss, then face the congregation. The pianist begins playing the Wedding March--Ed.] Whatsoever God joins together, let no man put asunder. [The groom, the bride, and the attendants leave.] [Matthew 19:6]

As I see two walking out like that, coming to be joined, I always get a picture of the Coming of Christ for His Bride. I'm trusting that we'll all be a part in that Bride, that day. He shall come, too. That's the happiest moment of this young people's life. That will be the happiest moment of a Christian life, when we're joined to Christ as one.
