Introductory
Remarks
We learn from
the inspired record that the Lord Jesus honored the
marriage ceremony with His presence working there the
beginning of His miracles. These miracles indicate
that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the
Sovereign and the Creator of the universe, and the
wedding ceremony was the first used to demonstrate
this glorious fact.
His purpose on
earth was to "seek and to save that which was lost,"
As the scriptures declare, "God commended His love for
us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us." The one who sanctifies the marriage union is the
Savior of the universe. And the scripture says,
"neither is there salvation in any other, for there is
no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved." And therefore His invitation to all
who witness the wedding ceremony is to "come unto me
all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give
you rest.", "And Him that cometh unto me I will in no
wise cast out."
The Bible,
which is the Word of God declares marriage to be
honorable. It was ordained of God in the time of man's
innocency, before he had sinned against the Lord.
Since marriage has always been a divine institution,
it is to be entered into soberly and discreetly, as in
His sight.
God Himself
united the first members of human family, which fact
alone should abolish all light and frivolous views of
marriage. The bridegroom and bride are partners in
life, each forsaking mother and father to cleave unto
the other. They share a common name, a united
household, a common experience, and a love which
blesses and transcends all the cares and trials of
life. The mathematics of love--Add and multiply joys
while subtracting and dividing the sorrows.
___________
and ___________ You now have common interests and
occupations. You've become co-workers for common ends.
You hold property and possessions in common, and you
have essentially one history and one destiny.
Inscribed in the Word of God is the counsel you will
need for this mutual and blessed relationship. The
vows are to be broken only by death.
In token of
having chosen each other as partners for life, you may
now join your right hands.
Wedding Vows
Pastor to
Groom -- Do you, ___________, take ___________ whom
you hold by the right hand to be your lawful and
wedded wife?
Groom -- I do.
Pastor to
Groom -- Do you promise to love, to cherish, to honor
to protect, forsaking all others, in sickness as well
as in health. In adversity as well as in prosperity.
For better or for worse, and to cleave only to her so
long as you both shall live?
Groom -- I do.
Pastor to
Bride -- Do you, ___________, take ___________ to be
your lawful and wedded husband?
Bride -- I do.
Pastor to
Bride -- Do you promise to love, to cherish, to honor,
to obey, forsaking all others, in sickness as well as
in health, in adversity as well as in prosperity, for
better or for worse, and to cleave only to him so long
as you both shall live?
Bride -- I do.
Giving away of
Bride
Pastor -- Who
giveth ___________ to be married to ___________ ?
Bride's Father
-- Her mother and I.
Ring Vows
Pastor to
Groom -- ___________, What token do you give to show
that you will faithfully perform these vows?
Groom -- A
ring.
Pastor -- The
circle which forms this ring is the emblem of
eternity, and the beautiful metal out of which it is
wrought is the type of that which is least tarnished
and most enduring. It is to show how lasting and
imperishable, the faith now mutually pledged. You will
place this ring on ___________ 's finger and repeat
after me . . . "WITH THIS RING . . . I PLEDGE MYSELF
TO THEE . . . WITH ALL THE AFFECTIONS OF MY HEART . .
. SO LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE."
Pastor to
Bride -- And, ___________, what token do you give to
show that you will faithfully perform these vows?
Bride -- A
ring.
Pastor --
Please place your ring on your Groom's finger and
repeat after me. "WITH THIS RING I PLEDGE MYSELF TO
THEE . . . WITH ALL THE AFFECTIONS OF MY HEART..SO
LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE."
Prayer
Let us unite
in Prayer. We thank Thee, heavenly Father, for this
home that is now called into existence, and we ask Thy
blessings upon ___________ and ___________ all the
days of their lives. That as unite into one family,
they might glorify thee. That they might serve Thee
acceptably, and that their lives together, might
present the glorious truth of God's Word--the union of
Christ and the Church. Bless them to this end, for we
ask it in the name of the Kind of Kings and Lord of
Lords, even Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.
Pronouncement
The scripture
declares love is forbearing and kind; love knows no
jealously, love does not brag, is not conceited. She
is not unmannerly, nor selfish, nor irritable, nor
mindful of wrongs. She does not rejoice in injustice,
but joyfully sides with the truth. She can overlook
faults. She is full of trust; full of hope; full of
endurance. Love never fails.
Having heard
the pledges of your affection, and the vows of your
fidelity, I do therefore by virtue of the authority
invested in me by the laws of the State of
___________, before God, whose grace to you is
unmeasured, and before these witnesses, pronounce you
husband and wife, and what God hath joined together,
let no man put assunder.
Benediction
Embrace
Presentation of
Bride and Groom
Ladies and
Gentlemen; May I present to you Mr. and Mrs.
_______________.
Recessional
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