When Did God Create Love, Sex, and Marriage?
What Was It Like?
Have you ever wondered about the origins of love, sex, and marriage? The Bible offers a fascinating account of how God created human sexuality and what it was like in the beginning. Let’s explore the divine origins of human sexuality and the significance of love and marriage according to the Bible. Let’s journey back in time to the Garden of Eden and discover the beautiful design God intended for love, sex, and marriage.
The First Wedding
The story of human sexuality begins with the creation of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. In the book of Genesis, God created the universe, the Earth, and all living creatures. As the pinnacle of His creation, God made Adam and Eve in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). This unique design gave them a special relationship with their Creator and each other.
God first created Adam out of the Earth so he could take care of the Earth. He was alone, and God acknowledged it wasn’t good for him to be alone. Then God created Eve out of Adam so they would have each other. Our royal vocation as kings and queens returns to this moment very early in our history. From the very beginning, we were created to reflect God’s character as we “rule the Earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28). We are also called to care for each other and worship the creator God, who loves us deeply.
The first wedding happens a few hours after Adam and Eve meet each other for the first time. God was the officiating minister, and everything indicates their love materialized in sexual intimacy following God’s order to multiply. In fact, Adam and Eve were called to participate in creation by making new human beings in their image through their sexual intimacy.
This loving and exclusive union between the first man and the first woman sets the highest possible standards for sexual intimacy.
When God created human beings, He made them male and female. In fact, the language of Scripture indicates that we reflect His image as males and females. This complimentary design is evident in their physical, emotional, and spiritual differences. The Bible teaches that men and women are equal in value and worth but have unique roles and responsibilities in their relationships, particularly in marriage. These differences are intended to create a harmonious partnership, reflecting the love and unity of God Himself.
The First Marriage
The concept of unity and oneness is a key aspect of God’s design for marriage. In Genesis 2:24, we read that a man and a woman are to become “one flesh” in marriage. This profound statement highlights the depth of the bond between husband and wife. It goes beyond the physical union to include emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connections.
God’s intention is for married couples to experience a deep sense of unity, love, and intimacy that reflects His own love and oneness.
Another essential aspect of human sexuality is the gift of procreation. God commanded Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). This divine mandate expresses the joy and privilege of bringing new life into the world. Children are considered a blessing from God and a tangible expression of the love between a husband and wife.
In the Garden of Eden, the original marriage between Adam and Eve must have been an idyllic and inspiring union. Imagine their daily life, filled with love and tranquility, surrounded by the beauty and perfection of God’s creation. As we delve into this heavenly existence, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sanctity of marriage and the potential it holds for our own relationships.
Every day, Adam and Eve would wake up to the breathtaking landscape of the Garden of Eden. The vibrant colors of the flowers, the soothing sounds of the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, and the melodious songs of birds created a serene and harmonious atmosphere. They would begin their day together, hand in hand, exploring the wonders of their paradise home, sharing their thoughts, dreams, and aspirations.
Their love for one another was pure, untainted by any form of jealousy, selfishness, or deceit. They shared a deep emotional and spiritual bond, allowing them to communicate openly and honestly. As they walked through the garden, they took delight in the various animals, plants, and other elements of creation, rejoicing in the richness and diversity of life.
In the afternoons, they eagerly anticipated their daily visit from God. They heard the sound of His footsteps, and their hearts filled with joy and excitement. The Creator Himself joined them for an intimate conversation, sharing His wisdom, guidance, and love. The divine presence of God only strengthened their union and deepened their love for one another.
In the evenings, as the sun set and the stars began to twinkle, Adam and Eve retired to their peaceful haven, reflecting on the incredible blessings they shared. Their love for one another was a true embodiment of the passionate and intimate love described in the Song of Solomon, where the bridegroom proclaims,
“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are like doves”
Song of Solomon 1:15
This original marriage in the Garden of Eden serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty, intimacy, and sacredness of the union between husband and wife. Though we may not experience the same perfection as Adam and Eve, their inspiring love story can encourage us to strive for deeper love, understanding, and unity in our own relationships. By cherishing the divine gift of marriage and living according to God’s principles, we can experience a taste of the heavenly love that once flourished in the Garden of Eden.
—By Sam Neves, Associate Director, Communication Department, General Conference
Images: AI-generated
