I Know You Not Whence Ye Are
- Judah Raines
- Jan 19
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
True Marriage vs Cultural Perceptions Exploring Biblical Covenant and Modern Church Acceptance
Marriage is often viewed through the lens of culture, tradition, or personal preference. Yet the biblical understanding of marriage reveals a far deeper covenantal reality, one that stands in direct conflict with many modern assumptions and practices. This post examines the scriptural definition of what constitutes a true marriage and family, contrasts it with prevailing cultural norms, and confronts how the modern Church has increasingly shifted away from biblical authority toward cultural accommodation, in opposition to both Scripture and historical Christian doctrine.
“But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”— Luke 13:27 (KJV)
These are not the words of a gentle misunderstanding. They are the words of final separation, spoken not to atheists or pagans, but to those who claimed Christ while refusing His order. They ate near Him. They heard Him teach. They used His name. Yet Christ answered them with a sentence that should shake every church door in America:
“I know you not whence ye are.”
Identity Revealed by Obedience In the language of Scripture, whence speaks of origin, authority, and source. Christ was not saying, “I don’t recognize your face.” He was declaring, “Your life does not originate from Me.” Their faith had the vocabulary of heaven, but the structure of rebellion. |  |
The Biblical Definition of Marriage as a Covenant
Marriage in the Bible is not merely a social contract or a legal agreement. It is a sacred covenant, a binding promise before God that unites two individuals as one flesh. Jesus highlights this in Matthew 19:6, saying, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This verse emphasizes permanence and divine involvement in the first marriage and ceremony of vows and witnesses.
Similarly, Luke 16:18 states, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” This underscores the seriousness of breaking the covenant. Marriage is meant to be lifelong, reflecting God's unchanging commitment to His people.
The covenant nature of marriage means it is more than feelings or convenience. It requires faithfulness, sacrifice, and mutual commitment. This biblical foundation contrasts sharply with many cultural views that treat marriage as flexible or negotiable.
Understanding “Whence Ye Are” and True Faith in Marriage
Luke 13:27 records Jesus saying, “I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.” The phrase “whence ye are” points to a disconnect between outward profession and inward reality. Many claim to be believers or followers of Christ, yet their lives do not reflect true faith, obedience or covenant living.
This disconnect applies to marriage as well. Some couples may identify as "Christian" or "married" in the Church and the World but lack the covenantal commitment that defines biblical Christianity and marriage. They may follow cultural norms or personal desires rather than God’s standards.
This raises a critical question: Are we entering marriage with true faith and understanding of the covenant, or are we simply conforming to cultural expectations? The answer affects not only the couple’s relationship but also their standing before God.
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Marriage is often viewed through the lens of culture, tradition, or personal preference. Scripture, however, presents marriage as a binding covenant established by God Himself, not a flexible arrangement subject to emotion or convenience.
Jesus defined marriage plainly:
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”— Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
Marriage is not paperwork. It is not emotional compatibility. It is a divine joining - witnessed by God and bound by covenant. Scripture is unyielding about what happens when that covenant is violated:
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This is not past tense. It describes an ongoing condition. | |
Historical Context of Marriage Standards: The Abdication of King Edward VIII
Marriage standards have shifted dramatically over a few decades of time, influenced by culture, politics, and personal choice. A notable historical example is the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936. Edward chose to give up the British throne to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American socialite that he had no biblical grounds to marry.
This event shocked the world and highlighted the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. At the time, the Church of England and British society upheld strict views on marriage and divorce, reflecting biblical principles and centuries of societal practices. Edward’s decision challenged these norms and marked a turning point in how marriage was perceived by the public.
Truly Wed vs. Merely Newlywed
This is where deception thrives. Not all newlyweds are truly wed. A ceremony does not override covenant. A license does not cancel God’s law. When remarriage occurs while a lawful spouse still lives, Scripture calls it what it is: adultery. From adulterous unions flow false families, households built on contradiction rather than truth. Children raised under confusion. Churches filled with people taught to call rebellion “blessing.”
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.” - Isaiah 5:20 (KJV)
This is how fake faith is formed, faith that claims Christ while refusing His commands.
Then and Now: A Cultural Turning Point
Less than a century ago, a king lost his throne because marriage still meant something. In 1936, King Edward VIII abdicated the crown of England to marry a divorced woman he had no biblical grounds to marry. Whatever one thinks of the man, the moment reveals something vital: culture once bowed to covenant.
Remarriage while a lawful spouse still lives is, in biblical terms, bigamy dressed up as respectability, a second covenant stacked on top of the first without God’s release. It’s clever because it borrows ceremony, paperwork, and church language to look legitimate; it’s crass because it asks God to bless what He already called adultery. One vow isn’t undone by feelings or filings, so adding another doesn’t create a new marriage- it creates a duplicate claim, a polished contradiction that culture applauds and Scripture condemns.
What once disqualified kings now fills pulpits and pews, and quite frankly, stinks to high heaven. What once shocked nations is now celebrated as “grace.” But Christ did not change his cousin's call to repentance which paved the way to redemption, he confirmed it.
The consequence Christ warned of Jesus was explicit:
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived… nor adulterers… shall inherit the kingdom of God.” - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV)
“Be not deceived.”
The Church has failed here, not by preaching too strongly, but by remaining silent, even complicit.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” - Hosea 4:6 (KJV)
The abdication illustrates how cultural pressures and personal choices can conflict with traditional marriage standards. It also shows the consequences when marriage is treated as a private matter rather than a covenant with public and spiritual significance and consequences.
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” - Matthew 15:8 (KJV)
2 Tim 3: 4-7 Traitours, heady, high minded, louers of pleasures more then louers of God, Hauing a forme of godlinesse, but denying the power thereof: from such turne away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and leade captiue silly women laden with sinnes, led away with diuers lusts, Euer learning, and neuer able to come to the knowledge of the trueth.
The Modern Church’s Shift from Scriptural Authority to Cultural Acceptance
Today, many churches have softened their stance on marriage for divorcees, often accepting unions that do not align with biblical covenant principles or Church history. This includes:
Allowing divorce and remarriage without biblical grounds or historical president
Recognizing cohabitation or non-traditional partnerships prior to, or instead of marriage
Emphasizing personal happiness and grace over covenantal commitment and eternal consequence
This shift reflects a broader trend of prioritizing cultural acceptance over scriptural authority. Churches may fear losing members or appearing judgmental, or out of touch, leading to compromises on core teachings that formed the basis for the institution in the first place.
The consequences are significant. When the Church embraces non-covenantal unions, it dilutes the biblical message about marriage’s sacredness and permanence perverting the very gospel message itself. It also risks confusing believers about what true faith, family and marriage entails.
Practical Implications for Believers and the Church
Understanding marriage as a covenant calls for a renewed commitment from both individuals and the Church:
For couples: Enter marriage with a clear understanding of its biblical foundation. Commit to faithfulness, forgiveness, and mutual support, reflecting God’s covenant love.
For the Church: Uphold scriptural teachings on marriage consistently. Provide guidance and support to couples, helping them live out the covenant in practical ways.
For society: Recognize the value of covenantal marriage as a stabilizing force that benefits families and communities.
By returning to the biblical definition, believers can experience the fullness of marriage as God intended, and the Church can reclaim its role as a guardian of this sacred institution and defender of the true faith it professes.
Marriage is more than a cultural tradition or personal arrangement. It is a covenant established by God, calling for lifelong faithfulness and reflecting His love to his true bride. The historical example of King Edward VIII’s abdication reminds us of the tension between cultural pressures and covenantal standards can lead to an abdication of validity, not just for the king of England, but for each soul. The modern Church faces the challenge of balancing compassion with truth, ensuring that marriage remains a sacred covenant rather than a cultural convenience.
Why TRULY WED MISSION Exists
TRULY WED MISSION exists because covenant still matters. We are not here to comfort consciences in rebellion. We are here to call people back to truth, repentance, and obedience.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression.” - Isaiah 58:1 (KJV)
This message is not hate. It is mercy. It is purity and faithfulness. It is sacrifice.
A Call to Action
We are launching billboard campaigns and public outreach to confront deception openly, because truth must now be seen, not whispered.
We are calling believers who fear God more than man to stand with us.
Support the billboards. Support the outreach. Support the full Gospel, without dilution.
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” - Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
Because not every family is true. Not every faith is real. And not every wedding is TRULY WED.
And Christ still says what He has always said: “I know you not whence ye are.”
