Toward a Joyful Marriage:
“And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man” (D&C 49:15).
The Lord is very clear in His attitude about marriage. Marriage is designed and endorsed by Him. Marriage is ordained of God.
Ordained. To ordain means to authorize or order by virtue of superior authority. To ordain is stronger than approving of. It is closer to commanding. So marriage is ordained, endorsed, or commanded by God unto man. [i]
But what is God’s purpose for marriage? Did God design marriage as a refuge — a safe haven —from a troubled world? Or did He design marriage as a laboratory where each of us could conduct daily experiments in gospel living? Or did he design marriage as a spiritual challenge course to humble us, stretch us, and refine us.”
Jenny Hatch