If a couple cohabitates, are they considered husband and wife in the eyes of God?

Question:

Dear father Vasile, please explain an important issue to me. Two people, a man and a woman who cohabitate but have never been legally married, are they married in the eyes of God? 

No, these people are not considered husband and wife in the eyes of God because they are not legally married in the eyes of the state nor the eyes of God. They have not registered a marriage with the government nor have they had a religious ceremony before God and witnesses. They are cohabitating and they are living in sin (fornication). The Bible speaks directly to them in the following passage.

Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)

By cohabitating, they dishonor the institution of marriage which was formed by God. They need to seek to marry as quickly as possible as well as repent of their sins and enter the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. May the Lord help them.

 

Translation by: Erik Brewer