This article at the Gospel Coalition was written nearly two years ago.

TGC Asks: Should Pastors Separate the Christian Wedding Ceremony from the Civil Rite?

In the last few months, we've been discussing this a lot. At what point does the state give up the right to define marriage for Christians? If the state forfeits that right, by defining "marriage" in such a way that it no longer resemble's God's definition, is a Christian obligated to have the state's permission to call themselves "married"?

Let's start with the "permission" part.

In Michigan,

there is still a law on the books against cohabitation - a heterosexual couple may not live together without being married

a heterosexual couple is required to have a marriage license before being married.

it is illegal for a pastor to officiate in a marriage ceremony unless the couple has a state-issued marriage license.

In order to live together in marriage, a couple in Michigan must have a marriage license; they must have the State's permission to marry.

Why do I use the word "permission"? It's the word "license"

What does a driver's license to? It gives you permission to drive and it's illegal to drive without one.
Hunting license? It gives you permission to drive and it's illegal to hunt without one.
Concealed Carry License? It gives you permission to carry a concealed weapon and it's illegal to carry without one.

Through a license, the States grant you permission to do something that is otherwise illegal.

With that logic, it is ILLEGAL to call oneself "married" unless the State has given you permission to do so.

At what point did the State get the authority to define marriage in such a way that we must have the State's permission to marry?

The "State" has married the Christian wedding ceremony and the civil rite to the point that you MAY NOT have a Christian wedding Ceremony WITHOUT the civil rite.

TGC Asks: Should Pastors Separate the Christian Wedding Ceremony from the Civil Rite?