Category: Remarriage

We encourage all to remember (in discussing the varied scenarios, circumstances and what-ifs), the simple principle which lies at the heart of the matter. God established the home, and intends for a man and woman to honor the commitment they make. It is, One man, One woman, for a lifetime.

Concerning the Bible teaching on Divorce and Remarriage, the truth is clear: One man, one woman, for a lifetime. Jesus established only one exception to this rule, “fornication.” Anyone who does not teach and practice this doctrine must be rejected by those who love truth, and those who desire fellowship with the Lord (cf. 2 John 9-11).

It may be that an individual could not in good conscience remarry if he or she did not initiate the procedure, or gain the judgment. Another could in good conscience remarry regardless of what the divorce decree says, because he or she knows and God knows the spouse was put away with just cause. Let each respond according to the dictates of his or her own conscience in this matter. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). However, may it be that we do not allow such judgments, where God has not specified, to be matters over which we divide.

To define the “mental divorce” position, we refer to both formal propositions, and a common scenario.  First, the proposition, which some who advocate the position…

Adultery is sexual sin. To redefine it in an attempt to set aside Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19:9 is a sophistical effort. While plausible to those looking for comfort in their sin, the argument does not survive close examination. Remember God’s rule: one man, one woman, for a lifetime!

The idea that only Christians are amenable to the law of Christ is false. Christ has authority over all flesh, and his teaching on the sanctity of the marriage bond is applicable to “whosoever”, inclusive of those who are not Christians.

As the various positions regarding divorce and remarriage are examined, the plain truth of God’s word must always be kept before us. God established the bond between man and woman in marriage, and set the parameters of the relationship. One man, one woman, for a lifetime. It is God’s law. We must heed it.

God has determined the one exception to the rule of “one man, one woman, for a lifetime.” It is fornication. It is the sole exception, and God’s law must be respected.

May we not be guilty (as were the Israelites) of saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them.” Rather than embracing the adulterer and his apologist, and excusing their sin, we should stand upon the righteousness of God’s law on marriage. One man, one woman, for a lifetime.

If aliens are not amenable to Christ’s law regarding divorce and remarriage, aliens are not amenable to the Gospel instructions in general. For instance, if an alien is not amenable to the Gospel’s instructions, how can we oppose the use of instrumental music in denominational worship? Are they not aliens? How could the practice be judged sinful for aliens if the regulation of the gospel does not apply to them?

By keeping “marriage” and being “bound” by law distinctive in our minds, we can see that two people can be bound and scripturally married to one another (Matthew 19:5-6; Romans 7:2). One can be unmarried, but bound (I Corinthians 7:10-11). One mate can be unmarried but bound, while the other mate is free to remarry (Matthew 19:9). And, One mate can be bound to his first mate, while unscripturally married to another (Mark 6:17-18, Romans 7:2-3).

There are few families today that have not been touched by divorce. As society continuously degrades into worldliness and rebellion towards God, there is a reciprocal effect upon God’s people. Many of the current issues concerning this doctrine have risen due to complex situations in the lives of all people. There was not as much controversy in times past, because the problem was not so prevalent.

Is an adulteress one who sees the Justice of the Peace to contract a second marriage? Or, is it not true that the Bible portrays the adulterer and adulteress as ones who have sex outside their God-ordained marriage or ones who have sex with a married person?

The scriptures teach clearly that we must not have fellowship with fruits of unrighteousness or darkness. While some brethren apply this uniformly to sinful practices like instrumental music, institutionalism, etc., they are willing to forsake truth and extend fellowship to unrighteous divorces.

Marriage is for life, but if one mate commits sexual immorality, that one can be put away, divorced for that infidelity, and the innocent one in that divorce has the right to be married to another. Jesus speaks of but ONE exception and one exception only to the law of marriage for life. It is not a hard law to understand, but, in too many cases, a hard law to apply. Is that God’s fault for making the law or man’s for not wanting to submit to it?