Posted on 07/21/2016 8:56:57 AM PDT by Gamecock
“In the house the disciples asked [Jesus] again about this matter. And he said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.’ ” Mark 10:10–12
Given modern no-fault divorce laws and the allowance for divorce in cases of “irreconcilable differences,” both of which reflect a disdain for Christ’s teaching on marriage (Mark 10:1–9), it is unsurprising that many Christians believe divorce is never acceptable. Moreover, passages such as today’s text, at least on first reading, seem to lend credence to the idea that divorce is always wrong. As a rule, however, we want to make sure our views are driven by an accurate interpretation of God’s Word and not our cultural context. It is possible to overreact to sin in such a way that we make the law more restrictive than the Lord intends.
If Mark 10:10–12 were all that we had from Jesus and the Apostles on when divorce is permissible, we might conclude that divorce is always a sin and never acceptable. Yet we have further revelation on the subject that gives us an important fact—although divorce is always the result of sin, divorce in itself is not always a sin, and not everyone in a divorce situation is guilty of sin. Matthew 19:9 gives us one case in which divorce is allowable: sexual immorality. This term translates the Greek word porneia, which can cover a wide variety of sexual sins and not just a physical relationship between a person and another who is not his or her spouse. Repeated, impenitent sexual sin is proper grounds upon which the injured spouse may seek a biblical divorce. Paul gives the other grounds for a biblically permissible divorce—desertion on the part of an unbeliever (1 Cor. 7:10–16). A Christian married to an unbeliever is free to remarry if the unbeliever wants out of the marriage. In both cases, it is imperative that good and godly elders are prepared to deal with the multitude of complexities that can arise when one spouse seeks a divorce. They must be able to discern when actual sexual sin has been committed, when a professing believer has actually proven himself an unbeliever through impenitent spousal abuse, and much more if they are going to accurately discern whether a divorce is biblically acceptable in a particular situation.
Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce gives us a proper framework for lawful sexual activity. Christ reaffirms Genesis’ teaching that the only God-approved sexual relationship is that between one man and one woman in a lawful marriage (Mark 10:1–12). This rules out all homosexual acts as well as all premarital and extramarital sexual relationships between men and women.
Coram Deo
As we have seen, God permitted divorce in this fallen world to protect injured spouses. However, just as the innocent person in a biblically permissible divorce is not required to stay married when he or she is sinned against, neither is he or she required to seek a divorce when sinned against. Making the right decision depends on studying God’s Word and receiving much godly counsel.
Passages for Further Study
Exodus 20:14
Proverbs 6:32–35
Matthew 19:1–12
Ephesians 5:22–33
Ping
Divorce is permitted in two cases in scripture.
Now, here is your challenge: find a passage of scripture that straight-up commends re-marriage to another mate.
This is close to what a long time pastor I know called the “loose biblical view.” He’s seen tighter, but he knows of no way to justify anything looser. To be cheated on, or to be abandoned by an unbeliever, opens up the option to permit the dissolution of the union.
One possibility would be “it is better to marry than to burn [with passion]”.
Remember that when God tells you to deal your bread to the hungry, He doesn’t have to give you a copy of Emeril Lagasse along with it.
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Good response.
I Corinthians 7:15
I was born and raised a Catholic. In mid thirties became Protestant, Nazarene Church. My first marriage was not in Catholic church. He WAS a wife beater and also beat our 18month son in his crib one night with a belt because he wouldn’t stop crying. I filed for divorce.
Many women were trapped in abusive marriages, physically and emotionally for hundreds of years. I have to think that my Lord and savior would not send me to hell, doom my soul forever, because I left the marriage for my and my son’s safety.
I’ve heard that in some very conservative Jewish community, divorce is allowed under very specific conditions and that the married couple go through quite the procedure in acquiring it.
The end result is actually that the divorce rate is very low because reconciliation often occurs as the couple is counseled.
I am certainly inclined to agree.
As Christians we are told to live in peace. When you are married to an insanely jealous person you cannot do that. When that person interrupts you while you are in deep prayer in church and asks you what you are thinking of, or accuses you at lusting after the pastors daughter, or any of the other woman in the church you can not live in peace.
I spoke to my pastor many times on this and although he didn’t give me a “biblical” out he did understand my situation and agreed that it was not a healthy, peaceful, situation.
The ironic part is she was partly responsible for leading me to the Lord...
I think it is always God’s will that there be reconciliation between married people. Scripture says He “hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16), but, he also knows the hardness of the heart of man and so allows it under strict conditions. It should be the last resort for any Christian and that so many seem to divorce and remarry these days - even pastors - is a scandal for today’s church. There should be a much better example set for the world.
He wouldn’t. His love is too great and His mercy endures forever. Your ex should be the one to fear the judgment of God.
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