RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-11-19	Divorce And Remarriage In The Bible
		Though this can be a “touchy subject” we need to view divorce from God's standpoint. There continues to be a stigma over divorce in the Christian community. In some circles divorce is seen as an unforgivable sin. Like any other sin it is forgivable! God says, in the context of Israel, that He “hates divorce” (Ml.2:16). Jesus says, marriage is a lifetime commitment (Ge.2:24; Mt.19:6). Mat 19:6  So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. God certainly knows mankind is sinful and His intention of a lifetime commitment will be broken (Mt.19:8, “hardness of your hearts”). Divorce was widespread. Men divorced women for nearly any reason. So God “permitted” (Mt.19:8) divorce, which actually regulated it, to protect the wife (Du.24:1-4). The husband says he “found some uncleanness in her” cannot be adultery (Du.22:22) nor premartial intercourse (Du.22:20-21) because they both carried a penalty of death. The certificate of divorce he wrote was given to the woman for her protection under the law. The purpose of this law seems to be to prevent frivolous divorce, and to present divorce itself in a disparaging light. Two verses from Jesus really opens up this subject (Mt.5:32; 19:9). Mat 5:32  But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. Mat 19:9  And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery. The phrase “except sexual immorality” is the only place in Scripture that seems to give God's permission for divorce and remarriage. This is known as the “exception clause”. The Greek word here for 'sexual immorality' is porneia. It refers to any sexual sin. It can mean 'fornication' (relations outside of marriage by both), or 'adultery' (relations with at least one who is married). Jesus seems to say divorce is permissible if sexual immorality is committed. Sexual relations is an integral part of the marriage bond. That is, the “Two shall become one flesh” (Ge.2:24; Mt.19:5; Ep.5:31). If it is Jesus' intention to permit divorce and remarriage, then only the innocent person is allowed to remarry. This 'permission' is God's mercy for the one who was sinned against, not for the one who committed the immorality. 1Co 7:15  But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. This appears to be another “exception” allowing divorce. Remarriage is not mentioned in this context. If an unbelieving spouse wants to leave their believing spouse, “let him depart” is Paul's response. There is a direct correlation between the way a man treats his wife and the effectiveness of his prayers (1Pe.3:7). 1Pe 3:7  Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. Though this exception clause exists it is an allowance not a requirement to divorce. Even when adultery is committed, a couple can, through God’s grace, learn to forgive and begin rebuilding their marriage. God has forgiven us of so much more. Surely we can follow His example and even forgive the sin of adultery (Ep.4:32). A divorced or remarried believer should not feel any less loved by God, even if the remarriage is not covered under the possible exception clause of Matthew 19:9. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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