The two gospels (Luke and Mark) explain that divorce and remarriage is adultery without exception; Matthew has what is known as an "escape clause" for fornication; which is worded differently in the very next passage both times ( Matthew 5 and 19) where those who MARRY someone who is divorced is committing adultery (even if marrying the "innocent spouse").
I see the exception of fornication as talking of breaking an engagement BEFORE CONSUMMATION in marriage since its use earlier in the passage talking about Joseph thinking of divorcing Mary during the espousal period.
There are some complexities with other scriptures; although in Romans and Corinthians it seems pretty clear that ONLY if a spouse dies is a woman innocent to remarry and of course a man in reverse situation as well. Even if we think the exception clause means adultery; those who KNOW they have remarried for any other reason and hence did wrong have to get out of it like any other sin. That is against what is "politically correct" in many circles but with any other sin we know we commit we must stop doing it not just say we made a mistake and expect God to honor it. I can't see that abandonment or abuse allows for remarriage; or even divorce other than for the other committing adultery. Corinthians says to remain separate or resolve differences. We certainly are not free to trade in for a younger model; or any other excuse for divorce. Yes abuse means a separation perhaps a permanent one is NECESSARY. We are to be at peace whenever possible; and there are kids to consider.
The best thing I can ask; being through a divorce myself (because of adultery) is to look with discerning eyes on those who are remarried to see where they are spiritually. And look to yourself as well. I could have involved myself in a relationship; the Lord stopped me. Any vow or covenant made between God and men must be kept as God keeps His end when we vow till death do us part He holds us accountable.
I believe most of the answers on this subject are found in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, Tiffany. Here, the Apostle Paul writes about problems within a marriage, which should hopefully be dealt with by a temporal separation & then a coming together (v5); or in divorce, that they remain unmarried, or else come back together (vv 10,11); or in a marriage where one is a believer & the other, not. Divorce can take place if one is unhappy to live with the other - but the idea of remaining single thereafter is implied (vv 12-16).
And this is based on Matthew 19:5,6: "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Any marriage, whether amongst believers or not, brings about an indissoluble union, as the two become one. If a divorce has to take place, then they have to remain separated. If they remarry, then they would remain accountable to God for their decisions. It seems the only times that a lawful remarriage can take place are when one spouse dies ( 1 Corinthians 7:39), or because of fornication committed ( Matthew 5:31,32). However, this 'fornication' seems to be based on Deuteronomy 24:1, where "uncleanness is found in her", i.e. it is supposed that the man has found that his wife was not pure, whether occurring in her single state or in the betrothal period, or even after marriage. Some have raised arguments about this understanding; and some take this infidelity by the woman to happen only within the marriage, so giving grounds for divorce. Unfortunately, there's no indication what happens when the husband has been unfaithful. In any case, the general understanding is that divorce is a severing of a holy union, and if it must happen, then remaining unmarried thereafter ensures that no sin is committed.
I see the exception of fornication as talking of breaking an engagement BEFORE CONSUMMATION in marriage since its use earlier in the passage talking about Joseph thinking of divorcing Mary during the espousal period.
There are some complexities with other scriptures; although in Romans and Corinthians it seems pretty clear that ONLY if a spouse dies is a woman innocent to remarry and of course a man in reverse situation as well. Even if we think the exception clause means adultery; those who KNOW they have remarried for any other reason and hence did wrong have to get out of it like any other sin. That is against what is "politically correct" in many circles but with any other sin we know we commit we must stop doing it not just say we made a mistake and expect God to honor it. I can't see that abandonment or abuse allows for remarriage; or even divorce other than for the other committing adultery. Corinthians says to remain separate or resolve differences. We certainly are not free to trade in for a younger model; or any other excuse for divorce. Yes abuse means a separation perhaps a permanent one is NECESSARY. We are to be at peace whenever possible; and there are kids to consider.
The best thing I can ask; being through a divorce myself (because of adultery) is to look with discerning eyes on those who are remarried to see where they are spiritually. And look to yourself as well. I could have involved myself in a relationship; the Lord stopped me. Any vow or covenant made between God and men must be kept as God keeps His end when we vow till death do us part He holds us accountable.
Agape.
And this is based on Matthew 19:5,6: "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Any marriage, whether amongst believers or not, brings about an indissoluble union, as the two become one. If a divorce has to take place, then they have to remain separated. If they remarry, then they would remain accountable to God for their decisions. It seems the only times that a lawful remarriage can take place are when one spouse dies ( 1 Corinthians 7:39), or because of fornication committed ( Matthew 5:31,32). However, this 'fornication' seems to be based on Deuteronomy 24:1, where "uncleanness is found in her", i.e. it is supposed that the man has found that his wife was not pure, whether occurring in her single state or in the betrothal period, or even after marriage. Some have raised arguments about this understanding; and some take this infidelity by the woman to happen only within the marriage, so giving grounds for divorce. Unfortunately, there's no indication what happens when the husband has been unfaithful. In any case, the general understanding is that divorce is a severing of a holy union, and if it must happen, then remaining unmarried thereafter ensures that no sin is committed.
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?