The teaching of the Lord on the subject of divorce and remarriage is very straightforward in Matthew 19:3-12. I believe it is important when teaching any person who asks questions concerning this issue to simply turn to the text and read it. Here are some things the Lord plainly states in this text:
- The authority for marriage as well as the prohibition of divorce was given in the beginning (Genesis 2:24) and therefore applies to all men, believer or unbeliever.
- The words of Moses in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 did not give authority for a person to divorce or remarry, but was given because of the sinfulness (hardheartedness) of the Jews. What God “suffered” during this time was not God will or law “from” the beginning. In using the word “from” Jesus shows that the law given in the beginning has always been the law.
- Only one person was given the right to both divorce and remarry and that is the person whose mate had committed fornication. No one else is given that right. Anyone else who does divorce and remarry is committing adultery.
Therefore, there can be only one conclusion for the person who admits what the person asking this question admits. When Herod and Herodias were accused of unlawfully marrying one another, John the Baptist told them that separation was the only solution in order to be pleasing to God (Mark 6:14-17).
Possibly related:
- I was a faithful member of a denominational church for many years. At a time of weakness I left my husband for another man. I have now been married to this man for ten years. I want to become a Christian. What must I do?
- Homosexuality is only condemned in the Bible when it is practiced by heterosexuals.
- I believe that the homosexuality condemned in the Bible is only of the type condemned in Sodom and Gomorrah where it was practiced with multiple partners. When it is monogamous it is not sinful.