Marriage and Divorce The Challenge Before Us Divorce

Marriage and Divorce

The Challenge Before Us • Divorce continues to be rampant in America.

The Challenge Before Us • Divorce continues to be rampant in America. • Doctrinal disagreement is not helping to stem the tide! Differences on the issue have resulted in more divorces, more church divisions, and more questions regarding fellowship. • We must stand for truth! (1 Corinthians 1: 27; Proverbs 23: 23) • The status quo is unacceptable. • We must renew our minds! (Ephesians 4: 23, 2). • We must seek and speak the truth in a spirit of humility, gentleness and longsuffering.

Important Principles • Marriage is a life-long commitment (Romans 7: 2; 1 Corinthians 7: 39; Matthew 19: 6; Malachi 2: 16). • God allows only one exception to His no divorce law (Matthew 19: 1 -12; 5: 31 -32; Mark 10: 1 -12). • Everyone is subject to Christ’s marriage law (Matthew 19: 1 -12; 5: 31 -32; Mark 10: 1 -12; Luke 16: 18). • Baptism does not wash away unrepentant adultery (Acts 2: 38). • Repentance demands that sinful relationships cease (Ezra 10; 1 Corinthians 6: 9 -11).

What Constitutes Marriage? • A covenant (Malachi 2: 14) • A public proclamation or ceremony which accords with civil law and societal norms (Matt. 22: 1 -10; 25: 1 -10; Luke 14: 8; John 2: 1 -2) • A joining of husband wife (Genesis 2: 24; Matthew 19: 5; Ephesians 5: 31) • Becoming one flesh (Genesis 2: 24; 1 Cor. 6: 16; Malachi 2: 15)

What Constitutes Divorce (putting away)? • Putting away is an undoing of that which constituted the marriage (Matthew 19: 46, 9, cf. 1 Corinthians 7: 27 ) • Putting away is an action, not merely a decision • Putting away is a unilateral action • Putting away involves legal action • The one who is put away commits adultery when he or she remarries

Summary of Basic Truths on Marriage & Divorce • God's desire is that marriage be a life-long commitment. • The general rule is that to divorce and remarry is to commit the sin of adultery (Luke 16: 18). • The one who divorces commits adultery if he or she remarries (Mark 10: 11 -12) • The one who is divorced (put away) commits adultery if he or she remarries (Matthew 5: 32) • God has provided one exception to this rule, and it must be regarded as just that -- AN EXCEPTION!!! (Matthew 19: 9).