Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament by Joseph Henry Thayer, D.D.
MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, and REMARRIAGE
Introduction I.The Marriage Covenant II.Marriage to Unbelievers III.An Adulterer, adulteress IV.The New Covenant on Divorce V.The Old Covenant on Divorce VI.God's Forgiveness VII.God's Unforgiveness, God's Judgment, God's Warnings VIII. Remarriage IX.Divorced or Remarried in an Office of Ministry X.Word StudiesConclusion
Introduction Who should you marry?Do you have to marry?Can you divorce?Can you remarry?Can you have a pastor who is divorced and remarried?"Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant."Malachi 2:14
If you are married, than you have a covenant with your spouse unless one is guilty of adultery. Adultery breaks the marriage covenant.
I. The Marriage CovenantA. Who is married?How does one become a husband or a wife? They agree with each other that they are married and unite physically.What constitutes a marriage?agreement and physical union These statements do not allow for sex before a marriage ceremony. In the US, there is a marriage ceremony and a marriage license. I believe the marriage ceremony and a marriage license are required before one enters the marriage covenant constituted by the marriage bed. "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused (agreement) to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away (630, divorce) privily. (20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."Matthew 1:18-20
"What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh." 1 Corinthians 6:16
Husband and wife agree to marry in this country. What about forced marriages and planned marriages? They still form a covenant before almighty God! "Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. (17) The woman answered and said, I have no (3756, not one?) husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: (18) For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly."John 4:16-18
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (22) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: (31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (33) Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband."(I Corinthians 7:2-5)Ephesians 5:21-33
B. The physical connection "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."Genesis 2:24
"And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, (5) And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (6) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Matthew 19:4-6
"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. (7) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave (4347) to his wife; (8) And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. (9) What therefore God hath joined together (4801,1 word), let not man put asunder (5563)."Mark 10:6-9
"therefore God hath joined together"do these Words mean that a marriage that God hasn't put together can be "put asunder"??? No!I Corinthians 7:12-16gives directives for a marriage to an unbeliever -God doesn't join a believer to an unbeliever, yet He wants them to stay "joined together"! "Let not man put asunder" - "man" means husband, wife, pastor, etc.!!!! 'You shall not commit adultery' can be restated - 'you shall not break the one flesh'. When one cheats outside of marriage, the 'one flesh' is violated.
C. The spiritual connection "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." I Peter 3:7
"Defraud ye not one the other, except [it be] with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."I Corinthians 7:5 Separate only for a consented time lest Satan's tempting becomes a problem.
"And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand. (14) Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. (15) And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (16) For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away (07971,send away): for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously (0898,deceitfully). (17) Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied [him]? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where [is] the God of judgment? (2) But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:"Malachi 2:13-17- 3:2
D. The soulish connection "[But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul."Proverbs 6:32
E. Who should you marry? "Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?" Nehemiah 13:27 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"2 Corinthians 6:14
F. The enemies of marriageWho are the enemies of marriage - false pastors, Satan, demons "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly."John 10:10The context of this verse is a false pastor (shepherd). The false pastor will steal, kill, and destroy. If a pastor tells you that divorce without the guilt of adultery is okay, than he/she is a false pastor who is destroying marriages!
"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (24) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden."Revelation 2:20-24 Jezebel, a false prophetess, teaches and seduces my servants to commit fornication. Have you or are you being taught to commit fornication to know the depths of Satan?
There is a reward for those who overcome: "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:"Revelation 2:26
II.Marriage to Unbelievers "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away (863). (13) And the woman (1135) which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell (3611) with her, let her not leave (863) him. (14) For the unbelieving (571) husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. (15) But if the unbelieving depart (5563), let him depart (5563). A brother or a sister is not under bondage (1402) in such cases: but God hath called us to peace (1515). (16) For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" 1 Corinthians 7:12-16
Who not to marry?- Do not marry an unbeliever!"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"2 Corinthians 6:14- Do not marry foreign women! Nehemiah 13:23-27 "Shall we then listen to you, to do this great evil, to sin against our God in living with foreign women?"Nehemiah 13:27 What is the meaning of "foreign" for today? ('Foreign' meaning not a Christian)
III. An Adulterer, Adulteress The command against adultery"... Thou shalt not commit adultery:"Matthew 5:27 "Thou shalt not commit adultery."Exodus 20:14 "Neither shalt thou commit adultery."Deuteronomy 5:18 "Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her."Leviticus 18:20
Who is an adulteress, adulterer? "So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress (3428): but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law (3551); so that she is no adulteress (3428), though she be married to another man."Romans 7:3 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."Matthew 5:28
What is the punishment for adultery? "a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.” Deuteronomy 22:22 "And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against adulterers, ..." Malachi 3:5 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ... that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."Galatians 5:19-21 "Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." Hebrews 13:4 "Ye adulterers (3432) and adulteresses (3428), know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."James 4:4
NoteAn adulterer and an adulteress are an enemy of God! He or she is headed for Hell for they will not inherit the kingdom of God.Some try to connect actual adultery with apostasy. They try to substitute the word adultery with apostasy. They think apostasy is really adultery. They spiritualize adultery. Obviously, they are wrong.
IV. The New Covenant on DivorceA. What do the Gospels teach on divorce? "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, except (1508, but) it be for fornication (4202,noun), and shall marry (1060,verb) another, committeth adultery (3429,one word,moichao): and whoso marrieth (1060) her which is put away (630) doth commit adultery (3429)."Matthew 19:9 One spouses fornication allows the other to remarry not committing adultery. That's Bible! "And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, and marry (1060) another, committeth adultery (3429) against her. (12) And if a woman shall put away (630) her husband, and be married (1060) to another, she committeth adultery (3429)."Mark 10:11-12 "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, saving (1508, but) for the cause of fornication (4202), causeth her to commit adultery (3429): and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced (630) committeth adultery (3429)."Matthew 5:32
Putting Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11-12 together, the following is the assembled verses of what Jesus said.Whosoever shall put away (divorce) his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, causeth her to commit adultery: and committeth adultery against her: and whoso marrieth her which is put away (divorced) doth commit adultery. And if a woman shall put away (divorce) her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery, unless one spouse commits adultery one time then the innocent spouse can divorce the guilty spouse and remarry. Under the law the guity spouse would have been stoned for adultery. The guilty spouse would have been dead for the sin of adultery. Does Jesus just wink at the sin of adultery in a marriage, today? No. He considers the marriage convenant broken. The innocent spouse is no longer married. Adultery breaks the marriage covenant! See V. The Old Covenant on Divorce. How does a husband "committeth adultery against her" if he divorces his wife? Spiritual adultery can be committed with sticks & stones, Jerimiah 3:9.
Conclusion: Marriage is a covenant one enters into before God!Knowingly or unknowingly - saved or unsaved.When you become a Christian, you are in a covenant relationship with God. God cannot break that covenant with you unless you sin. You can break the relationship with God which will allow you to go to hell! Whosoever divorces (breaks the covenant) their spouse and marries another commits adultery!(which is a sin unto death?) except for a spouse committing adultery. Adultery is one spouse sinning against Jesus and the innocent spouse.Matthew 5:32, 19:9; Mark 10:11-12: "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? (4) And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, (5) And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (6) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (7) They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement (647), and to put her away (630)? (8) He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away (630,divorce) your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. (9) And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away (630,divorce) his wife, except it be for fornication (4202,noun), and shall marry (1060,verb) another, committeth adultery (3429,one word,moichao): and whoso marrieth (1060) her which is put away (630) doth commit adultery (3429, one word). (10) His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry (1060). (11) But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. (12) For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."Matthew 19:3-12
"And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. (2) And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away (630) his wife? tempting him. (3) And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? (4) And they said, Moses suffered (2010) to write a bill (975) of divorcement (647), and to put her away (630). (5) And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept (1785). (6) But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. (7) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave (4347) to his wife; (8) And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. (9) What there-fore God hath joined together (4801,3 words), let not man put asunder (5563). (10) And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. (11) And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, and marry (1060) another, committeth adultery (3429) against her. (12) And if a woman shall put away (630) her husband, and be married (1060) to another, she committeth adultery (3429)."Mark 10:1-12
"What ... God hath joined together ..." Mark 10:9 God joined together by His design of the marriage covenant! God may not have told a husband and wife to marry, but His marriage covenant binds them anyway!
"It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement (647): (32) But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, saving for the cause of fornication (4202), causeth her to commit adultery (3429): and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced (630) committeth adultery (3429)."Matthew 5:31-32
B. What do the Epistles teach on divorce? "Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (192). (6) But I speak this by permission (4774), and not of commandment (2003). (7) For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. (8) I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. (9) But if they cannot contain (1467), let them marry (1060): for it is better to marry than to burn (4448). (10) And unto the married I command (3853), yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife (1135) depart (5563,separate) from her husband: (11) But and if she depart (5563), let her remain unmarried, (22) or be reconciled (2644) to her husband (435): and let not the husband put away (863,leave) his wife (1135). (12) But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away (863, leave). (13) And the woman (1135) which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell (3611) with her, let her not leave (863) him. (14) For the unbelieving (571) husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. (15) But if the unbelieving depart (5563, separate), let him depart (5563,separate). A brother or a sister is not under bondage (1402) in such cases: but God hath called us to peace (1515). (16) For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" I Corinthians 7:5-16 "Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife."I Corinthians 7:27
-Doesn't say believing or unbelieving wife. -Doesn't say what God has put together (Mark 10:9) -If God didn't tell you to marry your wife, are you still married before God? Yes! You have a covenant with your wife that you made before God!!
"The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord."1 Corinthians 7:39
V. The Old Covenant on Divorce "If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, (14) And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: (15) Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate: (16) And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her; (17) And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech against her, saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter's virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. (18) And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him; (19) And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days. (20) But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: (21) Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you. (22) If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. (23) If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; (24) Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you. (25)But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: (26) But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: (27) For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her. (28) If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; (29) Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days. (30) A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt. (23:1) He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD. (23:2) A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. (23:3) An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:"Deuteronomy 22:13-23:3
Deuteronomy 22:21 teaches that one should separate from the one committing adultery. If your wife is committing adultery, than you should separate from her to get away from her evil. Why isn't death by stones allowed today for adultery? It would solve the remarriage issue. Oh, your spouse is dead. Oh, you are a widow or widower. Okay, according to many Christians their response now would be 'Your spouse is dead; you can now remarry according to my understanding of marriage doctrine'. The reality is the marriage covenant is annulled because of the adultery. Jehovah put away Israel because of adultery. Is "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.", Hebrews 13:8.
Jehovah's/Jesus' putting away of Israel was not under or part of the Mosiac law/covenant. "But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."I Corinthians 5:13 "But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; (13) And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; (14) Having eyes full of adultery (3428), and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:" 2 Peter 2:12-14
Death for adulteryDeuteronomy 22:22Death for rapeDeuteronomy 22:25Death for fornicationDeuteronomy 22:21
"For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit [them] shall be cut off from among their people."Leviticus 18:29
"It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. ... (5) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (6) Your glorying [is] not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" 1 Corinthians 5:1-7
ISRAEL AND JUDAH MARRIED TO JEHOVAH
"The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. (7) And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. (8) And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. (9) And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. (10) And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD. (11) And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah. (12) Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. (13) Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. (14) Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:" Jeremiah 3:6-3:14 In the Old Covenant the Israelites were permitted to both put away their wives (Jeremiah 3:8, Matthew 19:7).
Further teaching on the marriage covenant by the school master.
"When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. (2) And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. (3) And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; (4) Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. (5) When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken." Deuteronomy 24:1
"Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away. (2) Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. (3) I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering."Isaiah 50:1-3
LIKE NEW COVENANT TEACHING
"And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand. (14) Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. (15) And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (16) For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away (07971,send away): for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously (0898,deceitfully). (17) Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied [him]? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where [is] the God of judgment? (2) But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:"Malachi 2:13-17;3:2
God hates the separation of husband and wife.
VI. God's Forgiveness "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. (2) And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. (3) And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, (4) They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. (5) Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? (6) This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not]. (7) So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (8) And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. (9) And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (10) When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? (11) She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."John 8:1-11
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."I Corinthians 6:9-10
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11
VII. God's Unforgiveness, God's Judgment, God's Warnings "Ye adulterers (3432) and adulteresses (3428), know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."James 4:4 The words "adulterers" and "adulteresses" are left out in the NIV and the NASV in James.4:4, why? Why does the devil not want these Words in God's Word?
"But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."1 Corinthians 5:13 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,"1 Corinthians 6:9 "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ... they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."Galatians 5:19-21 "Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."Hebrews 13:4 "But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; (13) And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; (14) Having eyes full of adultery (3428), and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:"2 Peter 2:12-14
Protection of marriage
"If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, [both] the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel."Deuteronomy 22:22 "For by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life."Proverbs 6:26 "So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent."Proverbs 6:29 "[But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul."Proverbs 6:32
An adulterer shall be stoned!Leviticus 20:10-11 How to fall away, loose your salvation - backslide - rebel(Sin unto death)
"They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away (868)."Luke 8:13 "... some shall depart from the faith ..." 1 Timothy 4:1 "For [it is] impossible ... If they shall fall away (3895), to renew them again unto repentance;..." Hebrews 6:6
Jesus' Judgement, will your end be Hell? Can an adulterer or an adulteress avoid Hell?
A. Not to overcome "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."Revelation 3:21
B. To take away words from the Bible "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book."Revelation 22:19
C. To add words to the Bible "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:"Revelation 22:18
D. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit "But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: (30) Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit."Mark 3:29-30 Today if someone speaks against a Christian who has been Holy Spirit baptized by saying that his/her power comes from the devil; they blaspheme. How many people (Christians?) have said that a Spirit baptized Christian has a devil when they speak in tongues? Or that a person wasn't healed by God when a Christian laid hands on that person! You should be very careful of what you say!!!
E. To be presumptuous "But the soul that doeth [ought] presumptuously (7311), [whether he be] born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people."Numbers 15:30 "So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously (2102) up into the hill."Deuteronomy 1:43
F. Not to produce fruit "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."John 15:2 "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."John 15:8
G. Not to abide in Jesus "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."John 15:5 "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." John 15:6 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."Matthew 24:13
H. Giving heed to seducing spirits "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"I Timothy 4:1
I. Giving heed to doctrines of devils "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"I Timothy 4:1
J. To have an evil heart "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God."Hebrews 3:11 "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (36) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."Matthew 12:34-37 "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side."Matthew 13:19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:"Matthew 15:19 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22
K. Unbelief "Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if (1437) thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (23) And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again."Romans 11:20-23
L. Not enduring "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Matthew 24:13
M. By speaking words that bring judgement "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."Matthew 12:33-37
N. By fornicationFornication includes adultery A fornicator is a whoremonger "But if they cannot contain (1467), let them marry (1060): for it is better to marry than to burn (4448)."I Corinthians 7:9 "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled; (16) Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. (17) For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."Hebrews 12:15-17 "For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Can you always receive forgiveness? NO! "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."Acts 8:22 "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: (26) And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."2 Timothy 2:25-26 "For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the power of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame." (Hebrews 12:15-17)Hebrews 6:4-6 "... but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil." 1 Peter 3:12
Forgiveness????Can you receive forgiveness, if you are divorced for a reason other than your spouse's adultery?
VIII. Remarriage "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, except (1508, but) it be for fornication (4202,noun), and shall marry (1060,verb) another, committeth adultery (3429,one word, moichao): and whoso marrieth (1060) her which is put away (630) doth commit adultery (3429)."Matthew 19:9 One spouse's fornication allows the other to remarry not committing adultery. That's Bible! "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away (630) his wife, saving (1508, but) for the cause of fornication (4202), causeth her to commit adultery (3429): and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced (630) committeth adultery (3429)."Matthew 5:32
Putting Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11-12 together, the following is the assembled verses of what Jesus said.Whosoever shall put away (divorce) his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, causeth her to commit adultery: and committeth adultery against her: and whoso marrieth her which is put away (divorced) doth commit adultery. And if a woman shall put away (divorce) her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery, unless one spouse commits adultery one time then the innocent spouse can divorce the guilty spouse and remarry. Under the law the guity spouse would have been stoned for adultery. The guilty spouse would have been dead for the sin of adultery. Does Jesus just wink at the sin of adultery in a marriage, today? No. He considers the marriage convenant broken/ended. The innocent spouse is no longer married. Adultery breaks the marriage covenant! See V. The Old Covenant on Divorce.
Conclusion:When you become a Christian, you are in a covenant relationship with God. God cannot break that covenant with you unless you sin. You can break the relationship with God which will allow you to go to hell! Adultery ends ones marriage covenant allowing the innocent spouse to remarry as Jesus directs. The death of a spouse allows the living spouse to remarry.
"Know ye not, brethren, (for, I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? (2) For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law (covenant) of [her] husband. (3) So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress (3428): but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law (marriage covenant); so that she is no adulteress (3428), though she be married to another man."Romans 7:1-3 "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. (40) But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God."I Corinthians 7:39-40 The word "law" in the New Covenant may refer to the different covenants. Galatians 5:18's law refers to the Mosiac covenant.
"But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; (12) Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. (13) And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. (14) I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. (15) For some are already turned aside after Satan."1 Timothy 5:11-15
IX. Divorced or Remarried in an Office of Ministry "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, ..." 1 Timothy 3:2 "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ..." 1Timothy 3:12 "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, ..."Titus 1:6
"Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. (17) The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: (18) For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly." John 4:16-18
X. Word studies 1. ADULTERY3428 moichalis - KJV words are adulterous, adulteress, adultery,KJV (7xs)3429 moichao - KJV word is commit adulteryKJV 6xsDef. to have unlawful intercourse with another's wife, to commit adultery with3430 moicheia - KJV word is adulteryKJV 4xs3431 moicheuo - KJV translates - commit adultery, in adulteryKJV 14xs3432 moichos- KJV translates - adultererKJV 4xsMatthew 5:27-28,19:18; Luke 16:18,20; John 8:4; Romans.2:22,13:9; James.2:11;Re.2:22adultery 3431John 8:3; Galatians 5:19adultery3430II Peter 2:14adultery3428AdulteryWhat is adultery from God's point of view?A husband & wife have covenanted w/ God to form a marriage whether they understood their actions or not -saved or not. The marriage covenant they entered into is binding through their entire life! To break this covenant by divorce requires adultery!!! (Matthew 19:9).
2. COVENANT -God's agreement which is binding for ones life, sealed w/ blood. "And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee."Genesis 17:7 "And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words."Exodus 24:8 "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."Matthew 26:28 "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"Hebrews 10:29 "Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant."Malachi 2:14
3. DIVORCE (03748, Hebrew)keriythuwthfrom 03772 karath def.-to cut off"bill of divorce" Jeremiah 3:8Divorce is the breaking of the marriage covenant
4. FORNICATION(4202) illicit sexual intercourse"It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife."1 Corinthians 5:1 "I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:" 1 Corinthians 5:9 "Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."1 Corinthians 7:2 "Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand."1 Corinthians 10:8
5. HARLOT "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot (4204) is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh."1 Cor. 6:16"And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart."Proverbs 7:10
6. "HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE" I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 "Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. (17) The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: (18) For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly." John 4:16-18
7. MARRIAGE Marriage has a dutyExodus 21:10 Marriage is honourable and the bed undefiledI Corinthians 7:38 No fornication, so let every woman have her own husbandI Corinthians 7:2 Separate only for a consented time lest Satan's tempting becomes a problemI Corinthians 7:5
8. PUT HER AWAY (New Testament)apoluo630Definition = divorcewhen in the context of marriageaphiemi 863Definition = leave
9. SEPARATION "put her away"Deuteronomy .22:29; Jerimiah 3:8;Matthew 1:19 (630),19:7(630); Mark 10:4(630); 1 Corinthians 7:12(863)
10. WHORE "Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you."Deuteronomy 22:21
A whore shall be burned at the stake (Leviticus 21:9;Deu.22:21).
"There shalt be no whore of the daughters of Israel, ..." Deuteronomy 23:17
Applications
1st. Chosing a marriage partner is a very major decisionWhy?:- You will be married to that person for life!70 years?- Your spouse will be your ministry partner- Your spouse will be a part of raising your children- Your spouse will be a prayer partner- The wrong spouse could cause you to loose your salvation
2nd. How to choose a marriage partner- Very carefully, this is a major decision- You can only marry a believer2 Corinthians 6:14- You are at liberty to marry whom you will: only in the Lord. Jesus chooses your spouse.I Corinthians 7:39- You are to be Spirit ledGalatians 5:16,18,25
3rd. Who not to marry- Do not marry an unbelieverII Corinthians 6:14- Do not marry just any believerGalatians 5:16.18,25
4th. Why not get a divorce?: - To keep from being an adulterer/adulteressMatthew 5:32 - To keep from loosing your salvationHebrews 12:15-17 - As an adulterer/adulteress to not enter heaven1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21 - To keep from being an enemy of GodJames 4:4 - To keep from being judged by GodHebrews 13:4
5th. Writing of divorcementMatthew 5:30,19:7 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away (630,divorce) his wife, saving for the cause of fornication (4202), causeth her to commit adultery (3429): and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced (630) committeth adultery (3429)."Matthew 5:32 "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled; (16) Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. (17) For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."Hebrews 12:15-17 "For our God [is] a consuming fire."Hebrews 12:29
Conclusion God hates putting away (send away, separation)Malachi 2:16 Divorce is only permitted for on episode of adultery Matthew 19:9
Remarriage, when the spouse is still alive, is adultery, unless the marriage covenant has ended because of adulteryThe hardness of your heart (spirit) does not allow you to divorce for just any excuse.Matthew 19:8An O.T. priest shall not take a wife who is a whore, profane, or one who has been put away.Leviticus 21:7
Many Christians today think a spouse who is innocent should simply stay married to an adulterer. They think they should stay married praying and fasting for their spouse. Those who have stayed with a spouse for years have prayed and fasted for their adulteress spouse! When is enough enough? Sure the Bible says forgive 70 xs 7. Must a innocent spouse forgive 70 xs 7 adulteries? No. Matthew 19:9 allows for divorce based on one episode of fornication. In this day and age when pornography is available to anyone on the internet, many pastors have yeilded to this easily available adultery. So, will they speak against divorce based on adultery? He or she won't want their spouse to divorce because of their love for pornography or lusting after others of the opposite sex or having physical sex. When an innocent spouse sees another innocent spouse getting a divorce, their response is to challenge their Biblical grounds for divorcing. They think since they are enduring the humiliating and debasing that goes along with being married to an adulterer, how dare anyone get freedom from a sin based marriage.This question of adultery would not be an issue in the Old Covenant. Why? The adulterer would have been killed! The adulterer would have been stoned to death. Too bad we don't have stoning for the punishment of adultery in the New Covenant! There would be a lot less suffering spouses living with an adulter! "For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the power of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame." Hebrews 6:4-6 "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."Matthew 19:9