MARRIAGE, DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY

MARRIAGE, DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE

By Dennis Schmidt 2/2007

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This paper discusses the subject of marriage, divorce and remarriage in the Bible. This is a very complex subject in which scripture does not give answers for every circumstance. This paper shows the scriptures and gives some guidelines on the subject. Each person involved should study God's word and hear from God what they should do. God is our judge. We are to strive to please Him. A first test is what Jesus would do. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME: God hates divorce. He has made the two to become one flesh. Christians are not to get divorced because they represent Jesus to the world. If they show divorce or failure in a relationship, Christianity shows it can not succeed to the unbeliever. Christians are to forgive their partner's sins, reconcile to each other, and restore the relationship. God's love and forgiveness is to prevail. God's power, the Holy Spirit within, and Bible influence enables the Christian to fulfill God's love.

2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present <you as> a chaste virgin to Christ." We are to have one marriage.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 "And unto the married I command, <yet> not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from <her> husband: {11} But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife." The Christian wife should not leave or be put out by the Christian husband since God has made them one flesh for life. If she leaves or gets a divorce she is to remain unmarried or return to her one and only husband.

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 "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. {13} And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him." The Christian should not leave since God may use them to convert the unbeliever.

Ephesians 5:31-32 "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. {32} This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." God compares Christ to the Church with a marriage of a man to a woman.

PURPOSE: A life time commitment in a shared union. The wife and husband are to share their experiences as one flesh, to produce children, to be an example to their children, and train their children to know the Lord. The husband duties include providing for the family. He is to be the: leader, priest (servant), and spiritual influence. He is to train his children in the Lord while honoring and loving his wife/children. The wife is to be the help meet to her husband. The wife is to submit to her husband, to love, to honor, to care for him, the children, and the household. She is to guide the children & teach them.

Genesis 17:6 "And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee." Multiply and replenish the earth.

KEY VERSE: Love by self giving to the family as Jesus loved the Church and gave Himself for it.

Ephesians 5:25, 27-29, 31 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. {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." The Husband and wife love relationship are compared to Christ and the Church which are fulfilled in the same scripture as Genesis 2:24.

WHO: God mainly by Bible authors Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Matthew, Luke, John, and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected Christians

WHAT: God hates divorce. He has made the two to become one flesh. Christians are not to get divorced because they represent Jesus to the world. If they show divorce or failure in a relationship, Christianity shows it can not succeed to the unbeliever. Christians are to forgive their partner's sins, reconcile to each other, and restore the relationship. God's love and forgiveness is to prevail. God's power, the Holy Spirit within, and Bible influence enables the Christian to fulfill God's love.

2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present <you as> a chaste virgin to Christ." We are to have one marriage.

Ephesians 5:25, 27-29, 31 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. {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." The Husband & wife love relationship are compared to Christ & the Church which are fulfilled in the same scripture as Genesis 2:24.

WAY: What made people married? Commitment to the marriage by parent's, woman's father, & maybe couple. Sexual union would follow. Marriage may occurred from a sexual union.

When was divorce permitted? It may have possibly occurred, if the mate was not pure by lying to the other party, or the unbeliever left and divorced.

When was remarriage allowed? If death occurred to the mate, then marriage could be to another Christian. Otherwise, it is not clearly taught in scripture for any other cause. For two believers, they would have to remain single or be reconciled to each other. For the believer it may be possibly to remarry if the unbeliever mate leaves the marriage, gets divorced, and marries another person or committed fornication.

Matthew 19:4-6 "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." They are one flesh and joined as one. Therefore, they are not two any longer.

WHY: God's Word (Bible) is not to destroy, but produce life.

Isaiah 28:13 "But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, <and> there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." God's Word here is used wrongly.

Isaiah 55:11 "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper <in the thing> whereto I sent it." God's Word is sent to change lives.

Romans 8:1 "<There is> therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." God's Word provides hope for the Christian.

2 Corinthians 3:6 "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." God's Word without Spirit destroys.

WHEREAS: Two become one flesh for a life time experience. A commitment to love ones mate is possible on the same bases as a baby that is brought into a home. The baby is loved even though the child is self centered, keeps the parents awake, and needs diapers to be changed. In the same way a dog is brought home and loved. It barks, it is dirty, and it needs to be taken for walks in all types of weather. Love develops on the good points. The bad points with their experiences are forgiven, forgotten, and ignored.

WHERE: Earth

WHEN: All times

WHILE: The promise of commitment is equal to the marriage. The two later consummate the betrothal in a sexual union. A sexual act before marriage is fornication. Often the children were espoused to a future union by their parents.

Malachi 2:14-15 "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." God witness the union.

Mary is Joseph's wife. Joseph married Mary before they went to Bethlehem so Jesus is Joseph son.

Matthew 1:18-20 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused 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 privily." Joseph was Mary's husband during the betrothal period before the marriage ceremony. He prepared a home, during this period, then returned for her.

WANTS: A person who becomes born again has all past sins forgiven and forgotten by God. They start their Christian life from that point clean. They are to use 1 John 1:9 when they sins. They are imputed with the righteousness (perfect standing with the Father) of Christ. The Bible was written to Christians. The scriptures do not relate to unbelievers since the natural man is not interested in Christ centered things. When people become Christians they are to live by the Bible standards. A Christian family should not end in a divorce. They are to forgive and be reconciled to each other.

Isaiah 43:25 "I, <even> I, <am> he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." A new Christian has all their sins forgiven and forgotten by God.

Romans 3:21-25 "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; {22} Even the righteousness of God <which is> by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: {23} For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: {25} Whom God hath set forth <to be> a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" A Christian is given faith to believe the imputed righteous of God, by grace, not of his works for his salvation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man <be> in Christ, <he is> a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." When he is born again, all past sins are forgiven and forgotten. As a Christian, he is to act with forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration as God's goals.

1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know <them>, because they are spiritually discerned."

WAIT: God instituted marriage to produce a one flesh to represent, His oneness as an example, in man and woman as Christ and the Church. See Ephesians 5:32 for Christ example with the Church.

Jeremiah 3:14 "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:" Israel is God's wife.

Revelation 21:9 "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." The bride (Church) is betrothed to Christ (Lamb of God).

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) NEW CHRISTIAN:

II) PURPOSE OF THE WORD OF GOD:

III) GOD MARRIED ISRAEL. THE CHURCH IS THE BETROTHAL BRIDE OF CHRIST:

IV) GOD'S PERFECT PLAN FOR MARRIAGE:

V) GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MARRIAGE:

VI) ENGAGEMENT & BETROTHAL:

A) WIFE WHILE YOUNG:

B) JOSEPH (BRIDEGROOM) PREPARES FOR MARY (BRIDE) HIS ESPOUSED:

C) JESUS (BRIDEGROOM) PREPARES A HOUSE FOR THE CHURCH (BRIDE):

VII) MARRIAGE COMMITMENT:

VIII) OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES ON MARRIAGE & THEIR COMMITMENT:

A) ADULTERY WAS PUNISH BY DEATH TO THE GUILTY:

B) FATHER DECIDES, DOWRY, RAPE, MARRIAGE BY SEXUAL UNION & DIVORCE:

C) SEPARATION OF FAMILIES, DIVORCES, & REMARRIAGE:

D) GOD DIVORCED JUDAH, HIS WIFE; WHEN SHE REPENTED GOD RETURNED:

IX) PRIEST WIFE:

X) KEY OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE QUOTED BY JESUS IN MATTHEW 5 & 19

XI) NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES ON MARRIAGE & THEIR COMMITMENT:

A) MARRIAGE BY UNION:

B) SEPARATION OF FAMILIES & DIVORCES:

C) TWO BELIEVERS WHEN ONE BELIEVER SEPARATE OR DIVORCE REMAIN SINGLE:

D) MARRIAGE COMMITMENT BROKEN BY DEATH OF THE MARRIAGE PARTNER:

E) REMARRIAGE FOR BELIEVER WHEN UNBELIEVER MATE LEAVES:

F) FULL SCRIPTURES:

XII) ADULTERY & FORNICATION:

XIII) SUMMARY OF SOME ISSUES FOR MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, & REMARRIAGE:

A) WHEN IS A PERSON MARRIED?

B) HAVE PEOPLE BEEN DIVORCED FOR UNCLEANNESS OR ANY CAUSE?

C) DO SOME PEOPLE WHO DIVORCE & REMARRY LIVE IN CONTINUED SIN?

D) ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO DIVORCED BEEN PERMITTED TO REMARRY?

E) ARE PEOPLE WHO DIVORCED & REMARRIED, NEVER ALLOWED TO MARRY THE FIRST PERSON AGAIN?

F) HAS GOD DIVORCED A NATION FOR UNCLEANNESS?

G) ARE NEW CHRISTIANS TO LEAVE THEIR PRESENT MATE IF THEY HAD REMARRIED & RETURN TO THEIR FIRST MATE?

H) HAS GOD DIVIDED PEOPLE INCLUDING CHRISTIANS FOR RELIGIOUS ERROR

I) ARE SOME PEOPLE INCLUDING TWO CHRISTIANS ALLOWED TO DIVORCE?

I) NEW CHRISTIAN: A person who becomes born again has all past sins forgiven & forgotten by God. They start their Christian life from that point clean. They are to use 1 John 1:9 when they sins. They are imputed with the righteousness (perfect standing with the Father) of Christ. The Bible was written to Christians. The scriptures do not relate to unbelievers since the natural man is not interested in Christ centered things. When people become Christians they are to live by the Bible standards. A Christian family should not end in a divorce. They are to forgive and be reconciled to each other.

See my paper: "What is a Born-Again & How to Become One?" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

Isaiah 43:25 "I, <even> I, <am> he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." A new Christian has all their sins forgiven & forgotten by God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man <be> in Christ, <he is> a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." When he is born again, all past sins are forgiven & forgotten. As a Christian, is to act with forgiveness, reconciliation & restoration as God's goals.

1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know <them>, because they are spiritually discerned."

II) PURPOSE OF THE WORD OF GOD: God's Word (Bible) is not to destroy, but produce life.

See my paper: "God's Word/Bible/Scriptures" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Bible Study & Interpretation Guidelines" for more information on this subject.

Romans 8:1 "<There is> therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." God's Word provides hope for the Christian.

III) GOD MARRIED ISRAEL. THE CHURCH IS THE BETROTHAL BRIDE OF CHRIST:

See my paper: "Disciples & Others of Jesus Family" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Man's Relationship with His Wife, Family, & Friends" for more information on this subject.

God instituted marriage to produce a one flesh to represent, His oneness as an example, in man and woman as Christ and the Church. See Ephesians 5:32 for Christ example with the Church.

IV) GOD'S PERFECT PLAN FOR MARRIAGE: Two become one flesh for a life commitment.

See my paper: "Love" for more information on this subject.

Genesis 2:18 "And the LORD God said, <It is> not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Woman is partner so man is not alone & a help meet to the man.

Genesis 2:24 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."Jesus & Church as Jesus & Father are one. Gods grace is needed today as this scripture is before man's first sin. Just as Adam was told not to sin or he would die.

V) GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MARRIAGE: A life time commitment in a shared union.

See my paper: "God's Plan and Purpose for the Ages" for more information on this subject.

The wife & husband are to share their experiences as one flesh, to produce children, to be an example to their children, and train their children to know the Lord.

The husband duties include providing for the family. He is to be the: leader, priest (servant), and spiritual influence. He is to train his children in the Lord while honoring & loving his wife/children.

The wife is to be the help meet to her husband. The wife is to submit to her husband, to love, to honor, to care for him, the children, & the household. She is to guide the children & teach them.

Genesis 17:6 "And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee." Multiply and replenish the earth.

VI) ENGAGEMENT & BETROTHAL: The promise of commitment is equal to the marriage. The two later consummate the betrothal in a sexual union. A sexual act before marriage is fornication.

A) WIFE WHILE YOUNG: Often the children were espoused to a future union by their parents.

B) JOSEPH (BRIDEGROOM) PREPARES FOR MARY (BRIDE) HIS ESPOUSED: Mary is Joseph's wife. Joseph married Mary before they went to Bethlehem so Jesus is Joseph son.

See my paper: "Mary" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Virgin" for more information on this subject.

C) JESUS (BRIDEGROOM) PREPARES A HOUSE FOR THE CHURCH (BRIDE):

See my paper: "Sermon on the Mount" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Kingdom of God & Heaven" for more information on this subject.

Matthew 25:5-10 "While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. {6} And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. {7} Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. {8} And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. {9} But the wise answered, saying, <Not so>; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. {10} And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut." This is the Jewish wedding practice.

John 14:2-3 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if <it were> not <so>, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, <there> ye may be also." Bridegroom task

Revelation 21:2 "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." New Jerusalem is where the bride wll live.

VII) MARRIAGE COMMITMENT: Two become one flesh for a life time experience. A commitment to love ones mate is possible on the same bases as a baby that is brought into a home. The baby is loved even though the child is self centered, keeps the parents awake, and needs diapers to be changed. In the same way a dog is brought home and loved. It barks, it is dirty, and it needs to be taken for walks in all types of weather. Love develops on the good points. The bad points with their experiences are forgiven, forgotten, and ignored.

See my paper: "Man's Greatest Need - Relationship with God" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Christian Growth" for more information on this subject.

Matthew 19:4-6 "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." They are one flesh & joined as one. Therefore, they are not two any longer.

VIII) OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES ON MARRIAGE & THEIR COMMITMENT:

See my paper: "Israel & Jewish People in God's Plan" for more information on this subject.

God's plan was always the two being one flesh. Divorce had occurred, so God used Moses laws to regulate those divorce and remarriage people. Divorce was not required. The Old Testament only allowed three reasons for divorce: (Religious & Sexual) incompatibilities & death.

What made people married? Woman's father approval and the couple follow with the sexual union.

Divorce was permitted: First, if the woman was not sexually pure as promise by the parents.

Second, if the woman's religious influence the Jewish man or his children against Judaism or God. In Israel today, only a man can divorce his wife. Judaism allowed remarriage.

Adultery was not a reason for divorce but was punished by death to the both parties.

A) ADULTERY WAS PUNISH BY DEATH TO THE GUILTY:

See my paper: "What Does God Really Want?" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Questions & Answers on Law, Faith, & Liberty" for more information on this subject.

Leviticus 20:10 "And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." Both parties were put to death by stoning.

Deuteronomy 22:22-24 "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." Betrothed unto a husband makes her his wife. Both the adulterer & adulteress mates can remarry after the executions.

B) FATHER DECIDES, DOWRY, RAPE, MARRIAGE BY SEXUAL UNION & DIVORCE:

See my paper: "Twelve Tribes Prophecies" for more information on this subject.

Genesis 34:12 "Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife." The usual endowed payment of fifty <shekels> of silver is given to the father for his daughter in marriage.

Exodus 22:16-17 "And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife. {17} If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins." After a sexual union, dowry is paid even if no marriage.

Leviticus 19:20 "And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that <is> a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free."A raped salve is punished & man must pay sin offer

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 "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."Woman raped becomes wife/can never divorce

C) SEPARATION OF FAMILIES, DIVORCES, & REMARRIAGE:

Exodus 21:4-5 "If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. {5} And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, & my children; I will not go out free:" He can stay as servant. She and children are not free to go.

Deuteronomy 21:13-14 "And she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month: and after that thou shalt go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife. {14} And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou humbled her." A captured woman from Israel's enemies can be made his wife. If she is divorced, she is to become a free woman.

Deuteronomy 22:13-15, 19 "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: {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." He can never divorce her.

Ezra 10:11 "Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives." Religious divorce because unbelieving woman is teaching children about false gods.

Ezra 10:44 "All these had taken strange wives: and <some> of them had wives by whom they had children." Jews left wives & maybe children also.

D) GOD DIVORCED JUDAH, HIS WIFE; WHEN SHE REPENTED GOD RETURNED:

Isaiah 50:1 "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." God gave northern Israel her bill of divorce. However, God took her back after she repented.

Jeremiah 3:1 "They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD." God compares man's divorce wives in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 with going after other gods. Yet Israel can come back to the Lord.

Jeremiah 3:8 "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." Religious adultery leads to God's divorce from Judah.

Hosea 2:2 "Plead with your mother, plead: for she <is> not my wife, neither <am> I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, & adulteries from between her breasts;" Divorce was temporary for only a limited period of time with Judah repenting.

IX) PRIEST WIFE: God's man must marry from same religion, family, virgin, & pure woman.

Leviticus 21:7 "They shall not take a wife <that is> a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he <is> holy unto his God." Not a divorced woman

Leviticus 21:13 "And he shall take a wife in her virginity." Pure and virgin woman

X) KEY OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE QUOTED BY JESUS IN MATTHEW 5 & 19

Two Judaism teachings: One conservative school (Shammai) allowed divorce for sexual uncleanness reasons only. Another more liberal school (Hillel 60 BC - 20 AD) believed a divorce of the wife is allowed for any reason whatsoever.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 "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." Uncleanness: Woman as promise by parents was not pure. The two may never remarry if divorced. Bill of divorce protects her from adultery.

XI) NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES ON MARRIAGE & THEIR COMMITMENT:

What made people married? Commitment to the marriage by parent's, woman's father, & maybe couple. Sexual union would follow. Marriage may occurred from a sexual union.

When was divorce permitted? It may have possibly occurred, if the mate was not pure by lying to the other party, or the unbeliever left and divorced.

See my paper: "Restoration of the Kingdom of God to Israel" for more information on this subject.

A) MARRIAGE BY UNION: A marriage/breakup may occur when people have had a sexual union.

See my paper: "Jesus Life, Events, & Identity" for more information on this subject.

1 Corinthians 6:16 "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh." The two become one flesh in the sexual relationship. See Genesis 2:24 above. The fornication could break the original one flesh relationship.

B) SEPARATION OF FAMILIES & DIVORCES: Only for fornication (uncleanness). The mate who cause the separation, the divorced person who marries, and the person who marries the divorced person are living in a continual adultery relationship if the original couple were Christians.

Matthew 5:27-28 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: {28} But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Adultery committed by thought, word, or deed.

Matthew 5:31-32 "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: {32} But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." Fornication: Maybe the same as Deuteronomy 24:1's uncleanness.

Matthew 19:3-9 "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, and to put her away? {8} He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. {9} And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except <it be> for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: & whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." Similar to the Mark 10:2-12 account. God allowed, by the laws of Moses for divorce since hard hearted people were committing adultery which had a death penalty. The law did not require divorce. The law of Moses just regulated the divorce-remarriage.

Mark 10:11-12 "And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. {12} And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery." The same case was for woman divorcing.

Luke 16:18 "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from <her> husband committeth adultery." They are still married.

C) TWO BELIEVERS WHEN ONE BELIEVER SEPARATE OR DIVORCE REMAIN SINGLE:

For two Christians, if the wife departs then she is to remain unmarried or be reconciled to her one and only husband: No divorce or remarriage is allowed for the Christian marriage.

D) MARRIAGE COMMITMENT BROKEN BY DEATH OF THE MARRIAGE PARTNER: The death of the marriage partner means they are no longer bound by the law of their marriage.

Romans 7:1-2 "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 of <her> husband. {3} So then if, while <her> husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man." They are loosed to marry.

1 Corinthians 7:39 "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." Death to a marriage partner removes the marriage bond. A Christian who has been bound by the law is then at liberty to marry again but only to another Christian.

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

E) REMARRIAGE FOR BELIEVER WHEN UNBELIEVER MATE LEAVES: If the unbelieving depart, separate or divorces & remarries. The believer is not under bondage to remain single. The married pair were probably unbelievers until the husband came to the faith. The wife decides to leave because of her Christian husband's faith. For a new Christian, who has been married several times he is to remain with the present mate. However, if that unbelieving mate leave, separate, or divorces & remarries; then the believer is not under bondage to remain single.

Matthew 19:6 "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Asunder & depart are from the same Greek base word.

1 Corinthians 7:15, 27-28 "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such <cases>: but God hath called us to peace. {27} Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. {28} But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you." Verse 15, has the unbeliever departed or put asunder the marriage. Verse 27, shows the man is divorced or loosed from his wife. Verse 28, shows that the man may marry again and this is not sinful.

F) FULL SCRIPTURES:

1 Corinthians 7:12-16 "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. {13} And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. {14} For the unbelieving 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, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such <cases>: but God hath called us to peace. {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?:" No bondage

1 Corinthians 7:26-29 "I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, <I say>, that <it is> good for a man so to be. {27} Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. {28} But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. {29} But this I say, brethren, the time <is> short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;" After his unbelieving wife leaves him, if he marry he has not sinned.

XII) ADULTERY & FORNICATION: Adultery is a sexual act between a man & a woman for which one or both are married to other people. Fornication is any unclean act, including adultery, between a person or object (woman/man, same sex as person, child, close relative, animal or idol as work, family, activity, as another god). See Leviticus 20:10-22 & Deuteronomy 22:22-30 for more sinful examples. The Christian is to love with their whole heart, mind, body one God, Jesus.

Romans 2:22 "Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?" This is an example of religious adultery.

1 Corinthians 6:18 "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body."

Galatians 5:19 "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are <these>; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"

XIII) SUMMARY OF SOME ISSUES FOR MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, & REMARRIAGE:

All scriptures below are shown in the paper. Note: Christians are not to use the Old Testament law as they are under the New Testament principles.

A) WHEN IS A PERSON MARRIED? A married varies between sexual union, betrothal, and a marriage service.

Deuteronomy 22:29 (At sexual union, pay dowry)

Exodus 22:16-17 (At sexual union, but her father must agree.)

Matthew 1:18-19 (At betrothal, vow, commitment or engagement)

1 Corinthians 6:16 (At sexual union - one flesh with harlot)

B) HAVE PEOPLE BEEN DIVORCED FOR UNCLEANNESS OR ANY CAUSE? Uncleanness (fornication)

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (This differs from Matthew 19:3 every clause versus uncleanness statement)

Matthew 5:32 & Matthew 19:9 (fornication may equal uncleanness)

C) DO SOME PEOPLE WHO DIVORCE & REMARRY LIVE IN CONTINUED SIN? Yes,

Unbelievers who divorce and get remarry. Christians who divorce and remarry another person.

Matthew 5:31-32, 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:10-13 (reconciliation)

D) ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO DIVORCED BEEN PERMITTED TO REMARRY? Yes.

Fornication could be a possible exception to God's desired plan of the two being one flesh. This could break asunder the marriage if the unbeliever who desires to leave gets married to another.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (Old Testament law is not for Christians); 1 Corinthians 7:15 (unbeliever leaves & marry) with 7:27-28 (remarry allowed)

E) ARE PEOPLE WHO DIVORCED & REMARRIED, NEVER ALLOWED TO MARRY THE FIRST PERSON AGAIN? Sometimes.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 & Jeremiah 3:1 (Old Testament people)

I Corinthians 7:15 (divorce) with 1 Corinthian 7:27 & 7:29 (remarry allowed) with 1 Corinthians 7:39 & 2 Corinthians 6:14 (to marry a Christian only & not remarry the mate who is unbeliever.)

F) HAS GOD DIVORCED A NATION FOR UNCLEANNESS? Yes, northern Israel

Isaiah 50:1 & Jeremiah 3:8 (Jeremiah 3:13-22 but, God will return unto her when she repents.)

G) ARE NEW CHRISTIANS TO LEAVE THEIR PRESENT MATE IF THEY HAD REMARRIED & RETURN TO THEIR FIRST MATE? No

Every sin committed prior to being born again is forgiven & forgotten by God. The Christian starts their new life clean. The Christian abides in the state (marriage also) he was called by God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." All past sins, including divorce & remarriage.

1 Corinthians 7:17 "But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches." When the person becomes a Chriatian, they are not to leave their present mate. They are to follow 1 Corinthians 7:12-16.

1 Corinthians 7:20 "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called."

H) HAS GOD DIVIDED PEOPLE INCLUDING CHRISTIANS FOR RELIGIOUS ERROR Yes. Only if the unbeliever leaves. The Christian is told to let the unbeliever leave, and not to initial the person leaving or to leave them. If the unbeliever leaves, the Christian is not under bondage but in peace.

Ezra 10:11 & Ezra 10:44 (Old Testament non-believers had an anti-God effect on the Jews.)

I) ARE SOME PEOPLE INCLUDING TWO CHRISTIANS ALLOWED TO DIVORCE? No. They must forgive their partner, be reconciled to each other, and restore their relationship.

Deuteronomy 22:13-15, 19 (Old Testament husband lied about wife virginity)

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 (Old Testament maid lost virginity by raped & man can't divorce her)

Mark 11:25-26 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. {26} But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Christians are to forgive also.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: {11} But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife." Two married Christians.

2 Corinthians 5:18 "And all things <are> of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;" Christians are to reconcile with partner.

1 John 4:20 "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Brother equal to husband or wife. A person can not be a Christian if they can not do this.

BIBLE CONCLUSION FOR CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE, DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE:

God hates divorce. He has made the two to become one flesh. Christians are not to get divorced because they represent Jesus to the world. If they show divorce or failure in a relationship, Christianity shows it can not succeed to the unbeliever. Christians are to forgive their partner's sins, reconcile to each other, and restore the relationship. God's love & forgiveness is to prevail.

God's power, Holy Spirit within, & Bible influence enables the Christian to fulfill God's love.

2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present <you as> a chaste virgin to Christ." We are to have one marriage.

Ephesians 5:25, 27-29, 31 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. {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." The Husband & wife love relationship are compared to Christ & the Church which are fulfilled in the same scripture as Genesis 2:24.

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