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Un-biblical Divorce and Biblical Forgiveness
- Thread starter JonC
- Start date
As some of you know, I take a very strict view on this topic.
Our Lord said that the person who divorces and marries another commits adultery. Now that seems pretty clear.
Most want to excuse a divorce on the unfaithful actions of the partner.
This doesn't work for two reasons.
First, the only time our Lord said divorce was allowed was before consummation. An example was Mary and Joseph. After that, the statement by our Lord is what God joins together, let no man split up, applies.
Second, concerns the vows taken before the public, and made to God.
A vow is a unconditional statement of promise. It is NOT set in terms of a bargain or contract where if one doesn't meet the standard the contract or bargain is null and void.
So, unless the vows say, "I will remain your faithful partner forsaking all others as long as you do," or "until death or infidelity us do part" then there is no scriptural dissolution for a marriage. The vow is made to God, NOT the partner. The vow is recited in the presence of the partner as a witness to that vow. Perhaps some need to go review vows made to God to clarify in their mind how very seriously such is to be taken.
Lastly,
If two no longer can live together, then it is right and Scriptural for the husband to support the wife as best he can. No matter the situation. There is no scriptural "out" for the husband. He is to love the wife.
If the wife divorces, the husband must remain single, supporting the family as best he can, even if she remarries becoming the adulteress.
This is not my standard, but that of the Scriptures.
The Jews could not live to God's standard, and Mosses allowed for divorces, but our Lord said that was because they were weak.
Are believers not in dwelt with the very God of all creation?
Life is hard. No one is disputing that mistakes are costly and last a lifetime. Just happens this topic fits such a cost when mistakes are made.
Our Lord said that the person who divorces and marries another commits adultery. Now that seems pretty clear.
Most want to excuse a divorce on the unfaithful actions of the partner.
This doesn't work for two reasons.
First, the only time our Lord said divorce was allowed was before consummation. An example was Mary and Joseph. After that, the statement by our Lord is what God joins together, let no man split up, applies.
Second, concerns the vows taken before the public, and made to God.
A vow is a unconditional statement of promise. It is NOT set in terms of a bargain or contract where if one doesn't meet the standard the contract or bargain is null and void.
So, unless the vows say, "I will remain your faithful partner forsaking all others as long as you do," or "until death or infidelity us do part" then there is no scriptural dissolution for a marriage. The vow is made to God, NOT the partner. The vow is recited in the presence of the partner as a witness to that vow. Perhaps some need to go review vows made to God to clarify in their mind how very seriously such is to be taken.
Lastly,
If two no longer can live together, then it is right and Scriptural for the husband to support the wife as best he can. No matter the situation. There is no scriptural "out" for the husband. He is to love the wife.
If the wife divorces, the husband must remain single, supporting the family as best he can, even if she remarries becoming the adulteress.
This is not my standard, but that of the Scriptures.
The Jews could not live to God's standard, and Mosses allowed for divorces, but our Lord said that was because they were weak.
Are believers not in dwelt with the very God of all creation?
Life is hard. No one is disputing that mistakes are costly and last a lifetime. Just happens this topic fits such a cost when mistakes are made.
Jesus and Paul both though gave the clause that unfaithfulness, and departing/deserting the spouse would free them up in the sight of God to remarry in the Lord, if they so choose to!
No.
1Corinthians 7:10 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.
You are right about marriage between Christians, I should have clarified between a believer and unbeliever!
That doesn't make any difference, either.
Nope. If an unbelieving spouse leaves, divorce is allowable but not remarriage (v. 11 still applies: remain unmarried or be reconciled).
Lets talk about an Actual situation --- Dr. Charles Stanley, First Baptist, Atlanta
Separated: Spring 1992
Mrs Stanley Filed for Divorce: Feb 2000
Judge signed Divorce degree May 2000
Mrs. Stanley died: Nov 2014
Should Dr. Stanley have stepped down as pastor when his wife left him
Should Dr. Stanley have stepped down as pastor when the divorce was finalized?
Now that Mrs. Stanley has passed away, would be allowed to re-marry and still be a pastor
Note: In a business meeting, First Baptist, Atlanta voted Dr Stanley to remain as pastor as long as he did not remarry
Separated: Spring 1992
Mrs Stanley Filed for Divorce: Feb 2000
Judge signed Divorce degree May 2000
Mrs. Stanley died: Nov 2014
Should Dr. Stanley have stepped down as pastor when his wife left him
Should Dr. Stanley have stepped down as pastor when the divorce was finalized?
Now that Mrs. Stanley has passed away, would be allowed to re-marry and still be a pastor
Note: In a business meeting, First Baptist, Atlanta voted Dr Stanley to remain as pastor as long as he did not remarry
Yes. He no longer ruled well his own household.
After a period of proving, yes.
That is their right under the autonomy of the local church, but I disagree with their decision and, had I been a member, I would have voted against it.
Many members voted against Stanely including his son, Andy.
I found this rather lenghty article - does talk about the divorce of Charles Stanley, as well as the rift with his son - due to the divorce.
The person is not bound to that relationship, per paul though, and is free to remarry in the Lord, if they so choose!
God seems to treat this different though than divorce between 2 Christians....
There are times when biblical divorce or separation is allowed correct?
Separation, perhaps, divorce, no.
If the unbeliever goes for divorce, the believer is not to stand in their way, but to remain unmarried, and conduct themselves as if still married but separated.
Why does paul state that she is now freed to remarry, but only in the Lord then?
Please post where you find that "Paul state(s) that she is now freed to remarry, but only in the Lord then?"
1 Corinthians 7 doesn't make such a statement.
Thank you for posting that.
You are really expecting Yeshua1 to post some scripture? Don't hold your breath.
Paul did use those words but only for a woman whose husband died!
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.
So divorce is an unforgivable sin ?
The scripture indicate that divorce and remarriage is adultery.
Some believe that there is an exception "except it be for fornication (porneia)" and that remarriage is allowed in this case.
Also abandonment;
1 Corinthians 7:15 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.
If one is convicted in their heart with guilt then one needs to seek the LORD for His leading.
HankD