Divorce- Conclusion

Hello:

Today, we are looking at Paul’s discussion on divorce.  While Jesus only gives us one reason for divorce which is adultery, Paul addresses another issue that Jesus did not address.   Let’s look at the text. 

1 Corinthians 7:10 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11 But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 17 Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.

People ask all the time well what if this is happening and that is happening in the marriage, do you mean I have to stay there and take it.  Paul does teach that if a person separates, then they are to stay unmarried and then be reconciled back to each other.  Separation is not forbidden, yet divorce is.  If you are in a harmful situation, Paul acknowledges separation but does not condone divorce.  Paul also makes the statement that this is the instruction from the Lord and not him, so you can clearly see that he is interpreting Jesus’ teachings on divorce which are found in the gospels.

Much of Corinthians was actually a response to letters that had been sent to Paul asking about certain issues.   One of the issues raised was how to handle a marriage when both of the spouses were initially unsaved and then one gets saved.  The Corinthians wanted to know if they should get divorced since they would be considered “unequally yoked.”  Paul answers this by letting them know that whatever state you were in before salvation, do not abandon it.  If you were married, then as long as the unbelieving spouse wants to remain married then do so, but if the unbelieving spouse wants a divorce, then Paul instructs that we are free to live in peace and not walk in condemnation because the unbelieving spouse leaves. 

In summary, Divorce is a sin.  What about all the people that have done it and adultery wasn’t the case?   It’s still a sin.  Adultery is a sin.  God never meant for people to divorce, for from the beginning it was not so.  So yes, divorce is labeled and classified as a “sin.”  Just because our government makes it legal, does not mean it is legitimate in the eyes of God. 

Pre-marital counseling is so important.  Today, people are so casual towards divorce.  I have often heard people say that if it doesn’t work out, then I’ll just get a divorce.  People go into the marriage, with an escape plan which makes giving up on it and not fighting for it easy to do. 

My marriage is far from being perfect, but I do have a wonderful marriage to a wonderful man of sixteen years and my husband and I both agree that divorce is not an option.  We have made up our minds to simply “obey God” and be to each other what God’s word tells us we should be.   It’s a commitment.  It’s a choice.  It’s a daily sacrifice and it’s work; but with prayer, unity, communication, and commitment it is so obtainable.  Okay, I don’t want to leave anyone in condemnation.  Yes, divorce is a sin, but as with all sins, it is forgivable.  The scriptures teach that there is only one sin that will not be forgiven and that is “blasphemy against the Holy Ghost” other than that, all other sins can be forgiven.   So if you have gotten a divorce without the causes given in scripture, one must ask God for forgiveness.   You can put it behind you and go on and lead a productive and healthy life without walking in condemnation.As with any sins, there are consequences.   Personally, I have seen some really ugly things that have happened to spouses and children as a result of divorce and separation.  Sin is ugly and it has major consequences, but thanks be unto God that we have an advocate (Jesus Christ) that sits on the right hand of God the Father almighty and makes intercession for us daily.Have a great weekend.  

See you on Monday with a new study.   

God Bless. Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

P.S.  Someone just ask me on the web do they have to get a divorce if adultery occurs.   The answer is absoultely not.  Should you want to forgive your spouse and reconcile then it is honourable and not against scripture.  Adultery is however a legitimate grounds for divorce but no where in scripture are you commanded to get one because adultery has occurred.  Either way, whether you reconcile or not, Scriptures teaches that you must forgive. 

This entry was posted on 20. June 2008 at 13:07 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.