Marriage and
Divorce
The Challenge Before Us
• Divorce continues to be rampant in America.
• Doctrinal disagreement on the issue has
resulted in more divorces and more church
divisions.
• We must stand for truth!
(1 Corinthians 1:27; Proverbs 23:23)
• The status quo is unacceptable.
• We must renew our minds! (Ephesians 4:23, 2).
• We must seek and speak the truth in a spirit of
humility, gentleness and longsuffering.
Areas of General Agreement
• Marriage is a life-long commitment (Romans 7:2;
1 Corinthians 7:39; Matthew 19:6; Malachi 2:16)
• God allows only one exception to His no divorce
law (Matt. 19:1-12; 5:31-32; Mark 10:1-12)
• The alien sinner is subject to Christ’s marriage
law. (Matthew 19:1-12; 5:31-32; Mark 10:1-12;
Luke 16:18)
• Baptism does not wash away unrepentant
adultery (Acts 2:38).
• Repentance demands that sinful relationships
cease (Ezra 10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
• The believer whose mate departs is not obligated
to fulfill marital obligations (1 Cor. 7:15).
Areas Of Fundamental
Disagreement
What Constitutes Marriage?
• A covenant (Malachi 2:14)
• A public proclamation or ceremony which
accords with civil law and societal norms
(Matt. 22:1-10; 25:1-10; Luke 14:8; John 2:1-2)
• A joining of husband and wife
(Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31)
• Becoming one flesh (Genesis 2:24; 1 Cor. 6:16;
Malachi 2:15)
Areas Of Fundamental
Disagreement
What Constitutes Divorce (putting away)?
• Putting away is an undoing of that which
constituted the marriage (Matthew 19:4-6, 9,
cf. 1 Corinthians 7:27 )
• Putting away is an action, not merely a
decision
• Putting away is a unilateral action
• Putting away involves legal action
• The one who is put away commits adultery
when he or she remarries
Solid Foundations
• God's desire is that marriage be a life-long
commitment.
• The general rule is that to divorce and
remarry is to commit the sin of adultery
(Luke 16:18).
• God has provided one exception to this
rule, and it must be regarded as just that
-- AN EXCEPTION!!! (Matthew 19:9).