The Latest On Causes For Divorce “The Scriptures allow for situations where one might have to divorce his mate in order to live for Christ.” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 21) Advertised On The Front Page Of http://www.truthmagazine.com “A person may divorce his mate for the cause of Christ. If one must leave his marriage in order to be faithful to Christ, he has the Godgiven right and obligation to do so.” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 23) The Latest On Causes For Divorce “Given the fact that one may have to leave his wife and children in order to serve the Lord, the Bible does not teach, ‘The only cause for divorce is fornication.’ Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 27) A Fact Is Verifiable, Yet What Brother Willis Asserts As “Fact” Is Verified Only By Himself. Cp. w. Rom. 8:35-39 The Latest On Causes For Divorce Cp. w. Rom. 8:35-39, “WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, IN ALL THESE THINGS we are MORE THAN conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce “Given the fact that one may have to leave his wife and children in order to serve the Lord, the Bible does not teach, ‘The only cause for divorce is fornication.’ That simply is not a true statement. There are other causes for divorce, including the cause mentioned in the Matthew 10:34-38; Luke 14:26; 18:29-30; I Corinthians 7:12-13—in order to live as a Christian. What is a more accurate statement of what the Bible teaches is this: There is only one cause for divorce which gives the innocent party the right of remarriage (Matt. 19:9).” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 27) The Latest On Causes For Divorce “Given the fact that one may have to leave his wife and children in order to serve the Lord, the Bible does not teach, ‘The only cause for divorce is fornication.’ That simply is not a true statement. There are other causes for divorce, including the cause mentioned in the Matthew 10:34-38; Luke 14:26; 18:29-30; I Corinthians 7:12-13—in order to live as a Christian. What is a more accurate statement of what the Bible teaches is this: There is only one cause for divorce which gives the innocent party the right of remarriage (Matt. 19:9).” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 27) The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mt. 10:34-38, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Does This Authorize Multi-Causes For Divorce? The Latest On Causes For Divorce Lk. 14:26, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Cf. v. 33 Similar To Matthew 10:34-38 And Luke 18:29-30, The Lord’s Command To “Hate” (Love Less) And Place The Lord First In Our Lives Is NOT Optional. Hence, If Divorce Is Included In This Passage, ALL Would Be OBLIGATED To Divorce Their Bound Mates. The Latest On Causes For Divorce Lk. 14:26, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Cf. v. 33 Please Note These Principles: Cf. Mt 6:24, “No man can SERVE two masters: for either he will HATE the one, and LOVE the other…” Cf. I Cor. 7:33, “But he that is married CARETH for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” Lk. 14:26 Mandates WHO MUST Come First! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Lk. 18:29-30, “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath LEFT house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD’S SAKE, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” After Witnessing The Rich Young Ruler’s Lack of Faith, Peter Stated, “Lo, WE (The Apostles, jhb) Have Left All And Followed Thee” (v. 28). Cf. Lk. 4:38-39 Did Peter And The Others Divorce Their Wives? The Latest On Causes For Divorce Lk. 18:29-30, “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath LEFT house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD’S SAKE, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” We Are To “LEAVE” ALL Of Our Close Ties To “CLEAVE” To The Lord (Acts 11:23; cf. Rom. 7:4), Just As We Are To “LEAVE” Our “Father” And “Mother” To “CLEAVE” To Our Spouse (Gen. 2:24; cf. Mt. 19:5; Mk. 10:7). Cp. w. Rom. 12:9; Deut. 4:4; 10:20; 11:22 The Latest On Causes For Divorce Lk. 18:29-30, “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath LEFT house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD’S SAKE, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” Again, Obedience To This Passage Is Not Optional! Hence, If Divorce Is Included In This Passage, ALL Would Be OBLIGATED To Divorce Their Bound Mates. The Latest On Causes For Divorce Lk. 18:29-30, “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath LEFT house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD’S SAKE, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” In What Circumstances Would This Apply To Divorce? *When In An Unlawful Marriage, We Must Divorce Our Mate For The Kingdom’s Sake! *When A Bound Mate “Departs,” I Cor. 7:15 Applies! The Latest On Causes For Divorce I Cor. 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.” Brother Willis’ Assumption Is That If The Unbeliever Be NOT PLEASED TO DWELL In This Relationship, The Believer May Put Them Away! A Passage Out Of Context Becomes A Pretext! The Latest On Causes For Divorce First, Brother Willis Ignores The Context Then, Makes An Erroneous Conclusion! The Context of Any Text Must Be Considered When Interpreting It! In Verses 12-13, Paul Is Answering “The Things” Referred To In I Corinthians 7:1: I Cor. 7:1, “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me…” The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Implied Questions To Paul’s Answers I Cor. 7:10-11, May A Man or Woman Depart From (Put Away) Their Spouse? The Lord Said, Let Not! I Cor. 7:12-13, Should A Christian (Man/Woman) Divorce Their Unbelieving Spouse? Paul Said, NO! I Cor. 7:14, Is Marriage To An Unbeliever Sinful Under Christ (Cp. W. Moses, Deut. 7:3-4)? Paul Said, NO! I Cor. 7:15-16, What If An Unbelieving Mate Departs? Paul Said, Let Them Depart! The Latest On Causes For Divorce A Harmonious Understanding of Verses 10-16 GOD’S RULE Do Not Depart From / Put Away! vv. 10-11 CONTRARY TO THE LAW (DEUT. 7:3-4) Do Not Divorce The Unbeliever! vv. 12-13 Why Not? – The Root & Fruit Are Holy! v. 14 IF THE UNBELIEVER IS NOT PLEASED, Paul said, “Let Him / Her Depart”! vv. 15-16 The Latest On Causes For Divorce A Harmonious Understanding of Verses 10-16 GOD’S RULE Do Not Depart From / Put Away! vv. 10-11 CONTRARY TO THE LAW (DEUT. 7:3-4) Do Not Divorce The Unbeliever! vv. 12-13 Why Not? – The Root & Fruit Are Holy! v. 14 IF THE UNBELIEVER IS NOT PLEASED, Paul said, “Let Him / Her Depart”! vv. 15-16 The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Context of I Cor. 7:10-15: v.10, DO NOT Divorce Your HUSBAND! v.11, DO NOT Divorce Your WIFE! vv.12-13, DO NOT Divorce The UNBELIEVER! v.15, DO NOT Deny Christ For The UNBELIEVER! (Regardless of His / Her Sinful Departure) ALL Divorcement In This Context is Disallowed. Hence, “The Exception” Is The Only Authorized Cause. The Latest On Causes For Divorce II Pet. 3:15-17, “…even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable WREST (# 4761), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, BEWARE lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” Cf. Psa. 56:5 The Latest On Causes For Divorce Wresting The Scriptures Let’s Apply Brother Willis’ Line Of Reasoning (That If The Unbeliever Be NOT PLEASED TO DWELL In This Relationship, The Believer May Put Them Away) To The Following: Cf. Mt. 11:14, “And, IF YE WILL RECEIVE IT, THIS IS ELIAS, which was for to come.” Hence According To The Above Logic, If They Would Not “Receive It,” Then John Was Not “Elias”! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Wresting The Scriptures Let’s Apply Brother Willis’ Line Of Reasoning (That If The Unbeliever Be NOT PLEASED TO DWELL In This Relationship, The Believer May Put Them Away) To The Following: Cf. Mt. 19:12, “…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.” Hence According To The Above Logic, “He” Who Was Not “Able” To “Receive It,” Did Not Have To! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Wresting The Scriptures Let’s Apply Brother Willis’ Line Of Reasoning (That If The Unbeliever Be NOT PLEASED TO DWELL In This Relationship, The Believer May Put Them Away) To The Following: Cf. Col. 3:1, “IF YE THEN BE RISEN WITH CHRIST, SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Hence According To The Above Logic, Those Who Were Not “Risen With Christ,” Did Not Have To “Seek Those Things Which Are Above”! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Wresting The Scriptures Let’s Apply Brother Willis’ Line Of Reasoning (That If The Unbeliever Be NOT PLEASED TO DWELL In This Relationship, The Believer May Put Them Away) To The Following: Cf. I Tim. 3:8, “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, NOT GIVEN (ADDICTED; NASB, NAS95, RSV) TO MUCH WINE…” Hence According To The Above Logic, Deacons May Be “Given” (ADDICTED) To A Little! Cf. I Cor. 6:12 The Latest On Causes For Divorce Wresting The Scriptures Let’s Apply Brother Willis’ Line Of Reasoning (That If The Unbeliever Be NOT PLEASED TO DWELL In This Relationship, The Believer May Put Them Away) To The Following: Cf. Ecc. 7:17, “BE NOT OVER MUCH WICKED, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?” Hence According To The Above Logic, We May Be A Little Wicked, But Not Overly So! (If Not, Why Not?) The Latest On Causes For Divorce Wresting The Scriptures Let’s Apply Brother Willis’ Line Of Reasoning (That If The Unbeliever Be NOT PLEASED TO DWELL In This Relationship, The Believer May Put Them Away) To The Following: Cf. Prov. 23:22, “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and DESPISE NOT THY MOTHER WHEN SHE IS OLD.” Hence, According To The Above Logic, She May Be Despised When She Is Young or Middle-Aged! The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Words: “LET HER” or “LET HIM” Do Not Always Denote Divine Approval! Cf. I Cor. 7:15, “But if the unbelieving depart, LET HIM DEPART.” If He Departs, Does He Please God? Cf. I Cor. 14:38, “But if any man be ignorant, LET HIM BE IGNORANT.” Cp. w. Hos. 4:17 Does He Please God When He Is Ignorant? The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Words: “LET HER” or “LET HIM” Do Not Always Denote Divine Approval! Cf. I Cor. 11:6, For if the woman be not covered, LET HER ALSO BE SHORN: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, LET HER BE COVERED.” If She Is Shorn, Does This Please God? Cf. Rom. 11:7-10, “…LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.” Does It Please God When Their Eyes Are Darkened? The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Words: “LET HER” or “LET HIM” Do Not Always Denote Divine Approval! Cf. Gal. 1:8-9, “…As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, LET HIM BE ACCURSED.” Does One Please God When He Is Accursed? Cf. Rev. 22:10-11, “…He that is unjust, LET HIM BE UNJUST STILL: and he which is filthy, LET HIM BE FILTHY STILL…” Cp. w. Ezk. 3:27 Is Being Unjust Or Filthy Pleasing To God? The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Seven Sins Of An Unapproved Divorce (Putting Away For A Cause Other Than Fornication) # 1) It Causes Our Mate To Commit Adultery Putting Away Our Bound Marriage Partner “Saving For The Cause Of Fornication” Causes Them To Commit “Adultery” (Mt. 5:32) Whether We Remarry Or NOT! Jesus Said, “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be, that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh” (Mt. 18:7; 13:40-42). The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Seven Sins Of An Unapproved Divorce (Putting Away For A Cause Other Than Fornication) # 2) It Sunders What God Joined Together! The Pharisees Asked (Mt. 19:3) Whether It Was Lawful To Put Away “For Every Cause,” And Jesus’ Answer In Verse 6 Was “What Therefore God Hath Joined Together, Let Not Man Put Asunder” (Cf. I Cor. 7:10). In Verse 9, Jesus Gave One And Only One Exception To This Emphatic Prohibition: “For Fornication.” (“Except” Means, “If And Only If.”) The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Seven Sins Of An Unapproved Divorce (Putting Away For A Cause Other Than Fornication) # 3) It Defrauds Our Companion In I Cor. 7:2-5 Paul says, “Nevertheless, TO AVOID FORNICATION, let every man HAVE his own wife, and let every woman HAVE her own husband… Defraud ye not one the other...”. When Someone Pursues An Unauthorized Divorce, They Rob Their Mates of Their Due (i.e. They Sin)! The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Seven Sins Of An Unapproved Divorce (Putting Away For A Cause Other Than Fornication) # 4) It Breaks Our Wedding Vows An Unauthorized Divorce Makes Us A Liar (Mt. 5:37; Jas. 5:12). Rev. 21:8 Tells Us That All Liars Shall Have Their Part In The Lake That Burns With Fire! “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” Ecc. 5:4-5 The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Seven Sins Of An Unapproved Divorce (Putting Away For A Cause Other Than Fornication) # 5) It Destroys Our Example For Good! In I Timothy 5:14 and Titus 2:3-5, Paul Instructs The Older Women (As Well As The Younger) About The Importance of Fulfilling Their Roles In The Home, “That The Word of God Be Not Blasphemed.” When Our Family Life Is Out Of Order, We Are Giving An Occasion To The Adversary To Speak Reproachfully! The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Seven Sins Of An Unapproved Divorce (Putting Away For A Cause Other Than Fornication) # 6) An Unapproved Divorce is Iniquity Since There Is No Authority To Divorce For A Cause Other Than “Fornication,” It Is Iniquity (Lawlessness). If We Do Not “Depart” (II Tim. 2:19) From Such Sins, We Will “Depart” From The Lord At The Judgment (Mt. 7:23). The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Seven Sins Of An Unapproved Divorce (Putting Away For A Cause Other Than Fornication) # 7) It’s An Action That God Hates! God said, “...let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth…16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away...” (Mal. 2:15-16). Since Iniquity (Lawlessness) Is That Which The Lord Hates (Heb. 1:8-9; Cf. Col. 3:17), We Ought To Hate It As Well (Rom. 12:9). Cf. Psa. 97:10 The Latest On Causes For Divorce “1 Corinthians 7:10-11 shows that the position which argues that ‘fornication is the only cause for divorce’ is wrong. The Bible provides authority for one to leave a marriage in order to be obedient to God. He has the right to divorce and live alone in the event that he cannot serve God while in that marriage.” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 31) The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike’s Circular Reasoning After Brother Willis Erroneously Alleges That I Corinthians 7:10-11 Authorizes Putting Away One’s Divinely Obligated Marriage Partner, He says, “‘Fornication Is The Only Cause For Divorce’ Is Wrong.” What Is His Reasoning For The Above Conclusion? He Asserts That “The Bible Provides Authority For One To Leave A Marriage In Order To Be Obedient To God.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce Does I Corinthians 7:10-11 Really “Show” That “‘Fornication Is The Only Cause For Divorce’ Is Wrong”? In The Following Slides, Let’s Notice How Paul Parallels Matthew 19:6 In The Lord’s Condemnation Of Divorce (Cf. Mk. 10:9) Mt. 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 3)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mt. 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 3)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mt. 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 3)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mk. 10:9, “What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 2)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mt. 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 3)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mk. 10:9, “What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 2)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mt. 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 3)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mk. 10:9, “What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 2)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). I Cor. 7:10-11, “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, LET NOT THE WIFE DEPART FROM (chorizo) her husband: 11 But and if SHE DEPART (chorizo), let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and LET NOT THE HUSBAND PUT AWAY his wife.” Mt. 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 3)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). Mk. 10:9, “What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT MAN [# 444 A Generic (cf. A Male v. 2)] PUT ASUNDER” (chorizo). I Cor. 7:10-11, “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, LET NOT THE WIFE DEPART FROM (chorizo) her husband: 11 But and if SHE DEPART (chorizo), let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and LET NOT THE HUSBAND PUT AWAY his wife.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce Does I Corinthians 7:10-11 Really “Show” That “‘Fornication Is The Only Cause For Divorce’ Is Wrong”? Since I Corinthians 7:10-11 Is A Parallel To The Lord’s Command, Paul Meant The Same Thing That Jesus Expressed In Matthew 19:6 (Cf. Mk. 10:9). Thus, The Only Biblical Exemption To The Lord’s Rule Regarding The Permanence Of Marriage, Is The Exception Clause In Matthew 19:9 (Cf. Mt. 5:32) The Latest On Causes For Divorce “The ‘fornication is the only cause for divorce’ position conflicts with the teaching of 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. No one who holds the ‘fornication is the only cause for divorce’ position has been able to describe a situation in which a woman might ‘depart’ from her husband and be instructed to ‘remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband’ without charging the woman with sin, which Paul did not do. The doctrine conflicts with the teaching of I Corinthians 7:10-11.” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 31) The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike’s Circular Reasoning First, Even Though Paul Clearly Prohibited Divorce In I Corinthians 7:10, Brother Willis Asserts That In Verse 11, The Apostle APPROVES OF Divorcing For A Cause Other Than Fornication With No Intent To Reconcile. Then He Claims That Since Paul “Approved” Of The Departing (V. 11), “The ‘Fornication Is The Only Cause For Divorce’ Position Conflicts With The Teaching Of 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike’s Circular Reasoning First, Even Though Paul Clearly Prohibited Divorce In I Corinthians 7:10, Brother Willis Asserts That In Verse 11, The Apostle APPROVES OF Divorcing For A Cause Other Than Fornication With No Intent To Reconcile. Then He Claims That Since Paul “Approved” Of Like John Kerry, Mike’s Position Has The Departing (V. 11), “The ‘Fornication Is The Only Paul Saying, “I Voted AGAINST IT Cause For Divorce’ Position Conflicts With The (Divorce), Before 7:10-11.” I Voted FOR IT.” Teaching Of 1 Corinthians The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike’s Own Comments on I Cor. 7:10-11 In Reference To The “Command” Not To Divorce, Mike Wrote, “Paraggellō is a verb meaning ‘to order, command, direct or change.’ There are no options left for this person; he simply obeys the Lord or stands in rebellion to him.” Mike Willis, Commentary on First Corinthians (p. 182) In Light Of Mike’s Above Concession That Disobedience To This Command Is Rebellion To God, His Proposed List Of Multiple Causes For Divorce Is Advocacy Of “Rebellion.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike’s Own Comments on I Cor. 7:10-11 V. 11) “The statement but if she depart (ean de kai chōristhē) describes an exception whether past, present, or future. In the event that the wife (or husband) leaves her husband (or wife), then she (or he) must remain unmarried” (emp. his). Mike Willis, Commentary on First Corinthians (p. 184) Immediately After Admitting That The Command Not To Depart Is A Direct Order, Brother Willis Proposes An Approved “Exception” NOT Revealed In Scripture. The Latest On Causes For Divorce “If one wishes to affirm that her act of departing from her husband is sinful (I Cor. 7:10-11, jhb), how can he allow her to ‘remain unmarried’? If her act of obtaining her divorce is a sin, willfully remaining in that sin is also sinful. But the apostle said that she could remain unmarried. Did he mean that she could stay in sin? Obviously not!” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 30) The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Assumption Examined “It is assumed the ‘unmarried’ and ‘reconciled’ are equally desired states or conditions. The text doesn’t indicate that they are. Reconciliation requires the cooperation of both spouses, thus an alternative is given (remain unmarried) in the event that reconciliation is unavailable.” Donnie V. Rader, Marriage, Divorce, & Remarriage; Divorce For Any Cause Without Remarriage…, p. 42 Many Others Have Articulated The Same Sound And Harmonious Reasoning As Brother Rader. The Latest On Causes For Divorce How Does One Repent Of Standing In “Rebellion” To The Direct Command Not To Depart? Obviously, A Willingness to Reconcile Is Required! (Will God Forgive Those Who Refuse To Bring Forth “Fruits Worthy of Repentance?”) However, If We Seek To Repent / Restore That Which We Have Broken And Our Divinely Obligated Partner Refuses, We Must “Remain Unmarried.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce “The ‘fornication is the only cause for divorce’ position indicts the innocent person in many circumstances. When a divorce happens, sometimes the innocent person has suffered sinful conduct committed against himself/herself, until finally that person has reached the end of the rope. In his/her desperation, the person decides that living alone is a better alternative than the continued abuse which he/she is suffering. When the innocent person then acts to remove himself/herself from the marriage, a brother who knows full well that this person is innocent of marital misconduct will charge the suffering mate with sin for ‘breaking up the marriage.’ What injustice and slander!” Mike Willis Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 32) The Latest On Causes For Divorce In An Effort To Convince His Readers That Divorcement Is Authorized “For” Causes Other Than “Fornication,” Mike Cited The Oft-Repeated And Emotionally-Charged Scenario of “ABUSE.” This Reminds Me of the Baptists Who Deny The Necessity of Baptism By Citing The Scenario of One Being “KILLED BEFORE HE COULD BE BAPTIZED.” However, When The Sadducees Proposed Their Hypothetical Situation To Incite Human Reasoning Jesus Told Them, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Mt. 22:29). The Latest On Causes For Divorce In An Effort To Convince His Readers That Divorcement Is Authorized “For” Causes Other Than “Fornication,” Mike Cited The Oft-Repeated And Emotionally-Charged Scenario of “ABUSE.” This Reminds Me of the Baptists Who Deny The Necessity of Baptism By Citing The Scenario of One Being “KILLED BEFORE HE COULD BE BAPTIZED.” Cf. “The way in which the enemies of the truth attempt to make a doctrine of the Bible ridiculous is by adding to it, and then calling it absurd.” Barnes on Mt. 22:29 The Latest On Causes For Divorce “He said nothing about his position indicting the innocent mate by making the innocent person responsible for breaking asunder the marriage when everyone knows that the one guilty of sinful behavior is who caused the marriage to fail. He might as well accuse the one who divorces his fornicating mate of destroying the marriage as to accuse the victimized wife who divorces her abusive husband of destroying the marriage.” Mike Willis, Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 67) Such “Situation Ethics” and “Emotional Pleas” Abandon Bible Authority In Favor Of Human Reasoning! The Latest On Causes For Divorce A Permanent Sundering Of The Marriage Is Not The ONLY Possible Solution To A Problem Which May Not Be Permanent. One May Flee For Temporary Safety, As Did David. Cf. I Sam. 18:11 Moreover, God Has Provided Ministers To Help Us Cf. I Pet. 2:14, “…as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce “A civil government can no more create a marriage or break a marriage between heterosexuals than it can for homosexuals because God has not given to government that authority. Marriages are bound by God, not government (Matt. 19:6) and government can no more dissolve a marriage than it can create one.” Mike Willis, Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 35) Brother Willis’ Denial That Men and Women Can Wrongfully Marry And/Or Divorce (Via Civil Government) Stems From His Confusion Between The Divine Obligation And The Physical Relationship. The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Please Note The Distinction Between God’s Actions And Man’s Actions Mt. 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. WHAT THEREFORE GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER, LET NOT MAN PUT ASUNDER.” God Joins / Looses & Man Marries / Divorces The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Cf. Rom. 7:2-3, “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…” Cp. w. I Cor. 7:27, 39 BOUND (# 1210), “To bind, i.e. put under obligation, s.c. of law, duty, etc. To be bound to one: of a wife, Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:27, 39” (Thayer, p. 131). The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Cp. w. Mt. 23:16, “Woe unto you, ye BLIND GUIDES, WHICH SAY, Whosoever shall SWEAR by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a DEBTOR (NKJV, “he is OBLIGED to perform it;” NASV, “he is OBLIGATED”)! Cp. w. v. 18, “And, Whosoever shall SWEAR by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is GUILTY” (NKJV, “he is OBLIGED to perform it;” NASV, “he is OBLIGATED”). The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Cp. w. Mt. 23:16, “Woe unto you, ye BLIND GUIDES, WHICH SAY, Whosoever shall SWEAR by the temple, it is nothing;When but whosoever shall swearA byVow the gold of the The Jews Broke temple, he is a DEBTOR (NKJV, “he is OBLIGED to Saying perform it;” NASV, “It “heIs isNothing,” OBLIGATED”)! Cp. w. v. 18, “And, It Whosoever Was SIN!shall SWEAR by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is GUILTY” (NKJV, “he is OBLIGED to perform it;” NASV, “he is OBLIGATED”). The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Cp. w. Mt. 23:16, “Woe unto you, ye BLIND GUIDES, WHICH SAY, Whosoever shall SWEAR by the temple, it is nothing;They but whosoever shall swear Were To Simply Still Obligated Say by the To gold of the temple, he is a DEBTOR (NKJV, “he is OBLIGED to Keep “It IsTheir Nothing” Word perform it;” NASV, “he is OBLIGATED”)! Regardless And Disobey of TheirGod Arbitrary Cp. w. v. 18, “And, RulesWhosoever Was & Regulations SIN! shall SWEAR by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is GUILTY” (NKJV, “he is OBLIGED to perform it;” NASV, “he is OBLIGATED”). The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Cp. w. Mk. 7:10-11, “For MOSES SAID, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 BUT YE SAY, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall BE FREE.” Notice How These Jews Violated Their Divine Obligation And Sinned Against God! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Cp. w. Mk. 7:10-11, “For MOSES SAID, Honour thy father and thy When mother;The and,Jews Whoso curseth father or Said mother, let him die the death: 11 BUT YE SAY, If a man “It Is Corban” shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to And Disobeyed God, be profited by say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest It Was SIN! me; he shall BE FREE.” Notice How These Jews Violated Their Divine Obligation And Sinned Against God! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Cp. w. Mk. 7:10-11, “For MOSES SAID, Honour thy father and They thy When mother; and,Jews Whoso curseth WereThe Still Obligated Said To father or mother, let him die the death: 11 BUT YE SAY, If a man Honor “It Is Their Corban” Parents shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to And Disobeyed ofthou Their God, Arbitrary say, a gift, Regardless by whatsoever mightest be profited by It & Was Regulations SIN! me; he shall BERules FREE.” Notice How These Jews Violated Their Divine Obligation And Sinned Against God! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Mike Teaches Since MAN Cannot Free Himself From The Yoke (Divine Obligation) Therefore, MAN Cannot Put Away Their Physical Mate! However, That’s NOT What Jesus Taught! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Confuses The Divine Obligation With The Physical Relationship Although “Man” May Sinfully Mike Teaches Put Away His / Her Mate, Since MAN Cannot Free Himself From The Yoke He (Divine / She Is Still Bound Obligation) (Divinely Obligated)! Therefore, MAN Cannot Put Away Their Physical Mate! However, That’s NOT What Jesus Taught! The Latest On Causes For Divorce LET NOT DOES NOT MEAN CANNOT Mt. 6:3, “But when thou doest alms, LET NOT thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” Jn. 14:1, “LET NOT your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” Jn. 14:27, “…LET NOT your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Rom. 6:12, “LET NOT sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce LET NOT DOES NOT MEAN CANNOT Rom. 14:3, “LET NOT him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and LET NOT him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” Rom. 14:16, “LET NOT then your good be evil spoken of.” Eph. 4:26, “Be ye angry, and sin not: LET NOT the sun go down upon your wrath.” I Tim. 5:16, “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and LET NOT the church be charged…” The Latest On Causes For Divorce LET NOT DOES NOT MEAN CANNOT Cf. Mt. 19:6, “…What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT man put asunder.” Cf. Mk. 10:9, “What therefore God hath joined together, LET NOT man put asunder.” Cf. I Cor. 7:10-11, “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, LET NOT the wife depart from her husband…and LET NOT the husband put away his wife.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce “John the Baptist says, ‘It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife’ (Mark 6:18). How could Herodias be both Herod Antipas’ wife and Herod Philip’s wife? Obviously the marriage of Herod Antipas and Herodias was a marriage which Roman society accepted but God did not, yet the language of marriage is used to describe the relationship of the unscriptural marriage and the first marriage between Herod Philip and Herodias (Herodias is Philip’s wife, even after the divorce and subsequent remarriage).” Mike Willis, Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 36) Obviously, God Does Not “Accept” What is “Unlawful.” However, He Recognized This Sinful Relationship As A Marriage (“He Had Married Her,” Mark 6:17). The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mike Asks The Question, “How Could Herodias Be Both Herod Antipas’ Wife And Herod Philip’s Wife?” The Answer To Mike’s Question Becomes Clear When We Understand That The Greek Words “Aner” (#435) And “Gune” (# 1135) Have Been Translated As “Husband” And “Wife” In Order To Assist The Reader In Distinguishing Who Is Being Spoken Of. Thus, There Are No Specific Greek Words For “Husband” And / Or “Wife” To Strictly Denote And / Or Infer That Those Involved Are In A Current Marriage. The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Terms “Husband” And “Wife” (In The New Testament) These Terms Have Reference To His Woman (The One God Had Bound / Obligated Him To) And / Or Her Man (The One God Had Bound / Obligated Her To). Sometimes These Terms Are Used Of Those Who Are Married; Sometimes They Are Used Of Those Who Are Divorced; And Sometimes They Are Used To Denote Those Who Are Separated By Death. The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Terms “Husband” And “Wife” Note How They Are Used Even After Being Separated By Death Cf. Mt. 22:24-25, “Saying, Master, Moses said, If A MAN DIE, having no children, his brother shall marry HIS WIFE, and raise up seed unto his brother...” Note How “Wife” Is Also Used In II Samuel: Cp. w. II Sam. 11:26; 12:9-10, 15 The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Terms “Husband” And “Wife” Note How They Are Used Even After Being Separated By Death Cf. Acts 5:9, “Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have BURIED THY HUSBAND are at the door, and shall carry thee out.” Cf. Rom. 7:3, “…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.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Terms “Husband” And “Wife” Note How They Are Used Even After Being Separated By Divorce And Death Cf. I Cor. 7:11, “…11 But and IF she DEPART, let her remain UNMARRIED, or BE RECONCILED to HER HUSBAND…” [The Opposite Of “Gameo” (“Married” In v. 10) Is “Agamos” (“Unmarried” In v. 11)] If The Marriage Was Real… Cf. I Cor. 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.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce There Are Five Possible Correlations Between Being Married / Being Bound: 1) Unmarried And Unbound [Those Never Married (I Cor. 7:8-9), The Widowed (Rom. 7:2-3; I Cor. 7:8-9, 39; I Tim. 5:14), And The “Innocent Party” Who Has Put Away The “Guilty Party” For The Cause Of Fornication (Mt. 19:9).] The Latest On Causes For Divorce There Are Five Possible Correlations Between Being Married / Being Bound: 2) Married And Bound [Those Involved In An Authorized Marriage (Mt. 19:5-6; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:39).] The Latest On Causes For Divorce There Are Five Possible Correlations Between Being Married / Being Bound: 3) Unmarried And Bound [Those Who Have Wrongfully Put Away Their Bound Mate As Well As Those Who Have Been Divorced From Their Bound Mate (Mt. 5:32; 19:9; Mk. 10:11-12; Lk. 16:18; I Cor. 7:10-11, 15; Rom. 7:3).] The Latest On Causes For Divorce There Are Five Possible Correlations Between Being Married / Being Bound: 4) Married To One And Bound To Another [Those Who Have Either Wrongfully Put Away Or Who Have Been Wrongfully Divorced And Subsequently Married Another While Their Bound Mate Is Still Living (Mt. 5:32; 19:9; Mk. 10:11-12; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:3; I Cor. 7:39).] The Latest On Causes For Divorce There Are Five Possible Correlations Between Being Married / Being Bound: 5) Married And Unbound [The “Third Party” Who Is Not Bound (Divinely Obligated), But Who Has Married Someone Who Is Not Free To Marry (Mt. 5:32; 19:9; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:3).] The Latest On Causes For Divorce “In Luke 16:18, Jesus said, ‘Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.’ The phrase ‘whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery’ implies the continued existence of the first marriage.” Mike Willis, Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 37) This Quote Reveals The Basis Of Mike’s Errors: He Intimates That Usage Of The Terms “HUSBAND” And “ADULTERY” Imply “The Continued Existence of The First Marriage.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce As Has Already Been Shown, The Terms “Husband” And “Wife” Do Not Always Denote A Current Marriage. Moreover, Biblical Usage Of The Term, “Adultery” Does Not Necessarily Imply “The Continued Existence Of The First Marriage.” However, It Always Implies A Violation Against A Continuing Divine Obligation (God’s Law By Which The Two Were Bound). Cf. Rom. 7:2-3 The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mt. 5:32, “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.” Cf. Rom. 7:2-3 Mt. 19:9, “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.” Cf. Rom. 7:2-3 Lk. 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.” Cf. Rom. 7:2-3 The Latest On Causes For Divorce Matthew 5:32; 19:9 And Luke 16:18 All Teach That Adultery Does Not Necessarily Imply “The Continued Existence Of The First Marriage.” Note How Paul Equates Adultery With Being Bound To One While “Married To Another:” Cf. Rom. 7:2-3, “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…” The Latest On Causes For Divorce “He (brother Bragwell, jhb) denounces the concept that Jesus used the terms marriage and divorce in an accommodative sense to refer to a marriage or divorce which is approved in the sight of man but not in the sight of God.’).” Mike Willis, Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 66) Jesus Used The Words “Put Away” & “Marry” Only Once In Matthew 19:9a, Applying These Same Terms To Both Approved And Unapproved Divorces And Marriages. The Latest On Causes For Divorce Mt. 19:9, “Whosoever Shall Put Away His Wife, Except It Be For Fornication, And Shall Marry Another, Committeth Adultery…” If We Apply Brother Willis’ Reasoning To Jesus’ Singular Usage Of “Put Away” And “Marry” To Denote both Approved And Unapproved Actions, Then All Marriages And Divorces Must Only Be Accommodative. The Same Word (Used Only Once) In The Same Context Cannot Convey Opposite Meanings. Either All Approved And Unapproved Divorces And Marriages Are Real Or They Are Accommodative! The Latest On Causes For Divorce “Despite saying there is no ‘accommodative’ use, brother Bragwell uses ‘unscriptural marriage’ to describe the marriage of two people whose marriage civil government ‘ratifies’ (his term) but God condemns. ‘Unscriptural marriage’ is a term which means they are married in the sight of civil government but not in the sight of God, which is precisely what others mean when they say the text uses ‘marriage’ and ‘divorce’ accommodatively!” Mike Willis, Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 66) (Emp. jhb) “In The Sight Of God,” All Sin (That Which “God Condemns”) Is Real, Whether It Is Right Or Wrong In “The Sight Of Civil Government.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce Getting Around The Law of God Homer Hailey The Alien Sinner Is NOT Amenable To God’s Law Where MDR Is Concerned. Mike Willis (And Associates) Men / Women Are Not Amenable To Civil Protocol That Ratifies A Sinful Marriage And / Or Divorce. The Latest On Causes For Divorce “Christians must be careful not to assign to civil government a role God has not assigned it.” Mike Willis, Bible Causes of Divorce and the Role of Government in Divorce (p. 35) Mike Denies The “Role” of Government (In Marriage & Divorce) Because It Sanctions The Man’s / Woman’s Actions That Are Contrary To God’s Will (i.e. To Marry & Divorce). However, The Government Sanctions Many Sins. Is An Abortion Really An Abortion If The Government Sanctions It While God Has Condemned It? Are Such Transgressions Real Or Only Accommodative? The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Law Was A System of Theocracy Theocracy: “1. a form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, the God’s or deity’s laws being interpreted by the ecclesiastical authorities. 2. a system of government by priests claiming a divine commission. 3. a commonwealth or state under such a form or system of government.” Random House Unabridged Dictionary The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Law Was A System of Theocracy Cf. Ezra 10:3ff, “Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to PUT AWAY ALL THE WIVES, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and LET IT BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE LAW…10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and HAVE TAKEN STRANGE WIVES, to increase the trespass of Israel.” Cp. w. Mt. 5:32; 19:3, 6, 9-10 The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Law Was A System of Theocracy Cf. Mal. 2:14-16, “…Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom THOU HAST DEALT TREACHEROUSLY… 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: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye DEAL NOT TREACHEROUSLY.” Cp. w. Mt. 5:32; 19:3, 6, 9-10 The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Law Was A System of Theocracy Hence, In Matthew 19:3-9, WHAT The Pharisees Were Doing – (Putting Away For Any Cause, vv. 4-6, 8-9), And HOW They Were Doing It – (“To Give A Writing Of Divorcement,” v. 7; cf. Deut. 24:1) Was Done “In The Sight Of God.” Cp. w. Mt. 5:31-32 Although God Was The The Supreme Civil Ruler, They Still Married And Divorced Contrary To His Will At Times! Moreover, Their SIN Was Always Real! The Latest On Causes For Divorce The Law Was A System of Theocracy Scripture Teaches That Man Could Wrongfully Marry (Ezra 10) And Deal Treacherously By Wrongfully Putting Away (Mal. 2:14-16), Under A System Of Theocracy (The Mosaic Dispensation). Thus, It Is Self-Evident That Man Can Wrongfully Put Away (Mt. 19:6; Mk. 10:9) Under God’s Divinely Appointed “Powers That Be” Today. The Latest On Causes For Divorce Systems of Monarchy And / Or Democracy Cf. Rom. 13:1-7, “Let every soul BE SUBJECT unto THE HIGHER POWERS. For there is NO POWER BUT OF GOD: the powers that be are ORDAINED OF GOD. 2 Whosoever therefore RESISTETH the power, resisteth the ordinance of GOD…6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: FOR THEY ARE GOD’S MINISTERS, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 RENDER THEREFORE TO ALL THEIR DUES…” The Latest On Causes For Divorce Systems of Monarchy And / Or Democracy Cf. Tit. 3:1, “PUT THEM IN MIND to BE SUBJECT to PRINCIPALITIES and POWERS, to OBEY MAGISTRATES, to be ready to every good work.” Cf. I Pet. 2:13-17, “Submit yourselves to EVERY ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to THE KING, as supreme; 14 OR UNTO GOVERNORS, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 FOR SO IS THE WILL OF GOD…HONOUR THE KING.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce Systems of Monarchy And / Or Democracy Cf. Jn. 19:10-11, “Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have POWER to crucify thee, and have POWER to release thee? 11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have NO POWER at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore HE that delivered me unto thee hath THE GREATER SIN.” *Their Power Is Given By God!* The Latest On Causes For Divorce Systems of Monarchy And / Or Democracy God Granted Authority To The Roman Government, Knowing Full-well That They Would Carry Out The Jew’s Murderous Desire To Crucify His Only Begotten Son. What Would Make Us Think That The Authority He Granted To Our Own System Of Government Is Limited Where Divorce Is Concerned? The Denial Of The God-ordained “Role Of Civil Government In Divorce” Is A Rejection Of The Authority Of God. The Latest On Causes For Divorce Systems of Monarchy And / Or Democracy Cf. II Pet. 2:10 (NKJV), “and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and DESPISE AUTHORITY. They are presumptuous, selfwilled. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.” Cf. Jude 8 (NKJV), “Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, REJECT AUTHORITY, and speak evil of dignitaries.” The Latest On Causes For Divorce What Other SIN Can Man Commit, That IS NOT REAL, But Only Done ACCOMMODATIVELY? A Man Can Look Until The Second Coming, It Ain’t In The Book! The Latest On Causes For Divorce Further Studies Regarding The Role Of Civil Government: http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/AreYouAnIn-LawOrAnOutlaw.htm http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/RecognizingTheReality.htm http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/DivorcementByHumanAgency.htm http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/GodsProvisionalCareViaCivilGovernment.htm Further Studies Regarding Multiple Causes For Divorce: http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/ButAndIf-DonMartin.htm http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/IsDivorceWithoutRemarriageSinfulCRSutton.htm http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/SevenSinsOfAnUnscripturalDivorce.htm http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/WillisOnBiblicalPuttingAway.htm The Latest On Causes For Divorce Post Script: On Page 65 of his book, Mike Falsely Stated: “He dismisses with a wave of his hand the arguments made by brethren Jeff Belknap, Don Martin, and Pat Donahue who argue that the innocent party in a divorce for the cause of fornication does not have the right to remarriage unless he ‘puts away’ (which they define as ‘initiate the civil divorce’) the guilty party.” Yet The “Mental Divorce” Website Is Replete With Repudiations Of This Oft-repeated False Charge That I Teach That One Must “Initiate The Civil Divorce” In Order To Have The Right To Remarriage! For Further Information, See: http://www.mentaldivorce.com/mdrstudies/MikeWillis-APatternOfMisrepresentation.htm