March 2001
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
Rusty MillerDivorce: The word is used so casually in modern society that it seldom even provokes a response. People are divorced for all sorts of reasons and at all stages of marriage. Even the courts recognize what they call "no-fault divorce." We see something different when we view divorce from God's point of view. more...
Defining the Issue
Jack HoltHow words are defined is the very heart of religious discussion and debate. One who defines baptism to mean sprinkling, pouring or immersion will be at odds with someone who limits its definition to immersion. Just so, how one defines the terms "married," "divorced," "bound," and "adultery" will go a long way toward determining where he stands on divorce and remarriage. As in the case of baptism, our goal should be to define these terms as the Bible uses them. A marriage is a family relationship formed by a covenant. Malachi 2:14 speaks of one's wife as "your companion and your wife by covenant." A covenant between equals consists of terms agreed upon, promises made to keep those terms, and a ratification. In Galatians 3:15, Paul speaks of the final element of a covenant when he says, ". . . even though it is a man's covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it." Paul argues that covenants must be ratified to be in force. more...
The Marriage Bond of Romans 7
Mark RobertsSo much false doctrine and sin comes from a basic failure to deal with what Romans 7 teaches us about marriage and divorce. While understanding that Paul is using marriage as an illustration here, the illustration is valid, truthful and we can learn from it. Let us begin with the text: more...
The Text - Matthew 19
Mark RobertsMartin Luther said, "Matthew 19:9 is a blunt, clear, plain text." Yet, the majority of the controversy regarding divorce and remarriage is centered here. However, a tour through the passage finds it is not so hard to understand. It is the application of the challenging words of Christ that troubled His disciples and that troubles many today. Get your Bible and read the verses as we study so we might understand and obey what Jesus says on this vital subject. more...
Must Adulterers Separate?
Hoyt HouchenFirst, the question assumes that a condition of adultery exists, and in such a case, must the man and the woman separate? The answer cannot be decided upon the basis of emotions or human reasoning, but by what the Bible teaches. more...
Does God's Law apply to Non-Christians?
Mark RobertsDiscussing marriage, divorce and remarriage can quickly lead to journeys into the Greek text and far-out hypothetical situations. Yet, for most Christians this is not an abstract discussion. The bottom line for many is, "What do I tell my neighbor who has been married several times, and never divorced for fornication? Does he have a right to his present mate?" What does God say about the marriage relationships of those outside the body of Christ? more...
Does Baptism Wash Away Previous Marriages?
Don Truex"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). One can hardly fathom a more comforting, more reassuring promise. In Christ we have a new relationship with Jesus our Elder Brother, God our Father, and our newfound brothers and sisters in the family of God. And, to be sure, we have a new relationship with our self-how we view our purpose and how we ought therefore to deport ourselves. more...
Is it Better Not to Marry?
Rusty MillerAs Jesus finished His discourse on divorce in Matthew 19, his disciples looked at each other in astonishment. All their ideas about their ability to do as they pleased in marriage had been shattered. As they pondered this, some dared speak their thoughts aloud to Jesus: "If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry (v. 10)." more...
A Divorce and Remarriage FAQ
Rusty MillerThroughout this issue, we have attempted to answer some of the more pertinent questions which arise in a Biblical discussion of marriage, divorce and remarriage. It should be obvious to all that we cannot deal with every question involving every difficult situation in which people may find themselves. However, we realize there may be other questions needing answers. In the format the Internet has popularized (FAQ standing for "Frequently Asked Questions") a few such questions follow. more...
Looking for Mr. Goodmate
Allen DvorakThe patriarch Isaac married a woman who was essentially selected for him by his father (Genesis 24). The Eastern custom of parents' selecting their children's mates seems strange to us (even a little scary, depending upon your parents) but one could argue that such a custom makes more sense than some of our own practices. Many newspapers print a "companion section" in which men and women seek dates and mates. The following ad appeared in a local newspaper and illustrates well the thinking of many regarding the matter of finding a marriage companion: DWF, 39, 5' 3", 126 lbs., hazel eyes, frosted hair, looking for SWM, 30-42, who likes country music, dancing and kids. Must be 6' +, 190 lbs. - 225 lbs. more...
Making Marriage Work
Rusty MillerIn the eight years since Abundant Life first appeared, we have written countless words on the subjects of home and family. We do that for two reasons: first, God's word says much on these subjects as well; and second, no matter how much we write, people always request more. As such, in an issue devoted to refuting those who say marriage doesn't work, we believe it is important to look at God's instructions for making marriage work. more...
The Preacher's Pen
Mark RobertsCan I share a concern with you? Recently I have noted a concerted effort on the part of some to play down the error of the "second putting away position." Briefly stated, this view argues that if Joe and Suzy divorce (without any immorality occurring) as soon as one of them remarries the other is then free to exercise Matthew 19:9, put that spouse away and remarry. The problems with this view are legion. If Joe and Suzy have already put away their marriage what is left to put away when a remarriage occurs? What passage would instruct us in how to do this second, or "mental," putting away? Further, "mental divorce" or the "second putting away" violates the order of Matthew 19. There we are told of marriage, immorality and divorce, not marriage, divorce and then immorality. more...