God invented marriage. It was His idea. So if we are to enter into the bond of marriage we should endeavor to understand God’s stand on marriage, divorce and remarriage. And here is some of what He says through the Apostle Paul…
…But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife. Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.) Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you? 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 (NLT)
More…
“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’ And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked. Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended. ==And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.” Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!” Matthew 19:4-10 (NLT)
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Malachi 2:16 (NLT)
For a more complete study on what God says about Marriage, divorce and remarriage, pick up a copy of my study on the table in the hallway. Or you can also download it later from our web page.
Pastor Mike
Hello,
I am thankful that the message of GOD’s plan for marriage was presented so clearly last Sunday. I believe we need the truth, as was given and not a message that makes everyone feel good and okay when they may be living in a sinful situation & relationship. If the truth isn’t told clearly, then people will believe it’s okay to continue living in a way that may not be GOD,s will.
I’m also thankful for GOD’s love, amazing unending grace & forgiveness.