Now, what seems to be the
problem is that when we dive into scripture and teach that it is authoritative
and conclusive, we start to have a problem. Because the Bible is so plain on
this subject, the opponents of the truth have to come up with ways that seem
plausible, but are still dangerously deceptive. To teach other than what the
Bible teaches, is to teach a false doctrine.
Sometimes to gain an understanding of a particular verse, we have to look at it
in different ways. I would suggest that one ways is looking at it
backwards.
Not----.yretluda stimmoc decrovid......etc.
Not----.adultery commits divorced is who...etc.
But by theme, thought, or sentence. Like this.
(NKJV) and, whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. causes
her to commit adultery, except sexual immorality, divorces his wife for any
reason, but I say to you.
I know this is awkard and crude, but you can catch my understanding by not only
disecting the scriptures into their individual parts and themes, but by
observing them in their context. Whether that context is remote or centralized,
or current will determine the gist or meaning of that statement.
I would also remind people that God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor
14:33). Any time that we produce a thought or try to gain an understanding of
God's word, we must do so within the harmony of the entire word of God (John
17:17). Understanding that all scripture is relevant (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Learning
to handle His word correctly (2 Tim. 2:15) means that we do not select wrong
thoughts from His word. To reverse this also means that when we come up with a
conclusion or frame of thought, that thought must also be in harmony with the
rest of God's word.
The problem with these false doctrines, is that they take other passages of
scripture which are describing different situations and circumstances and they
apply them to this discussion.
Going back to the verse in Matthew 5:32 we are forced to make several
observations from the text as a single unit. If we had no other scripture in
the entirety of scripture, we would have to conclude that God's word teaches
these facts.
1. To marry a divorced person is
adultery.
2. To divorce a person without cause will (can)
cause them to commit adultery.
3. There is a single exception to the
prohibition of divorce.
4. That one exception is fornication, adultery,
unchastity, immorality, sexual uncleanness, or unfaithfulness.
[now the most important fact]
5. "But I say unto you". A statement
by Jesus Christ who we are taught, has that authority to make such a statement.
Return to the index
Divorce and Remarriage