Jesus was questioned regarding the nature of marriage and the opportunity for divorce. When an eternal God puts something together, it should last forever.
Let Nothing Separate
- By determining what issues are worthy of divorce, many people attempt to discover a way out of their marriage.
- Due to the stubborn nature of people, God provided a civil manner through divorce to protect families from more severe calamities.
- Jesus defined marriage as a covenant that is heterosexual, monogamous, and lifelong.
Let Scripture Clarify
- God views trivial reasons that lead to divorce and remarriage as adulterous, sinful decisions.
- While divorce was permitted in the Bible, it was never promoted in the Bible.
- Scripture permits divorce for two reasons: adultery from an unfaithful spouse (Matt. 19:9) or abandonment from an unbelieving spouse (1 Cor. 7:15).
- Scripture permits remarriage after an acceptable divorce or a spousal death (1 Cor. 7:39).
Let Grace Cover
- Don’t commit more sin out of guilt for previous sin.
- Divorce never completely rids you of an unwanted spouse.
- Illegitimate divorce is not the unforgivable sin but it is a consequential one.
- No matter the reason, God always hates divorce (Mal. 2:16) due to what it does to the person, the family, and the society.
- The only people who live in a state of sin are those who are continually and defiantly disobedient.
- If you feel endangered in your marriage, leave the premises without necessarily abandoning the person.
- While divorce may seem unavoidable in some cases, never discount the power of grace.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.