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Question: Is luke 16:18 the final word on divorce and remarriage? There are so many different interpretations on this issue & much confusion regarding whether one should remarry after being 'put away'. Does Jesus really mean this literally?Answer: In dealing with people today, this is probably one of the greatest problems that the Church faces. Yes, there is much controversy on this subject, so let's take it from the Biblical perspective.
"Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery" (Luke 16:18 KJV).
I don't think that most Christians have any problem with accepting the fact that God instituted marriage back in Genesis 2:24, and not only marriage, but the family as well (Gen. 1:27-28).
First, take a look at Malachi 2:13-16, and specifically verse 16: "For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away." Clearly, God hates divorce.
Secondly, look at Jesus' own words in Matthew 5:31-32: "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, 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."
And then over in Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees why Moses commanded to give a writing of divorcement, to which Jesus replied: "He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so" (verse 8).
Notice "from the beginning it was not so." Divorce was not an option. BUT now look at Jesus' words in verse 9. He just finished saying what was in the past, but now he adds the final authority to the subject. "And I say unto you, 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."
Paul's teachings in Romans 7:1-3 also shed light on this subject. He says in verse 2 that marriage is bound by the law as long as that spouse is alive. But if the spouse dies, then the remaining spouse is released from the law and then is free to marry.
HOWEVER, he says in verse 3 that if that spouse marries another person while their spouse is still living, they shall be called an adulterer or adulteress.
So far we see that God has never sanctioned divorce. Let's look further into Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife."
As far as scripture is concerned, divorce is not an alternative for the Christian. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, says specifically: "Wife, don't leave your husband. Husband, don't divorce your wife. BUT, if she departs, let her remain unmarried."
In conclusion:
1. God hates divorce.
2. If a person is put into a position where their husband or wife leaves them, if they really want to serve the Lord and stay true to God, they will have to follow the scriptural instruction to remain unmarried until that spouse dies. Then, and only then will they be free from the law to remarry.
3. The only biblical basis for remarriage is to be reconciled, or again, if the spouse dies, they are free to marry another.
4. And yes, Jesus does speak literally in Luke 16:18.
I know this is rather lengthy, but it is good to search out the scriptures. This subject seems to touch us all somehow. I also want to add this: Divorced people are not second-rate citizens in the sight of God.
More on this subject.
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