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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 5/26/02 Radio Program

Question:

A couple has divorced, and in this case, while one spouse wanted the divorce, the other spouse protested and fought the divorce. However, in the end, the divorce was granted. In such a case, is the one who protested the divorce free to remarry?

Answer:

This certainly is a valid and relevant question in a time when divorce is rampant in our society. It is good to know that there are those who are ready to fight for their marriage, to keep it intact. This is a great attitude.

We know that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). This must be understood before we answer this question. The Lord hates such things, and it is sad to see society's flippant attitude toward marriage (in many cases). Yet, to answer the question at hand, let us not rely upon man's wisdom, but let us look to the word of God. In the New Testament, we find two occasions when our Lord spoke about one divorcing and the marrying another person. This is found in Matthew 5:31-32 and Matthew 19:9.

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."

Matthew 19:9 - "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."

Notice please that there is one and only one acceptable reason for a person divorcing and marrying another, and this is in the case of fornication (or sexual immorality). In this case, our Lord said the innocent spouse can divorce and remarry. The one who has been guilty of such sin has no right to be married to another person.

Please bear in mind that in these passages, our Lord describes a "passive" person and an "active" person. In other words, in these passages, we find one doing the "divorcing," and one being "divorced." So, just as in the question asked above, we find both "active" and "passive" participants in the divorce procedure. Yet, our Lord deals with the motive behind the divorce. Was it "for fornication" (i.e., sexual immorality) or for some other reason?

In light of what the Bible says, you need to make a decision, friend. Does the situation that Christ described in the book of Matthew match your situation? If not, then you cannot be married to another.

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