Do you know God’s laws on marriage and divorce?
- Thread starter Beckworth
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I'm thinking we shouldn't attribute to the Bible what isn't there, and nowhere that I've ever seen is divorce Biblically condoned for the things you mentioned. It's one thing to say we think folks should divorce under such and such circumstances, but to imply God is saying the same thing when He hasn's is a whole nother thing.
The OP did miss one situation that's in the Bible. 1 Cor 7:15: Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace.
If we are married to an unbeliever we are to remain married to them, but if they should divorce us, we're not bound by that marriage covenant.
The OP did miss one situation that's in the Bible. 1 Cor 7:15: Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace.
If we are married to an unbeliever we are to remain married to them, but if they should divorce us, we're not bound by that marriage covenant.
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Which is often the case. Also, adultery often occurs as well.
I understand the devastation that is caused through abuse. I have witnessed it personally and think everything should be done possible to mitigate harm. I still don't see in the verses you shared that divorce is allowed for abuse. And to me the reason is obvious. As the Israelites used any uncleanness as cause for divorce, Christians would likely use any abuse as grounds for divorce. Marriage isn't just an agreement between 2 people. Those involved took vows to both one another and God. Going back on a vow is a serious offense.
I understand the devastation that is caused through abuse. I have witnessed it personally and think everything should be done possible to mitigate harm. I still don't see in the verses you shared that divorce is allowed for abuse. And to me the reason is obvious. As the Israelites used any uncleanness as cause for divorce, Christians would likely use any abuse as grounds for divorce. Marriage isn't just an agreement between 2 people. Those involved took vows to both one another and God. Going back on a vow is a serious offense.
If a spouse gets a divorce or separates from the other for a number of abusive reasons, it of course isn't what God had in mind for marriage. The ideal marriage is being equally yoked and committed. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. If a spouse or child is getting battered and is in danger, I don't see them as committing an unpardonable sin to separate and take a time-out. We all are sinners so who should condemn someone for making a decision to right a wrong? Jesus left us with two final Commandments, to love the Lord God and to love each other as ourselves. We have to fight to do that in the divisive atmosphere prevailing today and how many are 100% doing that? I have a way to go, lol. So, if someone can pray through or tolerate an horrific marriage, that's their lookout. But if not and they leave the marriage, that's between them and God, and it's certainly not the unpardonable sin. Peace out.
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As your sig says 'Imperfect but forgiven'. The sin of divorce, if it comes to that, is of course a forgivable sin when we ask for forgiveness. Not to shed disgrace on anyone, but a few good Preachers/Pastors men and women have been divorced and for reasons other than abuse. Just one example is Arthur Blessit, the man who carries the cross all over the world, left his wife and children for someone else. John Hagee kinda the same thing and the list goes on. What they did, I don't judge them, they are men of God yet still sinners as we all are and whose actions are between them and God.
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I left that off because I’m not sure that is a reason.
I’m just listing what the Bible says. If you can give me a verse that authorizes divorce for physical or verbal abuse., or a husband who refuses to work and take care of his family, I will be glad to include it. God does condemn a man who will not work and provide for his family in 1 Timothy 5:8. But does NOT list that as a reason for divorce. In 1 Cor. 7 where you say “abandonment” is a reason for divorce, there are conditions that regulate that. First, the spouse was an unbeliever who refused to stay with his Christian wife’.. To the married Christian man, Paul said he was NOT to divorce his wife. Verse 11. God does allow for separation with restrictions. Though abuse is not a reason for divorce, God does allow a separation from the abuser. God encourages us to appeal to the law for justice in such a case. While the scripture allows the wife to separate from her husband, God specifies that she is to remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. See verse 11. So abuse is still not given as a reason to divorce. I don’t make the laws; I can only tell you what the scriptures say. As a teacher, I must be extremely careful not to teach something the Bible does not say; that might result in someone being lost. James 3:1 says “teachers” will receive a stricter judgement.
I’m just listing what the Bible says. If you can give me a verse that authorizes divorce for physical or verbal abuse., or a husband who refuses to work and take care of his family, I will be glad to include it. God does condemn a man who will not work and provide for his family in 1 Timothy 5:8. But does NOT list that as a reason for divorce. In 1 Cor. 7 where you say “abandonment” is a reason for divorce, there are conditions that regulate that. First, the spouse was an unbeliever who refused to stay with his Christian wife’.. To the married Christian man, Paul said he was NOT to divorce his wife. Verse 11. God does allow for separation with restrictions. Though abuse is not a reason for divorce, God does allow a separation from the abuser. God encourages us to appeal to the law for justice in such a case. While the scripture allows the wife to separate from her husband, God specifies that she is to remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. See verse 11. So abuse is still not given as a reason to divorce. I don’t make the laws; I can only tell you what the scriptures say. As a teacher, I must be extremely careful not to teach something the Bible does not say; that might result in someone being lost. James 3:1 says “teachers” will receive a stricter judgement.
Does God want a man to support his family—yes. Does God want a man to love his wife—yes. Does God condemn dope and drunkenness—yes! But None of those are given by God in the Bible as a reason to divorce. And THAT is the topic under discussion. We’re not talking about all the sins a man may commit against his family. We are discussing what God says about DIVORCE.
God says if you sin willfully, after you have learned the truth, Christ’s sacrifice will not do you any good. You can’t just say “I’m sorry” and move on. Hebrews 10:26.