Marriage & Divorce

Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage

Assumptions and Preliminary Issues

Those who have experienced the tragedy of divorce are not to be 'condemned' nor excluded from the fellowship of gracious believers. They should learn what God's Word says about divorce, thank Him for His love & forgiveness, and so "grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2Pe 3:18.

The Scriptures are the authoritative Word of God for Faith and Practice. The Scripture is God’s revealed Word. He reveals Himself and His will, He does not hide it from His children. Rom12:1,2; 1 Jn5:14.

We worship and serve God, not the Scriptures.

A Consistent application of ‘Grace’ cannot contradict ‘Obedience’ and ‘Holiness’ as they apply to:

	Our Christian worthiness, walk, and witness
	The responsibility to teach God’s people His Word
	A Biblically-based stand on any 'controversial' topic, including Homosexuality (some interpret the Bible very literally in condemning homosexuality, but they are willing to ignore the Bible’s teaching on Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage since this terrible experience affects so many in the church)
	A Biblically-based stand against Marrying a believer and an unbeliever
	A Biblically-based position on Divorce and Remarriage

"Legalism, Grace, Obedience, Pharisee-ism, Ministering, Love, Forgiveness, and Truth" must be defined by scripture and not common Christian practice.

Many Christians have been very specific (and uncompromising) in applying direct obedience to God’s revealed Word in their stand on homosexuality and marrying a believer to an unbeliever. Those who call themselves Bible-believers must do the same for the important issue of Divorce and Remarriage, as well as other practical, real-life issues as they present themselves in the life of a church.

Throughout, God's Grace prevails, and His forgiveness of sinners, and His empowerment for Holy living.

Coming Later - a fuller treatment of the husband's responsibilities to his wife before God.