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Your Bible questions are:
> can a man and woman divorce for any reason and be all right so long as
> neither has sex with any else for the rest of their life? If a couple
> divorce for irreconcilable differences is either party free to remarry
> as soon as the other commits fornication?
The basic teaching of scripture from the beginning of time regarding
marriage has been (and is): One man and one woman for life (read Gen.
2:21-24; Matt. 19:3-6; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:39).
Jesus gave one exception for legitimate divorce and remarriage to one party
within the marriage: that cause is fornication (sexual immorality). The
person who divorces his/her mate for the cause of fornication is given the
right by Jesus to remarry (read Matt. 19:9; 5:32). When divorce occurs for
any other reason, and remarriage follows, adultery occurs. Also, it is
clear that the adulterer is not free to remarry with Christ's approval from
Matthew 19:9.
God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). Men are women are to honor marriage and not
put asunder what God joins together (Heb. 13:4; Matt. 19:6). However, if
divorce occurs because one mate commits fornication, God gives the other the
right to divorce that mate and remarry. He does not give any right of
remarriage to the fornicator nor to people who are divorced for any other
reasons (Matt. 19:9). When divorce occurs for a reason other than sexual
immorality both parties are to "remain unmarried or or be reconciled" (1
Cor. 7:10-11).
With these Biblical truths before us we can not answer your specific
questions:
> can a man and woman divorce for any reason and be all right so long as
> neither has sex with any else for the rest of their life?
It is not "all right" to divorce, for God hates divorce (Matt. 19:6; Heb.
13:4; Mal. 2:16). However, that sin should not be compounded by unlawful
remarriages. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 teaches that those who are divorced "for
any reason" (save the cause of fornication, Matt. 19:9) are to remain
unmarried (which would mean no sex with anyone for the rest of their life)
or reconcile with their husband/wife.
> If a couple
> divorce for irreconcilable differences is either party free to remarry
> as soon as the other commits fornication?
No, Matthew 19:9 says that if their divorce was not for the cause of
fornication their remarriages are adultery.
Matthew 19:10-12 teaches the sacrifice of faith to pay the price of
faithfulness to God. In many cases that means celibacy. But, heaven will
be worth it all! (Col. 3:1-4)
I hope this has helped. If you want more information I will be glad to
snail mail you some material if you send me your mailing address. (All free
of charge, of course.)
Also, our website at www.bibleanswer.com has
material on marriage, divorce
and remarriage (look under "Special Studies").
God bless you as you study and live His word.
Sincerely,
Joe
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Joe R Price
joe@bibleanswer.com
Bible Answers
http://www.bibleanswer.com
Mt. Baker church of Christ
http://www.davisinet.com/mtbakercofc/
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