LIFE SCRIPTS

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 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. 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.
Matthew 19:7‭-‬9 KJV

The Pharisees must have been salivating at the prospect of a follow up question which they did ask. How come Moses gave a green light for divorce if it’s not lawful? Christ responded that Moses did so to accommodate the stubborn nature of people. However, in God’s economy, there is no room for divorce. In fact, if a husband puts away his wife (except for unfaithfulness) and marries another he commits adultery. Also if a man marries a divorced woman he commits adultery. Few points to ponder from this passage:

1. Every law has a basis or a spirit. The laws on marriage during Moses time, were meant to create and inspire commitment in marriage. It doesn’t matter whether an escape route was created, God’s primary objective was to create order. This order would come through a man committing to a woman and a woman committing to a man in marriage. It would reduce disorder, confusion and uphold integrity in the family unit.
2. Divorce according to Christ is a no go zone except in instances of marital unfaithfulness. We might think that this is a ticket for divorce and separation especially in our age of promiscuity. However, Christ was driving a point home…in marriage, the only gift one reserves for his or her spouse is sex. If we choose to share it with others out of marriage, then the union becomes compromised. He was not really encouraging divorce but discouraging the sin of extra marital affairs.
3. Divorce and remarrying is tantamount to committing adultery. This is a message that really sounds out of place in our age. However, it is the word of God. Divorce and remarriage is sin. It doesn’t glorify God. It belittles the institution of marriage which is symbolic of Christ’s (Groom) relationship with us (bride). However, this passage raises other questions which might be a subject of greater discussion…
   A. Is adultery the act of divorcing and remarrying or the continuous marital state after divorce and remarrying?
   B. Are divorced and remarried Christians in danger of eternal damnation?
   We might not get all the conclusive answers from this particular scripture but a clear message we see is the importance God has placed in marriage. It therefore is important that we take it with the seriousness it deserves. If one is married after divorce, there’s still room for forgiveness and reconciliation. See the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4