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-http://facts.randomhistory.com/divorce-facts.htmlhttp://www.mckinleyirvin.com/blog/divorce/32-shocking-divorce-statistics/http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/10949-monogamyhttp://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/10435-marriage-lawsmailto:aishrabbi@aish.eduhttp://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/?articleid=36562http://www.stateofourunions.org/2012/SOOU2012.pdf 8 8(USUS.,  XX  THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @@ AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY#XXX0#XXX#XXX#  'USUS.,  _  @@  XX ASCRIPTURALDEFINITIONAND  DESCRIPTIONOFMARRIAGE #XXX[# 'USUS.,  _ XXXXX  MOTHERS,DAUGHTERS,ANDWIVESINISRAEL  _  BYALFREDEDERSHEIM #XXXXXX@#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  1    _XXXXX    Thefollowingillustrationalsooccurs:Acertainwisewomansaidtoherdaughterbeforeher > marriage:"Mychild,standbeforethyhusbandandministertohim.Ifthouwiltactashismaidenhe *z willbethyslave,andhonortheeashismistress;butifthouexaltthyselfagainsthim,hewillbethy f master,andthoushaltbecomevileinhiseyes,likeoneofthemaidservants."#XXXXXXk#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  2    _XXXXX    ThereisaJewishtraditionthatthewomenhadcontributedoftheirsubstancetotheTabernacle,but > refusedtodosoformakingthegoldencalf,whichisdeducedfromtheaccountin#XXXXXXk#XXXXXXExodus32:2 *z comparedwithverse3.#XXXXXX#\  `&Times New Roman  8(USUS.,  _@ XX THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @  AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY#XXXO#  >$USUS.,  3    _ XXXXX    Similarexpressionsare#XXXX XXk# XXXXXXSarah#XXXX XX# XXXXXXand#XXXX XX4# XXXXXXShiddah#XXXX XX}# XXXXXX,bothfromrootsmeaning#XXXX XX# XXXXXXtorule#XXXX XX(# XXXXXX.Noristhisinconsistent > withtheuseoftheword#XXXX XXt# XXXXXXBaal#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,tomarry,and#XXXX XXJ# XXXXXXBeulah#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,themarriedone,from#XXXX XX# XXXXXXBaal#XXXX XXG# XXXXXX,alord"evenas *z Sarah"calledAbrahamlord"(#XXXX XX# XXXXXX1Peter3:6,theexpressionusedofhertoAbimelech,#XXXX XX# XXXXXXGenesis20:3, f being#XXXX XX# XXXXXXBeulah#XXXX XX# XXXXXX).Ofcourseitisnotmeantthatthesearetheonlywordsforfemales.Buttheothers, R suchas#XXXX XXI# XXXXXXBath#XXXX XX# XXXXXXand#XXXX XXL# XXXXXXNaarah#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,areeithersimplyfeminineterminations,orelse,as#XXXX XX# XXXXXXBethulah#XXXX XX\# XXXXXX,#XXXX XX# XXXXXXLevush#XXXX XX# XXXXXX, > #XXXX XX; # XXXXXXNekevah#XXXX XX # XXXXXX,#XXXX XX # XXXXXXAlmah#XXXX XX) # XXXXXX,#XXXX XXs # XXXXXXRachem#XXXX XX # XXXXXX,descriptiveoftheirphysicalstate#XXXX XX # XXXXXX.#XXXX XXl #\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  4    _XXXXX    AftertheelegantpoeticalversionofDr.Sachs(#XXXXXXk#XXXXXXStimmenvomJordanu#XXXXXX#XXXXXX.#XXXXXX[#XXXXXXEuphrat#XXXXXX#XXXXXX.p.347).Weselect > thisonepoeticdescriptionofJewishweddedloveandrespectforwomanfromamongmanythat *z mightbegiven#XXXXXX#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  5    _    XXXXXThesomewhatsimilarreferenceto#XXXXXX#XXXXXXLeviticus19:19in#XXXXXX#XXXXXXPhilo#XXXXXXH#XXXXXX.#XXXXXX#XXXXXXdeCreat#XXXXXX#XXXXXX.#XXXXXX&#XXXXXXPrinc#XXXXXXm#XXXXXX.(edFrancof.)pp.730, > 731,mentionedinWetstein,#XXXXXX#XXXXXXNov#XXXXXXE#XXXXXX.#XXXXXX#XXXXXXTest#XXXXXX#XXXXXX.ii.p.193,doesnotseemsufficientlyparallelforquotation.#XXXXXX#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  6    _XXXXXYalkuton#XXXXXXk#XXXXXXDeuteronomy21:15.#XXXXXX#\  `&Times New Roman \ >$USUS.,  7    _XXXXX    Therewasalsoathirdmodeofespousal"simplybycohabitation,butthiswasverystrongly > disapprovedbytheRabbis.#XXXXXXk#\  `&Times New Roman { >$USUS.,  8    _XXXXXItis,tosaytheleast,doubtfulwhethertheRabbinicalformofthisbenedictionandofthatat  betrothaldatesfromearliesttimes.Howeverbeautiful,seemsfartooelaborateforthat.#XXXXXXk#\  `&Times New Roman _ >$USUS.,  9    _XXXXXThedistinctionismarkedin#XXXXXXk#, ,XXX, , ,,#XXX ,,##XXXXXX#XXXXXXJoel2:16;the#XXXXXXr#XXXXXXChuppah#XXXXXX#XXXXXXisalsomentionedin#XXXXXX#, ,XXX, , ,,j#XXX ,,z##XXXXXX#XXXXXXPsalm19:5.#XXXXXX#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  10    _ XXXXXSeemyarticleon Marriage"inCassell's#XXXX XXl# XXXXXXBibleEducator#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,vol.iv.pp.267270.#XXXX XX1#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  11    _#XXXXXAccordingtoR.Simon{on#XXXX#XXl##XXXXXXChel#XXXX#XX##XXXXXX.ii.8)itwasanEasterncustomthat,whenthebridewasledto  herfuturehome, theycarriedbeforethepartyaboutten"suchlamps.#XXXX#XX#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  12    _&XXXXXThepracticeofcallingawifeabrideduringthefirstyearofhermarriageisprobablybasedon  #XXXX&XXl#, ,XXX&, , ,,$#&XXX ,&,4##XXXX&XXS#&XXXXXXDeuteronomy24:5.#XXXX&XX#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  13    _)XXXXXRabbinicalordinancessolimitedtheMosaiclawinregardtoanadulteress,thatthetrialand  punishmentcouldonlyhavebeenoftheveryrarestoccurrence.Intotheselawsanddistinctions  wecannot,however,atpresententer.#XXXX)XXl#\  `&Times New Roman ? >$USUS.,  14    _,XXXXXTheJewshaveitthatawoman"isloosedfromthelawofherhusband"byonlyoneoftwo  things:deathoraletterofdivorce;hence#XXXX,XXl#, ,XXX,, , ,,G#,XXX ,,,W##XXXX,XXv#,XXXXXXRomans7:2,3.#XXXX,XX#\  `&Times New Roman  >$USUS.,  15    _/XXXXXThisisnottheplacetoenterintothelegaldetails,fullydiscussedbytheRabbis.#XXXX/XXl#\  `&Times New Roman F >$USUS.,  16    _2XXXXXKollKore#XXXX2XXo#2XXXXXX,byR.El.Soloweycyk,p.184.Compare#XXXX2XX#2XXXXXXTaan#XXXX2XX*#2XXXXXX.9,#XXXX2XXs#2XXXXXXa#XXXX2XX#2XXXXXX.#XXXX2XX#\  `&Times New Roman 5 'USUS.,  _  @@  5XXXXXMARRIAGE#XXXX5XX^#5XXXXXX:FROMTHEINTERNATIONAL  STANDARDBIBLEENCYCLOPEDIA #XXXX5XX#\  `&Times New Roman N 8(USUS.,  _  XX THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @@ AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY #XXXI#XXX #XXX# { 'USUS.,  _@? ?  ASTUDYINFIRSTCORINTHIANSCHAPTER7  8(USUS.,  _@  THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @ AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY  'USUS.,  _  @@   ADULTERY,FORNICATION,DESERTION,  DIVORCEANDREMARRIAGE  8(USUS.,    THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @@  AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSYXX #XXX# 'USUS.,  _  WHATTHEBIBLESAYSABOUT  SEXUALPERVERSIONANDSODOMY  8(USUS.,  _@  THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @ AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY  q 'USUS.,  _@  STANDARDSFORCHURCHSERVICE  8(USUS.,  _   THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @@ AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY   8(USUS.,  _@  XXTHEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @  AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY #XXXR# 'USUS.,  _@NN" XXGLOSSARYOFTERMS#XXXR#   8(USUS.,  _@ XX THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @  AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY#XXXO#  'USUS.,  _@RR$XX BIBLIOGRAPHY #XXXO# 8(USUS.,  _@  THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE,  @ AND HUSBANDOFONEWIFECONTROVERSY !USUS.,  _   XX8XXXdd8  THEMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,  REMARRIAGE,AND  0   HUSBANDOFONEWIFE P  CONTROVERSY#XXXZ#   p XXX BY  BROTHERCARLM.(MIKE)SUTHERLAND #XXX#       TheMarriage,Divorce,Remarriage,And HusbandOfOneWifeControversy  |*%)  CopyrightMarch26,2014byCarlMichaelSutherland!SelfPublished  h+&* _5 _{;z0W\<ED7P}  CHAPTERPAGE  x   10  Introduction#""J(#. (#(##1 P  20  AScripturalDefinitionAndDescriptionOfMarriage#""J(#.B(#(##_5_Ԉ <    Concubines`"`"I(#. _27_Ԉ (    MultipleWives`"`"I(#. _30_Ԉ     SeparationInChoosingASpouse`"`"I(#.._42_Ԉ  t 30   XXXXXXMothers,Daughters,AndWivesInIsrael:ByAlfredEdersheim#XXXX XX##`"`"I(#.""L(#(##_47_Ԉ  ` 40   XXXXXXMarriage#XXXX XX# XXXXXX:FromTheInternationalStandardBibleEncyclopedia#XXXX XXB##`"`"I(#.K(#(##_59_Ԉ L    Introduction`"`"I(#. _59_Ԉ 8    MarriageAmongTheHebrews`"`"I(#.)_60_Ԉ $    BetrothalTheFirstFormalPart`"`"I(#.._61_Ԉ     WeddingCeremonies`"`"I(#. !_62_Ԉ     JesusSanctionOfTheInstitution`"`"I(#.1_64_Ԉ t    HisTeachingConcerningDivorce`"`"I(#.._65_Ԉ `  50  AStudyInFirstCorinthiansChapter7#`"`"I(#.$$5(#(##_67_Ԉ L   1Corinthians7:12`"`"I(#.  "_67_Ԉ 8   1Corinthians7:35`"`"I(#.  "_68_Ԉ $   1Corinthians7:69`"`"I(#.  "_68_Ԉ    1Corinthians7:1016`"`"I(#. $_70_Ԉ p   1Corinthians7:1724`"`"I(#. $_73_Ԉ \   1Corinthians7:2526`"`"I(#. $_74_Ԉ H   1Corinthians7:2728`"`"I(#. $_74_Ԉ 4   1Corinthians7:2935`"`"I(#. $_75_Ԉ     1Corinthians7:3638`"`"I(#. $_76_Ԉ     1Corinthians7:3940`"`"I(#. $_76_Ԉ  60  Adultery,Fornication,Desertion,DivorceAndRemarriage#`"`"I(#.H(#(##_79_Ԉ p   OurPurposeInThisChapter`"`"I(#.*_79_Ԉ \    SomeVeryTroublingDivorceStatistics`"`"I(#.5_80_Ԉ H!   SomeQuestionsPosed`"`"I(#.22#_81_Ԉ 4"   DefinitionsAndDescriptionsOfTerms`"`"I(#.nn4_82_Ԉ  #   Adultery`"`"I(#. _82_Ԉ  $    Fornication`"`"I(#. _86_Ԉ $l!   Uncleanness`"`"I(#. _89_Ԉ %X"   Divorce`"`"I(#. _92_Ԉ &D #   TheScripturalGroundsForDivorce`"`"I(#.``1_98_Ԉ '0!$    XXXXXXGodsCommandInEzra10AsScripturalGroundsforDivorce#XXXX XX#`"`"I(#.I_99_Ԉ ("%    XXXXXXFornication/AdulteryAsScripturalGroundsforDivorce#XXXX XX#!!H(#.E_102_Ԉ )#&    XXXXXXDesertionAsAScripturalGroundForDivorce#XXXX XXs#!!H(#.;_113_Ԉ *#'    XXXXXXRemarriageAfterDeathAndDivorce#XXXX XXA#!!H(#.1_121_Ԉ l+$( Ї CHAPTERPAGE     AreThoseThatAreRemarriedLivingInPerpetualAdultery?!!H(#.LLI_128_Ԉ    SomeQuestionsAnswered:Summary!!H(#./_132_Ԉ t   AppendixI!!H(#. _134_Ԉ ` 70  WhattheBibleSaysAboutSexualPerversionAndSodomy#!!H(#.E(#(##_137_Ԉ L    Introduction!!H(#. _137_Ԉ 8    APresentationOnWhattheBibleSaysAboutSexualPerversion!!H(#.``L_138_Ԉ $ t 80  StandardsForChurchService#!!H(#.hh+(#(##_157_Ԉ  `   WehaveSomeQuestionsForYou!!H(#.-_157_Ԉ  L    WhatTheyBelieveAndPractice!!H(#.PP-_158_Ԉ  8     XXXXXXAChallengeAndWhatWeHaveBeenTaught#XXXX XXc#!!H(#.7_163_Ԉ $     XXXXXXBadAttitudes,Pride,AndRomanCatholicTheology#XXXX XX-#!!H(#.@_165_Ԉ      XXXXXXTheIssuefromDoctrinalAndHistoricalPerspectives#XXXX XX #!!H(#.C_166_Ԉ     Polygamy!!H(#.& & _167_Ԉ      XXXXXXTheMaritalStatusOfTheApostlePaul#XXXX XX>!#!!H(#.zz5_170_Ԉ      XXXXXXStandardsForBishopsandDeacons#XXXX XX"#!!H(#.JJ0_174_Ԉ p   MenPleasers,FlatteringTitles,AndDoctorsOfTheLaw!!H(#.F_186_Ԉ \   DivorceCommandedUponThePriesthood!!H(#.4_187_Ԉ H    XXXXXXDivorcedHusbandsAsPastorsOfTheirHomes#XXXX XX##!!H(#.:_189_Ԉ 4   AppendixIQuotesFromVariousAuthorsAndCommentaries!!H(#.F_190_Ԉ  p   XXXGlossaryOfTerms#XXXJ%#!!H(#." " _201_Ԉ H Bibliography!!H(#._207_Ԉ H ________________ XXXXXX|OY pOaq5  r_____ |+&* { {   {  ____ ____@   u X XXCHAPTER1:@@FF$INTRODUCTION# XXX  uP)# X XX # XXX )#Ԉ  _  WewanttostartthisseriesoutbystatingunequivocallythatwebelievethatGodsplanfor  marriagefromthebeginninghasbeenonemanwithonewomanforalifetime.Godspecifically  statesthathehatesputtingaway(divorce)inMalachichapter_2#XXXX XXa'# XXXXXX._ԀWealsowanttounequivocallystate  thatbecauseofthewickednessofmansheartthatGodmakesprovisionfordivorceandremarriage.   WhileitisobviousthatGodallowedpolygyny,or,themarryingofmultiplewives,itisalsoobvious p  thatthatwasnothisoriginaldesign.Thereisnotoneinstanceofpolyandryrecordedinthe \  Scriptures.Polyandryis_#XXXX XX+# XXXXXXthe_Ԁpracticeoffemaleshavingmorehusbandsthanoneatthesame_time#XXXX XX-# XXXXXX._ԀWe H  willdealwiththeseissuesaswemoveforward. 4     WeareabouttoaddressseveralofthemostcontroversialissuesintheScriptureswhenwe  p  dealwiththesubjectsofmarriage,divorce,remarriage,sexualsins,andthequalificationsformen  \  toholdpositionsintheministry.Inthisstudy,wewillattempttoanswermanyquestions;someof H  whichareidentifiedinthenextparagraph. 4    Manyquestionscometomind.WhatistheScripturaldefinitionofmarriage?IsthereanOld   TestamentoraNewTestamentScripturethatspecificallyprohibitsamanorawomanfromhaving   twoormorespouses?AretheirScripturalgroundsfordivorce?Howarewetounderstandthe  phrase:_ #XXXX XXP.# XXXXXXWhat_ԀthereforeGodhathjoinedtogether,letnotmanputasunder?_#XXXX XX'2#_ XXXXXXCanamarriedperson  beguiltyoffornication?_#XXXX XX2# XXXXXX_ԀWhatistheScripturaldefinitionofadultery?Whatisanadulterer?What  isanadulteress?WhatistheScripturaldefinitionforfornication?Whatisafornicator?Whatisa l harlot?Whatisawhore?Whatisawhoremonger?Canasinglepersonbeguiltyofadultery?What X istheScripturaldefinitionof_unmarried?#XXXX XX3# XXXXXX_ԀArebothpartiestoadivorcealwaysguiltyofsin?Is D divorceoneofthetwounforgivablesins?Dothescripturespermitremarriageafterdivorce? 0 Accordingto1Timothy3andTitus1,whatconstitutesachurchoffice?Inwhatgrammaticaltense l isthequalificationsforpastorsanddeaconswrittenininFirstTimothychapter3andTituschapter X 1?Fromthecontextof1Timothychapter1,whatcanbedeterminedaboutwhatgroupofpeople D PaulisinstructingTimothyabout?FromthecontextofTituschapter1,whatcanbedetermined 0 aboutwhatgroupofpeoplePaulisinstructingTitusabout?Theanswerstobothofthosequestions  willgiveyousomecluesastohowtointerpretandapplytheinstructionsgiventoTimothyandTitus  concerningtheroleofmeninthechurch._#XXXX XXk5# XXXXXXIn_ԀwhatotherchapteroftheNewTestamentare  qualificationsfordeaconsgiven?What,ifany,churchofficesisamannotqualifiedtoholdifhehas   beendivorced?Isasinglemanwhohasneverbeenmarriedqualifiedtobeapastor,preacher, |! evangelist,oradeacon?Isawidowerqualifiedtoholdanychurchoffice? h"    Weknowthatwewillreceivesharpcriticismfrommanyofthedoctorsthatpreachinthe T#! pulpitsofmanyIndependentBaptistchurches.Wewillbecalledcompromisersonthesubjectsof @$" marriage,divorce,remarriage,andqualificationsformenintheministryofthechurchoftheliving ,%| # God.Whilewedonotseekconfrontation,weknowitwillcomefromthosewhoparrotanddefend &h!$ thetraditionofthedoctorsofthelaw.Therearemanywellmeaningmenoutthere,whowerespect, 'T"% whosedoctrineconcerningthesesubjectsdoesnotlineupwithwhatthewordofGodteaches.There '@#& arealsomanywellmeaningmenoutthere,whowerespect,whoparrotthepositionsoftheirleaders (,$' andhavenotsearchedtheScripturestoseewhatthussaiththeLord.Weknowthatsomefolkswill )%( readthismaterialandtheScripturesthatbackitupandwillrejectitoutrightbecauseitgoesagainst *&) whattheyhavebeentaughtbysoandsoeventhoughtheyknowthatwhattheyhavebeentaught +&* doesnotlineupwiththeScriptures.Wealsoknowthatsomepeoplewillnotevenbotherreading S thistherestofthewaythroughsimplybecauseofsomeofthequestionsthatwereaskedinthetwo ? openingparagraphs.WewouldtoGodthatanyandallwouldtakethetimetoproveuswrongon +  whatwesayhere.Atleastthen,theywillhavestudiedtheissuethroughforthemselves.Pleasedo   nottelluswhatyouhavebeentaughtbyyourpreacher,pastor,evangelist,orteachersifyouhave   notprovedwhattheysayagainstthe_Scriptures.Wewillnotbemenpleasersonthissubjectbecause   thegrossmisinterpretationandmisapplicationoftheScripturesontheseissueshasdestroyedthe   livesofmanygreatmenandwomensittinginourpewsandstandinginourpulpits.Satanhasused  t themisinterpretationoftheseissuestodrivemanygood,Godlymenfromthepulpitsofour ` churchesandtodenyentryintotheministrytomanyotherGodlymen.Youcanstrutlikeapeacock L  ifyouwanttowhenyouproudlyproclaimthatyouhaveneverbeendivorced.Howmanytimeshave 8  youwentawhoringaroundonyourwife.Or,howmanytimes,andwithhowmanywomen,didyou w$  havepremaritalsex.Whenyougetthroughcuttingdivorcedpeopletothebonewithyour c  unforgivingtonguewhydontyouasktheHolyGhostifitisokayforyoutoputdownthesaltshaker O  youusedtopoursaltintotheirwounds. ;    Wearepersonallyguiltyofhavingbattledwiththeseissuesforyearswhilelisteningtowhat '  thismanhadtosayandtowhatthatmanhadtosaywithouthavingdoneacompletestudyonthe  wholecounselofGodconcerningtheseissues.Thishasnotbeenaneasyroadtowalk.Wehavehad  tothrowoutsomebeliefsthatweheldtoandadamantlydefendedforyears.Inotherwords,some  ofourconclusionsfromthisstudycontradictdoctrineswehavebeentaughtandhaveheldtofor  years.ThelightoftheScriptureshaslitupthedarkcornerswheresomeofthedoctrineswehave p heldtorest.Wearegoingtopresentourfindingsandconclusionsinthepagestocomeandwe \ welcomeyourcommentsandquestions.Onceagain,weencourageyoutoproveuswrongbecause H wehaveagenuineheartfeltdesiretorightlydividetheWordOfTruth.IfweareScripturallywrong, 4 wewanttobeprovedwrong.Ifyourstandardofrighteousnessformarriage,divorce,remarriage,and s  qualificationsexceedsthatwhichiswritteninScriptures,donottrytoimposethosestandardson _  yourfellowbelieversbecauseitwillsubverttheforgivinggraceofGodintheirlivesandwillcause K themgreatharmandgreatpain.Weneedtobeverycarefulaboutourdoctrine.TheLordJesusChrist 7  saidin#XXXX XX{9# XXXXXXMatthew15:9: Butinvaintheydoworshipme,teachingfordoctrinesthecommandments #! ofmen.Muchofwhatweteachandpreachconcerningmarriageanddivorceislacedwiththe " poisonofthedoctrinesandcommandmentsofmen.Ifyourstandardofrighteousnessexceedsthe " standardsoftheScripturesandyouattempttoimposeyourstandardsuponothers,thenyouareguilty # ofbeingaPharisee.Thisstudyisoursincereattempttoinstructourselvesin,andyieldto,the $  teachingsofthewordofGodconcerningmarriage,divorce,remarriage,andGodsrequirementsfor %l! churchleaders.Wehopethatyouwilljoinusinthisstudywhereourobjectiveistodeterminewhat &X" thussaiththeLordconcerningtheissuesofmarriage,divorce,remarriage,andqualificationsfor 'D # churchoffices. (0!$ #XXXX XXL# XXXXXX  Inthecourseofthisstudy,wehavelookedup,read,andstudiedincontexteveryoccurrence o)"% ofthefollowingwordsandphrases(thenumberofoccurrenceswelookedatareinbrackets): [*#& 8  adulterer[3],adulterers[9],adulteress[5]#XXXX XXQ# XXXXXX,adulteresses[3]#XXXX XXoR# XXXXXX,adulteries[5]#XXXX XXR# XXXXXX,adulterous 3,$( [4]#XXXX XXS# XXXXXX,adultery[39]#XXXX XX{S# XXXXXX,betroth[4]#XXXX XXS# XXXXXX,betrothed[9]#XXXX XXT# XXXXXX,bound[104]#XXXX XXlT# XXXXXX,bride[14]#XXXX XXT# XXXXXX,bridegroom U [24]#XXXX XX U# XXXXXX,concubine[22]#XXXX XXpU# XXXXXX,concubines[17]#XXXX XXU# XXXXXX,divorce[1]#XXXX XXV# XXXXXX,divorced[4]#XXXX XXcV# XXXXXX,divorcement[6]#XXXX XXV# XXXXXX, A effeminate[1]#XXXX XXW# XXXXXX,espousals[2]#XXXX XXlW# XXXXXX,espoused[5]#XXXX XXW# XXXXXX,fornication[36]#XXXX XX X# XXXXXX,fornications[3]#XXXX XXaX# XXXXXX, - fornicator[2]#XXXX XXX# XXXXXX,fornicators[3]#XXXX XXY# XXXXXX,harlot[42]#XXXX XXmY# XXXXXX,harlots[2]#XXXX XXY# XXXXXX,harlots[6]#XXXX XXZ# XXXXXX,harlots[1]#XXXX XX^Z# XXXXXX,   husband[126]#XXXX XXZ# XXXXXX,husbands[6]#XXXX XX[# XXXXXX,husbands[17]#XXXX XXj[# XXXXXX,husbandofonewife[3]#XXXX XX[# XXXXXX,inunto[76]#XXXX XX\# XXXXXX,   laywith[13]#XXXX XXf\# XXXXXX,liewith[28]#XXXX XX\# XXXXXX,lyingwith[7]#XXXX XX]# XXXXXX,loosed[32]#XXXX XXn]# XXXXXX,marriage[18]#XXXX XX]# XXXXXX,marry[22]#XXXX XX ^# XXXXXX,   married[30]#XXXX XX[^# XXXXXX,oneflesh[10]#XXXX XX^# XXXXXX,put(ing)away[64]#XXXX XX_# XXXXXX,sodomite[1]#XXXX XXh_# XXXXXX,sodomites[4]#XXXX XX_# XXXXXX,spouse   [6]#XXXX XX `# XXXXXX,spouses[2]#XXXX XXk`# XXXXXX,uncleanness[40]#XXXX XX`# XXXXXX,unmarried[4]#XXXX XXa# XXXXXX,virgin[34]#XXXX XX_a# XXXXXX,virgins[22]#XXXX XXa# XXXXXX,virgins  t [1]#XXXX XXa# XXXXXX,wedding[7]#XXXX XXeb# XXXXXX,whore[15]#XXXX XXb# XXXXXX,whores[2]#XXXX XXc# XXXXXX,#XXXX XXPc# XXXXXXwhoredom[21]#XXXX XXc# XXXXXX,whoredoms[32]#XXXX XXc# XXXXXX,  ` #XXXX XX5d# XXXXXXwhoremonger[1]#XXXX XXd# XXXXXX,whoremongers[4]#XXXX XXd# XXXXXX,#XXXX XX2e# XXXXXXwhoring[19]#XXXX XXve# XXXXXX,wife[407]#XXXX XXe# XXXXXX,wifes[11]#XXXX XXf# XXXXXX,wives L  [131]#XXXX XXdf# XXXXXX.8     Thoughwereadincontexteveryoccurrenceofthewordsabovewedidnotuseeveryoccurrence e  becausemanyofthewordswereusedgenericallysuchashusband,wife,andwivestonameafew. Q  Whereaspecificoccurrenceofawordgaveadefinition,description,orinterpretationofwhatawife, =  husband,andetc.were,weusedthatScriptureinthisdiscussion.Thereasonwegivethefigures )  aboveistoshowthereaderand/orlistenerthemassiveamountofinformationthatisavailableinthe  Scripturesconcerningtheissuesthatarebeforeus.    Weputagreatdealofemphasisonsexualsinsinourstudybecauseitistheviolationofthe  marriagebedthatleadstomanydivorcesandopenfornicationbythemarriedandunmarried.We  havestudiedJewishandRomanmarriageanddivorcecustomsandlaw.Wehavealsolookedat p manyBibledictionariesandcommentariesnottodeterminewhereweshouldstandontheseissues, \ buttoseewherevarious greatmenofGodstoodontheseissues.Whatwecantellyouisthatit H isamixedbagwithmanygreatmenofGodcomingdownonoppositesidesoftheissue.Two 4 exampleswillbrieflyservetoillustratethispoint.OneofthegreaticonsoftheIndependentBaptist u  movement,C.I.Scofield(aCongregationalist),wasadivorcedpastor.ScofieldwasDwightL. a  MoodyspastorandMoodyknewhewasdivorced.WhatthatmeansisthatbothScofieldandMoody M believeditwasokayforadivorcedmantoholdapastorsposition.ManyoftheIndependentBaptist 9 preachersandpastorsthatharangueagainst doublemarriedpreacherspushtheScofieldStudy %  BibleanditsKingJamesBiblecorrectingnotestothehilt.Manyofthesamepastorsandpreachers ! setMoodyupasthestandardto liveandpreachby.AsmuchaswerespecttheministryofDwight ! L.Moody,heisnotthestandardthatweholdourdoctrinetoandneitherisanyotherpastor, " preacher,orevangelist.Ourstandardfordoctrineistheperfect1611AuthorizedKingJamesBible. #    InthestudiesthatfollowwebegofyouNOTtoreadintotheScripturesanyofyour $l! preconceivednotionsanddoctrineaboutmarriage,divorce,andremarriage.Readandinterpretthe %X" ScripturesliterallyanddiligentlycompareScripturewithScripture.BeaBerean.Webegofyouto &D # setasideeverythingthatyouhavebeentaughtaboutmarriage,divorce,andremarriage#XXXX XXf# XXXXXXԀthatdoes '0!$ NOTlineupwiththeliteralfactsandtheliteralinterpretationofthescriptures.Youwillbeshocked q("% atwhatyouwilllearn.Weknowthatwewereshocked.Wehadmanypreconceivedideasabout ])#& marriage,divorce,andremarriage#XXXX XXr# XXXXXXԀthatdidnotlineupwiththeScriptures.Weheldtodoctrinesthat I*#' exceededtherighteousnessoftheScriptures.Regardlessofhowwellintentionedourmotivation 5+$( mightbe,webecomelegalistsandPhariseeswhenourrighteousnessexceedstherighteousnessof !,%) theScripturesandweattempttoimposethatrighteousnessonafellowbeliever.Matthew23:4 S declares: ? 8  #XXXX XXs# XXXXXXMatthew23:4   4Fortheybindheavyburdensandgrievoustobeborne,andlaythemonmens   shoulders;buttheythemselveswillnotmovethemwithoneoftheirfingers.    #XXXX XXv# XXXXXX  Wehavediscoveredthroughthisstudythatthatisexactlywhatwehavebeenguiltyofinthe  t pastbecausewehadnevercompletelystudiedthewholecounselofGodonthesubjectsbeforeus. ` Manywellintenionedmenthatwelovehavetaughtussomedoctrinesconcerningmarriage,divorce L  andremarriagethatcannotbesupportedfromtheScriptures.Consequently,theeffectofthat 8  unscripturalteachinghasbeentopunishandmakeguiltythosethatareinnocent.Therewillbethose w$  whowillaccuseusofpromotingPeterRuckmansviewsonmarriage,divorce,andremarriage,but c  wetotallyrejectthatcriticismbecauseourviewsdidnotcomefromregurgitatingPeterRuckmans O  viewsorthatofanyotherauthororcommentary,butfromanexhaustiveandindependentstudyof ;  theScriptures.WhilewehavereadPeterRuckmans Marriage,Divorce,AndRemarriagepamplet '  of39pages(19typewrittenpages),wedidnotreadthatuntilmostofthepreparationforthiswork  wascompleted.  #XXXX XXHw#d  dWhatcomplicatesthematterbeforeusevenmoreisthefactthatmanymenofGodwhom  weknowareholyandseparated,menwhomwelove,holdcontraryviewsontheprimarysubjectthat  isbeforeusandthatismarriage,divorce,remarriage,andqualificationsformenintheministry.It p isnotadenominationalissueeither.ManygreatmenofGodhavestronglydisagreedoverthese \ issues.IamnottalkingabouttheRomanCatholicseitherwhohavealmosttotallyforsakentheWord H ofGodinthesematters.WehavealsoseengreatmenofGodjustdroptheirheadsandturnaway 4 whenaskedwheretheystandontheseissues.Manytimesthatisareactioncausedbynotwanting s  tochallengethatwhichweknowtobewrongbecausewefearconfrontationandlosingfriends. XXXXXX _  Regretably,mostofthedoctrineheldbymostmenintheministryispeerdriven.Thedoctrinesthat K theyclaimtobelieveinarethosedoctrinesthattheyweretaughtinaseminaryorBibleInstitute;or 7  areheldtobythosementheyrunwithintheircamporassociation;orthatareheldbysomegreat #! preacher,pastor,orevangelist;orthattheywerefedfromsomecommentaryorbookthattheyread. " Mostpreachers,pastors,andteacherstodaydidnotbuildtheirdoctrineonindependent,Bereanstyle " Biblestudy.Thefearofmanbringethasnare:butwhosoputtethhistrustintheLORDshallbesafe.#XXXX XX# #  XXXXXXGreatmenarenotalwayswise:neitherdotheagedunderstandjudgment.#XXXX XX3#ԀTheDevilcastethasnare $  bothwhenwedonotmeetthestandardofthescripturesandwhenweexceedthestandardofthe %l! scriptures.BothbringreproachupontheLordJesusChristandhisChurch.Bothareaproductoffear &X" andalackoffaith.Whenwedonotmeetthestandardofthescriptures,wearerightfullycalled 'D # compromisersandsoftonsin.Whenourrighteousnessexceedstherighteousnessofthescriptures (0!$ thenwearerightfullycalledPharisees,hypocrites,andlegalists. XXXXXXԀWewilldocumentmanyofthose o)"% differencesbetweenthegreatmenofGodaswemovethroughoutthisstudy. [*#&  3,$( ;  ;  ;   #XXXX XX#9q:rXXX#XXXj#u XXX  CHAPTER2:ASCRIPTURALDEFINITION  ANDDESCRIPTIONOFMARRIAGE#XXX u#XXX. @p  $ #.XXX.M#ˇWewanttostatebeforewegoanyfurtherthatwhilewebelievethatasexualrelationship 4 betweenamanandawomanestablishesacovenantrelationshipbetweenthemthatbindsupon   themthescripturalobligationtolivetogetherbeforeGodashusbandandwife,wedonot   believethatamarriageisnothingmorethanasexualrelationship. Wewillbeaccusedbysome   ofdowngradingtheBiblicalinstitutionofmarriage.Theproblemisoneofperception.Mostpeople   justdonotseeadulteryandfornicationasthevileandwickedactsthattheyare.Mostpeoplejust   donotunderstandtheinstitutionofmarriageasitispresentedintheScripturesbecausetheyhave p   notbeentaughtproperly.Anothermajorpartoftheissueisthatwickedmenandwomenhavemade \  amockeryoffornicationandadultery.Mostmenandwomentodaycannotevenblushbecausetheir H  consciencehasbeensearedbytheconstantdietofsexualpromiscuityandsexualperversionthatthey 4  arefedthroughtheirtelevisionsandmovietheaters.TheDevilhasconnedthemintobelievingthat  p  fornicationandadulteryarecasualsexualactstobefreelypartookof.Goddoesnotviewfornication  \  andadulteryasameresexualact.#XXXX.XXl#.XXXXXXItisaveryseriousthingwithGod.Godsperspectiveonadultery H andfornicationisthatitisanattackupontheinstitutionofmarriage.ThatiswhyGodestablished 4 thedeathpenaltyforfornicationandadulteryundertheOldTestamentlaw.Adulteryandfornication   arealsoapictureofSatansattackupontheBrideOfChrist.FornicationandadulteryareSatans   counterparttoGodsinstitutionofmarriage.ThebrideofSatanisawhore.TheBrideOfChristis  achastevirgin#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX.IfChristianmenandwomenlivedwiththeperceptionthatsexisanequivalentact  tomarriage,wewouldhaveawholelotlessfornicatingpastorsandpreachersinourpulpits.    Youwillhearthisstatedmanytimesthroughoutthisbook.Scripturalmarriageisintended l tobeonemanwithonewomanforalifetime.Godhatesdivorce.TheBiblesaysthatamananda X womanmarrywhentheybecomeoneflesh.Theconceptofonefleshcanbesummarizedasfollows: D  Nomanorwomaneverbecomesseparatedfromtheirownfleshuntiltheydie.Thatiswhywe 0 canstatethatGodintendedthatmarriagebean untildeathdoispartevent.Putanotherway,when l youbecomeonefleshwiththeoppositesexGodintendsforthatrelationshiptobepermanentuntil X itisputasunderbydeath.ThatiswhyfornicationandadulteryissowickedintheeyesofGod. D   ContrarytowhatmanyfundamentalistandBaptistpreachersandpastorspreachandteach, 0 Goddoesnotputmostmarriagestogether.Foranyonetoteachsuchadoctrineisawickedslapin   thefaceofGodtheHolyGhostWhoauthoredtheScriptures.WhenGodsetsforththestandardsfor ! twopeoplebeingallowedtobecomeonefleshandthosestandardsareviolated,thenitisobvious "  thatGoddidnotputthosemarriagestogether.WhileGodinhispermissivewillallowsunscriptural #! marriages,hedoesnotputthemtogether.Goddoesnotputabelieverandanunbelievertogether. |$" Thescripturesdonotsay: whatthereforeGodhasallowedtobejoinedtogether,letnotmanput h% # asunder.ThescriptureisemphaticthatGodjoinedittogether.#XXXX.XX>#.XXXXXXԀTheonlymarriagesthatcanpossibly T&!$ bedescribedashavingbeenputtogetherbyGodarethoseinvolvingeithertwoJewsortwoBible @'"% believingChristians.WebelievethatGodintendsmarriagetobeahighandholypictureoftheLord ,(|#& JesusChristandHisBride,TheChurchoftheredeemed.Forthatreason,wearetotallyopposedto )h$' anyformofpolygamybecausetheBrideofChristisonebodybothspirituallyandphysicallywith *T%( theLordJesusChrist.Hallelujah!TheLordJesusChristhasbutoneBrideandWifeinRevelation *@&) 19andthatisthechurchofthelivingGod.Bystatingweareopposedtoanyformofpolygamywe +,'* |OY  | |  meanthatweareopposedtoanyformofpolygynythatputsonemanwithmultiplewivesatthesame S time,oranyformofpolyandrythatputsonewomanwithmultiplehusbandsatonetime.Weare ? opposedtoamankeepingconcubinesforthesamereason.Mostofyouareinforarealshockaswe +  goforwardinourdiscussionjustaswehavebeeninpreparingthisbook!Webetterreadandstudy   ourBiblesverycarefullybecauseifwedonot,wewillendupignorantlyhurtingsomeofour   brothersandsistersinChrist.Wehaveseenmanydivorcedpeopleabusedfromourpulpitsoverthe   years.Wehaveseenmanyoncemarriedpeacockskickadivorcedmanwhenheisdown.Manyof   theoncemarriedpeacockscarryarazorandashakerofsaltaroundtokeepthosewannabe double  t marriedpreachersintheirproperplaceofpainandeternalpunishment. ` 8  Proverbs30:1214 8  12Thereisagenerationthatarepureintheirowneyes,andyetisnotwashedfrom w$  theirfilthiness.13Thereisageneration,Ohowloftyaretheireyes!andtheireyelids c  areliftedup.14Thereisageneration,whoseteethareasswords,andtheirjawteeth O  asknives,todevourthepoorfromofftheearth,andtheneedyfromamongmen.;      Justbecausewequoteanindividualhereandthendocumentwhywedisagreewiththem  doctrinallydoesnotmeanthatwedonotthinktheyareabrotherintheLordJesusChrist.Nordoes  itmeanthatwethinktheyareourenemies.Nordoesitmeanwewouldbreakfellowshipwiththem  becausetheydisagreewithusoverthecontentofthisbook.    FromtheScriptureswecanstatethatGodhadatleastafivefoldpurposeinordaininga p husbandandwiferelationship:(1)Topopulatetheearth;(2)Tosubduetheearth;(3)Tohave \ dominionovereverylivingthing;(4)ToprovideAdamwithcompanionship;(5)ToprovideAdam H withanhelpmeet.WecanfindthisfivefoldpurposestatedinGenesis1:2728and2:18wherewe 4 see: s  8  Genesis1:2728 K 27SoGodcreatedmaninhisownimage,intheimageofGodcreatedhehim;male 7  andfemalecreatedhethem.28AndGodblessedthem,andGodsaiduntothem,Be #! fruitful,andmultiply,andreplenishtheearth,andsubdueit:andhavedominionover " thefishofthesea,andoverthefowloftheair,andovereverylivingthingthat " movethupontheearth.#   8  Genesis2:18 %l! 18AndtheLORDGodsaid,Itisnotgoodthatthemanshouldbealone;Iwillmake &X" himanhelpmeetforhim.'D #   GThefirstthreepurposesarecontainedinGenesis1:28withGenesis2:18containingthelasttwo o)"% purposes.Goddidnotcreatewomanthatmanmighthaveanadversaryorarobot(slave).Thatisthe [*#& waytheDevilwouldhaveit.NeitherdidGodcreateamanthatGodmighthaveanadversaryora G+#' robot.Godintendedthatamanmightbesubmittedtohiminthesamemannerasawomanistobe 3,$( submittedtoherhusband.Itisachainofcommandthatwascreatedinlove.Godcreatedwomanthat S themanmighthavecompanionshipandahelpmeetforcarryingoutGodspurpose.Itisin ? fulfillmentofthreeofthosepurposesthatGodcreatedtheinstitutionwecallmarriage.Marriage +  wasthefirstinstitutionthatGodordainedfollowedbythefamily.Godsfirstcommandmentto   mankindwastobefruitfulandmultiply(Genesis1:28).Thatcommandmentwasobeyedintheact   ofbecomingonefleshandGodproducingthefruitthereof.Theactofbecomingoneflesh   establishedthehusbandandwiferelationshipaccordingtoGenesis2:24:   8  Genesis2:24 ` 24Thereforeshallamanleavehisfatherandhismother,andshallcleaveuntohis L  wife:andtheyshallbeoneflesh.8    Genesis2:24isatleastpartiallyquotedfivemoretimesintheBiblewiththescripturaldefinition c  ofmarriageasbeing onefleshneverbeingchanged.Genesis2:24isalsopartiallyquotedin O  Malachi2:15withtheuseofthephrase Anddidhenotmakeone?.Genesis3:24isquotedinthe ;  followingpassages: '  #XXXX.XX##8   XXXXXXMalachi2:15  15 Anddidnothemakeone ?Yethadhetheresidueofthespirit.Andwherefore  one?Thathemightseekagodlyseed.Thereforetakeheedtoyourspirit,andletnone  dealtreacherouslyagainstthewifeofhisyouth.#XXXX XX#.XXXXXXt   8  Matthew19:46L   8  4Andheansweredandsaiduntothem,Haveyenotread,thathewhichmadethem 8 atthebeginningmadethemmaleandfemale,5Andsaid,Forthiscauseshallaman w$ leavefatherandmother,andshallcleavetohiswife:andtheytwainshallbe one c flesh ?6Whereforetheyarenomoretwain,but oneflesh .WhatthereforeGodhath S joinedtogether,letnotmanputasunder.C    8  Mark10:68"   8  6ButfromthebeginningofthecreationGodmadethemmaleandfemale.7Forthis # causeshallamanleavehisfatherandmother,andcleavetohiswife;8Andthey # twainshallbeoneflesh:sothentheyarenomoretwain,but oneflesh .$    8  1Corinthians6:1617&h"   8  16What?knowyenotthathewhichisjoinedtoanharlotisonebody?fortwo,saith 'T # he,shallbe oneflesh .17ButhethatisjoineduntotheLordisonespirit.(@!$   8  8`    ` x` x 8  Ephesians5:3132o*#&   8  31Forthiscauseshallamanleavehisfatherandmother,andshallbejoineduntohis [+$' wife,andtheytwoshallbe oneflesh .32Thisisagreatmystery:butIspeak S concerningChristandthechurch.#XXXX.XX.#.XXXXXXC   Thisparticularpassageisquotedin1Corinthians6:16inthecontextofthelongestpassageon   marriageintheNewTestamentwiththatbeing1Corinthianschapter7.Thelawoffirstmention   definesawifeaswomanwhohasbecomeonefleshwithamaninGenesis2:24.Theword marry    seesitsfirstmentioninGenesis38:8wheretheword marry isdefinedasamangoinginuntoa   womanforthepurposeofproducingseed.Thisversestates:   8  Genesis38:8 X  8AndJudahsaiduntoOnan,Goinuntothybrotherswife,and marry her,andraise D  upseedtothybrother.4    Unmarriedpeoplebecomeguiltyoffornicationwhentheycometogethersexuallyandthendonot _  livetogetherashusbandandwifeascommandedintheScriptures.Godconsideredthesexual K  relationshiptobeofsuchimportancethatthelawrequireddeathforthosewhoviolatedBiblical 7  commandmentsconcerningit.Marriedpeoplewhocometogethersexuallywithsomeonetheyare # notmarriedtocommitfornicationandadultery.Adulterycomesunderthebroadumbrellaof  fornicationintheNewTestament.Seethedefinitionssectionattherearofthebook.(Weunderstand  thatadulteryandfornicationcomefromtwodifferentGreekwords,butdontpulloutyourGreek  swordyet.Youmaygiveyourselfadeadlywound).Now,Genesis2:24andGenesis38:8would  normallybeenoughtoconvincemostBiblestudentsthatahusbandandwiferelationship,or l marriage,isestablishedbytheactofbecomingoneflesh,butthatisnotthecaseinthesubjectbefore X us.Tragically,manymeninourpulpitsandmenandwomeninourpewshavebeenblindedby D teachingandpreachingthatismoreholythantheScriptures.Infact,itisateachingthatexceedsthe 0 righteousnessoftheScriptures. o   ThewordsmarriageandweddingareusedinterchangeablyintheNewTestament .Theword [  marriageisused17timesintheNewTestamentwhiletheword weddingisused7times.Most G  ofthetimethetwotermsareusedtorefertothemarriagesupperandtheweddingfeaststhat 3! followedthemanandwomanbecomingoneflesh.Thatistrueofthemarriage(supper)inJohn2:1 " 11andofthemarriagesupperinRevelation19:79.#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX   #   ManyBaptistandfundamentalistpreachers,teachers,andpastorsholdtoavery # RomanCatholicdoctrineofwhatconstitutesascripturalmarriage. Hereiswhywesaythat.The $  RomanCatholicChurchholdsthatamarriageisaceremonytobepresidedoverbythechurchwhich %! isthesameviewheldbymanyBaptistsincludingmanyIndependentBaptists.Thatdoctrinewillnot &l" standthetestoftheScriptures.MarriageisoneofthesevensacramentsoftheRomanCatholic 'X # Church.Becausetheyunscripturallydeclaremarriagetobeasacrament,theyfeelthattheyarethe (D!$ onlyearthlyauthoritydivinelyauthorizedtodispensemarriage.Thismakestheauthoritytocontract )0"% amarriagetobevestedintheRomanCatholicChurch.Thecustomofhavingaceremonywitha o*#& priest,pastor,orpreacherpresentcameslitheringupoutofthecryptsofRomanCatholictheology. [+$' Hereistheproof: S  8  Thosewhoshallattempttocontractmarriageotherwisethaninthepresenceofthe +  parishpriest,orofsomeotherpriestbypermissionofthesaidparishpriest,orofthe   Ordinary,andinthepresenceoftwoorthreewitnesses;theholySynodrenderssuch   whollyincapableofthuscontractinganddeclaressuchcontractsinvalidandnull,as   bythepresentdecreeItinvalidatesandannulsthem.MoreoverItenjoins,thatthe   parishpriest,oranyotherpriest,whoshallhavebeenpresentatanysuchcontract  t withalessnumberofwitnesses(thanasaforesaid);asalsothewitnesseswhohave ` beenpresentthereatwithouttheparishpriest,orsomeotherpriest;andalsothe L  contractingpartiesthemselves;shallbeseverelypunished,atthediscretionofthe 8  Ordinary.(CouncilOfTrent,SeventhSession,DecreeOnReformationChapter1, w$  July15,1563)c     TheauthoritytocontractmarriageisnotScripturallyvestedinanychurchincludingthe ;  RomanCatholicChurch. NeitherdoestheRomanCatholicChurchhaveanyscripturalauthority '  toannulmarriages.IfyouareaNewTestamentpreacherorpastor,youdonothavethescriptural  powerorauthoritytostate: Bythepowervestedinme,Ipronounceyouhusbandandwife.A  churchorstateauthoritymayhavewrongfullygrantedyouthatauthority,butitisnotscriptural.The  authoritytocontractmarriageisscripturallyvestedinthefamilyanditsindividuals.Forthoseofyou  whowillnotmarrydivorcedcouples,youdonothavethescripturalauthorityto marryanyone t regardlessofwhethertheyhavebeendivorced.Thoughcivilauthoritiesregulatemarriage,theyhave ` noscripturalauthoritytocontractmarriages.IntheOldTestament,itwasgenerallythefatherofthe L BridegroomthatsoughtoutaBridefortheSon.YouneverseeanOldTestamentpriestinthatrole. 8 NordoyouseeanOldTestamentpriestofficiatingatanymarriageceremony,period.Noristhe w$ kingsrepresentativethereofficiating!ThesamepatternisrepeatedintheNewTestament.Weare c notopposedtoweddingsandmarriageceremonies,buttheyarenotrequiredintheeyesofGodfor O amarriagetobeScripturallyvalidandbinding.Itisthesexualactthatmakesamarriagescripturally ;  binding.Whilewearenotopposedtoweddings,wehaveseenmanysocalledChristianbrideson '! theirweddingdaysdressedinthemostungodlyfashionthatleaveslittletotheimagination.Gods " standardsforChristhonouringdressdonotgetthrownoutofyourbedroomintothepublickarena " onyourweddingday. #   Throughoutthisbook,wewillcontinuetorebuketheideathatitisaceremonythatmakes $  foraBiblicalmarriage.YouwillnotfindonecommandmentintheOldTestamenttoapriestorin %p! theNewTestamenttoapastororpreacherthatdirectsthemtoconductmarriageceremonies.Neither &\" willyoufindoneexampleineitherTestamentofareligiousorgovernmentalofficialconductinga 'H # marriageceremonyorvows.WhatyouwillfindintheOldTestamentisthatallinstructions, (4!$ commandments,andchargesregardingmarriagearegiventotheparents.Thereisnoscriptural s) "% authorityvestedinthechurchorinthegovernmenttoinstitutemarriages.InExodus22:16,thefather _* #& evenhadtherighttorefusetoallowamantomarryhisdaughterevenwhenthemanhadtakenher K+#' virginityaway.  #XXXX.XXX#.XXXXXX 7,$(   Wewillstartthenextphaseofourstudywiththedictionarydefinitionsofthewordsbetroth, S espouse,bride,bridegroom,marry,husband,wife,andconcubine.Foramoreindepthdefinitionand ? descriptionofthesetermsrefertothe GlossaryOfTerms.TheWebsters1812definitionof +  espouseis:   8  Tobetroth;topromiseorengageinmarriage,bycontractinwriting,orbysome   pledge;as,thekingespousedhisdaughtertoaforeignprince.Usuallyandproperly   followedbyto,ratherthanwith.Tomarry;towed. t   TheWebsters1812definitionofbetrothis: L  8  1.Tocontracttoanyone,inordertoafuturemarriage;topromiseorpledgeoneto w$  bethefuturespouseofanother;toaffiance;usedofeithersex. Thefatherbetroths c  hisdaughter.O    8  2.Tocontractwithoneforafuturespouse;toespouse;as,amanbetrothsalady.;    So,weseethatthedefinitionsofbetrothandespouseareessentiallythesame.The1812Websters  Dictionarydefinitionofbrideis:  8  1.Awomannewlymarried.Butthenameisappliedtoawomanatthemarriage  festival,beforesheismarried,aswellasaftertheceremony.p   8  2.Awomanespoused,orcontractedtobemarried.\   Thecustomofcontinuingtocallawomanabrideevenaftertheweddingceremonyisthoughtto 4 haveoriginatedinDeuteronomy24:5whichstates: s  8  Deuteronomy24:5 K 5Whenamanhathtakenanewwife,heshallnotgoouttowar,neithershallhebe 7  chargedwithanybusiness:butheshallbefreeathomeoneyear,andshallcheerup #! hiswifewhichhehathtaken."   The1812WebstersDictionarydefinitionofbridegroomis: # 8  Amannewlymarried;oramanabouttobemarried.%l!   The1812WebstersDictionarydefinitionofmarryis: 'D # 8  Toenterintotheconjugalstate;touniteashusbandandwife;totakeahusbandor o)"% awife.Totakeforhusbandorwife.Wesay,amanmarriesawoman;orawoman [*#& marriesaman.Thefirstwastheoriginalsense,butbotharenowwellauthorized.G+#'    3,$( IGNoticethatthedefinitionofmarryisfocuseduponbecomingonefleshinthisWebstersdefinition. S Thewordconjugalmeanstocometogetherphysically. ? TheWebsters1812definitionofhusbandis:   8  Amancontractedorjoinedtoawomanbymarriage.Amantowhomawomanis   betrothed,aswellasoneactuallyunitedbymarriage,iscalledahusband.Lev19.   Deu22. t   TheWebsters1812definitionofwifeis: L  8  Thelawfulconsortofman;awomanwhoisunitedtomaninthelawfulbondsof w$  wedlock;thecorrelativeofhusband.c    TheWebsters1812definitionofconcubineis: ;  8  1.Awomanwhocohabitswithaman,withouttheauthorityofalegalmarriage;a  womankeptforlewdpurposes;akeptmistress.   e8  2.Awifeofinferiorcondition;alawfulwife,butnotunitedtothemanbytheusual  ceremonies,andofinferiorcondition.SuchwereHagarandKeturah,theconcubines  ofAbraham;andsuchconcubineswereallowedbytheRomanlaws.p!! Whatweseeinallthesedefinitionsaboveisacombinationofscripturaldescriptionsandlegal H descriptions.Thescripturaldefinitionofatermmaynotbethesameasthelegaldefinition,butmany 4 timesthelegaldefinitionofatermisthesameasthescripturaldefinition.Ifthelegaldefinitionof s  termcontradictsthescripturaldefinitionofaterm,weareboundtoobeythescriptures.Suchisthe _  caseinsamesex marriageswhicharestrictlyforbiddenbytheScripturesasbeinganabomination. K TheWebsters1812definitionofunmarriedis: 7  8  Notmarried;havingnohusbandornowife."!!   ThisisthecaseforPaulin1Corinthians7:8.Hestatesthatheisunmarried.Hedoesnotstate # thathehasneverbeenmarriedorthatheisnotdivorced.Wewilldiscusstheimplicationsofthatlater $  oninthechapteron StandardsForChurchService/QualificationsForChurchOffices.Theonly %l! placethattheword unmarriedisusedintheScripturesisin1Corinthians7whereitisusedfour &X" times.Theword unmarriedisusedbothofthedivorcedwomenin1Corinthians7:11andofa 'D # virginin1Corinthians7:34.Whatthismeansisthatthescripturaldefinitionofanunmarriedperson (0!$ isbothavirginwhohasneverbeenmarriedandtheindividualwhohasbeenmarried,butisnow o)"% divorced.Werealizethatbydefinitionthatavirginisonewhohasneverhadsex(beenmarried)to [*#& anindividualoftheoppositesex. h  G+#'   Thefirsttwoquestionswewillaskiswhatisanespousalandwhatisanengagement?The 3,$( thirdquestionwewillaskis: whatconstitutesascripturalmarriage?.Herearesomeofthe S questionsthatfollowfromthatfirstthreequestions.Doesascripturalmarriagerequireaceremony? ? Doesascripturalmarriagerequireamarriagelicenseorcertificate?Doesascripturalmarriagerequire +  thepresenceofapriest,pastor,preacher,orstateofficialasanadministrator?     Whatisthedifferencebetweenanespousalandanengagement?InMatthew1:1819,weread:   8  Matthew1:1819 !! 8  18NowthebirthofJesusChristwasonthiswise:WhenashismotherMarywas  t espousedtoJoseph,beforetheycametogether,shewasfoundwithchildoftheHoly ` Ghost.19ThenJosephherhusband,beingajustman,andnotwillingtomakehera L  publickexample,wasmindedtoputherawayprivily.8 !! ItismostimportanttonoteherethatJosephwasespousedtoMarybuttheyhadnotyetbecome c  husbandandwifebybecomingoneflesh.Inotherwords,theywerenotmarried.Ifthecasewas O  otherwise,therecouldhavebeennovirginbirthoftheLordJesusChrist.Notethefollowing ;  description: '  8  BetrothalwiththeancientHebrewswasofamoreformalandfarmorebinding  naturethanthe engagementiswithus.Indeed,itwasesteemedapartofthe  transactionofmarriage,andthatthemostbindingpart....AmongtheJewsthe  betrothalwassofarregardedasbindingthat,ifmarriageshouldnottakeplace,owing p totheabscondingofthebridegroomorthebreachofcontractonhispart,theyoung \ womancouldnotbemarriedtoanothermanuntilshewasliberatedbyadueprocess H andapaperofdivorce[TheInternationalStandardBibleEncyclopedia,Copyright 4 1929,GeneralEditorJamesOrr,page1,997#XXXX.XXL#.XXXXXX].[Notefromtheauthorofthisbook: s  betrothalisthesameasespousal]#XXXX.XX8#.XXXXXX_ !! WewouldnotethatthisprocessisnotcontainedintheScripturesandthatitwasJewishcustom. 7  Concerningthiscustomofbetrothal,inthearticletitled BetrothalAndNuptialRites,the1906 #! JewishEncyclopediahadthistosay: " 8   ` Thefirststeptowardmarriagewasbetrothal,involvingtheconsentofthe # parentorguardianofthegirlandthepaymentofaprice.Theactofbetrothalis $  expressedbytheHebrewword aras;thepricepaid,by mohar(seeGen.xxxiv.12; %l! Ex.xxii.16-17;Deut.xx.7,xxii.29;Hos.ii.19-20).Themoharmaybeintheform &X" ofserviceinthefieldorinwar(Gen.xxix.;ISam.xviii.25).Probablyitwas 'D # customary,eveninearlytimes,togivethebridesomeportionofthemohar,oratleast (0!$ togiveherpresents(Gen.xxiv.53,xxxi.15,xxxiv.12).Afterbetrothalthebride o)"% mightbetakentoherhusbandshouseandthenuptialscelebratedeitherimmediately [*#& orlater(Gen.xxiv.49-67;Judgesxiv.5etseq.).Theinitialsteps,itappears,were G+#' customarilytakenbytheparentsofthesuitor,whoformallymadetheproposal(Gen. 3,$( xxiv.,xxxiv.4-6;Judgesxiv.2,10).Notinfrequently,however,inthecomparatively S freesocialintercourseofthosedays,theyoungmanandwomanhadmetandformed ? amutualattachmentresultinginalove-match(Gen.xxix.9-12,18;ISam.xviii.20, +  28). !! 8   ` Thebridedidnotalwaysgotoherhusbandempty-handed.Sometimesshe   receivedgiftsfromherfather,andakingspartinggifttohisdaughterwasinonecase   aconqueredcity(Josh.xv.16etseq.;JudgesI.12etseq.;I.Kingsix.16).In   post-exilictimesmentionismadeofawifesdowryandofawomanbeingable,by  t herownwealth,tosupportherhusband(Tobitviii.21;Ecclus[Sirach]xxv.22). ` Mentionismadealsoofawrittenmarriage-contract(Tobitvii.14).L !! 8   ` Afterbetrothalthebridewassubjecttothesamerestrictionsasawife(Deut. 8  xxii.23-24).Ofthemarriageceremoniallittleisknown;itisnotmentionedatallin w$  thestoryofIsaac,whileinthatofJacob(Gen.xxix.)amarriage-feastandanuptial c  weekarespokenof.Thecentralfeaturesinlatertimeswerethewedding-procession O  andthewedding-feast.Thebridegroominfestiveattireandaccompaniedbyhis ;  friendswenttothehomeofthebride,whenceshe,likewiseinbridalgarments,veiled, '  andaccompaniedbyhercompanions,wasledtothehouseofhisparents(Isa.lxi.10;  Judgesxiv.10-11;Jer.ii.32;Isa.xlix.18;Ps.xlv.8-15).Theprocessionwas  enlivenedwithsongsby,orinpraiseof,thebrideandbridegroom,andwaslighted,  ifintheevening,bytorchesorlamps(Jer.vii.34,xvi.9,xxv.10;IMacc.ix.37-39;  Matt.xxv.1-12;comp.Ps.xlv.andtheCanticles,possiblyrepresentingsuch p wedding-songs).Therefollowedthenuptialfeastinthehouseofthebridegroom,and \ thesubsequentfestivitiessometimescontinuedforseveraldays(Matt.ix.15,xxii. H 1-14;Johnii.1).(Citedfrom 4 Ѐ4vnhO  5  http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5941-exogamy6N Ob dma  7n [TheInternetEdition s  OfThe1906JewishEncyclopedia])#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX _ !!   ThisJewishcustomofbetrothaland/orespousalismuchmorebindingthanitsGentile 7  counterpartof engagementwhichcanbebrokenwithoutadecreeofanycourtsystemthoughitmay #! sometimeshavesomecivilconsequences.Anengagementisacommitmentbytwoindividualsof " oppositesextomarryoneanotheratsomepointintime.Typically,itisnotalegallybinding " commitmentandcanbebrokenatwill. # d  dUnderJewishlaw,amanandawomancanbeconsideredtobehusbandandwifewithout $  havingeverbeenmarried.Itexistsinastateofespousalorbetrothal.Thatconditionwaslegalunder %l! JewishlawandrightandholyinGodseyes.However,theoppositeconditionalsoexistsbecauseof &X" manswickedness.Whatwemeanisthatamanandawomancouldbemarried,butnotbehusband 'D # andwifeinGodseyesorlegallyundermanslaws.WewilluseaNewTestamentcaseofadultery (0!$ andbigamytoprovethispoint.AccordingtoMark6:1718amancanbemarriedtoawomanand o)"% hernotbehiswife.Theseversessay: [*#& 8  3,$(!! 8  Mark6:1718 S 17ForHerodhimselfhadsentforthandlaidholduponJohn,andboundhiminprison ? forHerodiassake,hisbrotherPhilipswife:forhehadmarriedher.18ForJohnhad +  saiduntoHerod,Itisnotlawfulfortheetohavethybrotherswife.d !! dWhattheseversesindicateisthatthoughHerodwasmarriedtoHerodiasthroughasexual   relationship,hecouldnotscripturallybeherhusbandbecauseshewasscripturallymarriedtoHerods   brotherPhilip.WhatwehavehereisacaseofadulteryandbigamyonthepartofHerodandHerodias.  t AdulteryandfornicationareaviolationofGodslawandbeingmarriedtoanotherpersonwhileyou ` arestilllegallymarriedtoyetanotherpersonisbigamyaccordingtomanslawinsomenations.We L  haveasimilarsituationwiththewomanatthewellwhotheLordJesusChristwasdealingwithin 8  John4:1618whichsays: w$  8  John4:1618 O  16Jesussaithuntoher,Go,callthyhusband,andcomehither.17Thewomananswered ;  andsaid,Ihavenohusband.Jesussaiduntoher,Thouhastwellsaid,Ihaveno '  husband:18Forthouhasthadfivehusbands;andhewhomthounowhastisnotthy  husband:inthatsaidstthoutruly.!! Incommentingontheseverses,PastorRobertSargenthadthistosay:  8   ` Aformal(legal)covenantedagreementbyitselfdoesnotconstitutea \ marriage.(ThisistheRomanCatholic[sacramental]position,thatamananda H womanarejoinedtogetherbyGodatthealtarwiththepriest.)Aphysicalrelationship 4 alonedoesnotconstituteamarriage.Ifthiswerethecasetherewouldbenosuch s  thingasadulteryorfornication!NotewhatJesussaidtothewomaninJohn4:18!the _  manshewaslivingwithwasnotherhusband.Seealso:ICorinthians7:2.(Page K 49,TheABCsOfChristianMaturity,Volume1,Divorce,byPastorRobertSargent)7 !! WequotedPastorSargentherebecausehisviewpointagreeswiththatofmanyfundamentalists.We " disagreewithPastorSargentherewhenhestatesthat aphysicalrelationshipalonedoesnot " constituteamarriage.Whilethatmaybelegallyandtraditionallytrue,itisnotscripturallytrue.A # physicalrelationshipplacesascripturalobligationuponamaleandfemalecoupletolivetogetheras $  husbandandwiferegardlessofwhetheranyceremonyorlegaldocumentsareinvolved.Whilethe %l! legalauthoritiesmaybinduponacouplealegalmarriage,thatlegalmarriageisnotascriptural &X" marriageuntilthetwobecomeoneflesh.Furthermore,evenundercivillaw,commonlawmarriages 'D # becomelegallybindingmarriagesaftersomanyyearsevenifnoceremonywasperformedandno (0!$ marriagelicensewaseverissued.WeagreewithPastorRobertSargentthataformal(legal) o)"% covenantedagreementdoesnotconstituteascripturalmarriage.Thatrequirementisnowherefound [*#& intheScriptures.Thelackofphysicalconsummationofmarriageformedthebasisforreligious G+#' annulmentsintimespastwhichwerenotgenerallyhonouredbycivilauthoritiesunlessitwas 3,$( accompaniedbyalegalbillofdivorce.Thissameannulmentconceptwasrecognizedintheancient S pagancodeofHammurabiwhichstatedthat: 128.Ifamantakeawomantowife,buthaveno ? intercoursewithher,thiswomanisnowifetohim.Thesameistruetodayalso.Ifa legalhusband +  andwifedonotbecomemarriedtooneanotheranannulmentcanbesoughtinmanystateswerethe    legalmarriageisdeclarednullandvoid.Manyofthosewhostatethataphysicalrelationshipalone   doesnotconstituteamarriagearguethattheremustbeanintenttobecomehusbandandwife.That   isnotwhattheBiblesays.TheBiblicalstandardsaysthatifyoubecomeonefleshwithanindividual,   thenyouractionsannouncetoGodthatitisyourintenttobehusbandandwife.IntheScriptures,if  t youenterintoaphysicalrelationship,youhaveestablishedadefactocovenantashusbandandwife. ` TurninyourBiblestoExodus22:16andDeuteronomy22:2829whereweread: L  8  #XXXX.XX # XXXXXXExodus22:16 w$  16Andifamanenticeamaidthatisnotbetrothed,andliewithher,heshallsurely c  endowhertobehiswife.O !! 8  #XXXX XXL%# XXXXXXDeuteronomy22:2829 '  28Ifamanfindadamselthatisavirgin,whichisnotbetrothed,andlayholdonher,  andliewithher,andtheybefound;29Thenthemanthatlaywithhershallgiveunto  thedamselsfatherfiftyshekelsofsilver,andsheshallbehiswife;becausehehath  humbledher,hemaynotputherawayallhisdays.!! #XXXX XXf&#.XXXXXX  Thereisnobetrothal,noespousal,noaltar,andnoceremonyinvolvedinExodus22:16or \ Deuteronomy22:2829.AccordingtoExodus22:16,whenamanliescarnallywithawomanhemust H endowhertobehiswife.#XXXX.XXv(#.XXXXXXWherenobetrothalexists,Deuteronomy22:29saysthatifamananda 4 womanarefoundlyingtogether,thenthewomanshallbethemanswifeandhecanneverdivorce s  her.Thereisnointenttobecomehusbandandwifeherebecausefromthecontextitcanbe _  emphaticallyimpliedthattheythoughttheyweregettingbywithsomething.Inotherwords,theywere K having casualsex.Theymayhavethoughtitwas casualsex,butGodconsidersittobeabinding, 7  lifetimemarriagethoughthereisnointenttobecomehusbandandwife.Inwesternculture,our #! conscioushasbecomesosearedbyaconstantbombardmentofinyourfacesexthatwenolonger " lookuponsexualintercourseasbeingtheactofmarriagethatGodsaysitis.ManysocalledChristian " leadersandpastorshavebecomesospirituallyblindedbyaconstantdietofsexfromtheirtelevisions # thattheydismisswhatGodcallsamarriageasbeingmerepremaritalsex.   $    Now,letsgobacktothewomanatthewell.Thereasonthemanlivingwiththewomenat %l! thewellwasnotcalledherhusbandisbecausehewasmarriedtoanotherwoman.Thiswasthesame &X" typeofsituationthatJohntheBaptistrebukedHerodfor!TheLordJesusChristdidnotsaythatthe 'D # womanatthewellhadnotmarriedthemanshewaswithatthistime.Hesaidthatthemanshewas (0!$ withatthistimewasnotherhusband.Itisobviousthatshewashavingasexualrelationshipwitha o)"% manthatwasnotherhusband,butwasinsteadthehusbandofanotherwoman.Thewomanatthewell [*#& wasmarriedtohim,butshewasnothiswife.Thewomanatthewellwasguiltyoffornicationand G+#' adulterybecauseshewashavingsexwithanotherwomanshusband.Shehadmarriedhiminthe 3,$( samesenseasHerodhadmarriedPhilipswifeHerodias,butshecouldnotscripturallyhavehimas S herhusbandjustasHerodcouldnotscripturallyhaveHerodiasashiswifethoughtheyweremarried. ? #XXXX.XX)#.XXXXXXManypreachersandteachersteachthatahusbandorwifecannotbeguiltyoffornicationwhichisa +  contradictionofMatthew19:8wheretheLordJesusChristsaidawifecanbeguiltyoffornication.   ManyIndependentBaptistpreachers,pastors,andteachersteachthatfornicationonlyappliesto   premaritalsex.Again,thatteachingcontradictsMatthew19:8andforthatreasonwerejectthat   teaching.TheideathatamarriedpersoncannotbeguiltyoffornicationalsocontradictsEzekiel16   wereacaseofadulteryisreferredtoasfornicationinthreedifferentverses.#XXXX.XX;3#.XXXXXXԀWebelieveoneofthe  t reasonsthepenaltyforadulteryandfornicationintheOldTestamentwasdeathisbecauseGoddid ` considertheconsummationofasexualrelationshipasestablishingamarriagecovenant.Oneofthe L  scripturalproofsofthatstatementislocatedinDeuteronomy22:2829.Wewouldalsonotethatthe 8  LordJesusChristsaidtothewomanatthewell: thouhasthadfivehusbands.Whatwecangather w$  fromthatisthatshehadfivemenwhowerenolongerherhusbands.Notethat HASTHADisin c  thepasttense.Alsonotethatshehadremarriedwhichmeansthatallofthedivorcesshehadwere O  legalunderthelaw!Deuteronomy24:12!elseshewouldhavebeenstonedtodeathunderthe ;  MosaicLaw!Deuteronomy22:22.).Whatthatmeansisthatshehadalegalbillofdivorce.When '  theLordJesusChriststated thouhasthadfivehusbands,itputtobedthedoctrinethatstatesthat  onceyouaremarriedtosomeonethatyoucanneverdivorcethem.#XXXX.XX 6#.XXXXXXWhatthatalsomeansisthatwhen  someonedivorcessomeonethenthatpersonisnolongerconsideredtobetheirspouse(thouhasthad).  Thatmeansthattheyhavezerohusbandsandzerowivesuntilsuchtimeastheyremarry.According  toMatthew19:9,ifapersonisscripturallydivorced,thentheyarenotguiltyofadulteryandtherefore p cannotbeguiltyofperpetualadultery. \   Wearenottryingtodegradethescripturalhusbandandwiferelationshiptoamereactof H sexualintercourse,butwearetryingtoimpressuponourreadershowseriouslyGodviewsactsof 4 sexualintercoursethathavenottheintenttobecomehusbandandwife.Ifyouhaveanactofsexual s  intercoursewithsomeonethenyouimposeuponyourselfthescripturalobligationtomakethemyour _  spouse.#XXXX.XX;#.XXXXXX K   Again,initsfirstuseinourBiblesthewordmarryoccursinGenesis38:8whereitsobvious 7  definitionistogoinuntoforthepurposeofproducingseed.Itisalsoclearfromthecontextof #! Matthew19:39thatthedefinitionofmarryistobecomeonefleshwithsomeoneoftheoppositesex. " Furthermore,itisclearfromthecontextof1Corinthians7:9thatapersonwastomarryratherthan " tocontinuetoburninlustforanotherperson.Itisobviousfromthecontextof1Corinthians7:9that # aceremonyisnotbeingreferredto,buttheactofbecomingoneflesh.FirstTimothy5:14instructs $  theyoungerwomentomarryforthepurposeofbearingandraisingchildren. %l!    Thoughthefirstmarriageisuniqueinnature,itdoesprovideuswithsomeinstructionasto &X" whatconstitutesascripturalmarriage.TurninyourBiblestoGenesischapter2wherewesee: 'D # 8  Genesis2:2025 o)"% 20AndAdamgavenamestoallcattle,andtothefowloftheair,andtoeverybeast [*#& ofthefield;butforAdamtherewasnotfoundanhelpmeetforhim.21Andthe G+#' LORDGodcausedadeepsleeptofalluponAdam,andheslept:andhetookoneof 3,$( hisribs,andclosedupthefleshinsteadthereof;22Andtherib,whichtheLORDGod S hadtakenfromman,madeheawoman,andbroughtheruntotheman.23AndAdam ? said,Thisisnowboneofmybones,andfleshofmyflesh:sheshallbecalledWoman, +  becauseshewastakenoutofMan.24Thereforeshallamanleavehisfatherandhis   mother,andshallcleaveuntohiswife:andtheyshallbeoneflesh.25Andtheywere   bothnaked,themanandhiswife,andwerenotashamed. !!   YouneverseeanyoneatamarriagealtarintheScriptures.Marriageismuchmorethana  t ceremony.Aceremonyisnothingmorethanwords.Marriageisalifetimeofwalkingwhatyoutalked ` ataceremony.WedonotseeaformalweddingceremonyanywhereintheScriptures.Infact,youcan L  liedownwithoutaceremonyandbecomeonefleshandlivehappilyeverafterashusbandandwife 8  anditbeperfectlypleasinguntoGod.Youmustbewarnedthatifyouliedownwithawomanand w$  becomeonefleshwithheryouareunderanobligationtoGodtotakeherinasyourwife.Goddoes c  nottakesexualrelationshipsaslightlyasmendoandaslightlyasmanyfundamentalistpreachersdo. O  Theproofofthatisthatmanyfundamentalistswillgetlividwhenwesaythathavingasexual ;  relationshipismarriageintheeyesofGod.Manyseeitasnothingmorethananillicitsexualaffair '  thatisnothingmorethanaonenightstand.Itismuchmoreseriousthanaonenightstand.Itisa  marriageinGodseyesandintheeyesoftheScriptures.Whatmanycompromisedandfornicating   fundamentalistpreachersoftodaycallpremaritalsex,wouldhaveresultedinapublicoutcryover  ahundredyearsagoandwouldhaveledtowhatwecalleda shotgunwedding.Our   fundamentalistpreachers,teachers,andpastorsneedtogettheirheadsoutofthesewerof p television,thecesspooloftheinternet,andtheouthousesandtoiletsoftheircellphonesandstart \ studyingandboldlypreachingtheWordOfGod.Manyofour fundamentalistsoftodayhave H becomeastheprophetsofJudahinJeremiah8:1012whichdeclares: 4 8  #XXXX.XX?# XXXXXXJeremiah8:1012 _  10ThereforewillIgivetheirwivesuntoothers,andtheirfieldstothemthatshall K inheritthem:foreveryonefromtheleastevenuntothegreatestisgivento 7  covetousness,fromtheprophetevenuntothepriesteveryonedealethfalsely.11For #! theyhavehealedthehurtofthedaughterofmypeopleslightly,saying,Peace,peace; " whenthereisnopeace.12Weretheyashamedwhentheyhadcommittedabomination? " nay,theywerenotatallashamed,neithercouldtheyblush:thereforeshalltheyfall # amongthemthatfall:inthetimeoftheirvisitationtheyshallbecastdown,saiththe $  LORD.%l!!! #XXXX XXKO#.XXXXXXThereasonour fundamentalistpreachersandpastorscannolongerblushisbecausethelightofthe 'D # HolyGhosthasbecomesodarkenedbytheSatanicsewagethattheyfeedthemselvesfromtheir (0!$ televisions,radios,computers,andcellphones.TheycannolongerpreachthewordofGodwithany o)"% convictionbecausetheblacknessoftheirheartshasgrievedtheHolyGhost.Neitherdotheyviewthe [*#& sinoffornicationasseriouslyasGoddoes.WouldtoGodthatoursocalledfundamentalistpreachers G+#' andpastorshadtheattitudeofEzrathepriestwhenhesaidinEzra9:67:   3,$( Ї8  #XXXX.XXR# XXXXXXEzra9:67 S 6Andsaid,OmyGod,Iamashamedandblushtoliftupmyfacetothee,myGod:for ? ouriniquitiesareincreasedoverourhead,andourtrespassisgrownupuntothe +  heavens.7Sincethedaysofourfathershavewebeeninagreattrespassuntothisday;   andforouriniquitieshavewe,ourkings,andourpriests,beendeliveredintothehand   ofthekingsofthelands,tothesword,tocaptivity,andtoaspoil,andtoconfusionof   face,asitisthisday.#XXXX XXU#.XXXXXX !!    #XXXX.XXX#.XXXXXXFornicationandadulterymakeafundamentalistnolessdisqualifiedtobeinthepulpitthan ` amanwhohashadadivorcethathehascaused.However,wedobelievethattheDevilhastaken L  manyinnocentmenfromourpulpitswhosedivorceswerenofaultoftheirown.Wealsobelievethat 8  theDevilhasusedmanyfundamentalist,selfrighteoushypocritestoaccomplishthatwhichrightly w$  dividingtheScripturescouldnothavedone.Now,letsgetbacktothestudyathand. c    Adamistheonlymantoeverlivethatcanliterallysaythathiswifeisliterallyboneofhis O  bonesandliterallyfleshofhisflesh.Againapplyingthelawoffirstmention,Genesis2:2025gives ;  Godsdefinitionofwhatconstitutesascripturalmarriage,ahusband,andawifeandinkeepingwith '  thelawoffirstmentionthatdefinitionremainsthesamethroughouttheBible.Godsaysthataman  andawomanbecomehusbandandwifewhentheybecomeoneflesh.Iknowthatdoesnotsitvery  wellwithmanyBaptistsandfundamentalists,butthatiswhattheBibleteaches.Manywillarguethat  thatisnotthewholecounselofGod,buttheywillbepressedbeyondmeasureiftheytrytoprovethat  theAuthoroftheScripturesconsideredmarriagetobeanythingbutbecomingoneflesh.We p understandthatbecominghusbandandwife,orbecomingoneflesh,bindscertainspiritual \ responsibilitiesuponboththehusbandandwifesothatthemarriageisnotjustaphysicalrelationship. H Wewillprovescripturallythatwhenamanconsummatesasexualrelationshipwithawomanthat 4 heisscripturallyboundtomakethatwomanhiswife!Itisthatsexualrelationshipthatmakesthem s   oneflesh .Itisthesexualactthatcreatestheobligationforthecoupletobecomehusbandandwife. _  WhatyoudonotseeinGenesischapter2isaceremony,analtar,amarriagelicense,apriest,ajustice O ofthepeace,oranyformalcovenant. Yet,Godsaidthattheywerehusbandandwife. Thatpatternis ;  repeatedthroughoutthebookofGenesis(andtheOldTestament)andincludesthemarriagesof '! Lamech,Abraham,Isaac,Jacob,andevenAbsalomwhenhewentinuntohisfatherDavidsten " concubines(!).LamechwasoftheseedofCainandwasthefirstpolygynist(polygamist)recorded " intheBible.Thatisinstructiveinitself.Theonlyplacewhereacovenantismentionedinthecontext # ofmarriageisinMalachi2:1116wherethereisareferencetoGenesis2:24inverse15.Theseverses $  read: %p! 8  Malachi2:1116 'H # 11Judahhathdealttreacherously,andanabominationiscommittedinIsraelandin (4!$ Jerusalem;forJudahhathprofanedtheholinessoftheLORDwhichheloved,and s) "% hathmarriedthedaughterofastrangegod.12TheLORDwillcutoffthemanthat _* #& doeththis,themasterandthescholar,outofthetabernaclesofJacob,andhimthat K+#' offerethanofferinguntotheLORDofhosts.13Andthishaveyedoneagain,covering 7,$( thealtaroftheLORDwithtears,withweeping,andwithcryingout,insomuchthat S heregardethnottheofferinganymore,orreceivethitwithgoodwillatyourhand.14 ? Yetyesay,Wherefore?BecausetheLORDhathbeenwitnessbetweentheeandthe +  wifeofthyyouth,againstwhomthouhastdealttreacherously:yetisshethy   companion,andthewifeofthycovenant.15Anddidnothemakeone?Yethadhethe   residueofthespirit.Andwhereforeone?Thathemightseekagodlyseed.Therefore   takeheedtoyourspirit,andletnonedealtreacherouslyagainstthewifeofhisyouth.   16FortheLORD,theGodofIsrael,saiththathehatethputtingaway:foronecovereth  t violencewithhisgarment,saiththeLORDofhosts:thereforetakeheedtoyourspirit, ` thatyedealnottreacherously.L !! WhilemanybelievethatProverbs2:17referstoacovenantofmarriageforthewomanalso,wedo w$  not.Webelieveitreferstofemaleprostitutesthathungoutaroundthepagantemplesjustasthe c  daughtersofastrangegodhereinMalachirefertothesametypeoffemaletempleprostitutes.We O  believethatcontextinProverbs2:17dictatesaforeignwomanwhohasbrokenhercovenantof ;  allegiancetoGod.HereinMalachi2:11,themenofJudahwereawhoringaroundontheirwiveswith '  templeprostitutesandmarryingthem.LetuscontinuewiththecovenantdescribedinMalachi2.    WewouldevengosofarastostatethatwebelievethattheScripturesteachthatitisthe  sexualactthatestablishesthecovenantrelationshipbetweenamanandawomanmakingthem  husbandandwife.THELORDJESUSCHRISTHIMSELFCALLEDMARRIAGETHE  PHYSICALACTINMATTHEW19:46.Fromthecontext#XXXX.XXX#.XXXXXXitisclearfromthestatementsoftheLord p JesusChristthatnoceremonywasinview,butrathertheactoffornicationbythewife.Thatsexual \ actisquitedifferentfromaceremony.Itisnottheperformanceofanotherceremonythatconstitutes H theactofadultery,butratherthesexualact.Theword covenantoccursintheimmediatecontext 4 ofbecomingonefleshinMalachi2:1415.Theonlyotherplacethatacovenantismentionedinthe s  contextofmarriageanddivorceisinEzra10:23whichstates: _    Ezra10:23 7  8  2AndShechaniahthesonofJehiel,oneofthesonsofElam,answeredandsaidunto #! Ezra,WehavetrespassedagainstourGod,andhavetakenstrangewivesofthepeople " oftheland:yetnowthereishopeinIsraelconcerningthisthing.3Nowthereforelet " usmakeacovenantwithourGodtoputawayallthewives,andsuchasarebornof # them,accordingtothecounselofmylord,andofthosethattrembleatthe $  commandmentofourGod;andletitbedoneaccordingtothelaw.%l!!!   NotethatthecovenantwasacovenantofdivorcebetweenthepriestsandGodtoputaway 'D # (divorce)thestrangewivestheyhadtakenfromoutsidetheGodordainedconfinesofthepeopleof (0!$ Israel. o)"%   SeveralpassagesofScripturesupportingtheconclusionthatitisthesexualactthatestablishes [*#& acovenantrelationshipareGenesis38:89,Deuteronomy21:13,Deuteronomy22:2829, G+#' Deuteronomy25:5,Exodus22:16,and1Chronicles2:21.Genesis38:89says: 3,$( Ї8  Genesis38:89 S 8AndJudahsaiduntoOnan,Goinuntothybrotherswife,andmarryher,andraise ? upseedtothybrother.9AndOnanknewthattheseedshouldnotbehis;anditcame +  topass,whenhewentinuntohisbrotherswife,thathespilleditontheground,lest   thatheshouldgiveseedtohisbrother. !! NotethatOnanwasinstructedtomarryhisbrotherswifeforthepurposeofproducingseed.Note   alsothatthesexualactwasreferredtoasa marriage. Thereisnoceremonyandnomarriagelicense  t here.Deuteronomy21:13says: d 8  13Andsheshallputtheraimentofhercaptivityfromoffher,andshallremaininthine <  house,andbewailherfatherandhermotherafullmonth:andafterthatthoushaltgo {(  inuntoher,andbeherhusband,andsheshallbethywife.g !! Theactof goinginuntoherisasexualactthatestablishesthehusbandandwiferelationship.There ?  wasnoceremony,priest,ormarriagealtarinvolvedhere.Deuteronomy22:2829reads: +  8  Deuteronomy22:2829!! 8  28Ifamanfindadamselthatisavirgin,whichisnotbetrothed,andlayholdonher,  andliewithher,andtheybefound;29Thenthemanthatlaywithhershallgiveunto  thedamselsfatherfiftyshekelsofsilver,andsheshallbehiswife;becausehehath t humbledher,hemaynotputherawayallhisdays.`!! Inverses28and29,itistheactof lyingwithherthatcreatesthescripturalrequirementthatthey 8 becomehusbandandwife.ThisparticularpassageshowshowseriousGodtakeswhatmanmightcall w$ acasualsexualrelationship.Itisclearfromthecontextthatneitherindividualinvolvedinthissexual c actintendedonbecominghusbandandwife.TheyjustgotcaughtandGodcommandedthemanto O takethewomanforhiswifewiththeadditionalconditionthathecouldneverdivorceher(puther ;  away).Whilemanysaythatthesexualactisbutaconsummationofthemarriage,thispassageand '! manymorebeforeandafteritseethesexualactasestablishingthehusbandandwiferelationshipand " notmerelyastheconsummationofit.Deuteronomy25:5states: " 8  Deuteronomy25:5 $  5Ifbrethrendwelltogether,andoneofthemdie,andhavenochild,thewifeofthe %p! deadshallnotmarrywithoutuntoastranger:herhusbandsbrothershallgoinunto &\" her,andtakehertohimtowife,andperformthedutyofanhusbandsbrotherunto 'H # her.(4!$!! Thisisthelawofthekinsmanredeemerthatissometimesreferredtoastheleviratemarriage.Note _* #& thatthelivingbrotherwastomarrythedeadbrotherswife,andtakehertohimtowifeforthe K+#' purposeofproducingchildren.Itwasthesexualrelationshipthatestablishedherastheliving 7,$( brotherswife.Deuteronomy25:5isquotedinMatthew22:24(alsoinMark12:19andLuke20:28) S whentheLordJesusChristisdealingwiththeSadduceesabouttheresurrection.Wewouldnotethat ? thiscommandmenthadtobeobeyedregardlessofwhetherthebrotherintheroleofkinsman +  redeemerwasalreadymarried.Noteagainthatthepurposeofthemarriagewastoproduceseed.This   sameideathatisconveyedinDeuteronomy22:2829isestablishedinExodus22:16wherewesee:   8  Exodus22:16 !! 8  16Andifamanenticeamaidthatisnotbetrothed,andliewithher,heshallsurely  t endowhertobehiswife.`!! Thephrase liewithhermeansthathehashadasexualrelationshipwithher.ClearlyExodus22:16 8  statesthatbecausethemanhashadasexualrelationshipwiththemaidhemusttakecareofheras w$  hiswife[Implyingthatsincehehadalreadymarriedherinthesexualrelationship,hemusttakecare c  ofherashiswife].Yetagainweseethissameprincipleillustratedin1Chronicles2:21whichtells O  us: ;  8  1Chronicles2:21  21AndafterwardHezronwentintothedaughterofMachirthefatherofGilead,whom  hemarriedwhenhewasthreescoreyearsold;andshebarehimSegub.!!  Onceagainitwasthesexualrelationshipthatestablishedtheconditionofthewomanbecominga p wife.WeshouldnotneglecttodealwiththeabominationwroughtbyAbsalombeforeallofIsrael \ whenhewentinuntoDavidsconcubines.AccordingtoLeviticus20:11,Absalomhadtobeputto H deathforthisvileact.Absalomsvileactisrecordedin2Samuel16:2122whichreads: 4 8  2Samuel16:2122 _  21AndAhithophelsaiduntoAbsalom,Goinuntothyfathersconcubines,whichhe K hathlefttokeepthehouse;andallIsraelshallhearthatthouartabhorredofthyfather: 7  thenshallthehandsofallthatarewiththeebestrong.22SotheyspreadAbsaloma #! tentuponthetopofthehouse;andAbsalomwentinuntohisfathersconcubinesin " thesightofallIsrael."!! Weknowfromtheeventsin2SamuelChapters17through19thatAbsalomwaseventuallyslain $  withthedestinyoftheconcubinesbeingrecordedin2Samuel20:3whereitisstated: %l! 8  2Samuel20:3 'D # 3AndDavidcametohishouseatJerusalem;andthekingtookthetenwomenhis (0!$ concubines,whomhehadlefttokeepthehouse,andputtheminward,andfedthem, o)"% butwentnotinuntothem.Sotheywereshutupuntothedayoftheirdeath,livingin [*#& widowhood.G+#'!!  3,$( pOa p p  #XXXX.XXo#.XXXXXX  DavidsconcubinesbecameAbsalomswiveswhenAbsalomwentinuntotheminthesight S ofIsrael.Therewasnoceremonyperformed.Neitherwasthereanyintenttoconductaceremony.It ? wasstrictlymultiplesexualacts.TheproofthattheybecameAbsalomswivesiscontainedin2 +  Samuel20:3wheretheBiblesaystheconcubinesremainedin widowhood untiltheirdeaths.Goread   ityourselfincontext!Thereisbutonereasonthattheylivedinwidowhooduntiltheirdeathsandthat   isbecausetheyhadbecomeAbsalomswives.Furthermore,in1Corinthians6:1617,theHolyGhost   considersthesexualactofsuchcriticalimportancethatHewarnsthatifyousexuallyjoinyourself   withaharlot,thatyoubecomeonefleshwithher.Inotherwords,youbecomemarriedtoanharlot.  x  Whatthesepassagesproveisthatitisthesexualunionthatcreatesthemarriage!In1Corinthians6, d theHolyGhostconsideredthesexualrelationshipwithanharlottobeawholelotmoreseriousthan P  justtheonenightstand(fornication)thatmostoncemarriedfundamentalistpreachersholdto.Itwas <  notjustfornication.Itwasamarriage.Whydomostfundamentalistpreachersgoupinarmswhen {(  wedeclareaonenightstandorapremaritalorpostmaritalaffairtobeamarriage??Wecantellyou g  why.Many,ifnotmost,ofthese fundamentalistpreachershavebeenguiltyoftheveryactsthatthe S  HolyGhostdescribeshere.Many oncemarriedpreachersarecountingonapieceofpaperfrom ?  mantoclearthemselvestobeabletopastorandpreach.ThatpieceofpaperisworthlessbeforeGod +  becausemany oncemarriedpreachersandpastorshavehadsexwithwomenbeforetheyhada  weddingceremony,someevenbeingguiltyoffornicationandadulteryaftertheirweddingceremony,  andtheywickedlyconsiderthemselvestohavehadbutonewifeinalifetimebecausetheyhaveonly  hadoneweddingceremony.Goddoesnotseeitthatway.Youarejustasguiltyasanydivorcedman  everwas.Ifyouhavesexwithanywoman,youareunderthescripturalobligationtotakecareofher t asyourwife.JackHylesandJackSchaapwereguiltyoftheveryactsdescribedhere,butatleastthey ` werenotdivorced!IbelievetheBibletermforthemiswhoremongers,butatleasttheywerenot L  doublemarried.Manygodlydivorcedmenaremuchmorequalifiedtobeinpulpitsthanthosetwo 8 whorehoppingpreacherswere.NeedwementiontheabominableconductofBobGreyatTrinity w$ BaptistofJacksonville,Florida.Yet,heremainedintheministrywiththeleadershipinhischurch c beingawareofhisconduct,butatleasthewasnotdivorcedordoublemarried!Wecanevenprove O thatitisnotasintohave,ortohavehad,morethanonewifeifthemanwasdivorcedaccordingto ;  theScriptures.Wearenottalkingaboutlivingwithmultiplewivesatthesametime.#XXXX.XX&#.XXXXXX '!   Ifyouhavehadmultiplesexualrelationshipswithdifferentwomenandifyoupreachthata " manwhohasmultiplewivesatthesametimeandadivorcedmanthathashadmorethanonewife " inalifetimearedisqualified,thenyouneedtositdownbecauseyoursexualconducthasdisqualified # youpermanentlysinceyoubelievethatthereisnoforgivenessforamanwhohashadmultiplewives $  inhislifetime.DoyouthinkforaminutethatifDavidandSolomonhadsexwithawomanthatthey %p! didnotmakethemtheirwife??WhydoyouthinkSolomonandsomanyoftheotherkingsofJudah &\" andIsraelhadsomanywives?ItisbecausetheyhadsexwiththosewomenandaccordingtoExodus 'H # 22:16andDeuteronomy22:2829anymanthathadsexwithanunmarriedwomanwasrequiredto (4!$ makethemtheirwife!Ifyouareanadulterousandfornicatingpreacher,pastor,evangelist,ordeacon, s) "% donotthinkthatthesamestandardsdonotapplytoyou.Contrarytowhatmostfundamentalists, _* #& includingthisauthor,havebeentaught,therewasnospecificcommandmentthatsaidamancould K+#' nothavemorethanonewife.Infact,theBiblesaysin2Samuel12:8thatGodgaveSaulswivesinto 7,$( Davidsbosom.SaulswiveswouldhaveincludedAhinoamandhisconcubineRizpahwhich S probablycreatedsomeconfusioninDavidshouseholdbecausehealreadyhadawifenamed ? Ahinoam.WenowturntothemarriagesofAbraham,Isaac,andJacob.#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX +    WearefirstintroducedtoAbram(Abraham)inGenesis11:27.Thenweareintroducedto   AbrahamswifeSarai(Sarah)inGenesis11:29.ThefirstmentionofAbrahamwasinhisbegetting.   ThefirstmentionofSarahwasinhermarriagetoAbraham.ItsaysinGenesis11:29thatAbraham   tookhiswifeSarah.Welearninverse30thatshewasbarren.Weseeveryfewdetailsinthemarriage   ofAbrahamandSarah.Genesis11:2730tellsus:  t 8  #XXXX.XX# XXXXXXGenesis11:2730 L  27NowthesearethegenerationsofTerah:TerahbegatAbram,Nahor,andHaran;and 8  HaranbegatLot.28AndHarandiedbeforehisfatherTerahinthelandofhisnativity, w$  inUroftheChaldees.29AndAbramandNahortookthemwives:thenameof c  AbramswifewasSarai;andthenameofNahorswife,Milcah,thedaughterof O  Haran,thefatherofMilcah,andthefatherofIscah.30ButSaraiwasbarren;shehad ;  nochild.#XXXX XX#.XXXXXX' !! TheonlydetailsthatweareofferedofAbrahamsandSarahsmarriageisthatAbrahamtookher.  Thereisnomentionofanyceremonyoranywedding.Therewasnopriestthereandnocivil  authority.Itisobviousthattheyhadbecomeonefleshbecauseverse30saysthatSarahwasbarren.  thenagaininGenesis16:14whichstates: p 8   !! 8  #XXXX.XX3# XXXXXXGenesis16:14 H 1NowSaraiAbramswifebarehimnochildren:andshehadanhandmaid,an 4 Egyptian,whosenamewasHagar.2AndSaraisaiduntoAbram,Beholdnow,the s  LORDhathrestrainedmefrombearing:Ipraythee,goinuntomymaid;itmaybe _  thatImayobtainchildrenbyher.AndAbramhearkenedtothevoiceofSarai.3And K SaraiAbramswifetookHagarhermaidtheEgyptian,afterAbramhaddweltten 7  yearsinthelandofCanaan,andgavehertoherhusbandAbramtobehiswife.4And #! hewentinuntoHagar,andsheconceived:andwhenshesawthatshehadconceived, " hermistresswasdespisedinhereyes.#XXXX XXf#.XXXXXX"!!   Lamech,oftheseedofCain,wasthefirstpolygamistrecordedintheBibleinGenesis. $  AbrahamwasthefirstpolygamistrecordedintheBiblefollowingthefloodanditleadtoimmediate %l! problemsbecauseitwascontrarytothewillofGod.Wewilldealwithpolygamylaterinthischapter. &X" NotethatSarahgaveherEgyptianmaiduntoAbrahamtobehiswife.Thelawoftheland,theCode 'D # ofHammurabiNumber146:states: (0!$ 8  Ifamantakeawifeandshegivethismanamaid-servantaswifeandshebearhim [*#& children,andthenthismaidassumeequalitywiththewife:becauseshehasbornehim G+#' childrenhermastershallnotsellherformoney,buthemaykeepherasaslave, 3,$( reckoningheramongthemaid-servants.#XXXX.XXб#.XXXXXXS!! WhilewhatSarahandAbrahamdoneherewasstrictlyinaccordancewiththelawoftheland,itwas +  aviolationoftheexpresswillofGodfromGenesis2:24anditshowedalapseoffaithinthepromise   ofGodgiventoAbrahaminGenesis15:4.Againandagain,wecomebacktooneofthethemesof   thischapterandthatisthattherewasnoceremonyinvolvedinthemarriageofAbrahamandHagar.   HagarbecameAbrahamswifewhenhe wentinuntoher.Theactofgoing inuntoherwasthe   marriage.WeseethispatternrepeatedinthecaseofIsaacandRebekahinGenesis24:6167:  t 8  #XXXX.XX# XXXXXXGenesis24:6167 L  61AndRebekaharose,andherdamsels,andtheyrodeuponthecamels,andfollowed 8  theman:andtheservanttookRebekah,andwenthisway.62AndIsaaccamefromthe w$  wayofthewellLahairoi;forhedweltinthesouthcountry.63AndIsaacwentoutto c  meditateinthefieldattheeventide:andhelifteduphiseyes,andsaw,and,behold, O  thecamelswerecoming.64AndRebekahlifteduphereyes,andwhenshesawIsaac, ;  shelightedoffthecamel.65Forshehadsaiduntotheservant,Whatmanisthisthat '  walkethinthefieldtomeetus?Andtheservanthadsaid,Itismymaster:therefore  shetookavail,andcoveredherself.66AndtheservanttoldIsaacallthingsthathehad  done.67AndIsaacbroughtherintohismotherSarahstent,andtookRebekah,andshe  becamehiswife;andhelovedher:andIsaacwascomfortedafterhismothersdeath.!! #XXXX XX#.XXXXXXWeareprovidedwithmanymoredetailsoftheeventsleadinguptothe#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXXmarriageofIsaacand \ RebekahthanwearewithanyothermarriagerecordedintheScriptures.ThecaseofIsaacand H RebekahprovidedtheseedbedformanyoftheJewishcustomssurroundingmarriagesevenuntothis 4 day.Wedonotseesimilardetailsleadinguptoamarriagerecordedforanyothermarriageinthe s  Scriptures.Furthermore,inthecaseofIsaacandRebekah,wedonotseeabetrothalorespousal _  recorded.Infact,Isaachadnocluewhowasgoingtobehiswife!Neitherwasaceremonyperformed. K RebekahbecameIsaacswifewhenhe tookher.Asfaraswecantell,Abrahamwasnoteven 7  around.TheeventssurroundingthefourmarriagesofJacobarequiteabitdifferentthanthoseforhis #! fatherIsaac.TheseeventsarerecordedinGenesischapters29and30whereweread: " 8  Genesis29:2030#!! 8  20AndJacobservedsevenyearsforRachel;andtheyseemeduntohimbutafew $  days,forthelovehehadtoher.21AndJacobsaiduntoLaban,Givememywife,for %l! mydaysarefulfilled,thatImaygoinuntoher.22AndLabangatheredtogetherall &X" themenoftheplace,andmadeafeast.23Anditcametopassintheevening,thathe 'D # tookLeahhisdaughter,andbroughthertohim;andhewentinuntoher.24And (0!$ LabangaveuntohisdaughterLeahZilpahhismaidforanhandmaid.25Anditcame o)"% topass,thatinthemorning,behold,itwasLeah:andhesaidtoLaban,Whatisthis [*#& thouhastdoneuntome?didnotIservewiththeeforRachel?whereforethenhast G+#' thoubeguiledme?26AndLabansaid,Itmustnotbesodoneinourcountry,togive 3,$( theyoungerbeforethefirstborn.27Fulfilherweek,andwewillgivetheethisalsofor S theservicewhichthoushaltservewithmeyetsevenotheryears.28AndJacobdidso, ? andfulfilledherweek:andhegavehimRachelhisdaughtertowifealso.29AndLaban +  gavetoRachelhisdaughterBilhahhishandmaidtobehermaid.30Andhewentin   alsountoRachel,andhelovedalsoRachelmorethanLeah,andservedwithhimyet   sevenotheryears. !! 8  #XXXX.XXA# XXXXXXGenesis30:110  t 1AndwhenRachelsawthatshebareJacobnochildren,Rachelenviedhersister;and ` saiduntoJacob,Givemechildren,orelseIdie.2AndJacobsangerwaskindled L  againstRachel:andhesaid,AmIinGodsstead,whohathwithheldfromtheethe 8  fruitofthewomb?3Andshesaid,BeholdmymaidBilhah,goinuntoher;andshe w$  shallbearuponmyknees,thatImayalsohavechildrenbyher.4Andshegavehim c  Bilhahherhandmaidtowife:andJacobwentinuntoher.5AndBilhahconceived,and O  bareJacobason.6AndRachelsaid,Godhathjudgedme,andhathalsoheardmy ;  voice,andhathgivenmeason:thereforecalledshehisnameDan.7AndBilhah '  Rachelsmaidconceivedagain,andbareJacobasecondson.8AndRachelsaid,With  greatwrestlingshaveIwrestledwithmysister,andIhaveprevailed:andshecalled  hisnameNaphtali.9WhenLeahsawthatshehadleftbearing,shetookZilpahher  maid,andgaveherJacobtowife.10AndZilpahLeahsmaidbareJacobason.#XXXX XX#.XXXXXX!!   Itisinterestingtonoteherethatafeastwasmadetocelebratetheeventthatwasabouttotake \ place.Itisquitepossiblethatthiseventistherootsourceofthelavishmarriagesuppersandwedding H feaststhathavecharacterizeallJewishweddingsdownthroughtheages.Ifyouargueforacovenant 4 here,andtherewasnot,itisobviousthatJacobexpectedthathewouldbegoinginuntoRacheland s  shewouldbecomehiswife.Theactof goinginuntowastheactofbecomingoneflesh.Itisclear _  thattherewasnoespousal,covenant,orceremonyherethatinvolvedLeah.Ifyouarguefora K covenanthere,thenyouhavetobelievethatthecovenantwascreatedandmadebindingbyLeahand 7  Jacobbecomingoneflesh.Therewasobviouslynoverbalagreementbetweenthetwoofthem. #! NeitherwasthereanyintenthereonJacobsparttomarryLeah.Yet,itisundeniableherethatwhen " JacobwentinuntoLeahandtheybecameonefleshthatLeahwasJacobswiferegardlessofhis " understandingthathismarriagewastobetoRachel.Theremayhavebeenanagreementherebetween # JacobandLabanconcerningRachel,butitwasnotacovenantbetweenRachelandJacobandneither $  diditinvolveLeah.Itisclearfromverse28thatLeahandRachelbecameJacobswives.Though %l! JacobtookRacheltowife,lateronthispracticewasoutlawedinLeviticus18:18whichsays: &X" 8  Leviticus18:18 (0!$ 18Neithershaltthoutakeawifetohersister,tovexher,touncoverhernakedness, o)"% besidetheotherinherlifetime.[*#&!! 8   !!   WealsoseeinthecasesofLeahshandmaidZilpahandRachelshandmaidBilhahthatthey 3,$( becameJacobswiveswhenhe wentinuntothem.Tobesure,therewasnoceremonyandno S fanfarethatinvolvedthesetwohandmaidsthatJacobmarried.Giventhecircumstances,canyou ? imaginetheruckusthatwouldhaveensuedhadaceremonyorweddingfeasttakenplace?Therewas +  alreadymuchtensionandcontentioninJacobshomebecauseofhismultiplewives.Now,letslook   atRuthandBoazinRuth4:13   8   !! 8  Ruth4:13 !! 8  13SoBoaztookRuth,andshewashiswife:andwhenhewentinuntoher,theLORD  t gaveherconception,andshebareason.`!!   RuthbecameBoazswifewhenhetookhermeaningthatshebecamehiswifewhenthey 8  becameoneflesh.Thatisthemeaningof hewentinuntoher.Boazbecamethekinsmanredeemer w$  ofaGentileBride.Hallelujah!IntheeyesoftheLordJesusChristthatisme!#XXXX.XX6#.XXXXXXԀTheLordJesusChrist c  isthekinsmanRedeemer#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXXԀforallthosewhoreceivehimasSaviour.#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX  O     WedonotseeaceremonyinanyoftheBiblicalmarriagesthatwehavelookedatthusfar. ;  YoudonotseeanOldTestamentorNewTestamentexamplewhereanymanmaderequirementsuch '  asaceremony,analtar,amarriagelicense,oraformalcovenantconstitutedascripturalmarriage.  Neitherdoyouseethepresenceofanyreligiousorgovernmentofficial.Asdetailedastheinstructions  wereforthedutiesofthepriestintheOldTestamentnoneofthemincludedanyrequirementto  officiateatamarriageceremony.ThereweredetailedrequirementsintheNewTestamentforpastors  andnoneofthemrequiredthatpastorsofficiateatmarriages.Marriagesofficiatedbypriestsisavery p RomanCatholicideaanddidnotcomeforthuntiltheCouncilofTrentin1563.TotheRoman \ CatholicChurch,marriagewasasacramentthatonlyaRomanCatholicpriestcouldadminister. H However,marriageintheBiblehasneverbeenafunctionofthestate,or,afunctionofapriest, 4 pastor,orpreacher.Ithasalwaysbeenafamilyaffairthatrequiredthepermissionofthebridesfather s  unlessthewomangettingmarriedhadalreadybeenmarriedbefore.Wehaveformanyyearsextended _  thatOldTestamentcustomintoAmericanculturewhereinyearsgonebythemanhadtogotothe K fatherandrequestthehandofhisdaughterinmarriage.Whatwecallamarriagetodayisnotthe 7  scripturalpresentationofwhatmarriageis.Intodaysworld,weinterpretmarriagetobeaceremony #! becauseallwesternsocietiesareinopenfornication.InmostBiblicalmarriages,thereisamarked " absenceofaceremony.WhatweseeintheOldTestamentandtheNewTestamentarecelebrations " oftheaccomplishedfactofthemarriage.TheweddingcelebrationsandmarriagefeastsintheBible # donotinauguratethemarriage.Theycelebrateit.EveninthemarriageatCanaofGalileewherethe $  waterwasturnedintowine,itisobviousthatwhatwastakingplacewasthecelebrationofthe %l! marriagethathadalreadytakenplacebecausetheywerealreadyoutofwine.Inotherwords,whatwe &X" haveinJohn2isthemarriagefeast.Themarriagefeastandthemarriagesupperalwaysfollowedthe 'D # husbandandwifebecomingonefleshjustasitdoeswiththeMarriageSupperOfTheLambin (0!$ Revelationchapter19.InJewishcustom,itwasthedisplayingofthetokensofvirginitythatsetin o)"% motionthelavishcelebrationandmarriagesupperswhichfollowed. [*#&   Thewholepointofthepreviousdiscussionhasbeentoprovethatscripturallyamarriagetakes G+#' placewithoutaceremonyandwithoutacelebrationhavingtakenplace.Thatisthewholepointof 3,$( legallyrecognizingwhatiscalledCommonLawmarriages.CommonLawmarriagesareaslegally S andscripturallybindingasanymarriagethoughnoceremonywaseverperformedthathadthe ? sanctionofthestateorthechurch.InearlyAmericanhistory,CommonLawmarriageswerequite +  common.Furthermore,wehavedocumentedcaseaftercasewherenoceremonyorcelebrationis   recordedintheScripturesandyetthewomeninvolvedaresaidtobewives.#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX   #XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX@vv% CONCUBINES #XXXX.XXQ#.XXXXXXԈ      Letsestablishthefactthataconcubineisawifethatcomeswithoutadowrytoherhusband ` andwithoutapaymentrequiredtothefatheroftheconcubine.Theconcubinewasequalinrightsto L  thewomanwhowascalledawife.Theconcubinessonswereonequalfootingwiththesonsofthe 8  wife.Manytimesthetermsconcubineandwifeareusedinterchangeablywhenappliedtothesame w$  individual.InGenesis16:3HagariscalledawifeofAbrahamandconcubineofAbrahaminGenesis c  25:6.Theseversesstate: O  8  #XXXX.XX# XXXXXXGenesis16:3 '  3AndSaraiAbramswifetookHagarhermaidtheEgyptian,afterAbramhaddwelt  tenyearsinthelandofCanaan,andgavehertoherhusbandAbramtobehiswife.!! 8  #XXXX XX#.XXXXXX !! 8  #XXXX.XX# XXXXXXGenesis25:6  6Butuntothesonsoftheconcubines,whichAbrahamhad,Abrahamgavegifts,and p sentthemawayfromIsaachisson,whileheyetlived,eastward,untotheeastcountry.\!! KeturahiscalledawifeinGenesis25:1andaconcubineinGenesis25:6and1Chronicles1:32. 4 Theseversessay: s  8  #XXXX XX[# XXXXXXGenesis25:1 K 1ThenagainAbrahamtookawife,andhernamewasKeturah.7 !! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XXI# XXXXXX1Chronicles1:32 " 32NowthesonsofKeturah,Abrahamsconcubine:shebareZimran,andJokshan,and " Medan,andMidian,andIshbak,andShuah.AndthesonsofJokshan;Sheba,and # Dedan.$ !! BilhahandZilpaharecalledJacobswivesinGenesis37:2whileBilhahiscalledJacobsconcubine &X" inGenesis35:22withtheseversesreadingasfollows: 'D # 8  #XXXX XX<# XXXXXXGenesis35:22 o)"% 22Anditcametopass,whenIsraeldweltinthatland,thatReubenwentandlaywith [*#& Bilhahhisfathersconcubine:andIsraelheardit.NowthesonsofJacobweretwelve:G+#'!! 8  3,$(!! 8  #XXXX XXs# XXXXXXGenesis37:2 S 2ThesearethegenerationsofJacob.Joseph,beingseventeenyearsold,wasfeeding ? theflockwithhisbrethren;andtheladwaswiththesonsofBilhah,andwiththesons +  ofZilpah,hisfatherswives:andJosephbroughtuntohisfathertheirevilreport. !! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX#XXXX XX# XXXXXXTheeventsrecordedconcerningtheLevitesconcubineinJudges19areamongthemostsordidand   tragicintheScriptures.TheKingJamesBiblesmarginalnoteonJudges19:1reads: awomana   concubine,or,awifeaconcubine.TheLeviteofJudges19isreferredtoasthehusbandofthe  t concubinethatwasslain.TheseversesarewritteninJudges19:3andJudges20:45: ` 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXJudges19:3 8  3Andherhusbandarose,andwentafterher,tospeakfriendlyuntoher,andtobring w$  heragain,havinghisservantwithhim,andacoupleofasses:andshebroughthim c  intoherfathershouse:andwhenthefatherofthedamselsawhim,herejoicedto O  meethim.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX; !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXJudges20:45  4AndtheLevite,thehusbandofthewomanthatwasslain,answeredandsaid,Icame  intoGibeahthatbelongethtoBenjamin,Iandmyconcubine,tolodge.5Andthemen  ofGibeahroseagainstme,andbesetthehouseroundaboutuponmebynight,and  thoughttohaveslainme:andmyconcubinehavetheyforced,thatsheisdead.p!! ThenwehavethebriefhistoryconcerningDavidstenconcubinesthatiswrittenin2Samuel12:11, H 2Samuel15:16,and2Samuel20:3whichiswrittenthus: 4 8  #XXXX XX,# XXXXXX2Samuel12:11 _  11ThussaiththeLORD,Behold,Iwillraiseupevilagainsttheeoutofthineown K house,andIwilltakethywivesbeforethineeyes,andgivethemuntothyneighbour, 7  andheshallliewiththywivesinthesightofthissun.#!!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX2Samuel15:16 " 16Andthekingwentforth,andallhishouseholdafterhim.Andthekingleftten # women,whichwereconcubines,tokeepthehouse.$ !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX2Samuel16:2122 &X" 21AndAhithophelsaiduntoAbsalom,Goinuntothyfathersconcubines,whichhe 'D # hathlefttokeepthehouse;andallIsraelshallhearthatthouartabhorredofthyfather: (0!$ thenshallthehandsofallthatarewiththeebestrong.22SotheyspreadAbsaloma o)"% tentuponthetopofthehouse;andAbsalomwentinuntohisfathersconcubinesin [*#& thesightofallIsrael.#XXXX XX # XXXXXXG+#'!! 8  3,$(!! 8  #XXXX XXE# XXXXXX2Samuel20:3 S 3AndDavidcametohishouseatJerusalem;andthekingtookthetenwomenhis ? concubines,whomhehadlefttokeepthehouse,andputtheminward,andfedthem, +  butwentnotinuntothem.Sotheywereshutupuntothedayoftheirdeath,livingin   widowhood. !! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX#XXXX XX# XXXXXX  SecondSamuel12:11containsNathansprophecyconcerningDavidsconcubines.Nathan   toldDavidthataneighborwouldliewithhiswives inthesightofthissun.Thatneighborwashis  t veryownson,Absalom,aswesawin2Samuel16:2122whereAbsalomwentinuntoDavidsten ` concubinesinthesightofallIsraelinbroadopendaylight.From2Samuel15:16,weknowthat L  DavidtookallofhiswiveswithhimwhenheleftJerusalem.In2Samuel20:3Davidputwhathad 8  beenhistenconcubinesinwardandtheylivedinwidowhoodfortherestoftheirlives.Onlywives w$  couldliveinwidowhoodasthosetenconcubinesdid.TheywerecalledwidowsbecauseAbsalom c  madethemhiswiveswhenhewentinuntothemandheisnowdead. O    Rizpah,whoiscalledSaulsconcubinein2Samuel3:7,isalsocalledawifein2Samuel ;  12:8.#XXXX XX#.XXXXXXItisinterestingtonotethatGodsaidhegaveSaulswives(PLURAL)intoDavidsbosomand '  yetwecanonlydocumentonewifeandoneconcubine,Rizpah(2Samuel3:7),fromthescriptures.  Ahinoam,Saulswife,isidentifiedin1Samuel14:50.Theconclusiontobedrawnfromthisisthat  concubineRizpahwasalsoconsideredtobeawife#XXXX.XXH # XXXXXX.Whenwelookastheseverseswesee:  8  #XXXX XX"# XXXXXX1Samuel14:50 p 50AndthenameofSaulswifewasAhinoam,thedaughterofAhimaaz:andthename \ ofthecaptainofhishostwasAbner,thesonofNer,Saulsuncle.H!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX2Samuel3:7 s  7AndSaulhadaconcubine,whosenamewasRizpah,thedaughterofAiah:and _  IshboshethsaidtoAbner,Whereforehastthougoneinuntomyfathersconcubine?#XXXX XX# XXXXXXK!! 8  #XXXX XX4# XXXXXX !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX2Samuel12:8 #! 8AndIgavetheethymastershouse,andthymasterswivesintothybosom,andgave " theethehouseofIsraelandofJudah;andifthathadbeentoolittle,Iwouldmoreover " havegivenuntotheesuchandsuchthings.#!! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX#XXXX XX#.XXXXXXHereiswhatthe1906JewishEncyclopediahadtosayconcerningconcubines: %l! 8  #XXXX.XX#.XXXXXXԚ ` AconcubineisrecognizedamongtheancientHebrews.Sheenjoyedthesame 'D # rightsinthehouseasthelegitimatewife.Sinceitwasregardedasthehighestblessing (0!$ tohavemanychildren,whilethegreatestcursewaschildlessness,legitimatewives o)"% themselvesgavetheirmaidstotheirhusbandstoatone,atleastinpart,fortheirown [*#& barrenness,asinthecasesofSarahandHagar,LeahandZilpah,RachelandBilhah. G+#' Theconcubinecommandedthesamerespectandinviolabilityasthewife;anditwas 3,$( regardedasthedeepestdishonorforthemantowhomshebelongedifhandswerelaid S uponher.ThusJacobneverforgavehiseldestsonforviolatingBilhah(Gen.xxxv.22, ? xlix.4).AccordingtothestoryofGibeah,relatedinJudgesxix.,25,000warriorsof +  thetribeofBenjaminlosttheirlivesonaccountofthemaltreatmentanddeathofa   concubine.Abner,Saulsfirstgeneral,desertedIsh-bosheth,Saulsson,whohad   reproachedhisleaderwithhavinghadintercoursewithRizpah,thedaughterofhis   royalfathersconcubine,Aiah(IISam.iii.7);andAbsalombroughtthegreatest   dishonoruponDavidbyopenintercoursewithhisfathersconcubines(ib.xvi.21et  t seq.).`!! 8   ` Thechildrenoftheconcubinehadequalrightswiththoseofthelegitimate L  wife.Abrahamdismissedhisnaturalsonswithgifts(Gen.xxv.6),andJacobssons 8  byBilhahandZilpahwereequalwithhissonsbyLeahandRachel;whileAbimelech, w$  whosubsequentlybecamekingoverapartofIsrael,wasthesonofGideon-jerubbaal c  andhisShechemiteconcubine(Judgesviii.31).InthetimeoftheKingsthepractise O  oftakingconcubineswasnolongerduetochildlessnessbuttoluxury.Davidhadten ;  concubines(IISam.xv.16),who,however,alsodidhousework;Solomonhad300(I '  Kingsxi.30);andhissonRehoboamhadsixty(IIChron.xi.21).(Citedfromthe  1906JewishEncyclopediaarticleonConcubinageInternetEditionat:  4wO  5  http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4585-concubinage6aOu   7)!! #XXXX.XX#.XXXXXXTheconclusionthatwecandrawfromthescripturalreferencestoconcubinesthatwehavequoted p andthisquotefromthe1906JewishEncyclopediaisthataconcubineandawifeareonequalfooting \ inthehome.#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX H @# MULTIPLEWIVES #XXXX.XX #.XXXXXXԈ s    AquestionoftenarisesastowhymanyoftheOldTestamentpatriarchsandkingshad K multiplewivesandconcubines.TomanyChristiansandunbelieversthisispuzzlingsincein 7  Americanculturewehavebeenrightfullytaughtthatamarriageismadeupofonlytwopeople;one #! ofwhichmustbeamanandtheotherawoman.PolygamyisillegalintheUnitedStates.ThoughGod " allowedmultiplewives,itwasnothisoriginalintent.Thescripturaldefinitionofmarriagerequires " thattwoaretobecomeoneandnotthatthreeormorearetobecomeone.Inourpreviousdiscussions # leadinguptothissection,wehavedestroyedthewickedideaofpolygamistmarriagesandsamesex $  unionsthatGodcallsabominations.Thepurposeofthissectionistofurtherdocumentthescriptural %l! recordconcerningmultiplewives. &X"   Forpurposesofthisdiscussiononmultiplewives,wearegoingtoconsiderconcubinesas 'D # meetingthedefinitionforawife. (0!$   WehavehearditstatedthatGodalwayscondemnspolygamyintheBible.Then,whydidGod o)"% giveDavidmultiplewivesin2Samuel12:8??Thatdoesnotsoundtomuchlikecondemnationtous. [*#& Merab,Saulsdaughter,waspromisedtobeDavidswifebySaul,butshewasgiventoAdriel.Saul G+#' alsopromisedtoDavidhisdaughterMichaltobeawifeandDavidtookhertobehiswife,butSaul 3,$( laterwickedlygaveheruntoPhaltiel(See1Samuel18:1727#XXXX.XXO!#.XXXXXXԀand1Samuel25:44).SeealsoAbigail S andAhinoam(1Samuel25:3944);Maacah,Haggith,Abital,Eglah(allfourin2Samuel3:15); ? Michal(2Samuel3:1316);Bathsheba(2Samuel11:27)#XXXX.XXj(#.XXXXXX.FromScripture,weknowthatDavidhad +  eightwivesandtenconcubines.However,Godwarnedagainstakingmultiplyingwivesandhorses   tohimself.#XXXX.XX)#.XXXXXXԀ#XXXX.XX*#.XXXXXXDeuteronomy17:1417#XXXX.XX*#.XXXXXXԀand2Samuel12:78#XXXX.XX%+#.XXXXXXԀstate:   8  Deuteronomy17:1417   14WhenthouartcomeuntothelandwhichtheLORDthyGodgiveththee,andshalt  t possessit,andshaltdwelltherein,andshaltsay,Iwillsetakingoverme,likeasall ` thenationsthatareaboutme;15Thoushaltinanywisesethimkingoverthee,whom L  theLORDthyGodshallchoose:onefromamongthybrethrenshaltthousetkingover 8  thee:thoumayestnotsetastrangeroverthee,whichisnotthybrother.16Butheshall w$  notmultiplyhorsestohimself,norcausethepeopletoreturntoEgypt,totheendthat c  heshouldmultiplyhorses:forasmuchastheLORDhathsaiduntoyou,Yeshall O  henceforthreturnnomorethatway.17Neithershallhemultiplywivestohimself,that ;  hisheartturnnotaway:neithershallhegreatlymultiplytohimselfsilverandgold.' !! 8   !! 8  2Samuel12:78  7AndNathansaidtoDavid,Thouarttheman.ThussaiththeLORDGodofIsrael,  IanointedtheekingoverIsrael,andIdeliveredtheeoutofthehandofSaul;8And  Igavetheethymastershouse,andthymasterswivesintothybosom,andgavethee p thehouseofIsraelandofJudah;andifthathadbeentoolittle,Iwouldmoreoverhave \ givenuntotheesuchandsuchthings.H!! ЀddComparing2Samuel12:78withDeuteronomy17:1417wehaveourselvesaproblemtodealwith. s  IfthecommandmentinDeuteronomy17:17isthat Neithershallhe[speakingoftheking]multiply _  wivestohimself,thenwhatdoyoudowiththefactthatGodsaidin2Samuel12:8thathegave thy K masterswivesintothybosom[referringtoKingDavid]?IfGodscommandinDeuteronomy17:17 7  tothekingswasthatthekingswerenottomultiplyuntothemselveswivesandGodgaveSaulswives #! intoDavidsbosomthenwewouldhavetoconcludethathavingmultiplewiveswasnotasin. " OtherwisetheactionofGodin2Samuel12:78couldbeinterpretedassinandthatwouldbe " impossiblebecauseGodcannotsin.TheotherpointthatcouldbemadehereisthatitwasGodwho # donethemultiplyingandnotDavidthoughDavidhadalreadyviolatedthischargetotheking.Itwas $  Davidsdesiretohavemultiplesexualpartners(wives)thatledtomuchtragedyinhisfamily.We %l! wouldagainmakethepointherethattheonlydifferencebetweenawifeandaconcubineisthata &X" wifecamewithadowryandaconcubinedidnot.#XXXX.XX{+#.XXXXXX 'D #   Wewanttowarnourreadersthatwearenotadvocatinganindividualhavingmultiplespouses (0!$ becausewedonotbelievethatistheidealthatGodestablishedinGenesis2:24.Norisamarriage o)"% involvingmultiplespousesthepictureoftheLordJesusChristandHischurchasisplainlypresented [*#& intheNewTestament.ThereisoneNewTestamentBrideandtheonemanandonewomanhusband G+#' andwiferelationshipisdeclaredtobeatypeofthatBride.Wealsobelievethattherequirementthat 3,$( theOldTestamentHighPriesttakeavirginashiswifewasatypeofwhatwassupposedtohavebeen S therelationshipbetweenIsraelandJehovahGod.GodhadONEchosennationtobehisbrideand ? wifeandthatnationwasIsrael.ShewastobeavirginuntoJehovahGod.Thattypehasitsperfect +  fulfillmentintheLordJesusChrist,ourHighPriest,whohasthatchasteVirgin,theChurch,asHis   Bride.WhileweknowandunderstandthatithasalwaysbeenGodsintentthattherebeonemanand   onewomanforalifetime,wealsocannotdenythefactthatmanymenofGodintheOldTestament   hadmultiplewives.ThatwouldincludethatmanDavidthatwasafterGodsownheart.Thereareno   versesineithertheOldTestamentortheNewTestamentthatspecificallystatethatamancannothave  t morethanonewife.GodgaveDavidmultiplewives.Thereisnospecificlimitationsonthenumber ` ofwivesamanmayhaveundertheOldTestamentlaw.Asamatteroffact,Godregulatedthe L  treatmentofmultiplewivesundertheOldTestamentlaw.Twoexamplesofthislawarewrittenin 8  Exodus21:10andDeuteronomy21:1516whichstate: w$  8  Exodus21:10O !! 8  10Ifhetakehimanotherwife;herfood,herraiment,andherdutyofmarriage,shall ;  henotdiminish.#XXXX.XXx7#.XXXXXX' !! 8   !! 8  Deuteronomy21:1516  15Ifamanhavetwowives,onebeloved,andanotherhated,andtheyhavebornhim  children,boththebelovedandthehated;andifthefirstbornsonbehersthatwas  hated:16Thenitshallbe,whenhemakethhissonstoinheritthatwhichhehath,that p hemaynotmakethesonofthebelovedfirstbornbeforethesonofthehated,which \ isindeedthefirstborn:#XXXX.XXX@#.XXXXXXH!! #XXXX.XXB#.XXXXXX#XXXX.XX.C# XXXXXX  TherewerefivegenerationsborninthelineofCainbeforethefirstincidentofpolygamy s  involvingLamechisrecordedintheBibleinGenesis4:19whichreads: _  8  #XXXX XXqC# XXXXXXGenesis4:19 7  19AndLamechtookuntohimtwowives:thenameoftheonewasAdah,andthename #! oftheotherZillah."!! #XXXX XXD# XXXXXXWhatthismeansisthattheseedofCainwasthefirsttointroducepolygamyintotheworld.That # shouldbeveryrevealingandinstructivetous.WhatGenesis4:19andGenesis5:122tellsusisthat $  polygamydidnotenterintotheworlduntilthefifthgenerationfollowingCainandthatthatperiod %l! oftimehadtobeatleast700years.Wegetthatsevenhundredyearfigurebyinferringthatthefive &X" generationsofCainplusAdamsagewhenhebegetSethmustberoughlyequaltothesamefigures 'D # forthegenerationsofSethwhicharerecordedinGenesischapter5.Thosefigurestotal687years. (0!$ TheseedofCainwasdestroyedinthefloodandGodrestoredtheidealof onemanwithonewoman o)"% foralifetimewhenhebroughtNoahandhisthreesonsandtheirfourwivesfromtheArk.Itwasnot [*#& until375yearsafterthefloodthatweseethenextincidentofpolygamyrecordedintheBibleandthat G+#' involvedAbrahaminGenesis16:34andhisbrotherNahorinGenesis22:24wherewearetold: 3,$( Ї8  Genesis16:34 ? 3AndSaraiAbramswifetookHagarhermaidtheEgyptian,afterAbramhaddwelt +  tenyearsinthelandofCanaan,andgavehertoherhusbandAbramtobehiswife.4   AndhewentinuntoHagar,andsheconceived:andwhenshesawthatshehad   conceived,hermistresswasdespisedinhereyes. !! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XXE# XXXXXXGenesis22:2324  t 23AndBethuelbegatRebekah:theseeightMilcahdidbeartoNahor,Abrahams ` brother.24Andhisconcubine,whosenamewasReumah,shebarealsoTebah,and L  Gaham,andThahash,andMaachah.8 !! #XXXX XX~L# XXXXXX#XXXX XXM#.XXXXXX  So,bothAbrahamandNahorhadtwowivesatthesametime.Thisisnottosaythatthere c  werenomorepolygamousmarriagesintheworldbecauseifAbrahamwasguilty,thenitonlymakes O  sensethatmanymoremenintheworldwerealsoguilty.Onethingshouldbenotedinthecaseof ;  Abraham,Sarah,andHagaristhatthepolygamousarrangementresultedininstantstrifeinthehome '  betweenallthreethatwereinvolved.Whatalsoensuedfromthiswasthebirthofthewildman  IshmaelwhoseseedhasbeenasourceofneverendingstrifeintheMiddleEast.TheIshmaeliteshave  beenandcontinuetobetheperpetualenemiesoftheJewishpeople.Esauisthenextpolygamistwe  willconsider.HetookthreewivesnoneofwhomwerefromamongthepeopleofIsaacandtheBible  saysitwasagriefuntoIsaacandRebekah.TheseareidentifiedinGenesischapters26:34andGenesis p 28:69withtheconciselistshowingupinGenesis36:13whichstates: \ 8  #XXXX.XX# XXXXXX  =  4      ׀ g8  8  8` !!8 ` ` #XXXX XX>#  XXXXXX Ifdeathhathsnatchedfromtheethewifeofyouth,?  k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` Itisasifthesacredcitywere,'  k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` AndeentheTemple,inthypilgrimdays,  k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` Defiled,laidlow,andlevelledwiththedust.  k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` Themanwhoharshlysendsfromhim k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` Hisfirstwoodwife,thelovingwifeofyouth, k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` ForhimtheveryaltaroftheLord k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` Shedsforthitstearsofbitteragony.h k k  #XXXX XX?# XXXXXX#XXXX XXC# XXXXXX  Wherethesocialintercoursebetweenthesexeswasnearlyasunrestrictedasamongourselves, k< sofarasconsistentwithEasternmanners,itwould,ofcourse,benaturalforayoungmantomake W( personalchoiceofhisbride.OfthisScriptureaffordsabundantevidence.But,atanyrate,thewoman C had,incaseofbetrothalormarriage,togiveherownfreeandexpressedconsent,withoutwhicha / unionwasinvalid.#XXXX XXC# XXXXXXMinors#XXXX XX=F# XXXXXX"inthecaseofgirlsuptotwelveyearsandoneday"mightbebetrothed  orgivenawaybytheirfather.Inthatcase,however,theyhadafterwardstherightofinsistingupon  divorce.Ofcourse,itisnotintendedtoconveythatwomanattainedherfullpositiontillunderthe  NewTestament.Butthisisonlytorepeatwhatmaybesaidofalmosteverysocialstateand   relationship.YetitismostmarkedhowdeeplythespiritoftheOldTestament,whichisessentially ! thatoftheNewalso,hadinthisrespectalsopenetratedthelifeofIsrael.St.Paulswarning(#XXXX XXF# XXXXXX2 " Corinthians6:14)againstbeing unequallyyokedtogether,whichisanallegoricalapplicationof #t  #XXXX XXrI# XXXXXXLeviticus19:19;#XXXX XXQJ# XXXXXXDeuteronomy22:10,findstosomeextentacounterpartinmysticalRabbinical $`  writings,#XXXX XXJ# XXXXXX =  5      ׀#XXXX XXPK# XXXXXXwherethelastmentionedpassageisexpresslyappliedtospirituallyunequalmarriages.The S  admonitionof#XXXX XXK# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:39tomarry onlyintheLord,recallsmanysimilarRabbinical ? warnings,fromwhichweselectthemoststriking.Men,wearetold,#XXXX XXL# XXXXXX =  6      ׀#XXXX XXM# XXXXXXarewonttomarryforoneof +  fourreasons"forpassion,wealth,honor,orthegloryofGod.Asforthefirstnamedclassof   marriages,theirissuemustbeexpectedtobe stubbornandrebellioussons,aswemaygatherfrom   thesectionreferringtosuchfollowinguponthatin#XXXX XX5N# XXXXXXDeuteronomy21:11.Inregardtomarriagesfor   wealth,wearetolearnalessonfromthesonsofEli,whosoughttoenrichthemselvesinsuchmanner,   butofwhoseposterityitwassaid(#XXXX XXO# XXXXXX1Samuel2:36)thattheyshould crouchforapieceofsilverand  t amorselofbread.Ofmarriagesforthesakeofconnection,honor,andinfluence,KingJehoram ` offeredawarning,whobecameKingAhabssoninlaw,becausethatmonarchhadseventysons, L  whereasuponhisdeathhiswidowAthaliah aroseanddestroyedalltheseedroyal(#XXXX XXP# XXXXXX2Kings11:1). 8  Butfarotherwiseisitincaseofmarriage inthenameofheaven.Theissueofsuchwillbechildren w$  who preserveIsrael.Infact,theRabbinicalreferencestomarrying inthenameofheaven,or for c  thenameofGod,"inGodandforGod"aresofrequentandsoemphatic,thattheexpressions O  usedbySt.Paulmusthavecomefamiliarlytohim.Again,#XXXX XXR# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XXT# XXXXXXmuchthatissaidin1Corinthians7about ;  themarriedestate,findsstrikingparallelsinTalmudicalwritings.Onemayherebementioned,as '  explainingtheexpression(ver.14): Elsewereyourchildrenunclean;butnowaretheyholy.  PreciselythesamedistinctionwasmadebytheRabbisinregardtoproselytes,whosechildren,if  begottenbeforetheirconversiontoJudaism,weresaidtobe unclean;ifafterthateventtohavebeen  born inholiness,onlythat,amongtheJews,#XXXX XX>U# XXXXXXboth#XXXX XXW# XXXXXXparentsrequiredtoprofessJudaism,whileSt.  Paularguesinthecontrarydirection,andconcerningafardifferentholinessthanthatwhichcould p beobtainedthroughanymereoutwardceremony. \   Somefurtherdetails,gatheredalmostatrandom,willgiveglimpsesofJewishhomelifeand H ofcurrentviews.Itwasbyanotuncommon,thoughirreverent,modeofwitticism,thattwoformsof 4 thesameverb,soundingalmostalike,weremadetoexpressoppositeexperiencesofmarriage.Itwas s  commontoaskanewlymarriedhusband: #XXXX XX*X# XXXXXXMaza#XXXX XX[# XXXXXXor#XXXX XXO[# XXXXXXMose#XXXX XX[# XXXXXX?" findethorfound;thefirst _  expressionoccurringin#XXXX XX[# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX\# XXXXXXProverbs18:22,thesecondin#XXXX XX\# XXXXXXEcclesiastes7:26.Adifferentsentimentisthe K followingfromtheTalmud(#XXXX XX']# XXXXXXYeb#XXXX XX]# XXXXXX.62#XXXX XX^# XXXXXXb#XXXX XX]^# XXXXXX;#XXXX XX^# XXXXXXSanh#XXXX XX^# XXXXXX.76#XXXX XX3_# XXXXXXb#XXXX XX}_# XXXXXX),thesimilarityofwhichto#XXXX XX_# XXXXXXEphesians5:28willbe 7  immediatelyrecognized: Hethatlovethhiswifeashisownbody,honorethhermorethanhisown #! body,bringsuphischildrenintherightway,andleadstheminittofullage"ofhimtheScripture " saith:#XXXX XX#`# XXXXXX@Thoushaltknowthatthytabernacleshallbeinpeace(#XXXX XXa# XXXXXXJob5:24)#XXXX XXb# XXXXXXOfallqualitiesthosemost " desiredinwomanweremeekness,modesty,andshamefacedness.Indeed,brawling,gossipinthe # streets,andimmodestbehaviorinpublicweresufficientgroundsfordivorce.Ofcourse,Jewish $  womenwouldneverhaveattempted teachinginthesynagogue,wheretheyoccupiedaplace %l! separatefromthemen"forRabbinicalstudy,howevervaluedforthemalesex,wasdisapproved / ofinthecaseofwomen.YetthisdirectionofSt.Paul(#XXXX XX[b# XXXXXX1Timothy2:12):#XXXX XXd# XXXXXX Isuffernotawomanto  usurpauthorityovertheman#XXXX XX(e# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XXe# XXXXXXfindethsomekindofparallelintheRabbinicalsaying: Whoever   allowshimselftoberuledbyhiswife,shallcallout,andnoonewillmakeanswertohim.     ItisonsimilargroundsthattheRabbisargue,thatmanmustseekafterwoman,andnota   womanafteraman;onlythereasonwhichtheyassignforitsoundsstrange.Man,theysay,was   formedfromtheground"womanfrommansrib;hence,intryingtofindawifemanonlylooks   afterwhathehadlost!Thisformationofmanfromsoftclay,andofwomanfromahardbone,also  t illustratedwhymanwassomuchmoreeasilyreconcilablethanwoman.Similarly,itwasobserved, ` thatGodhadnotformedwomanoutofthehead,lestsheshouldbecomeproud;noroutoftheeye, {L  lestsheshouldlust;noroutoftheear,lestsheshouldbecurious;noroutofthemouth,lestsheshould g8  betalkative;noroutoftheheart,lestsheshouldbejealous;noroutofthehand;lestsheshouldbe S$  covetous;noroutofthefoot,lestshebeabusybody;butoutoftherib,whichwasalwayscovered. ?  Modestywas,therefore,aprimequality.Itwasnodoubtchieflyinjealousregardforthis,thatwomen +  wereinterdictedengaginginRabbinicalstudies;andastoryisrelatedtoshowhoweventhewisest   ofwomen,Beruria,wastherebybroughttothebrinkofextremedanger.Itisnotsoeasytoexplain   whywomenweredispensedfromallpositiveobligations(commands,butnotprohibitions)thatwere  notgeneralintheirbearing(#XXXX XXe# XXXXXXKidd#XXXX XXHm# XXXXXX.1.7,8),butfixedtocertainperiodsoftime(suchaswearingthe  phylacteries,etc.),andfromthatofcertainprayers,unlessitbethatwomanwasconsiderednother  ownmistressbutsubjecttoothers,orelsethathusbandandwifewereregardedasone,sothathis  meritsandprayersappliedtoheraswell.Indeed,thisview,atleastsofarasthemeritoriousnature p ofamansengagementwiththelawisconcerned,isexpresslybroughtforward,andwomenare \ accordinglyadmonishedtoencouragetheirhusbandsinallsuchstudies. wH   Wecanunderstandhow,beforethecomingoftheMessiah,marriageshouldhavebeenlooked c4 uponasofreligiousobligation.ManypassagesofScripturewereatleast#XXXX XXm# XXXXXXquoted#XXXX XX2q# XXXXXXinsupportofthis O  idea.Ordinarily,ayoungmanwasexpectedtoentertheweddedstate(accordingtoMaimonides)at ;  theageofsixteenorseventeen,whiletheageoftwentymayberegardedastheutmostlimitconceded, ' unlessstudysoabsorbedtimeandattentionastoleavenoleisureforthedutiesofmarriedlife.Still   itwasthoughtbetter#XXXX XX~q# XXXXXXeventoneglectstudythantoremainsingle.Yetmoneycaresonaccountofwife   andchildrenweredreaded.Thesamecomparisonisusedinreferencetothem,whichourLordapplies ! toquiteadifferent offense,thatagainstthe littleones(#XXXX XXks# XXXXXXLuke17:2).Suchcaresarecalledbythe " Rabbis, amillstoneroundtheneck(#XXXX XXt# XXXXXXKidd#XXXX XXu# XXXXXX.29#XXXX XXu# XXXXXXb#XXXX XXv# XXXXXX).Infact,theexpressionseemstohavebecome # proverbial,likesomanyotherswhichareemployedintheNewTestament. $    WereadintheGospelthat,whentheVirginmother#XXXX XX\v# XXXXXX wasespousedtoJoseph,beforethey %l! cametogether,shewasfoundwithchildoftheHolyGhost.ThenJosephherhusband,beingajust &X" man,andnotwillingtomakeherapublicexample,wasmindedtoputherawayprivily(#XXXX XX~w# XXXXXXMatthew s'D # 1:18,19).#XXXX XXx# XXXXXXThenarrativeimpliesadistinctionbetween#XXXX XX5y# XXXXXXbetrothal#XXXX XXy# XXXXXXand#XXXX XXy# XXXXXXmarriage#XXXX XX>z# XXXXXX"Josephbeingatthe _(0!$ timebetrothed,butnotactuallymarriedtotheVirginmother.EvenintheOldTestamentadistinction K)"% ismadebetween#XXXX XXz# XXXXXXbetrothal#XXXX XX{# XXXXXXand#XXXX XX{# XXXXXXmarriage#XXXX XX!|# XXXXXX.Theformerwasmarkedbyabridalpresent(or#XXXX XXn|# XXXXXXMohar#XXXX XX|# XXXXXX, 7*#& #XXXX XX-}# XXXXXXGenesis34:12;#XXXX XX}# XXXXXXExodus22:17;#XXXX XX}# XXXXXX1Samuel18:25),withwhichthefather,however,wouldincertain #+#' circumstancesdispense.Fromthemomentofherbetrothalawomanwastreatedasifshewere ,$( actuallymarried.Theunioncouldnotbedissolved,exceptbyregulardivorce;breachoffaithfulness S wasregardedasadultery;andthepropertyofthewomanbecamevirtuallythatofherbetrothed,unless ? hehadexpresslyrenouncedit(#XXXX XX&~# XXXXXXKidd#XXXX XXE# XXXXXX.9.1).Buteveninthatcasehewashernaturalheir.Itis +  impossibleheretoenterintothevariouslegaldetails,as,forexample,aboutpropertyormoneywhich   mightcometoawomanafterbetrothalormarriage.Thelawadjudicatedthistothehusband,yetwith   manyrestrictions,andwithinfinitedelicacytowardsthewoman,asifreluctanttoputinforcethe   rightsofthestronger(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXKidd#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.8.1,etc.).FromtheMishnah(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXBab#XXXX XXZ# XXXXXX.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXB#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.10.4)wealsolearnthattherewere   regular#XXXX XX/# XXXXXXShitreErusin#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,orwritingsofbetrothal,drawnupbytheauthorities(thecostsbeingpaidby  t thebridegroom).Thesestipulatedthemutualobligations,thedowry,andallotherpointsonwhich ` thepartieshadagreed.The#XXXX XX # XXXXXXShitreErusin#XXXX XXF# XXXXXXweredifferentfromtheregular#XXXX XX# XXXXXXChethubah#XXXX XX# XXXXXX(literally, L  #XXXX XXM# XXXXXXwriting#XXXX XX# XXXXXX),ormarriagecontract,withoutwhichtheRabbisregardedamarriageasmerelylegalized 8  concubinage(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXCheth#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.5.1).The#XXXX XX# XXXXXXChethubah#XXXX XXZ# XXXXXXprovidedasettlement#XXXX XX# XXXXXXofatleasttwohundreddenarsfor w$  amaiden,andonehundreddenarsforawidow,whilethepriestlycouncilatJerusalemfixedfour c  hundreddenarsforapriestsdaughter.Ofcoursethesesumsindicateonlythelegal#XXXX XX# XXXXXXminimum#XXXX XXJ# XXXXXX,and O  mightbeincreasedindefinitelyatpleasure,thoughopinionsdifferwhetheranylargersumsmightbe ;  legallyexacted,ifmattersdidnotgobeyondbetrothal.TheformatpresentinuseamongtheJewssets '  forth,thatthebridegroomwedshisbride accordingtothelawofMosesandofIsrael;thathe  promises toplease,tohonor,tonourish,andtocareforher,asisthemannerofthemenofIsrael,  addingtheretothewomansconsent,thedocumentbeingsignedbytwowitnesses.Inallprobability  thiswassubstantiallytheforminoldentimes.InJerusalemandinGalilee"whereitwassaidthat  menintheirchoicehadregardto afairdegree,whileintherestofJudaeatheylookedagooddeal p aftermoney"widowshadtherightofresidenceintheirhusbandshousesecuredtothem. \   Ontheotherhand,afatherwasboundtoprovideadowry(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXnedan#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,#XXXX XXb# XXXXXXnedanjah#XXXX XX# XXXXXX)forhisdaughter H conformabletoherstationinlife;andaseconddaughtercouldclaimaportionequaltothatofher 4 eldersister,orelseonetenthofallimmovableproperty.Incaseofthefathersdeath,thesons,who, s  accordingtoJewishlaw,werehissoleheirs,wereboundtomaintaintheirsisters,eventhoughthis _  wouldhavethrownthemuponpubliccharity,andtoendoweachwithatenthpartofwhathadbeen K left.Thedowry,whetherinmoney,property,orjewelry,wasenteredintothemarriagecontract,and 7  reallybelongedtothewife,thehusbandbeingobligedtoaddtoitonehalfmore,ifitconsistedof #! moneyormoneysvalue;andifofjewelry,etc.,toassigntoherfourfifthsofitsvalue.Incaseof " separation(notdivorce)hewasboundtoallowheraproperaliment,andtoreadmithertohistable " andhouseontheSabbatheve.Awifewasentitledtoonetenthofherdowryforpinmoney.Ifa # fathergaveawayhisdaughterwithoutanydistinctstatementaboutherdowry,hewasboundtoallow $  heratleastfifty#XXXX XX# XXXXXXsus#XXXX XX3# XXXXXX;andifithadbeenexpresslystipulatedthatshewastohavenodowryatall,itwas %l! delicatelyenjoinedthatthebridegroomshould,#XXXX XX{# XXXXXXbeforemarriage#XXXX XX[# XXXXXX,givehersufficientforthenecessary &X" outfit.Anorphanwastoreceiveadowryofatleastfifty#XXXX XX# XXXXXXsus#XXXX XXk# XXXXXXfromtheparochialauthorities.Ahusband 'D # couldnotobligehiswifetoleavetheHolyLandnorthecityofJerusalem,noryettochangeatown (0!$ #XXXX XX# XXXXXXforacountryresidence,or#XXXX XX# XXXXXXviceversa#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,noragoodforabadhouse.Theseareonlyafewofthe o)"% provisionswhichshowhowcarefullythelawprotectedtheinterestsofwomen.Toenterintofarther [*#& detailswouldleadbeyondourpresentobject.Allthiswassubstantiallysettledatthebetrothal,which, G+#' inJudaeaatleast,seemstohavebeencelebratedbyafeast.Onlya#XXXX XX]# XXXXXXbonafide#XXXX XX+# XXXXXXbreachofthese 3,$( arrangements,orwillfulfraud,wasdeemedvalidgroundfordissolvingthebondonceformed. / Otherwise,asalreadynoted,aregulardivorcewasnecessary.    AccordingtoRabbinicallawcertainformalitieswererequisitetomakeabetrothallegally   valid.Theseconsistedeitherinhandingtoawoman,directlyorthroughmessengers,apieceof   money,howeversmall,orelsealetter, =  7      #XXXX XXz# XXXXXXԀprovideditwereineachcaseexpresslystatedbefore   witnesses,thatthemantherebyintendedtoespousethewomanashiswife.Themarriagefollowed   afteralongerorshorterinterval,thelimitsofwhich,however,werefixedbylaw.Theceremonyitself   consistedinleadingthebrideintothehouseofthebridegroom,withcertainformalities,mostlydating  t fromveryancienttimes.MarriagewithamaidenwascommonlycelebratedonaWednesday ` afternoon,whichallowedthefirstdaysoftheweekforpreparation,andenabledthehusband,ifhe {L  hadachargetopreferagainstthepreviouschastityofhisbride,tomakeimmediatecomplaintbefore g8  thelocalSanhedrim,whichsateveryThursday.Ontheotherhand,themarriageofawidowwas S$  celebratedonThursdayafternoon,whichleftthreedaysoftheweekfor rejoicingwithher.This ?  circumstanceenablesus,withsomecertainty,toarrangethedateoftheeventswhichprecededthe +  marriageinCana.Inferringfromtheaccompanyingfestivitiesthatitwasthemarriageofamaiden,   andthereforetookplaceonaWednesday,wehavethefollowingsuccessionofevents:"On   #XXXX XX # XXXXXXThursday#XXXX XX# XXXXXX(beginningaseveryJewishdaywiththepreviousevening),testimonyoftheBaptisttothe  SanhedrimdeputationfromJerusalem.On#XXXX XX# XXXXXXFriday#XXXX XX# XXXXXX(#XXXX XX-# XXXXXXJohn1:29), JohnseethJesuscominguntohim,  andsignificantlypreacheththefirstsermonabout theLambofGodwhichtakethawaythesinofthe  world.On#XXXX XXp# XXXXXXSaturday#XXXX XX# XXXXXX(ver.35),Johnssecondsermononthesametext;theconsequentconversion  ofSt.JohnandSt.Andrew,andthecallingofSt.Peter.On#XXXX XXק# XXXXXXSunday#XXXX XX# XXXXXX(ver.43),ourLordHimself p preachethHisfirstMessianicsermon,andcallsPhilipandNathanael.On thethirddayafterit,that \ is,on#XXXX XX# XXXXXXWednesday#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,wasthemarriageinCanaofGalilee.The#XXXX XXT# XXXXXXsignificanceofthesedates,when wH comparedwiththoseintheweekofourLordsPassion,willbesufficientlyevident. c4   ButthisisnotallthatmaybelearnedfromtheaccountofthemarriageinCana.Ofcourse, O  therewasa marriagefeast,asonalltheseoccasions.Forthisreason,marriageswerenotcelebrated ;  eitherontheSabbath,oronthedaybeforeorafterit,lesttheSabbathrestshouldbeendangered.Nor ' wasitlawfultowedonanyofthethreeannualfestivals,inorder,astheRabbisputit, nottomingle   onejoy(thatofthemarriage)withanother(thatofthefestival).Asitwasdeemedareligiousduty   togivepleasuretothenewlymarriedcouple,themerrimentattimesbecamegreaterthanthemore ! strictRabbisapproved.Accordingly,itissaidofone,thattoproducegravityhebrokeavaseworth " about 25;ofanother,thatathissonsweddinghebrokeacostlyglass;andofathird,thatbeing # askedtosing,heexclaimed,Woetous,forwemustalldie!For,asitisadded(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXBer#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.31#XXXX XX,# XXXXXXa#XXXX XXv# XXXXXX): Itis $  forbiddentoman,thathismouthbefilledwithlaughterinthisworld(dispensation),asitiswritten, %l! Thenourmouthwasfilledwithlaughter,andourtonguewithsinging.Whenisthattobe?Atthe &X" timewhentheyshallsingamongtheheathen,TheLordhathdonegreatthingsforthem. s'D #   Itdeservesnotice,thatatthemarriageinCanathereisnomentionof thefriendsofthe S bridegroom,or,aswewouldcallthem,thegroomsmen.ThiswasinstrictaccordancewithJewish ? custom,forgroomsmenwerecustomaryin#XXXX XX# XXXXXXJudaea#XXXX XX# XXXXXX,butnotinGalilee(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXCheth#XXXX XXX# XXXXXX.25#XXXX XX# XXXXXXa#XXXX XX# XXXXXX).Thisalsocasts +  lightuponthelocalitywhere#XXXX XX2# XXXXXXJohn3:29wasspoken,inwhich thefriendofthebridegroomis   mentioned.Butthisexpressionisquitedifferentfromthatof childrenofthebridechamber,which   occursin#XXXX XX# XXXXXXMatthew9:15,wherethesceneisoncemorelaidinGalilee.Theterm childrenofthe   bridechamberissimplyatranslationoftheRabbinical #XXXX XX߶# XXXXXXbeneChuppah#XXXX XXз# XXXXXX,andmeanstheguests   invitedtothebridal.InJudaeatherewereateverymarriage#XXXX XX!# XXXXXXtwo#XXXX XXӸ# XXXXXXgroomsmenor friendsofthe  t bridegroom "oneforthebridegroom,theotherforhisbride.Beforemarriage,theyactedasakind ` ofintermediariesbetweenthecouple;attheweddingtheyofferedgifts,waiteduponthebrideand L  bridegroom,andattendedthemtothebridalchamber,beingalso,asitwere,theguarantorsofthe 8  bridesvirginchastity.Hence,whenSt.PaultellstheCorinthians(#XXXX XX# XXXXXX2Corinthians11:2):#XXXX XXH# XXXXXX Iamjealous w$  overyouwithgodlyjealousy;orIhaveespousedyoutoonehusband,thatImaypresentyouasa c  chastevirgintoChrist,#XXXX XX# XXXXXXhespeaks,asitwere,inthecharacterofgroomsmanor bridegrooms O  friend,whohadactedassuchatthespiritualunionofChristwiththeCorinthianChurch.Andwe ;  knowthatitwasspeciallythedutyofthe friendofthebridegroomsotopresenttohimhisbride. '  Similarlyitwashisalso,aftermarriage,tomaintainpropertermsbetweenthecouple,andmore  particularlytodefendthegoodfameofthebrideagainstallimputations.Itmayinterestsometoknow  thatthiscustomalsowastraceduptohighestauthority.Thus,inthespiritualunionofIsraelwiththeir  God,Mosesisspokenofas thefriendofthebridegroomwholeadsoutthebride(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXExodus19:17);  whileJehovah,asthebridegroom,meetsHisChurchatSinai(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXPsalm68:7;#XXXX XX# XXXXXXPirkediR#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.#XXXX XX@# XXXXXXE1#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.41).Nay, p insomemysticwritingsGodisdescribedasacting thefriendofthebridegroom,whenourfirst \ parentsmetinEden.Thereisatouchofpoetryintheapplicationof#XXXX XX# XXXXXXEzekiel28:13tothatscene,when H angelsledthechoir,anddeckedandwatchedthebridalbed(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXAb#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXdeR#XXXX XX8# XXXXXX.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXNathan#XXXX XX# XXXXXX4.and12.).According 4 toanotherancientRabbinicalcommentary(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXBer#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXR#XXXX XX=# XXXXXX.8.),GodAlmightyHimselftookthecupof s  blessingandspokethebenediction,whileMichaelandGabrielactedthe bridegroomsfriendsto _  ourfirstparentswhentheyweddedinParadise. K   Withsucha benediction,precededbyabriefformula,withwhichthebridewashandedover 7  toherhusband(Tobit7:13),theweddingfestivitiescommenced. =  8      #XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX# XXXXXXAndsothepairwereledtowards #! thebridalchamber(#XXXX XX # XXXXXXCheder#XXXX XX# XXXXXX)andthebridalbed(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXChuppah#XXXX XXT# XXXXXX).h =  9      #XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX7# XXXXXXThebridewentwithherhairunloosed. " Ordinarily,itwasmoststrictlyenjoineduponwomentohavetheirheadandhaircarefullycovered. " Thismaythrowsomelightuponthedifficultpassage,#XXXX XXz# XXXXXX1Corinthians11:110.Wemustbearinmind # thattheapostlethereargueswithJews,andthaton#XXXX XX# XXXXXXtheirownground#XXXX XX_# XXXXXX,convincingthembyareference $  totheirownviews,customs,andlegendsoftheproprietyofthepracticewhichheenjoins.Fromthat %l! pointofviewtheproprietyofawomanhavingherhead coveredcouldnotbecalledinquestion. &X" Theoppositewould,toaJew,haveindicatedimmodesty.Indeed,itwasthecustominthecaseofa / womanaccusedofadulterytohaveherhair shornorshaven,atthesametimeusingthisformula:  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX BecausethouhastdepartedfromthemannerofthedaughtersofIsrael,whogowiththeirhead   covered;...thereforethathasbefallentheewhichthouhastchosen.Thissofarexplainsverses5and   6.Theexpression power,asappliedinverse10totheheadofwoman,seemstorefertothis   covering,indicating,asitdid,thatshewasunderthepowerofherhusband,whiletheverydifficult   addition, becauseoftheangels,mayeitheralludetothepresenceoftheangelsandtothewell   knownJewishview(based,nodoubt,ontruth)thatthoseangelsmaybegrievedoroffendedbyour  t conduct,andbearthesadtidingsbeforethethroneofGod,oritmaypossiblyrefertotheveryancient ` Jewishbelief,thattheevilspiritsgainedpoweroverawomanwhowentwithherheadbare. {L    Thecustomofabridalveil"eitherforthebridealone,orspreadoverthecouple"wasof g8  ancientdate.ItwasinterdictedforatimebytheRabbisafterthedestructionofJerusalem.Stillmore S$  ancientwasthewearingofcrowns(Cant.3:11;#XXXX XX# XXXXXXIsaiah61:10;#XXXX XXP# XXXXXXEzekiel16:12),whichwasalso ?  prohibitedafterthelastJewishwar.Palmandmyrtlebrancheswerebornebeforethecouple,grain +  ormoneywasthrownabout,andmusicprecededtheprocession,inwhichallwhometitwere,asa   religiousduty,expectedtojoin. =  10      #XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XXv# XXXXXXTheParableoftheTenVirgins,who,withtheirlamps,werein   expectancyofthebridegroom(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXMatthew25:1),isfoundedonJewishcustom.For,accordingto  Rabbinicalauthority,suchlampscarriedonthetopofstaveswerefrequentlyused,while#XXXX XXl# XXXXXXten#XXXX XX]# XXXXXXisthe  numberalwaysmentionedinconnectionwithpublicsolemnities.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX"| =  11      ׀#XXXX XXA# XXXXXXThemarriagefestivitiesgenerally  lastedaweek,butthebridaldaysextendedoverafullmonth.% =  12      #XXXX XX# XXXXXX  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX  Havingenteredthusfullyonthesubjectofmarriage,afewfurtherparticularsmaybeof p interest.ThebarstomarriagementionedintheBiblearesufficientlyknown.TothesetheRabbis \ addedothers,whichhavebeenarrangedundertwoheads"asfartherextendingthelawsofkindred wH (totheir#XXXX XX:# XXXXXXsecondary#XXXX XX# XXXXXXdegrees),andasintendedtoguardmorality.Theformerwereextendedoverthe c4 wholelineofforbiddenkindred,wherethatlinewasdirect,andtoonelinkfartherwheretheline O  becameindirect"as,forexample,tothewifeofamaternaluncle,ortothestepmotherofawife. ;  Inthecategoryofguardstomoralityweincludesuchprohibitionsasthatadivorcedwomanmight ' notmarryherseducer,noramanthewomantowhomhehadbroughtherletterofdivorce,orin   whosecasehehadborne#XXXX XXA# XXXXXXtestimony;orofmarriagewiththosenotintheirrightsenses,orinastate   ofdrunkenness;orofthemarriageofminors,orunderfraud,etc.Awidowerhadtowaitoverthree ! festivals,awidowthreemonths,beforeremarrying,orifshewaswithchildorgavesuck,fortwo " years.Awomanmightnotbemarriedathirdtime;nomarriagecouldtakeplacewithinthirtydays # ofthedeathofanearrelative,noryetontheSabbath,noronafeastday,etc.Ofthemarriagetoa S deceasedhusbandsbrother(orthenextofkin),incaseofchildlessness,itisunnecessaryhereto ? speak,sincealthoughtheMishnahdevotesawholetractatetoit(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXYebamoth#XXXX XX # XXXXXX),anditwasevidently +  customaryatthetimeofChrist(#XXXX XXm# XXXXXXMark12:19,etc.),thepracticewasconsideredasconnectedwiththe   territorialpossessionofPalestine,andceasedwiththedestructionoftheJewishcommonwealth   (#XXXX XX# XXXXXXBechar#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.1.7).Apriestwastoinquireintothelegaldescentofhiswife(uptofourdegreesifthe   daughterofapriest,otherwiseuptofivedegrees),exceptwherethebridesfatherwasapriestin   actualservice,oramemberoftheSanhedrim.Thehighpriestsbridewastobeamaidnotolderthan  t sixmonthsbeyondherpuberty. `   Thefataleasewithwhichdivorcecouldbeobtained,anditsfrequency,appearfromthe L  questionaddressedtoChristbythePharisees:#XXXX XXZ# XXXXXX Isitlawfulforamantoputawayhiswifeforevery 8  cause?#XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX|# XXXXXX(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXMatthew19:3),#XXXX XX# XXXXXXandstillmorefromtheastonishmentwithwhichthediscipleshadlistened w$  tothereplyoftheSavior(ver.10).ThatanswerwasmuchwiderinitsrangethanourLordsinitial c  teachingintheSermonontheMount(#XXXX XXS# XXXXXXMatthew5:32).#XXXX XX# XXXXXX( =  13      ׀#XXXX XX# XXXXXXTothelatternoJewcouldhavehadany O  objection,eventhoughitsmoralitywouldhaveseemedelevatedbeyondtheirhigheststandard, ;  representedinthiscasebytheschoolofShammai,whilethatofHillel,andstillmoreRabbiAkiba, '  presentedthelowestoppositeextreme.ButinreplytothePharisees,ourLordplacedthewhole  questionongroundswhicheventhestrictestShammaitewouldhaverefusedtoadopt.Forthefarthest  limittowhichhewouldhavegonewouldhavebeentorestrictthecauseofdivorceto amatterof  uncleanness(#XXXX XX}# XXXXXXDeuteronomy24:1),bywhichhewouldprobablyhaveunderstoodnotonlyabreach  ofthemarriagevow,butofthelawsandcustomsoftheland.Infact,weknowthatitincludedevery p kindofimpropriety,suchasgoingaboutwith#XXXX XX^# XXXXXXloosehair,spinninginthestreet,familiarlytalkingwith \ men,illtreatingherhusbandsparentsinhispresence,brawling,thatis, speakingtoherhusband H soloudlythattheneighborscouldhearherintheadjoininghouse(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXChethub#XXXX XX# XXXXXX.7.6),ageneralbad 4 reputation,orthediscoveryoffraudbeforemarriage.Ontheotherhand,thewifecouldinsiston s  beingdivorcedifherhusbandwerealeper,oraffectedwithpolypus,orengagedinadisagreeableor _  dirtytrade,suchasthatofatannerorcoppersmith.Oneofthecasesinwhichdivorcewasobligatory K was,ifeitherpartyhadbecomeheretical,orceasedtoprofessJudaism.Butevenso,therewereat 7  leastcheckstothedangerofgenerallawlessness,suchastheobligationofpayingtoawifeher #! portion,andanumberofminuteordinancesaboutformal#XXXX XXT# XXXXXXlettersofdivorce#XXXX XXV# XXXXXX,withoutwhichnodivorce " waslegal#XXXX XX# XXXXXX+T =  14      ׀#XXXX XX'# XXXXXXandwhichhadtobecouchedinexplicitterms,handedtothewomanherself,andthatin " presenceoftwowitnesses,etc. #   AccordingtoJewishlawtherewerefourobligationsincumbentonawifetowardsher $  husband,andtenbywhichhewasbound.Ofthelatter,threearereferredtoin#XXXX XX# XXXXXXExodus21:9,10;the / othersevenincludehersettlement,medicaltreatmentincaseofsickness,redemptionfromcaptivity,  arespectablefuneral,provisioninhishousesolongassheremainedawidowandhadnotbeenpaid   herdowry,thesupportofherdaughterstilltheyweremarried,andaprovisionthathersonsshould,   besidesreceivingtheirportionofthefathersinheritance,alsoshareinwhathadbeensettledupon   her.Theobligationsuponthewifewere,thatallhergainsshouldbelongtoherhusband,asalsowhat   cametoheraftermarriagebyinheritance;thatthehusbandshouldhavetheusufructofherdowry,   andofanygainsbyit,providedhehadtheadministrationofit,inwhichcase,however,hewasalso  t responsibleforanyloss;andthatheshouldbeconsideredherheiratlaw.. =  15      #XXXX XXd# XXXXXX ` #XXXX XX# XXXXXX  WhatthefamilylifeamongthegodlyinIsraelmusthavebeen,howelevateditstone,how {L  lovingitsconverse,orhowearnestlydevoteditsmothersanddaughters,appearssufficientlyfromthe g8  gospelstory,fromthatinthebookofActs,andfromnoticesintheapostolicletters.Women,such S$  astheVirginmother,orElisabeth,orAnna,orthosewhoenjoyedtheprivilegeofministeringtothe ?  Lord,orwho,afterHisdeath,tendedandwatchedforHissacredbody,couldnothavebeenquite +  solitaryinPalestine;wefindtheirsistersinaDorcas,aLydia,aPhoebe,andthose#XXXX XX# XXXXXXwomenofwhom   St.Paulspeaksin#XXXX XX# XXXXXXPhilippians4:3,andwhoseliveshesketchesinhisEpistlestoTimothyandTitus.   WivessuchasPriscilla,motherssuchasthatofZebedeeschildren,orofMark,orlikeSt.Johns   electlady,orasLoisandEunice,musthavekeptthemoralatmospherepureandsweet,andshed  preciouslightontheirhomesandonsociety,corrupttothecoreasitwasundertheswayof  heathenism.Whatandhowtheytaughttheirhouseholds,andthatevenunderthemost  disadvantageousoutwardcircumstances,welearnfromthehistoryofTimothy.Andalthoughthey p wereundoubtedlyinthatrespectwithoutmanyoftheopportunitieswhichweenjoy,therewasone \ sweetpracticeoffamilyreligion,goingbeyondtheprescribedprayers,whichenabledthemtoteach wH theirchildrenfromtenderestyearstointertwinetheWordofGodwiththeirdailydevotionanddaily c4 life.ForitwasthecustomtoteachachildsomeverseofHolyScripturebeginningorendingwith O  preciselythesamelettersasitsHebrewname,andthisbirthdaytextorguardianpromisethechild ;  wasdaybydaytoinsertinitsprayers.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX1| =  16      ׀#XXXX XX# XXXXXXSuchguardianwords,familiartothemindfromearliestyears, ' endearedtotheheartbytenderestrecollections,wouldremainwiththeyouthinlifestemptations,   andcomebackamidthedinofmanhoodsbattle.Assuredly,ofJewishchildrensoreared,sotrained,   sotaught,itmightberightlysaid: Takeheedthatyedespisenotoneoftheselittleones;forIsay ! untoyou,ThatinheaventheirangelsdoalwaysbeholdthefaceofMyFatherwhichisinheaven. " #XXXX XX# s'D # Ї 3,$( W\?  d ;;     XXXXXX u X XXCHAPTER4:MARRIAGE#u   u # u  u:FROMTHE  INTERNATIONALSTANDARDBIBLEENCYCLOPEDIA# XXX  u # X XX# XXX  # #XXXX XXI # $   4 XXXXXXy@$INTRODUCTORY 4  #XXXX XXy # XXXXXX#XXXX XX # XXXXXXItwouldbeinterestingtostudymarriagebiologicallyandsociologically,togetthefarandnear   historicalandsocialbackgroundofitasaninstitution,especiallyasitexistedamongtheancientJews,   andasitfiguresintheteachingofJesusasrecordedintheNewTestament.For,likeallsocial   institutions,marriage,andthefamilywhichistheoutcomeofmarriage,mustbejudged,notbyits   statusatanyparticulartime,butinthelightofitshistory.Suchastudyofitwouldraiseahostof l   relatedhistoricquestions,e.g.Whatwasitsorigin?Whatparthasitplayedintheevolutionand X  civilizationoftherace?Whatsocialfunctionshasitperformed?Andthen,asasequel,Canthe D  servicesithasrenderedtocivilizationandprogressbeperformedorsecuredinanyotherway?This, 0  indeed,wouldcallforustogobackevenfarther"totrytodiscoverthepsychologyoftheinstitution l  anditshistory,thebeliefsfromwhichithas [PAGE629#XXXX XXG # XXXXXX] #XXXX XX # XXXXXXsprungandbywhichithassurvivedsolong. X  Thiswereataskwellworthwhileandamplyjustifiedbymuchofthethinkingofourtime;for,asone H ofthethreesocialinstitutionsthatsupportthemuchchallengedformandfabricofmodern 4 civilization,marriage,privatepropertyandthestate,itscontinuedexistence,inpresentformatleast,   isamatterofseriousdiscussionanditsabolition,alongwiththeothertwo,isconfidentlyprophesied.    Marriage,asatpresentunderstood,isanarrangementmostcloselyassociatedwiththeexistingsocial  statusandstandsorfallswithit(Bebel,SocialismandSex,199,Reeves,London;TheCooperative  CommonwealthinItsOutline,Gronlund,224).Butsuchataskisentirelyoutsideofandbeyondthe  purposeofthisarticle. l   NeithertheBibleingeneral,norJesusinparticular,treatsofthefamilyfromthepointofview X ofthehistorianorthesociologist,butsolelyfromthatoftheteacherofreligionandmorals.Inshort, D theirpointofviewistheological,ratherthansociological.Mosesandtheprophets,nolessthanJesus 0 andHisapostles,acceptedmarriageasanexistinginstitutionwhichgaverisetocertainpractical, l ethicalquestions,andtheydealtwithitaccordingly.Thereisnothingintherecordoftheteachings X ofJesusandofHisapostlestoindicatethattheygavetomarriageanynewsocialcontent,customor D sanction.TheysimplyaccepteditasitexistedintheconventionalizedcivilizationoftheJewsoftheir 0 dayanduseditandthecustomsconnectedwithitforethicalorillustrativepurposes.Oneexception   istobemadetothisgeneralstatement,namely,thatJesusgrantedthatbecauseoftheexigenciesof ! thesocialdevelopmentMoseshadmodifiedittotheextentofpermittingandregulatingdivorce, "  clearlyindicating,however,atthesametime,thatHeregardedsuchmodificationasoutofharmony #! withtheinstitutionasatfirstgiventomankind.AccordingtotheoriginalDivinepurposeitwas |$" monogamous,andanyformofpolygamy,andapparentlyofdivorce,wasexcludedbytheDivineidea h% # andpurpose.Thetreatmentofthesubjecthere,therefore,willbelimitedasfollows:Marriageamong T&!$ theAncientHebrewsandOtherSemites;BetrothalastheFirstFormalPartoftheTransaction; @'"% WeddingCeremoniesConnectedwithMarriage,especiallyasReflectedintheNewTestament;and ,(|#& JesusSanctionandUseoftheInstitution,TeachingconcerningDivorce,etc. [PAGE#XXXX XXQ# XXXXXX630]  )h$'  +0'* Ї#XXXX XXJ#  XXXXXX@ 1.MARRIAGEAMONGTHEHEBREWS: S  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX7WiththeHebrewsmarriedlifewasthenormallife.Anyexceptioncalledforapologyandexplanation. +   AnyJewwhohasnotawifeisnoman(Talmud).Itwasregardedasawaitingeveryoneonreaching   maturity;andsexualmaturitycomesmuchearlierindeedintheEastthanwithusintheWest"in   whatwecallchildhood.TheancientHebrews,incommonwithallOrientals,regardedthefamilyas   thesocialunit.Inthistheirviewofitcoincideswiththat,ofmodernsociologists.Ofthethreegreat   eventsinthefamilylife,birth,marriageanddeath,marriagewasregardedasthemostimportant.It  t wasastepthatledtothegravesttribalandfamilyconsequences.Incaseofadaughter,ifsheshould ` proveunsatisfactorytoherhusband,shewouldlikelybereturnedtotheancestralhome,discarded L  anddiscredited,andtherewouldbealmostinevitablyafeelingofinjusticeengenderedononeside, 8  andasenseofmutualirritationbetweenthefamilies(#XXXX XXS# XXXXXXJudges14:20;#XXXX XX)## XXXXXX1Samuel18:19).Ifshefailedto w$  passmusterwithhermotherinlawshewouldjustascertainlyhavetogo,andtheresultswouldbe c  muchthesame(comparecustomsinChina).Itwasamatteraffectingthewholecircleofrelatives, O  andpossiblytribalamityaswell.Itwasnaturalanddeemednecessary,therefore,thattheselection ;  ofthewifeandthearrangementofallcontractualandfinancialmattersconnectedwithitshouldbe '  decideduponbytheparentsorguardiansofthecoupleinvolved.Thoughtheconsentoftheparties  wassometimessought#XXXX XXy## XXXXXXGenesis24:8)andromanticattachmentswerenotunknown(#XXXX XX_&# XXXXXXGenesis29:20;  34:3;#XXXX XX&# XXXXXXJudges14:1;#XXXX XXE'# XXXXXX1Samuel18:20),thegiftorwomaninthecasewasnotcurrentlythoughtofas  havingapersonalexistenceatherowndisposal.Shewassimplyapassiveunitinthefamilyunder  theprotectionandsupremecontroloffatherorbrothers.Inmarriage,shewaspracticallythechattel, p thepurchasedpossessionandpersonalpropertyofherhusband,whowasherba`alormaster(Hos \ 2:16),sheherselfbeingbe`ulah(#XXXX XX'# XXXXXXIsaiah62:4).Thecontrol,however,wasnotalwaysabsolute(#XXXX XX)# XXXXXXGenesis H 26:34;#XXXX XXA*# XXXXXXExodus2:21). 4   Thebargaininginstinct,sodominantamongOrientalsthenasnow,playedalargepartinthe s  transaction.Inideathefamilywasalittlekingdomofwhichthefatherwastheking,orabsoluteruler. _  Therearemanyindications,notonlythatthefamilywastheunitfromwhichnationalcoherencewas K derived,butthatthisunitwasperpetuatedthroughthesupremacyoftheoldestmale.Thussociety 7  becamepatriarchal,andthisisthekeyoftheancienthistoryofthefamilyandthenation.Through #! the [PAGE#XXXX XX*# XXXXXX631] #XXXX XXz-# XXXXXXexpansionofthefamilygroupwasevolvedinturntheclan,thetribe,thenation,and " theauthorityofthefatherbecameinturnthatofthechief,theruler,andtheking.TheOrientalcannot " conceive,indeed,ofanyband,orclan,orcompanywithouta father,eventhoughtherebenokith # orkinshipinvolvedinthematter.The fatherintheirthought,too,wasGodsrepresentative,and $  assuchhewassimplycarryingoutGodspurpose,forinstance,inselectingabrideforhisson,or %p! givingthebridetobemarriedtothesonofanother.ThisisastrueofthefarEastasofthenearEast &\" today.Accordingly,asarule,theyoungpeoplesimplyacquiesced,withoutquestionorcomplaint, 'H # inwhatwasthusdoneforthem,acceptingitasthoughGodhaddoneitdirectly.Accordingly,too, (4!$ thefamilyandtriballoyaltyovershadowedlovemakingandpatriotism,inthelargersense.Outof s) "% thisideaofthesolidarityandselectnessofthetribeandfamilyspringstheovermasteringdesireof _* #& theOrientalforprogeny,andfortheconservationofthefamilyorthetribeatanycost.Hence,the K+#' feuds,bloodyandbitter,thatpersistbetweenthisfamilyortribeandanotherthathasinanyway 7,$( violatedthissacredlaw. /   TracesofwhatisknownasbeenamarriagearefoundintheOldTestament,e.g.thatofJacob,  whereLabanclaimsJacobswivesandchildrenashisown(#XXXX XX-# XXXXXXGenesis31:31,43),andthatofMoses   (#XXXX XX4# XXXXXXExodus2:21;4:18).Thisisthatformofmarriageinwhichthehusbandisincorporatedintothe   wifestribe,thechildrenbelongingtohertribeanddescentbeingreckonedonherside(compareW.   RobertsonSmith,KinshipandMarriageinEarlyArabia,94).InSamsonscaseweseemtohavean   instanceofwhatisknownamongArabsastsadqatmarriage(fromtsadaq, gift),thekidherebeing   thecustomarytsadaq(Judges14;15:1;16:4).Thereisnohintthathemeanttotakehiswifehome.  t Itisdifferentiatedfromprostitutioninthatnodisgraceisattachedtoitandthechildrenarerecognized ` aslegitimatebythetribe.Suchmarriagesmakeiteasiertounderstandtheexistenceofthe {L  matriarchate,orthecustomofreckoningthedescentofchildrenandpropertythroughthemothers. g8  Theinfluenceofpolygamywouldworkinthesamedirection,subdividingthefamilyintosmaller S$  groupsconnectedwiththeseveralwives.Thereis,however,noclearevidenceintheOldTestament ?  ofpolyandry(apluralityofhusbands),thoughtheLeviratemarriageisregardedbysomeasasurvival +  ofit.Inotherwords,polygamyamongtheHebrewsseemstohavebeenconfinedtopolygyny(a   pluralityofwives).Itiseasytotraceitschiefcauses:#XXXX XX 5#  XXXXXX(1) #XXXX XX=;# XXXXXXdesireforanumerousoffspring( Mayhis   tribeincrease!); [PAGE#XXXX XX;# XXXXXX632]#XXXX XX(<# XXXXXX(2) #XXXX XXo<# XXXXXXbarrennessoffirstwife(asinAbrahamscase);#XXXX XX<#  XXXXXX(3) #XXXX XX1=# XXXXXXadvantages  offeredbymaritalalliances(e.g.Solomon);#XXXX XXz=#  XXXXXX(4) #XXXX XX ># XXXXXXthecustomofmakingwivesofcaptivestakeninwar  (compare#XXXX XXT># XXXXXXPsalm45:3,9);#XXXX XX>#  XXXXXX(5) #XXXX XX;?# XXXXXXslavery,whichasitexistedintheOrientalmostimpliedit.  #XXXX XX?#  XXXXXX  2.BETROTHALTHEFIRSTFORMALPART:  ;@ #XXXX XX@# XXXXXX  BetrothalwiththeancientHebrewswasofamoreformalandfarmorebindingnaturethan X the engagementiswithus.Indeed,itwasesteemedapartofthetransactionofmarriage,andthat sD themostbindingpart.AmongtheArabstodayitistheonlylegalceremonyconnectedwithmarriage. _0 #XXXX XX@# XXXXXXGenesis24:58,60seemstopreserveforusanexampleofanancientformulaandblessingforsuch K anoccasion.Itscentralfeaturewasthedowry([mohar]),whichwaspaidtotheparents,nottothe 7 bride.Itmaytaketheformofservice(Genesis29;#XXXX XXhB# XXXXXX1Samuel18:25).ItiscustomaryinSyriatoday, #  whentheprojectedmarriageisapprovedbybothfamilies,andallthefinancialpreliminarieshave ! beensettled,tohavethisceremonyofbetrothal.Itconsistsintheacceptancebeforewitnessesofthe ! termsofthemarriageascontractedfor.ThenGodsblessingissolemnlyaskedontheunionthus " providedfor,buttotakeplaceprobablyonlyaftersomemonths,orperhapssomeyears.Thebetrothal # effected,alldangerfromanyfurtherfinancialfencingandbluffingnowbeingatanend,happiness $  andharmonymaypresideoverallthearrangementsforthemarriageday.AmongtheJewsthe %|! betrothalwassofarregardedasbindingthat,ifmarriageshouldnottakeplace,owingtothe &h" abscondingofthebridegroomorthebreachofcontractonhispart,theyoungwomancouldnotbe 'T # marriedtoanothermanuntilshewasliberatedbyadueprocessandapaperofdivorce.Asimilar o(@!$ customprevailsinChinaandJapan,andincasesbecomesveryoppressive.Themarriagemayhave [),"% beenintendedbytheparentsfromtheinfancyoftheparties,butthisformalityofbetrothalisnot G*#& enteredontillthemarriageisconsideredreasonablycertainandmeasurablynear.Aprolonged 3+$' intervalbetweenbetrothalandmarriagewasdeemedundesirableonmanyaccounts,thoughoftenan ,$( intervalwasneededthatthegroommightrenderthestipulatedserviceorpaytheprice"sayayear S ortwo,or,asinthecaseofJacob,itmightbesevenyears.Thebetrothedpartieswerelegallyinthe ? positionofamarriedcouple,andunfaithfulnesswas adultery(Dt22:23;#XXXX XXC# XXXXXXMatthew1:19). [PAGE +  #XXXX XXK# XXXXXX633]    #XXXX XXL# XXXXXX  Polygamyislikelytobecomeprevalentonlywhereconditionsareabnormal,aswherethere   isadisproportionatenumberoffemales,asintriballifeinastateofwar.Insettledconditionsitis   possibleonlytothoseabletoprovide dowryandsupportforeachandallofthewives.Thefactof   polygamyinOldTestamenttimesisabundantlywitnessedinthecasesofAbraham,Jacob,thejudges,  x David,Solomon,etc.ItwasprevalentinIssachar(#XXXX XXeL# XXXXXX1Chronicles7:4);amongthemiddleclass(#XXXX XXN# XXXXXX1 d Samuel1:1f).Butitistreated,evenintheOldTestament,asincompatiblewiththeDivineideal P  (#XXXX XX7O# XXXXXXGenesis2:24),anditsoriginalistracedtodeliberatedeparturefromthatidealbyLamech,theCainite <  (#XXXX XXP# XXXXXXGenesis4:19).Kingsarewarnedagainstit(Dt17:17;compare#XXXX XXP# XXXXXXGenesis29:31;30).Noah,Isaacand {(  Josephhadeachonlyonewife,andBiblepicturesofdomestichappinessarealwaysconnectedwith g  monogamy(2Kings4;Psalm128;Proverbs31;compareSirach25:1;26:1,13).Marriageisapplied S  figuratively,too,totheunionbetweenGodandIsrael,implyingmonogamyastheidealstate. ?  Nevertheless,havingtheadvantageofprecedent,itwaslongbeforepolygamyfellintodisusein +  Hebrewsociety.Herodhadninewivesatonetime(Josephus,Ant,XVII,I,2).JustinMartyr(Dial.,  134,141)reproachesJewsofhisdaywithhaving fourorevenfivewives,andfor marryingas  manyastheywish(compareTalm).ItwasnotdefinitelyandformallyforbiddenamongJewsuntil  circa1000AD.ItexistsstillamongJewsinMoslemlands.Sidebysidewiththispracticeallalong  hasbeentheidealprinciple(#XXXX XXGQ# XXXXXXGenesis2:18)rebukingandmodifyingit.Thelegaltheorythatmadethe t man lordofthewife(#XXXX XXU# XXXXXXGenesis3:16;TenthCommandment)waslikewisemodifiedinpracticeby ` theaffectionofthehusbandandthepersonalityofthewife.Thedifferencebetweenaconcubineand L awifewaslargelyduetothewifesbirthandhigherpositionandthefactthatshewasusuallybacked 8 byrelativesreadytodefendher.Aslavecouldnotbemadeaconcubinewithoutthewifesconsent w$ (#XXXX XXSV# XXXXXXGenesis16:2). c @#XXXX XXbX#  XXXXXX3.WEDDINGCEREMONIES: ;   #XXXX XXX# XXXXXX  Thereisadisappointinguncertaintyastotheexactceremoniesorproceedingsconnectedwith " marriageinBibletimes.Wehavetopaintourpicturefrompassingallusionsordescriptions,andfrom " whatweknowofJewishandArabiccustoms.Incasesitwouldseemthattherewasnothingbeyond # betrothal,orthefestivitiesfollowingit(see#XXXX XXPY# XXXXXXGenesis24:3ff). [PAGE#XXXX XX/[# XXXXXX634] #XXXX XX[# XXXXXXLater,inthecaseofa $  virgin,anintervalofnotexceedingayearcametobeobserved. %t!   Thefirstceremony,theweddingprocession,apparentlyarelicofmarriagebycapture &`" (compare#XXXX XX[# XXXXXXJudges5:30;#XXXX XX]# XXXXXXPsalm45:15),wasthefirstpartoftheproceedings.Thebridegrooms 'L #  friends(#XXXX XXg]# XXXXXXJohn3:29)went,usuallybynight,tofetchthebrideandherattendantstothehomeofthe (8!$ groom(#XXXX XX^# XXXXXXMatthew9:15;#XXXX XX^# XXXXXXJohn3:29).Thejoyousnessofitalliswitnessedbytheproverbial voiceof w)$"% thebridegroomandthecry, Beholdthebridegroomcometh!(#XXXX XX _# XXXXXXJeremiah7:34;#XXXX XX`# XXXXXXRevelation18:23). c*#& Theprocessionwaspreferablybynight,chiefly,wemayinfer,thatthosebusyinthedaymightattend, O+#' andthat,inaccordancewiththeorientalloveofsceniceffects,theweirdpanoramaoflightsand ;,$( torchesmightplayanengagingandkindlingpart. /   Themarriagesupperthenfollowed,generallyinthehomeofthegroom.TodayinSyria,as  Dr.Mackie,ofBeirut,says,whenbothpartiesliveinthesametown,thereceptionmaytakeplacein   eitherhome;buttheoldertraditionpointstothehouseofthegroomsparentsastheproperplace.It   isthebringinghomeofanalreadyaccreditedbridetohercovenantedhusband.Sheisescortedbya   companyofattendantsofherownsexandbymalerelativesandfriendsconveyingonmulesorby   portersarticlesoffurnitureanddecorationforthenewhome.Asthemarriageusuallytakesplacein   theevening,thehouseisgivenupforthedaytothewomenwhoarebusyrobingthebrideandmaking  t readyforthecominghospitality.Thebridegroomisabsentatthehouseofarelativeorfriend,where ` mencongregateintheeveningforthepurposeofescortinghimhome.Whenheindicatesthatitis {L  timetogo,allriseup,andcandlesandtorchesaresuppliedtothosewhoaretoformtheprocession, g8  andtheymoveoff.Itisaverypicturesquesighttoseesuchaprocessionmovingalongtheunlighted S$  wayinthestillnessofthestarrynight,while,ifitbeintownorcity,oneachsideofthenarrowstreet, ?  fromtheflathousetoporbalcony,crowdslookdown,andthewomentakeupthepeculiarcryof +  weddingjoythattellsthosefartheralongthatthepageanthasstarted.Thiscryistakenupallalong   theroute,andgiveswarningtothosewhoarewaitingwiththebridethatitistimetoariseandlight   uptheapproach,andwelcomethebridegroomwithhonor.Asatthehousewherethebridegroom  receiveshisfriendsbeforestartingsomecomelate,andspeechesofcongratulationhavetobemade,  andpoemshavetoberecitedorsunginpraiseofthegroom,andtothehonorofhisfamily,itisoften  nearmidnightwhenthe [PAGE#XXXX XX_`# XXXXXX635] #XXXX XXj# XXXXXXprocessionbegins.Meanwhile,asthenightwearson,andthe  dutiesofrobingthebrideandadorningthehousearealldone,aperiodofrelaxinganddrowsy t waitingsetsin,aswhen,intheNewTestamentparable,boththewiseandthefoolishvirginswere ` overcomewithsleep.Intheircasethedistantcryonthestreetbroughtthewarningtoprepareforthe {L reception,andthencamethediscoveryoftheexhaustedoil. g8   Ofthebridegroomsretinueonlyalimitednumberwouldenter,theirchiefdutybeingthatof S$ escort.Theymightcallnextdaytooffercongratulations.AnArabicweddingrhymesays: ? 8  8` !!8 ` ` #XXXX XXj#  XXXXXX Tothebridegroomsdoorwentthetorchlitarray,  k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` Andthenlikegoatstheyscatteredaway.  k k  #XXXX XXkn# XXXXXXWiththeirdispersion,accordingtocustom,thedoorswouldbeclosed,leavingwithintherelatives " andinvitedguests;andso,whenthebelatedvirginsoftheparablehastenedback,theytoofound # themselvesinexorablyshutoutbytheetiquetteoftheoccasion.Theopportunityofservicewaspast, $x  andtheywerenolongerneeded. %d!   Atthehomeallthingswouldbe madeready,ifpossibleonaliberalscale.John2givesa &P" pictureofaweddingfeastwheretheresourceswerestrainedtothebreakingpoint.Hospitalitywas k'< # hereespeciallyasacredduty,and,ofcourse,greatlyministeredtothejoyoftheoccasion.Anoriental W((!$ proverbissignificantofthestoresetbyit: C)"% 8  8` !!8 ` ` #XXXX XXo#  XXXXXX Hewhodoesnotinvitemetohismarriage+#' k k 8  8` !!8 ` ` Willnothavemetohisfuneral.,$( k k Ї #XXXX XX`s# XXXXXXTodeclinetheinvitationtoamarriagewasagrossinsult(Matthew22). S   ItwasunusualinGalileetohavea rulerofthefeastasinJudea(John2).Therewasno ? formalreligiousceremonyconnectedwiththeHebrewmarriageaswithus"thereisnotahintof +  suchathingintheBible.Themarriagewasconsummatedbyentranceintothe chamber,i.e.the   nuptialchamber(Hebrew[chedher]),inwhichstoodthebridalbedwithacanopy([chuppah]),being   originallythewifestent(#XXXX XXlt# XXXXXXGenesis24:67;#XXXX XXw# XXXXXXJudges4:17).Inalllandsofthedispersionthenameisstill   appliedtotheembroideredcanopyunderwhichthecontractingpartiesstandorsitduringthe   festivities.InArabic,Syriac,andHebrewthebridegroomissaidto gointothebride. [Page#XXXX XXgw# XXXXXX636]   t #XXXX XXx# XXXXXX  AgeneralsurveyofancientmarriagelawsandcustomsshowsthatthoseoftheHebrewsare d notapeculiarcreationapartfromthoseofotherpeoples.Aremarkableaffinitytothoseofother P  branchesoftheSemiticracesespecially,maybenoted,andstrikingparallelsarefoundintheCode <  ofHammurabi,withregard,e.g.,tobetrothal,dowry,adulteryanddivorce.Butmodernresearches {(  haveemphasizedtherelativepurityofOldTestamentsexualmorality.Inthis,asinotherrespects, g  theJewshadamessagefortheworld.YetweshouldnotexpecttofindamongthemtheChristian S  standard.UnderthenewdispensationthekeynoteisstruckbyourLordsaction.Thesignificanceof ?  HisattendingthemarriagefeastatCanaandperformingHisfirstmiracletherecanhardlybe +  exaggerated.Theactcorresponds,too,withHisteachingonthesubject.He,nolessthanPaul,  emphasizesboththehonorablenessoftheestateandtheheinousnessofallsinsagainstit.  #XXXX XX6y#  XXXXXX  4.JESUSSANCTIONOFTHEINSTITUTION:  :~ #XXXX XX~# XXXXXX  ThemostcharacteristicuseofmarriageandthefamilybyourLordisthatinwhichHe ` describesthekingdomofGodasasocialorderinwhichtherelationshipofmentoGodislikethat L ofsonstoafather,andtheirrelationtoeachotherlikethatbetweenbrothers.Thissocialideal,which 8 presentsitselfvividlyandcontinuouslytoHismind,issummedupinthisphrase, KingdomofGod, w$ whichoccursmorethanahundredtimesintheSynopticGospels.Thepassagesinwhichitoccurs c formtheinteriorclimaxofHismessagetomen.ItisnonewandnobleJudaism,takingtheformof O apoliticalrestoration,thatHeproclaims,andno faroffDivineeventtoberealizedonlyinsome ;  gloriousapocalypticconsummation;butakingdomofGod withinyou,thechiefelementofit '! communionwithGod,thelovingrelationof childrentoa Father,apresentpossession.Future " inasenseitmaybe,asaresulttobefullyrealized,andyetpresent;invisible,andyetbecomingmore " andmorevisibleasanewsocialorder,aconsciousbrotherhoodwithonecommon,heavenlyFather, # proclaimedineverystageofHisteachinginspiteofoppositionandvaryingfortuneswithunwavering $  certaintyofitscompletion"thisisthe kingdomthatJesushasmadetheinalienablepossession %p! oftheChristianconsciousness.Hisentiretheologymaybedescribedasatransfigurationofthefamily &\" (seePeabody,JesusChrist,andtheSocialQuestion,149ff;Holtzmann,NewTestamentTheology, 'H # I,200;Harnack,HistoryofDogma,I,62;B.Weiss,BiblicalTheol.oftheNewTestament,I,72, (4!$ Englishtranslation,1882). [Page#XXXX XX~# XXXXXX637]  s) "% #XXXX XXdž# XXXXXX  BeyondthisJesusfrequentlyusedfiguresdrawnfrommarriagetoillustrateHisteaching c*#& concerningthecomingofthekingdom,asPauldidconcerningChristandthechurch.Thereisno O+#' suggestionofreflectionupontheOldTestamentteachingaboutmarriageinHisteachingexceptat ;,$( onepoint,themodificationofitsoastoallowpolygamyanddivorce.EverywhereHeacceptsand / dealswithitassacredandofDivineorigin(#XXXX XX%# XXXXXXMatthew19:9,etc.),butHetreatsitastransient,thatis  ofthe fleshandforthislifeonly.   #XXXX XXm#  XXXXXX@ 5.HISTEACHINGCONCERNINGDIVORCE:    #XXXX XXD# XXXXXX  Aquestionofprofoundinterestremainstobetreated:DidJesusallowunderany   circumstancestheremarriageofadivorcedpersonduringthelifetimeofthepartnertothemarriage?  t OrdidHeallowabsolutedivorceforanycausewhatsoever?Upontheanswertothatquestionin ` everyagedependmomentousissues,socialandcivic,aswellasreligious.Thefactsbearingonthe {L  questionareconfessedlyenshrinedintheNewTestament,andsotheinquirymaybelimitedtoits g8  records.AcceptingwiththebestscholarshipthedocumentsoftheNewTestamentasemanatingfrom S$  thedisciplesofJesusinthesecondhalfofthe1stcenturyAD,thequestionis,whatdidthesewriters ?  understandJesustoteachonthissubject?IfwehadonlytheGospelsofMarkandLukeandthe +  EpistlesofPaul,therecouldbebutoneanswergiven:Christdidnotallowabsolutedivorceforany   cause(see#XXXX XXՊ# XXXXXXMark10:2ff;#XXXX XXM# XXXXXXLuke16:18;#XXXX XX# XXXXXXGalatians1:12;#XXXX XX# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:10).TheOldTestament   permissionwasaconcession,Heteaches,toalowmoralstateandstandard,andopposedtotheideal  ofmarriagegiveninGenesis(2:23).    Thepositionofwomeninthatdaywasfarfromenviable.Theycouldbedivorcedonthe  slightestpretext,andhadnorecourseatlaw.Almostalltherightsandprivilegesofmenwere  withheldfromthem.WhatJesussaidinrelationtodivorcewasmoreindefenseoftherightsofthe p womenofHistimethanasaguideforthefreer,fullerlifeofourday.Jesuscertainlydidnotmean \ torecommendahardandenslavinglifeforwomen.Hiswholelifewasonelongexpressionoffull wH understandingofthemandsympathyforthem(Patterson,TheMeasureofaMan,181f). c4   TwosayingsattributedtoChristandrecordedbythewriteroreditoroftheFirstGospel O  (#XXXX XX=# XXXXXXMatthew5:32;19:9)seemdirectlytocontraveneHisteachingasrecordedinMarkandLuke.Here ;  heseemstoallowdivorce [Page#XXXX XX# XXXXXX638] #XXXX XX# XXXXXXfor fornication(#XXXX XXΕ# XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX)# XXXXXXeimeepiporneia#XXXX XXo# XXXXXX],saveforfornication), ' anexceptionwhichfindsnoplaceintheparallels(compare#XXXX XXŖ# XXXXXXCorinthians7:15,whichallows   remarriagewhereaChristianpartnerisdesertedbyaheathen).Thesenseheredemandsthat !  fornicationbetakeninitswidersense(Hos2:5;Am7:17;#XXXX XXu# XXXXXX1Corinthians5:1).DivorcetoaJew ! carriedwithittherightofremarriage,andthewords`causethhertocommitadultery(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXMatthew5:32) " showthatJesusassumedthatthedivorcedwomanwouldmarryagain.Hence,ifHealloweddivorce, # Healsoallowedremarriage.AcriticalexaminationofthewholepassageinMatthewhasledmany $  scholarstoconcludethattheexceptiveclauseisaninterpolationduetotheJewishChristiancompiler %p! oreditorthroughwhosehandsthematerialspassed.Othersthinkitbetraystracesofhavingbeen &\" rewrittenfromMarkorfromasourcecommontobothMatthewandMark,andcombinedwitha w'H # semiJewishtradition,inshort,thatitisduetoliteraryrevisionandcompilation.Thewriteror c(4!$ compilerattemptedtocombinetheoriginalsayingsofJesusandHisowninterpretation.Believing O) "% thatourLordhadnotcometosetasidetheauthorityofMoses,butonlycertainPharisaicexegesis, ;* #& andsupported,asdoubtlesshewas,byaJewishChristiantraditionofPalestine,hesimplyinterpreted '+#' MarksnarrativebyinsertingwhatheregardedastheintegralpartofaneternalenactmentofYahweh. ,$( Indoingthishewasunconsciouslyinconsistent,notonlywithMarkandLuke,butalsowiththe S contextoftheFirstGospelitself,owingtohissincerebutmistakenbeliefthattheLawofMosesmust ? notbebroken.Theviewimpliedbytheexception,ofcourse,isthatadulteryipsofactodissolvesthe +  union,andsoopensthewaytoremarriage.Butremarriageclosesthedoortoreconciliation,which   onChristianprinciplesoughtalwaystobepossible(compareHosea;Jeremiah3;Hermas,Mandiv.1).   Certainlymuchistobesaidfortheviewwhichissteadilygainingground,thattheexceptionin   Matthewisaneditorialadditionmadeunderthepressureoflocalconditionsandpracticalnecessity,   theabsoluterulebeingfoundtoohard(seeHastings,DictionaryoftheBible(fivevolumes),extravol,  t 27b,andTheTeachingofourLordastotheIndissolubilityofMarriage,byStuartLawrenceTyson, ` M.A.Oxon.,UniversityoftheSouth,1912). L    ThegeneralprincipleexpandedintheNewTestamentandtheidealheldupbeforethe 8  Christiansishighandclear.Howfarthatidealcanbeembodiedinlegislationandappliedtothe w$  communityasawholeallareagreedmust [Page#XXXX XXt# XXXXXX639] #XXXX XX# XXXXXXdependuponsocialconditionsandthegeneral c  moraldevelopmentandenvironment.#XXXX XXi# S   7,$( EG E r E  94    u XXXCHAPTER5:ASTUDYINFIRSTCORINTHIANSCHAPTER7#XXX uХ#XXX#XXXC#   ĥ  Itiscriticalinthestudyanddiscussionthatfollowson1Corinthians7thatweknow  EXACTLYwhichgroupofpeopleisbeingdiscussedbecauseifwedonot,wewillendupapplying  therequirementsforaparticulargroupofpeopletoanothergroupforwhichthoserequirementswere  neverintended.Whilethischaptercanstandonitsown,weencourageyoutoreadandstudythe   chapterson   XXXXXX ScripturalDefinitionAndDescriptionOfMarriage#XXXX XX#and DivorceAndRemarriage. p  Wewouldbegofyounottoenterthisstudywithanypreconceivednotions.Theattitudeofmany \  Christiansis: IknowwhatIhavebeentaught.Pleasedontconfusemewiththefactsofthe H  Scriptures.But,theadmonitionandchargeoftheHolyGhostis: Studytoshowthyselfapproved 4   untoGod,aworkmanthatneedethnottobeashamed,rightlydividingthewordoftruth.  XXXXXX First  p  Corinthianschapter7isnotwithoutgreatcontroversyamongChristians.Thecontroversyturnson  \  theinterpretationof1Corinthians7:15,1Corinthians#XXXX XX# XXXXXX7:2728#XXXX XX #, XXXXXXand#XXXX XXk#ԀMatthew19:312. H   THEALLIMPORTANTQUESTIONTOBEASKEDISWHOISADDRESSEDINFIRST   CORINTHIANSCHAPTER7?APPLYINGVERSESTOTHESAVEDTHATAPPLYTO   THEUNSAVEDRESULTSINFALSEDOCTRINE.    @ 1Corinthians7:12Dealswithunmarriedpeople.   8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:12 X 1Nowconcerningthethingswhereofyewroteuntome:Itisgoodforamannotto D touchawoman.2Nevertheless,toavoidfornication,leteverymanhavehisownwife, 0 andleteverywomanhaveherownhusband.#XXXX XX4#l!!    Themainfocusofverses12isunmarriedpeopleTheseversesemphasizethedangersofa D touchyfeelyrelationshipoutsideofaScripturalhusbandandwiferelationship. Touchingcanand 0 doesleadtofornication.Inverse2,theHolyGhostgivesthedefinitionoffornication.Fornication  isanysexoutsideofaScripturalhusbandandwiferelationship.Includedinthedefinitionof  fornicationisadultery.AccordingtotheLordJesusChristinMatthew19:9,adulteryfitsintothe  biblicaldefinitionoffornication.Whatthatmeansisthatapersonthatisguiltyofadulteryisalso   guiltyoffornication.Webelievethatitisthefirstunfaithfulsexualactthatapersoncommitsagainst |! theirspousethatmakestheoffenderanadultereroranadulteress.Anyandallsexualactsfollowing h"  thatinitialactofadulteryisfornication.Aftertheinitialactofadultery,theoffenderwhocontinues T#! intheirsinisanadultereroradulteresswhoisalsoafornicator.Anyunmarriedpersonthathasa @$" sexualrelationshipwithamarriedpersonisguiltyoffornicationandadultery.Forpurposesof ,%| # discussingsexualrelationshipsstrictlybetweenmenandwomen,fornicationisanysexualact &h!$ betweenanymaleandfemalethatarenotScripturallymarriedtooneanotherandwhereneitherparty 'T"% ismarriedtosomeoneelse.Adulteryisanyfornicationthata married personhaswithanyonethey '@#& arenotmarriedto.An unmarried personcommitsfornicationandadulterywhentheyhavesexwith (0$' anymarriedperson. ) %(   Wehavebeenverycarefulhereinourlanguagetomakesurethatourreadersunderstandthat * &) Biblicalmarriagecanonlytakeplacebetweenamaleandafemale.Samesexrelationshipsare +&* sodomyandanabominationbeforeGodanddonotconstituteaBiblicalmarriage.Sodomyisyet / anotheractoffornicationoutsidetheScripturallymandatedboundsofmarriagebetweenamanand  awoman.ActsofsodomyareabominablesinsoffornicationagainsttheBiblicallyestablished   institutionofmarriageandassuchareBiblic;7 algroundsfordivorcewhentheoffendingpartyisina   marriageasdefinedbytheBible.Webelievethatisoneofthereasonsthattheword fornication   wasusedbytheLordJesusChristinMatthew19:9becauseHeknewtherewouldcomeatimewhen   Biblicalmaleandfemalemarriagescouldandwouldbedestroyedbysodomy.Werepeatagainand   again.FornicationisanysexoutsidetheBiblicallyestablishedboundsofsexbetweenahusbandand  t awife.TheLordJesusChristdefinedadulteryasanactoffornicationinMatthew19:9whichsays: ` 8   XXXXXXMatthew19:9 g8  9AndIsayuntoyou,Whosoevershallputawayhiswife,exceptitbeforfornication, S$  andshallmarryanother,committethadultery:andwhosomarriethherwhichisput ?  awaydothcommitadultery.#XXXX XXY#Ԁ+ !!  @ 1Corinthians7:35dealswithmarriedmenandwomen.    8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:35  3Letthehusbandrenderuntothewifeduebenevolence:andlikewisealsothewife  untothehusband.4Thewifehathnotpowerofherownbody,butthehusband:and  likewisealsothehusbandhathnotpowerofhisownbody,butthewife.5Defraudye p notonetheother,exceptitbewithconsentforatime,thatyemaygiveyourselvesto \ fastingandprayer;andcometogetheragain,thatSatantemptyounotforyour wH incontinency.c4!! #XXXX XX@#  Amarriageistobecharacterizedbybenevolence,orkindness,betweenboththehusbandand ;  thewife.Accordingtoversefour,youareliterallyownedbyyourspouseandyouhavenopowerover ' yourbody.Versefivedealswithintimacyandsexwithinthemaritalrelationship.TheHolyGhost   saysinversefivethatyouarenottodenyyourspousetherightsofthemaritalrelationshipwithout   theirpermission.TheHolyGhostsaysthatifyoudenyyourspousethoserightsitwouldleadtoSatan ! temptingbothofyoutobecomeinvolvedinfornication.Inthiscontext,incontinencydescribesa " weaknesswhenitcomestocontrollingonessexualdesires.Theonlyexceptionthatisgiventothe # ruleinverse5iswhenboththehusbandandthewifeagreenottohavemaritalrelationshipsforthe $  purposeofgivingthemselvestoprayerandfasting. %l!    1Corinthians7:69dealswithwidows s'D # andunmarried(singleanddivorced)menandwomen.  _(0!$ 8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:69 7*#& 6ButIspeakthisbypermission,andnotofcommandment.7ForIwouldthatallmen #+#' wereevenasImyself.ButeverymanhathhispropergiftofGod,oneafterthis ,$( manner,andanotherafterthat.8Isaythereforetotheunmarriedandwidows,Itis C goodforthemiftheyabideevenasI.9Butiftheycannotcontain,letthemmarry:for / itisbettertomarrythantoburn.#XXXX XX#!!   The butinversenumbersixtiesverses35togetherwithverses79.Themessagefrom   thesethreeversesisthatitisbetterfortheunmarriedandthewidowstoremainsingleforthegood   oftheministryduringthepresentdistress(verse26).Inversessixandseven,GodtheHolyGhostis   notcommandingmentoabstainfromthemaritalrelationshipasaconditionforbeingintheministry.  t Infact,GodtheHolyGhostsaysinverseseventhatbeingabletoabstainisagiftfromGod.Thegift  ` thatisreferredtoinverse7isthegiftoftheeunuchforthekingdomofheavenssakethattheLord L  JesusChristreferredtoinMatthew19:1112whichstate: {8  8   XXXXXXMatthew19:1112 S  11Buthesaiduntothem,Allmencannotreceivethissaying,savetheytowhomitis ?  given.12Fortherearesomeeunuchs,whichweresobornfromtheirmotherswomb: +  andtherearesomeeunuchs,whichweremadeeunuchsofmen:andtherebeeunuchs,   whichhavemadethemselveseunuchsforthekingdomofheavenssake.Hethatis  abletoreceiveit,lethimreceiveit.#XXXX XXd#!! PaulsaiditwasnotacommandmentandtheLordJesusChristsaidthatsomewouldnotbeableto  receiveit.TheRomanCatholicdoctrineforbiddingmentomarryisdescribedasadoctrineofdevils p in1Timothy4:13.Thetermunmarriedinverse8meanseitherunweddedorsingle.Unwedded \ meansbeingsingleandnothavingeverbeenmarried.Singlecanmeaneitherdivorcedornotever H havingbeenmarried.1Corinthians7:11furtherdefinesthetermunmarriedtomeanthosethatare w4 divorced.Godsaysinverseninethatitisbetterforpeopletomarrythantoburninlustforone c  another.ItistheHolyGhostscommentaryontheword fornicationfromverse2.Here,theHoly O  Ghostissayingitisbettertobecomeonefleshthantocontinuetolustafteroneanotherintheflesh. ; Thatiswhatismeantbythephrase itisbettertomarrythantoburn.Thewordmarrymeansto ' physicallybringtwoobjectsortwopeopletogethersothattheybecomeone.Theactofbecomingone   fleshconstitutesthefirstactofmarriage.Ifyoubecomeonefleshwithsomeone,thenyouhave   marriedthemregardlessofwhethertherewasanintenttobecometheirspouse.ThatiswhytheHoly ! Ghostwarnedagainstbecomingonefleshwithanharlot.Becomingonefleshwithanharlotwasnot " justanactofsexualmisconduct.Itwas/isaveryseriousthing.TheHolyGhostwarnedthatitwas #  amarriagein1Corinthians6:16whichreads: $l! 8   XXXXXX1Corinthians6:16 &D # 16What?knowyenotthathewhichisjoinedtoanharlotisonebody?fortwo,saith s'0!$ he,shallbeoneflesh._("%!! #XXXX XX#ԀThatisadirectquotefromGenesis2:24whereweseetheworldsfirsthusbandandwifebeing 7*#' describedas oneflesh. #+$(  ,%) Ї   1Corinthians7:1016dealswithmenand / womenwhoaremarriedtounsavedspouses.   r8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:1017   10AnduntothemarriedIcommand,yetnotI,buttheLord,Letnotthewifedepart   fromherhusband:11Butandifshedepart,letherremainunmarried,orbereconciled   toherhusband:andletnotthehusbandputawayhiswife.12ButtotherestspeakI,   nottheLord:Ifanybrotherhathawifethatbelievethnot,andshebepleasedtodwell  x withhim,lethimnotputheraway.13Andthewomanwhichhathanhusbandthat d believethnot,andifhebepleasedtodwellwithher,lethernotleavehim.14Forthe P  unbelievinghusbandissanctifiedbythewife,andtheunbelievingwifeissanctified k<  bythehusband:elsewereyourchildrenunclean;butnowaretheyholy.15Butifthe W(  unbelievingdepart,lethimdepart.Abrotherorasisterisnotunderbondageinsuch C  cases:butGodhathcalledustopeace.16Forwhatknowestthou,Owife,whetherthou /  shaltsavethyhusband?orhowknowestthou,Oman,whetherthoushaltsavethy   wife?#XXXX XX# !!   TheseparticularversesareamongsomeofthemostcontroversialintheBibleespeciallysince  divorcerateshaveriseninthe professing churchtoapointthattheyareatleastequaltothedivorce  ratesinsecularsociety.Verse10commandsthatsaved,marriedwomenarenottoleavetheirunsaved  husbands.Verse11statesthatifthesavedwifeleavesanunsavedhusband,thenshemustremain t unmarriedorbereconciledtoherhusband.Itisimportanttonotethatthesaved,departing,and ` divorcedwomaniscalledunmarriedmeaningshenolongerhasahusband.However,sheisnot {L allowedtoremarrybecauseshedidnotputherhusbandawayforfornicationordesertionwhichis g8 inkeepingwithMark10:12and1Corinthians7:15.Pleasenotealsothatitdoesnotsaythatthe S$ departing,savedwifehassinnedbyleaving. Ifthedeparting,savedwifedoesnotmeetthe ? scripturalrequirementsfordivorceandremarriageandsheremarriesanyhowsheisguiltyof / adultery. Verses11and12puttheexactsamerequirementsuponthesavedhusbandifhedwellswith   anunsavedwife.Thisgroupofversesindicatesthatsavedfolkaretodwellwiththeirunsaved  ! spouseswiththehopethattheywillcometosalvation.Theseversesshowtheimportanceofthe ! conductofthesavedspousebeforetheunsavedspouse.Verse14dealswiththeimportanceofthe " maritalbondforthesakeofthechildren.Childrensuffermuchasaresultofdivorces.Thepresence # ofasavedparentwithinthehomecansetthechildrenapartunderGod.Thatisthemeaningofthe $  useofthetermuncleaninverse14inrelationtothechildren. %x!   Themisunderstandingofverse15leadstoalotofcontroversyinestablishingthescriptural &d" groundsfordivorce.ManyBiblestudentsmaintainthattheonlyscripturalgroundsfordivorceis 'P # adultery.Verse15saysthatifanunbelievingmatedepartsthattheChristianistoletthemdepart.It k(UKUS.,Ԁcommittethadultery:US.,UK.,sUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁwhoso # marriethUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀherwhichUS.,UK.,3UKUS.,ԀisputawayUS.,UK.,iUKUS.,ԀdothcommitadulteryUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,#XXXX XX# XXXXXX$ !! NowletsturntoMark10andbeginreadinginverse7:#XXXX XX_# XXXXXX &" 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXMark10:712(X!$!! 8  4Andtheysaid,Mosessufferedtowriteabillofdivorcement,andtoputheraway. s)D"% 5AndJesusansweredandsaiduntothem,Forthehardnessofyourhearthewroteyou _*0#& thisprecept.6ButfromthebeginningofthecreationGodmadethemmaleand K+$' female.7Forthiscauseshallamanleavehisfatherandmother,andcleavetohis 7,%( wife;8Andtheytwainshallbeoneflesh:sothentheyarenomoretwain,butone / flesh.9WhatthereforeGodhathjoinedtogether,letnotmanputasunder.10Andin  thehousehisdisciplesaskedhimagainofthesamematter.11Andhesaithunto   them,Whosoevershallputawayhiswife,andmarryanother,committethadultery   againsther.12Andifawomanshallputawayherhusband,andbemarriedtoanother,   shecommittethadultery.#XXXX XX# !! 8    t XXXXXXLuke16:18 !! 8  tUKUS.,18US.,UK.,kUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,WhosoeverUS.,UK.,ɔUKUS.,ԀputtethawayUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀhisUS.,UK.,7UKUS.,Ԁwife,US.,UK.,gUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀmarriethUS.,UK.,ɕUKUS.,Ԁanother,US.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁcommittethadultery:US.,UK.,3UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,tUKUS.,  whosoeverUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀmarriethUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀherthatisputawayUS.,UK.,#UKUS.,ԀfromUS.,UK.,dUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,herUS.,UK.,ŗUKUS.,ԀhusbandUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀcommittethadulteryUS.,UK.,+UKUS.,.US.,UK.,kUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,t !! ` {L #XXXX XX# XXXXXX  ThoseversesinMatthew5andMatthew19donotsaythatapersoncannotmarryany `  divorcedperson.Whattheseversesaresayingisthatapersoncannotmarryanotherpersonwhohas {L  beenputaway(divorced)forfornicationelseheorsheisguiltyofadultery.Whatthisalsomeansis g8  thatasinglepersoncancommitadulterybecauseitissaidthatbothareguiltyofadultery.Thatiswhy S$  bothwerestonedtodeathundertheOldTestamentlaw.Theseversesdonotsaythatamanorwoman ? commitsperpetualadulteryiftheymarryadivorcedperson.Wedealwiththatissueinaseparate + topicthatfollows.Theconditionalstatements savingforthecauseoffornicationand exceptitbe  forfornicationiswhatdrivestheinterpretationofbothofthesepassagesasitrelatestowhoisguilty  ofadulteryandwhoisallowedtodivorceandremarry. #XXXX XXA# Wedealwiththoseissuesbelowunderthe  topicsofthescripturalgroundsfordivorceandremarriage.    ManyargueonthebasisofMatthew19:6andMark10:9thatGodputsallmarriagestogether.  Thisfalsedoctrinecreatesitsownlistofdifficultproblemsandimpossiblesituationsthatareto  numeroustobedealtwithhere.Imaginethemyriadofscenariosthatcouldbedocumentedordevised p thatwouldbealmostimpossibletoresolve.Fromahumanperspective,thesinanddamageofmost \ divorcescannotbeundoneandmustbedealtwithinanattitudeofforgivenessthatdoesnotbringthe wH repentantsinnerunderendlesscondemnation.However,iftheywillnotrepent,theyareunderthe c4 condemnationofGod.Thoserepentantsinnersguiltyofcausingdivorcesshouldbeforgivenand O  chargedto go,andsinnomore.Ifanunrepentantsinnercontinuesdownapathofadultery,they ;!  mustbeputoutofthechurch.Thisdiscussionbringsustothisconclusion:Contrarytowhatmany '" fundamentalistandBaptistpreachersandpastorspreachandteach,Goddoesnotputmostmarriages # together.WhileGodinhispermissivewillallowsunscripturalmarriages,hedoesnotputthem # together.Goddoesnotputabelieverandanunbelievertogether.GoddidnotputaJewandapagan $  together.Thescripturesdonotsay: whatthereforeGodhas allowed tobejoinedtogether,letnot %! manputasunder.ThescriptureisemphaticthatGodjoinedthemtogether.Therehavebeenalotof &" unholyunionsdownthroughtheyears.Thelastsuchunholyunionwilltakeplaceduringthe ' # tribulationwhentheapostatechurch,THEMOTHEROFHARLOTS,becomesthebrideofSatan. (p!$ HowmanymarriagestodaydoyouthinkGodhasactuallyjoinedtogether? )\"%    DivorcedintheOldTestamentandtheNewTestamentisatermmeaninghavingbeen w*H#& marriedbutnowunmarried.Beingscripturallyunmarried,givesyoutherighttoremarry c+4$' (Deuteronomy24:23;Matthew19:9;and1Corinthians7:15,2728).In1Corinthians7wehavethe / caseofabelievingwifethathasleftanunbelievinghusbandandthefollowinginstructionsarethe  chargetothebelieverfromtheHolyGhost:   8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:1011#XXXX XX## !! 8   XXXXXX10AnduntothemarriedIcommand,yetnotI,buttheLord,Letnotthewifedepart   fromherhusband:11Butandifshedepart,letherremainunmarried,orbereconciled   toherhusband:andletnotthehusbandputawayhiswife.#XXXX XX# t!! 8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:2728{L !! 8  UKUS.,27US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀArtthoubounduntoawife?seeknottobeloosed.Artthouloosedfromawife? g8  seeknotawife.US.,UK.,̪UKUS.,28US.,UK.,qUKUS.,ԀButandifthoumarry,thouhastnotsinned;andifavirginmarry, S$  shehathnotsinned.Neverthelesssuchshallhavetroubleintheflesh:butIspareyou.US.,UK.,#XXXX XX9# XXXXXX? !!   FirstCorinthians7:1011,plainlystatesthatthedepartedspouseisunmarried.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXYoucannotbe   unmarriedwithoutadivorce.#XXXX XXb# XXXXXXԀThatdoesawaywiththewholefalseideathattheterm unmarriedof   1Corinthians7:11isreferringtoatemporaryseparation.Therefore, unmarriedappliestothosewho  haveneverbeenmarriedandtothosewhohavebeenmarriedbutarenolongermarriedbecauseof  deathordivorce.#XXXX XX#ThetermunmarriedonlyoccursfourtimesinourBiblesandallthesearein1  Corinthians7.Concerningthisterm unmarriedin1Corinthians7:11,BrotherKarlBakerhadthis  tosay: p 8   `  Unmarried ,orbereconciledtoher husband !Nowifmarriedmeansa wH ceremonyandshehadone,becauseshehadahusband,howcansheremain g8  unmarried ?Unlesstheword marriedmeans,aswehaveimplied,nottojoinher S$ fleshtoanothermansflesh,therebymarryingwithhim.IsthatnotalsohowPauluse C theterminRomans7, Sothenif,whileherhusbandliveth,shebemarriedto / anotherman,sheshallbecalledanadulteress, ?ThatiswhyPaulin1Corinthians   6emphasizesnotjoiningourselvestoharlots,becauseinsodoingwebecome one ! flesheventhoughwedidnotintendto marryher.Wetechnicallyaremarryingher ! whenwejoinourfleshwithhers.[TheMarriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker, " page94]#!!   BrotherBakerisdrivinghometheideathatitisthesexualrelationshipthatestablishesthe %|! marriage.Divorceendsthatsexualrelationship.Divorceisaverypainfulthingbecauseitisthe &h" rippingasunderofoneflesh.Divorceisaknifeintheheartoflove.Divorceisdeathitself.Inmany 'T # waysdivorceismuchmorepainfulthanthedeathofaspousebecauseifyoulovesomeoneyouwill o(@!$ alwayswonderiftherewassomethingyoucouldhavedonetohavepreventedthedivorce.Divorce [),"% isnotalwaysasinintheBibleforallpartiesinvolved.Therecanbeaninnocentpartyinadivorce. G*#& TheBiblenowheresaysthatdivorceissin.Sincananddoesleadtodivorce.InquotingStinnett 3+$' Ballew,BrotherKarlBakerhadthistosayaboutthedoctrine XXXXXXԀthatstatesthatdivorceissin: ,$( Ї8  #XXXX XX# ` letme,[StinnettBallew],sayintheverybeginningdivorceissin.Itisnotthe / unpardonablesin,butitcertainlyissin.Idonotbelieveanycoupleiseverledofthe  Lordtogetadivorce.Divorceismanswayout,notGods.ThenBrotherKarlBaker   states: ButDr.Ballew,theBiblestatesin1John3:4, sinisatransgressionofthe   law. Where istheScripturethatbacksupthestatementthatdivorceissin?Irealize   thatdivorcecanbesin(Matthew19:9)andcancausesin(Matthew19:9)butdivorce   is not sinineverycase.Deuteronomy24isthelaw,andwhatthelawallowedormade   aprovisionfor cannot becalledsin(Romans7:12,14also,Romans5:13).Jesus  | allowdivorcedforfornicationanddesertionbyanunbeliever(Matthew19:9,1 l Corinthians7:15),andit cannotbesin ifourLordcondoneditasacceptable.... God X  himselfhasgonethroughadivorce!  Ԁ $[TheMarriage&DivorceControversy,Karl wH  Baker,page75]  XXXXXXg8 !!   Wehavehearditstatedmanytimesthatdivorceisalwayssinandthatbothpartiestothe ?  divorceareguiltyofsin.Thatisnottrue.#XXXX XX#Tostatethat DivorceisALWAYSwrongor God +  NEVERapprovesofdivorceistocontradicttheScriptures.Thefollowingscripturalfactscontradict   thoseviews:(1)GodgavealawthatpermittedandregulateddivorceANDREMARRIAGE  (Deuteronomy24:1-4).(2)ItwasthewillofGodthatthepriestsandthepeopleofIsraelputaway  theirstrangewives(Ezra10:10-11).(3)GodHimselfdivorcedthenationofIsrael(Isaiah50:12,  Jeremiah3:8).(4)TheLordJesusChristgrantedpermissiontodivorceANDREMARRYifaspouse  wasguiltyoffornication(Matthew19:9). XXXXXXԀ(5)theHolyGhostallowsfordivorcein#XXXX XXe# XXXXXXԀ1Corinthians7  incasesofdesertionbyanunbeliever.Nextinourdiscussion,wewilldealwiththescripturalgrounds p fordivorce. \ #XXXX XX#Ԛ XXXXXX@  THESCRIPTURALGROUNDSFORDIVORCE  c4   IfyourdoctrinestatesthatdivorceismanswayandnotGodsway,thenhowdoesthat ;  doctrinelineupwithEzrachapter10whereGodrequiredthepeopleandpriestsofIsraeltoputaway '  theirstrangewivesandhowdoesyourdoctrinelineupwithIsaiah50:1andJeremiah3:78where ! GoddivorcedIsrael? TurninyourBiblestoIsaiah50:1andJeremiah3:78: !   8  Isaiah50:1#!! 8  1ThussaiththeLORD,Whereisthebillofyourmothersdivorcement,whomIhave $  putaway?orwhichofmycreditorsisittowhomIhavesoldyou?Behold,foryour %! iniquitieshaveyesoldyourselves,andforyourtransgressionsisyourmotherput &p" away.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX'\ #!! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX !! 8  Jeremiah3:78c)4"%!! 8  7AndIsaidaftershehaddoneallthesethings,Turnthouuntome.Butshereturned O* #& not.AndhertreacheroussisterJudahsawit.8AndIsaw,whenforallthecauses ;+ $' wherebybackslidingIsraelcommittedadulteryIhadputheraway,andgivenherabill ',$( ofdivorce;yethertreacheroussisterJudahfearednot,butwentandplayedtheharlot / also.#XXXX XXE# XXXXXX!! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX  So,isdivorcemanswayoutandnotGodswayout?WewilldealwithEzrachapter10a   littlelateron.Werealizethatsomeofwhatweareabouttosayhereisverycontroversial,buthere   wegoanyhow.Therealquestionhereisnothowwefeelabouttheissue,butwhatdoestheBiblesay?   What,ifany,arethescripturalgroundsfordivorce?#XXXX XX#ԀFromMalachi2:16,werealizethatGodhates   divorce,butwealsorealizethatGodmadeprovisionforitunderthelawandundergracebecauseof  t thehardnessofmensandwomenshearts.Whiledeathdoesendamarriage,therearealsothree ` otherscripturaljustificationsfordivorce.Theseare:(1)Godscommandtodivorce XXXXXXԀgiventothe {L  people,thepriests,andtheLevitesofIsraelinEzrachapter10becausetheyhadtakentothemselves g8  thestrangewivesasidentifiedinEzra10:2,10,11,14,17,18,and44.Therearesomeobjectlessons S$  thatcanbelearnedfromEzrachapter10,ifwewilljustsetasidetheunscripturalteachingsthathave ?  beenhammeredintousontheanviloffalseteaching.(2)Asecondgroundforascripturaldivorceis +  anactoffornicationknownasadultery.#XXXX XXw# XXXXXXԀ(3)Thethirdgroundforascripturaldivorceisanactof   desertionwherebyanunbelieverrejectsanddesertsabelievingspouse.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀWewillnowproceedtodeal   withthesethreegroundsfordivorce.    @@  GODSCOMMANDINEZRA10ASSCRIPTURAL  GROUNDSFORDIVORCE   R#XXXX XX#  OurfirstscripturaljustificationfordivorceisGodscommandtodivorce XXXXXXԀgiventothepeople, \ thepriests,andtheLevitesofIsraelinEzrachapter10becausetheyhadtakentothemselvesthe wH strangewivesasidentifiedinEzra10:2,10,11,14,17,18,and44.#XXXX XXj# XXXXXXԀThewomenwerecalledstrange c4 wivesbecausetheywerepagans.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀThereasonforthedivorceswastoenforceecclesiasticalseparation O  betweenthepriests,theLevites,andthecongregationofIsraelisasaunitandthepagannationsthat ;  surroundedthem.ThelawthathadbeenviolatedwasLeviticus21:7,Leviticus21:14,and ' Deuteronomy7:3.TheindictmentofIsraeltookplaceinEzra9:12andthetrialandsentencewas   pronouncedinEzrachapter10.Thedivorceswereprobablycarriedoutatleastinpartinaccordance   withDeuteronomy24:1.TheseScriptures_state:___ ! 8  Leviticus21:7#!! 8  UKUS.,7US.,UK.,AUKUS.,ԀTheyshallnottakeawifeUS.,UK.,qUKUS.,thatisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁawhore,orprofane;neithershalltheytakea $  womanputawayfromherhusband:forheUS.,UK.,UKUS.,isUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀholyuntohisGod.US.,UK.,%l!!! 8  #XXXX XX$# XXXXXXLeviticus21:14s'D #!! 8  UKUS.,14US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀAwidow,oradivorcedwoman,orprofane,US.,UK.,UKUS.,orUS.,UK.,4UKUS.,Ԁanharlot,theseshallhenottake:but _(0!$ heshalltakeavirginofhisownpeopletowife.US.,UK.,eK)"%!! #XXXX XXM# XXXXXX8  #XXXX XXB# XXXXXXDeuteronomy7:3#+#'!! 8  UKUS.,3US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀNeithershaltthoumakemarriageswiththem;thydaughterthoushaltnotgiveunto ,$( hisson,norhisdaughtershaltthoutakeuntothyson.US.,UK.,#XXXX XX# XXXXXX/!! 8  #XXXX XX # XXXXXXEzra9:12 !! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀNowwhenthesethingsweredone,theprincescametome,saying,Thepeopleof   Israel,andthepriests,andtheLevites,havenotseparatedthemselvesfromthepeople   ofthelands,US.,UK.,UKUS.,doingUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁaccordingtotheirabominations,US.,UK.,BUKUS.,evenUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀoftheCanaanites,the   Hittites,thePerizzites,theJebusites,theAmmonites,theMoabites,theEgyptians,and   theAmorites.US.,UK.,UKUS.,2US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀFortheyhavetakenoftheirdaughtersforthemselves,andfortheir  t sons:sothattheholyseedhavemingledthemselveswiththepeopleofUS.,UK.,UKUS.,thoseUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁlands: ` yea,thehandoftheprincesandrulershathbeenchiefinthistrespass.US.,UK.,#XXXX XXz# XXXXXX{L !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXEzra10:13S$ !! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,KUKUS.,ԀNowwhenEzrahadprayed,andwhenhehadconfessed,weepingandcasting ?  himselfdownbeforethehouseofGod,thereassembleduntohimoutofIsraelavery +  greatcongregationofmenandwomenandchildren:forthepeopleweptverysore.US.,UK.,{UKUS.,2US.,UK.,UKUS.,   AndShechaniahthesonofJehiel,US.,UK.,UKUS.,oneUS.,UK.,WUKUS.,ԀofthesonsofElam,answeredandsaidunto   Ezra,WehavetrespassedagainstourGod,andhavetakenstrangewivesofthepeople  oftheland:yetnowthereishopeinIsraelconcerningthisthing.US.,UK.,UKUS.,3US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀNowthereforelet  usmakeacovenantwithourGodtoputawayallthewives,andsuchasarebornof  them,accordingtothecounselofmylord,andofthosethattrembleatthe  commandmentofourGod;andletitbedoneaccordingtothelaw.US.,UK.,p!! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX8  #XXXX XXs# XXXXXXEzra10:1012wH!! 8  UKUS.,10US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀAndEzratheprieststoodup,andsaiduntothem,Yehavetransgressed,andhave c4 takenstrangewives,toincreasethetrespassofIsrael.US.,UK.,MUKUS.,11US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀNowthereforemake O  confessionuntotheLORDGodofyourfathers,anddohispleasure:andseparate ;  yourselvesfromthepeopleoftheland,andfromthestrangewives.US.,UK.,LUKUS.,12US.,UK.,KUKUS.,ԀThenallthe ' congregationansweredandsaidwithaloudvoice,Asthouhastsaid,somustwedo.US.,UK.,| !! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX8  #XXXX XX`# XXXXXXEzra10:1819!!! 8  UKUS.,18US.,UK., UKUS.,ԀAndamongthesonsoftheprieststherewerefoundthathadtakenstrangewives: " US.,UK.,:UKUS.,namelyUS.,UK.,UKUS.,,ofthesonsofJeshuathesonofJozadak,andhisbrethren;Maaseiah,and # Eliezer,andJarib,andGedaliah.US.,UK.,UKUS.,19US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀAndtheygavetheirhandsthattheywouldput $  awaytheirwives;andUS.,UK.,UKUS.,beingUS.,UK.,nUKUS.,Ԁguilty,US.,UK.,UKUS.,theyofferedUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁaramoftheflockfortheirtrespass.US.,UK.,%l!!! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXDeuteronomy24:1s'D #!! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀWhenamanhathtakenawife,andmarriedher,anditcometopassthatshefindno _(0!$ favourinhiseyes,becausehehathfoundsomeuncleannessinher:thenlethimwrite K)"% herabillofdivorcement,andgiveUS.,UK.,EUKUS.,itUS.,UK.,kUKUS.,Ԁinherhand,andsendheroutofhishouse.US.,UK.,#XXXX XX# XXXXXX7*#&!! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX#XXXX XXy# XXXXXX  Whataboutthat?!InEzrachapter10,wehaveacommandmentfromGodtodivorce(put ,$( Oai    away)theirpagan,unbelievingwives.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀThelawinLeviticuschapter21wasgivenspecificallytothe / priestsandthelawinDeuteronomy7wasgivengenerallytoallthepeopleofthenationofIsrael.  Whatissignificanthere,isnotonlydidGodallowthesedivorces,butalsothathecommandedthem!   So,werethesedivorceswrong?Putanotherway,werethesedivorcessin?Therearethosethatstate   thatdivorceisalwayswrong,buttheseeventsinEzra10provethatstatementtobeentirelyfalse.   Whileweknowthatthereissinassociatedwithdivorce,thereisnotoneverseintheBiblethatstates   thatdivorceissinbecauseiftherewere,GodcouldbeaccusedofsinbecauseHedivorced(putaway)   thenationofIsraelbecauseshewasunfaithfultoGodwhenshewentawhoringafterfalsegods.  t BrotherKarlBakersaidthis: ` 8  #XXXX XX# ` YoucannotshowmeoneverseineitherTestamentthatstatesthatdivorceis g8  asinwhentheoffendedpartydivorcestheguiltyparty,aspreviouslystatedin S$  Deuteronomy24,Matthew19,anda1Corinthians7.[TheMarriage&Divorce ?  Controversy,KarlBaker,page76] XXXXXX+ !!   Whileweknowthatdivorcealwaysinvolvessin,wealsoknowthatthereareinnocentparties   insomedivorces.ManyfundamentalistsandBaptistsdenythatbecauseitdestroystheirtheologythat  statesthatallpartiestoadivorceareguilty,eventheinnocent,andiftheinnocentpartyremarriesthey  areguiltyofadulteryand/orperpetualadultery.BrotherKarlBakerhasrightlysaid:  8  #XXXX XXY# ` DivorceistheonlyactinthewholeBiblethatmakesaguiltlesspersona p sinnerbyassociation. [TheMarriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,page61]  XXXXXX\!! ItisthissametypeofguiltbyassociationthathasbeenusedbymanyfundamentalistsandBaptists c4 topermanentlydisqualifyaninnocentdivorcedmanfromtheministry.Whatthisfalsedoctrine O  essentiallydoesistoholdaninnocentpartyresponsibleforthesinoftheguiltyparty.Whatcomes ;  tomindhereisExodus23:7whichsays: ' 8  #XXXX XX|# XXXXXXExodus23:7 !! 8  UKUS.,7US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀKeeptheefarfromafalsematter;andtheinnocentandrighteousslaythounot:for ! Iwillnotjustifythewicked.US.,UK.,#XXXX XX# XXXXXX"!!   Thewickedendupgettingjustifiedintheirconductwhilethefaithfulinnocentsareforced $  topaythepenaltyfortheguiltyssin.IncontinuingourdiscussiononEzrachapter10,wewouldnote %l! thatthepriestshadtoputawaytheirprofanewivesandthatnostepsweretakentoremovethemfrom &X" thepriesthood.Infact,thereiseveryindicationthattheywererequiredtoputawaytheirpaganwives s'D # sothattheywouldbeceremoniallycleaninordertobeabletoadministerthesacrifices.Theguiltand _(0!$ sinassociatedwiththedivorcesinEzra10wasthatofthepeople,thepriests,andtherulersofIsrael K)"% andnotofthepaganspousestheyhadmarried.Thepaganswereinnocentinthedivorces.Yet,those 7*#& whowereguiltyofcausingthedivorces,becausetheyhadbrokenthelawinthefirstplacewhenthey #+#' hadmarriedthepaganwives,wereallowedtocontinueinthepriesthood.Canyouimaginethat:a ,$( divorcedpriestministeringinthehouseofGod!#XXXX XX# XXXXXX /    @@ FORNICATION/ADULTERYASSCRIPTURAL   GROUNDSFORDIVORCE       Oursecondgroundforascripturaldivorceisanactoffornicationknownasadultery. #XXXX XX# Godput   awayHiswife,Israel,foradultery. XXXXXXԀThatmakesadulteryascripturalgroundfordivorce.Godcalled   thatwifeaharlotthreedifferenttimesinJeremiah3:111,sixdifferenttimesinEzekiel16:143,and  t fourdifferenttimesinthebookofHosea.Thatadulteryandwhoredomwasdescribedasfornication ` in2Chronicles21:11,Ezekiel16:15,Ezekiel16:26,andin#XXXX XXi# XXXXXXEzekiel16:29.InRevelation2:2022we {L  seefornicationequatedwithadulterywhereweread: g8  8  Revelation2:2022 ?  20NotwithstandingIhaveafewthingsagainstthee,becausethousufferestthatwoman +  Jezebel,whichcallethherselfaprophetess,toteachandtoseducemyservantsto   commitfornication,andtoeatthingssacrificeduntoidols.21AndIgaveherspaceto   repentofherfornication;andsherepentednot.22Behold,Iwillcastherintoabed,  andthemthatcommitadulterywithherintogreattribulation,excepttheyrepentof  theirdeeds.#XXXX XX1 # XXXXXX!! So,howisitthatadulteryisnotfornicationandhowisitthatfornicationandadulteryarenotgrounds p fordivorceintheeyesofsomedoctorsofthelaw?Afriendofours,BrotherJohnAsquith,arguesthat \ fornicationandadulteryarenotthesameandspendseightpagesinhisbookprovingit.Wearenot wH sayingthatBrotherJohnAsquithisadoctorofthelawbecauseheisanoutstandingChristianman, c4 themostBiblicallyliterateindividualweknow,andawonderfulpastor.Hehastaughtusmanythings O  thatwehaveneverheardfromanotherman.Nevertheless,thosethingslineupwiththeScriptures. ;  Hehasbeenawonderfulblessingtothisauthorandwelovehim,butwedonotagreewithhimon ' thisissue.Whileweagreethatfornicationandadulteryarenotthesame,wedonotagreewithanyone   whostatesthatadulteryisnotanactoffornication.Adulteryisanactoffornicationbyamarried   individualwithanindividualtheyarenotmarriedto.FirstCorinthians5:1alsoprovesthatadultery ! isanactoffornication#XXXX XX^ # XXXXXX.Thisversereads: " 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX1Corinthians5:1$ !! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,nUKUS.,ԀItisreportedcommonlyUS.,UK.,UKUS.,thatthereisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁfornicationamongyou,andsuchfornicationas %l! isnotsomuchasnamedamongtheGentiles,thatoneshouldhavehisfatherswife.US.,UK.,"&X"!! WeherequoteBrotherJohnAsquithwithwhomwedisagreeontheinterpretationof1Corinthians _(0!$ 5:1: K)"% 8   ` TheOxfordeditorsgonofurtherwiththeirproof.SomeoftheBrethrenhave. #+#' Certainofthebrethrenhaveseizeduponanotheruseofthewordfornicationasbeing ,$( proofthatitsdefinitionincludesadultery.Again,theyarewrong./!! 8   ` TheyquoteICor.5:1,Itisreportedcommonlythatthereisfornicationamong  you,andsuchfornicationasisnotsomuchasnamedamongtheGentiles,thatone   shouldhavehisfatherswife.This,tosome,isproofpositivethatfornicationcan   meanadultery.Acloserlookattheverseprovesotherwise. !! 8   ` Theassumptionmadehereisthatthereisalivingfatherwhoselatestwifehas   beenhavinganaffairwiththemansownson.Suchasinisnotwithoutprecedentin   theWordofGod,Gen.35:22,49:4.YetsuchasinisalsonamedamongtheGentiles.  t Inmybriefsojournonthisearth,Ihaveheardofacouplecasesreported.`!! 8   ` ThekeytotheverseisthephrasenotsomuchasnamedamongtheGentiles. {L  Thereisaperfectlysound,rationalexplanationthatdoesnotalterthewordfornication g8  togiveitadefinitionthatitneverhadbefore1611andhasnowhereelseintheAV S$  1611.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX [FurtherThoughtsOnTheWordOfGod,JohnM.Asquith,pages109110, ?  copyright2005]+ !! #XXXX XX# XXXXXXThisparticularsinofadulterywithastepmotherwasoutlawedintheRomanEmpirewhenthebook   of1Corinthianswaswritten.ThatiswhythesinwasnotsomuchasnamedamongtheGentiles.In  theRomanEmpire,adulterywithastepmotherwasconsideredtobeincestalsoandresultedin  permanentexileandthelossofcitizenshipandallproperty[Citedfrom:#XXXX XX#JustinianCode,BookIX,  TitleIXoftheRomanCode,TheLawofAdulteryandDebauchery XXXXXX,dated18B.C.].TheHolyGhost  isrebukingthechurchatCorinthbecausetheyweretoleratingsomethingthatwouldnotevenbe p toleratedamongstunsavedGentilesintheRomanEmpire.ThepointoftheHolyGhostisthatthe \ RomanswereputtinglikeoffendersoutoftheempirewhilethechurchatCorinthwasdoingnothing wH toputtheoffenderoutofthechurch.BrotherJohnAsquithstatesthatthefathercalledoutin1 c4 Corinthians5:1isdeadwhilewebelievethatthefathercalledoutisalive.So,whatwouldbethe O  issuehere?IfthesonsfatherwasdeadtherewouldbenorealissuehereunderRomanlaw.Under ;  Godslaw,itwouldbeanactoffornicationthatwouldbenamedamongtheGentiles.Theissueis ' thatthefatherisaliveandthesonisguiltyofanactoffornicationknownasadulterywithhisfathers   wife,inotherwords,hisstepmother.ThatisthesameissuewithReubenwhenhetookhisfathers   wife(concubine),Bilhah,inGenesis35:22.BilhahwasoneofReubensstepmothers.Itisclearthat ! Leviticus18:8,Deuteronomy22:30,andDeuteronomy27:20areinviewin1Corinthians5:1and " theseversesread: # 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXLeviticus18:8%l!!! 8  UKUS.,8US.,UK., $UKUS.,ԀThenakednessofthyfatherswifeshaltthounotuncover:itUS.,UK.,P$UKUS.,isUS.,UK.,$UKUS.,Ԁthyfathers &X" nakedness.US.,UK.,$s'D #!! #XXXX XX## XXXXXX8  #XXXX XX%# XXXXXXDeuteronomy22:30K)"%!! 8  UKUS.,30US.,UK.,=&UKUS.,ԀAmanshallnottakehisfatherswife,nordiscoverhisfathersskirt.US.,UK.,n&_7*#&!! _8  ,$(!! 8  #XXXX XX%# XXXXXXDeuteronomy27:20/!! 8  UKUS.,20US.,UK.,'UKUS.,ԀCursedUS.,UK.,(UKUS.,beUS.,UK.,J(UKUS.,Ԁhethatliethwithhisfatherswife;becauseheuncoverethhisfathers  skirt.Andallthepeopleshallsay,Amen.US.,UK.,{(#XXXX XX'# XXXXXXԀ !!   Ifthefatherweredead,thelawjustcitedwouldbeofnoneeffectjustlikethelawofnot   marryingtwosisterswasofnoneeffectafterthedeathofoneofthesisters(Leviticus18:18).Ifthe   fatherwasdead,therewasnoviolationofthelawandtherefore,noreasontocallitoutastheHoly   Ghostdidin1Corinthians5.Thiswouldbetruealthoughitwouldhavebeenaparticularlyrevolting  t actoffornicationwithnoneedtoreferencethewomanasbeingthefatherswifeifthefatherwas ` alreadydead.ThereisnoprovisionintheLawofMosesthatprohibitedamanfrommarryingadead {L  mansformerwifeprovidedtheywerenotbloodkinasdefinedbyLeviticus18.#XXXX XXY)# XXXXXXItisclearthatthe g8  KingJamestranslators#XXXX XX,# XXXXXXԀknewthattheHolyGhostwasmakingreferencetotheScriptureswejust S$  quotedbecausetheyaregivenasmarginalcrossreferencesfor1Corinthians5:1.Whatwehavein ?  1Corinthians5:1isanactofadulterybeingdescribedasfornicationjustasitisinMatthew19:9.If +  fornicationcannotbeanactofadultery,thentherearenoscripturalgroundsfordivorcebasedupon   adulterybecausetheLordJesusChrist initially limitedjustgroundsfordivorcetofornication.We   rejectthatnotion.Whatthatwouldmeanisthattherewouldbenorecourseforaspousetrappedin  amarriagetoanadulterousmate.Itwouldforcethevictimizedspousetoliveinapolygamousstate  wheretheyweresharingthemarriagebedwithanothermateoftheirspouse.Wouldthatberight?#XXXX XXo-# XXXXXXԀIn  fact,aNewTestamentlaworpreceptthatallowedthatsituationtocontinuewouldviolatethespirit  oftherestorationofthe onefleshidealreestablishedbytheLordJesusChristinMatthew19:46 t andMark10:68. Forthoseofyouwhobelievethatamarriedpersoncannotbeguiltyof ` fornication,whywouldadultery/fornicationinmarriagenotbejustificationforadivorceand P fornicationbeforemarriagewouldbe? Adulteryisamuchmoreseriousmatterbecauseitinvolves k< anillicitsexualactandthebreakingofvowsand/oracovenant.Also,ifdivorceisnotallowedfor [, adultery,howcanaspousewhoishavingcontinuoussexualaffairsbestopped?Doestheinnocent G partyhavetoruntheriskofgettingafatalsexuallytransmitteddiseasebycontinuinginamarriage 3 withasexuallypromiscuousspousewithnorecoursetoadivorcetoendthedanger?Irealizethat   someofyouselfrighteoushypocriteswouldcounselthatpersontoseparatefromtheirspouseand  ! remaincelibateandalonefortherestoftheirliveswhenGodhasallowedameansofgraceforthe ! innocentsthataretrappedinsuchadulterousmarriages.Forcingtheinnocentspousetolivein " celibacywouldviolatetheintentandthespiritof1Corinthians7:5whichdeclares: #   #XXXX XXL1# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:5 %x! 8  UKUS.,5US.,UK., 8UKUS.,ԀDefraudyenotonetheother,exceptUS.,UK.,98UKUS.,itbeUS.,UK.,8UKUS.,Ԁwithconsentforatime,thatyemaygive &d" yourselvestofastingandprayer;andcometogetheragain,thatSatantemptyounot 'P # foryourincontinency.US.,UK.,8k(#.XXXXXX) #XXXX.XX@# XXXXXX !! 8   ` #XXXX XX6A#.XXXXXXDivorceisneverpermissibleuponthegroundsofadultery.NowIfullwell  recognizethistobeacontroversialthought.Manygoodpreachersandmanygood  Christianswillnotagreewithmehere.However,acarefulstudyintothegeneral  subjecthasconvincedmethatadultery,asterribleasitis,isnotaBiblegroundfor  divorce.(DivorceandRemarriage,HaroldB.Sightler,Pages56#XXXX.XXA#.XXXXXX)#XXXX.XXC# XXXXXXp!!   Now,asmuchaswerespectBrotherHaroldSightler,thosestatementswillnotstandan wH unbiasedtestoftheScripturesaswewillnowdocument.Theproblemherecomesthrough c4 misinterpretingandmisapplyingtheword fornicationwhentheLordJesusChristplainlystatedin O  Matthew5:32andMatthew19:9#XXXX XXD# XXXXXXԀthataspousecouldbeguiltyoffornication.Thewaymost ;  fundamentalistandBaptistpreachersandpastorshandletheproblembeforeusistotwistthewords ' oftheLordJesusChristbystatingthatfornicationappliesonlytounmarriedpeople. Itjustdoesnot   makeanysenseatallthatasexualact BEFOREamarriagewouldbescripturalgroundsfor ! divorceandthatanunfaithfulsexualact AFTERamarriagewouldnotbescripturalgrounds ! fordivorce. Itisincredibletousthatanyonecouldactuallybuyintothatbelief!Wesuspectthat " manyfundamentalistsandBaptistsareunwittinglywalkinghandinhandwiththeRomanCatholic # harlotMarywhilesheleadsthemintothecryptsofRomanCatholictheology.Ifyoudonotbelieve $  it,takealookatAppendixItothischapterwherewedocumenttheRomanCatholicmarriageheresies %t! fromthe1563CouncilofTrentandthe1994RomanCatholicCatechism:someofwhichwequote &`" inthischapter. {'L #   ForthosewhoselectivelyuseafewpassagesofScripturetogiveafalseimpressionthat g(8!$ divorceandremarriageisneverpermissibleandthatthosewhoremarryarealwaysguiltyofadultery, S)$"% evenperpetualadultery,letsputapackagetogetherthatincludesthewholecounselofGod ?*#& concerningadultery.#XXXX XXE# XXXXXXԀThenextthreeandahalfpagesincludethepertinentScripturesthatspeakto ++#' adultery.ThosescripturesincludeExodus20:14#XXXX XXZL# XXXXXX,Leviticus20:10#XXXX XX/M# XXXXXX,Deuteronomy5:18#XXXX XXM# XXXXXX,Deuteronomy ,$( 22:1330#XXXX XXM# XXXXXX,Deuteronomy24:14#XXXX XXBN# XXXXXX,Matthew5:2732#XXXX XXN# XXXXXX,Matthew19:112#XXXX XXN# XXXXXX,Mark10:212#XXXX XX>O# XXXXXX,Luke16:18#XXXX XXO# XXXXXX,John / 8:39#XXXX XXO# XXXXXX,andRomans7:14#XXXX XX>P# XXXXXXԀwhichwenowquote:  8  #XXXX XXP# XXXXXXExodus20:14 !! 8  UKUS.,14US.,UK.,cQUKUS.,ԀThoushaltnotcommitadultery.US.,UK.,Q#XXXX XX Q# XXXXXX !! 8   !! 8  Leviticus20:10 !! 8  10Andthemanthatcommittethadulterywithanothermanswife,evenhethat  t committethadulterywithhisneighbourswife,theadultererandtheadulteressshall ` surelybeputtodeath.#XXXX XXR# XXXXXX{L !! 8  #XXXX XXS# XXXXXXDeuteronomy5:18S$ !! 8  UKUS.,18US.,UK.,TUKUS.,ԀNeithershaltthoucommitadultery.US.,UK.,T? !! #XXXX XX2T# XXXXXX8  Deuteronomy22:1330 !! 8  13Ifanymantakeawife,andgoinuntoher,andhateher,14Andgiveoccasionsof   speechagainsther,andbringupanevilnameuponher,andsay,Itookthiswoman,  andwhenIcametoher,Ifoundhernotamaid:15Thenshallthefatherofthedamsel,  andhermother,takeandbringforththetokensofthedamselsvirginityuntothe  eldersofthecityinthegate:16Andthedamselsfathershallsayuntotheelders,I  gavemydaughteruntothismantowife,andhehatethher;17And,lo,hehathgiven p occasionsofspeechagainsther,saying,Ifoundnotthydaughteramaid;andyetthese \ arethetokensofmydaughtersvirginity.Andtheyshallspreadtheclothbeforethe wH eldersofthecity.18Andtheeldersofthatcityshalltakethatmanandchastisehim; c4 19Andtheyshallamercehiminanhundredshekelsofsilver,andgivethemuntothe O  fatherofthedamsel,becausehehathbroughtupanevilnameuponavirginofIsrael: ;  andsheshallbehiswife;hemaynotputherawayallhisdays.20Butifthisthingbe ' true,andthetokensofvirginitybenotfoundforthedamsel:21Thentheyshallbring   outthedamseltothedoorofherfathershouse,andthemenofhercityshallstoneher   withstonesthatshedie:becauseshehathwroughtfollyinIsrael,toplaythewhore ! inherfathershouse:soshaltthouputevilawayfromamongyou.22Ifamanbe " foundlyingwithawomanmarriedtoanhusband,thentheyshallbothofthemdie, # boththemanthatlaywiththewoman,andthewoman:soshaltthouputawayevil $  fromIsrael.23Ifadamselthatisavirginbebetrotheduntoanhusband,andaman %l! findherinthecity,andliewithher;24Thenyeshallbringthembothoutuntothe &X" gateofthatcity,andyeshallstonethemwithstonesthattheydie;thedamsel,because s'D # shecriednot,beinginthecity;andtheman,becausehehathhumbledhisneighbours _(0!$ wife:sothoushaltputawayevilfromamongyou.25Butifamanfindabetrothed K)"% damselinthefield,andthemanforceher,andliewithher:thenthemanonlythatlay 7*#& withhershalldie:26Butuntothedamselthoushaltdonothing;thereisinthedamsel #+#' nosinworthyofdeath:foraswhenamanrisethagainsthisneighbour,andslayeth ,$( him,evensoisthismatter:27Forhefoundherinthefield,andthebetrotheddamsel / cried,andtherewasnonetosaveher.28Ifamanfindadamselthatisavirgin,which  isnotbetrothed,andlayholdonher,andliewithher,andtheybefound;29Thenthe   manthatlaywithhershallgiveuntothedamselsfatherfiftyshekelsofsilver,andshe   shallbehiswife;becausehehathhumbledher,hemaynotputherawayallhisdays.   30Amanshallnottakehisfatherswife,nordiscoverhisfathersskirt.#XXXX XXSU# XXXXXX !! 8  #XXXX XXc# XXXXXXDeuteronomy24:14 t!! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,\dUKUS.,ԀWhenamanhathtakenawife,andmarriedher,anditcometopassthatshefindno ` favourinhiseyes,becausehehathfoundsomeuncleannessinher:thenlethimwrite {L  herabillofdivorcement,andgiveUS.,UK.,dUKUS.,itUS.,UK.,eUKUS.,Ԁinherhand,andsendheroutofhishouse.US.,UK.,eUKUS.,2US.,UK.,?fUKUS.,ԀAnd g8  whensheisdepartedoutofhishouse,shemaygoandbeanothermansUS.,UK.,ofUKUS.,wifeUS.,UK.,gUKUS.,.US.,UK.,4gUKUS.,3US.,UK.,egUKUS.,ԀAnd S$  US.,UK.,gUKUS.,ifUS.,UK.,gUKUS.,Ԁthelatterhusbandhateher,andwriteherabillofdivorcement,andgivethUS.,UK.,hUKUS.,itUS.,UK.,hUKUS.,Ԁinher ?  hand,andsendethheroutofhishouse;orifthelatterhusbanddie,whichtookherUS.,UK.,hUKUS.,to +  beUS.,UK.,\iUKUS.,Ԁhiswife;US.,UK.,iUKUS.,4US.,UK.,iUKUS.,ԀHerformerhusband,whichsentheraway,maynottakeheragaintobe   hiswife,afterthatsheisdefiled;forthatUS.,UK.,jUKUS.,isUS.,UK.,jUKUS.,ԀabominationbeforetheLORD:andthou   shaltnotcausethelandtosin,whichtheLORDthyGodgiveththeeUS.,UK.,jUKUS.,forUS.,UK.,kUKUS.,Ԁan  inheritance.US.,UK.,k!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XXc# XXXXXXMatthew5:2732!! 8  27Yehaveheardthatitwassaidbythemofoldtime,Thoushaltnotcommit p adultery:28ButIsayuntoyou,Thatwhosoeverlookethonawomantolustafterher \ hathcommittedadulterywithheralreadyinhisheart.29Andifthyrighteyeoffend wH thee,pluckitout,andcastitfromthee:foritisprofitablefortheethatoneofthy c4 membersshouldperish,andnotthatthywholebodyshouldbecastintohell.30And O  ifthyrighthandoffendthee,cutitoff,andcastitfromthee:foritisprofitableforthee ;  thatoneofthymembersshouldperish,andnotthatthywholebodyshouldbecast ' intohell.31Ithathbeensaid,Whosoevershallputawayhiswife,lethimgivehera   writingofdivorcement:32ButIsayuntoyou,Thatwhosoevershallputawayhis   wife,savingforthecauseoffornication,causethhertocommitadultery:and ! whosoevershallmarryherthatisdivorcedcommittethadultery.#XXXX XXl# XXXXXX"!! 8  #XXXX XXq# XXXXXXMatthew19:112$ !! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,MrUKUS.,ԀAnditcametopass,US.,UK.,}rUKUS.,thatUS.,UK.,rUKUS.,ԀwhenJesushadfinishedthesesayings,hedepartedfrom %l! Galilee,andcameintothecoastsofJudaeabeyondJordan;US.,UK.,rUKUS.,2US.,UK.,sUKUS.,ԀAndgreatmultitudes &X" followedhim;andhehealedthemthere.US.,UK.,sUKUS.,3US.,UK.,]tUKUS.,ԀThePhariseesalsocameuntohim,tempting s'D # him,andsayinguntohim,Isitlawfulforamantoputawayhiswifeforeverycause? _(0!$ US.,UK.,tUKUS.,4US.,UK.,guUKUS.,ԀAndheansweredandsaiduntothem,US.,UK.,uUKUS.,HaveyeUS.,UK.,uUKUS.,ԀnotUS.,UK.,vUKUS.,Ԁread,US.,UK.,KvUKUS.,ԀthatUS.,UK.,}vUKUS.,ԀhewhichUS.,UK.,vUKUS.,ԀmadeUS.,UK.,vUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,wUKUS.,themUS.,UK.,DwUKUS.,ԀatUS.,UK.,wwUKUS., K)"% thebeginningUS.,UK.,wUKUS.,ԀmadeUS.,UK.,wUKUS.,ԀthemUS.,UK.,%xUKUS.,ԀmaleUS.,UK.,VxUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,xUKUS.,ԀfemaleUS.,UK.,xUKUS.,,US.,UK.,xUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,yUKUS.,5US.,UK.,GyUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,wyUKUS.,AndUS.,UK.,yUKUS.,Ԁsaid,US.,UK.,yUKUS.,ԀForthisUS.,UK.,zUKUS.,ԀcauseUS.,UK.,:zUKUS.,ԀshallamanUS.,UK.,lzUKUS., 7*#& leaveUS.,UK.,zUKUS.,ԀfatherUS.,UK.,zUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,{UKUS.,Ԁmother,US.,UK.,M{UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,{UKUS.,ԀshallcleaveUS.,UK.,{UKUS.,ԀtohisUS.,UK.,{UKUS.,Ԁwife:US.,UK.,|UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,O|UKUS.,ԀtheytwainUS.,UK.,|UKUS.,ԀshallbeUS.,UK.,|UKUS.,ԀoneUS.,UK.,|UKUS., #+#' fleshUS.,UK.,}UKUS.,?US.,UK.,a}UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,}UKUS.,6US.,UK.,}UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,}UKUS.,WhereforeUS.,UK.,~UKUS.,ԀtheyareUS.,UK.,P~UKUS.,ԀnomoreUS.,UK.,~UKUS.,Ԁtwain,US.,UK.,~UKUS.,ԀbutUS.,UK.,~UKUS.,ԀoneUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁflesh.US.,UK.,LUKUS.,ԀWhatUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀthereforeUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀGodUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁhath ,$( joinedtogether,US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀletUS.,UK.,lUKUS.,ԀnotUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀmanUS.,UK.,̀UKUS.,ԀputasunderUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,4UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,aUKUS.,7US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀTheysayuntohim,WhydidMosesthen / commandtogiveawritingofdivorcement,andtoputheraway?US.,UK.,UKUS.,8US.,UK.,jUKUS.,ԀHesaithuntothem,  US.,UK.,UKUS.,MosesUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀbecauseofUS.,UK., UKUS.,ԀthehardnessUS.,UK.,WUKUS.,ԀofyourUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀheartsUS.,UK.,ăUKUS.,ԀsufferedUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀyouUS.,UK.,,UKUS.,ԀtoputawayUS.,UK.,\UKUS.,ԀyourUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁwives:US.,UK.,ńUKUS.,ԀbutUS.,UK.,UKUS.,   fromUS.,UK.,(UKUS.,ԀthebeginningUS.,UK.,mUKUS.,ԀitwasUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀnotUS.,UK.,څUKUS.,ԀsoUS.,UK., UKUS.,.US.,UK.,9UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,fUKUS.,9US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,ƆUKUS.,AndUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀIsayUS.,UK.,"UKUS.,Ԁuntoyou,US.,UK.,TUKUS.,ԀWhosoeverUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀshallputawayUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀhisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,   wife,US.,UK.,+UKUS.,ԀexceptUS.,UK.,qUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,itbeUS.,UK.,ԈUKUS.,ԀforUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁfornication,US.,UK.,8UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,qUKUS.,ԀshallmarryUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁanother,US.,UK.,ىUKUS.,Ԁcommittethadultery:US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,OUKUS.,   whosomarriethUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀherwhichUS.,UK.,ΊUKUS.,ԀisputawayUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀdothcommitadulteryUS.,UK.,<UKUS.,.US.,UK.,}UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,10US.,UK.,ڋUKUS.,ԀHisdisciplessayunto   him,IfthecaseofthemanbesowithUS.,UK., UKUS.,hisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁwife,itisnotgoodtomarry.US.,UK.,UKUS.,11US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀButhesaid   untothem,US.,UK.,?UKUS.,AllUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,ƍUKUS.,menUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀcannotUS.,UK.,(UKUS.,ԀreceiveUS.,UK.,[UKUS.,ԀthisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁsaying,US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀsaveUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,%UKUS.,theyUS.,UK.,UUKUS.,ԀtowhomUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀitisgivenUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,!UKUS.,12US.,UK.,QUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ForUS.,UK.,UKUS.,  t thereareUS.,UK.,ސUKUS.,Ԁsomeeunuchs,US.,UK.,(UKUS.,ԀwhichUS.,UK.,bUKUS.,ԀweresoUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀbornUS.,UK.,ȑUKUS.,ԀfromUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,*UKUS.,theirUS.,UK.,ZUKUS.,ԀmothersUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁwomb:US.,UK.,ƒUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀthereareUS.,UK.,(UKUS., ` someeunuchs,US.,UK.,^UKUS.,ԀwhichUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀweremadeeunuchsUS.,UK.,ޓUKUS.,ԀofUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁmen:US.,UK.,KUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,|UKUS.,ԀtherebeUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁeunuchs,US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀwhichUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁhave {L  madeUS.,UK.,HUKUS.,ԀthemselvesUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀeunuchsUS.,UK.,ɕUKUS.,ԀforUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀthekingdomUS.,UK.,-UKUS.,Ԁofheavenssake.US.,UK.,eUKUS.,ԀHethatisableUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀtoreceiveUS.,UK.,UKUS., g8  US.,UK.,UKUS.,itUS.,UK.,]UKUS.,,lethimreceiveUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,˗UKUS.,itUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,YS$ !! 8  #XXXX XXq# XXXXXXMark10:212+ !! 8  UKUS.,2US.,UK.,.UKUS.,ԀAndthePhariseescametohim,andaskedhim,IsitlawfulforamantoputawayUS.,UK.,^UKUS.,hisUS.,UK.,ߙUKUS.,   wife?temptinghim.US.,UK.,UKUS.,3US.,UK.,iUKUS.,ԀAndheansweredandsaiduntothem,US.,UK.,UKUS.,WhatUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀdidMosesUS.,UK.,UKUS.,   commandUS.,UK.,PUKUS.,ԀyouUS.,UK.,UKUS.,?US.,UK.,țUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,4US.,UK.,%UKUS.,ԀAndtheysaid,Mosessufferedtowriteabillofdivorcement,andto  putUS.,UK.,UUKUS.,herUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁaway.US.,UK.,UKUS.,5US.,UK.,JUKUS.,ԀAndJesusansweredandsaiduntothem,US.,UK.,zUKUS.,ForUS.,UK.,ΝUKUS.,ԀthehardnessUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀofyourUS.,UK.,6UKUS.,ԀheartUS.,UK.,jUKUS.,  hewroteUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀyouUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀthisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀpreceptUS.,UK.,FUKUS.,.US.,UK.,zUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,6US.,UK.,ןUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ButUS.,UK.,4UKUS.,ԀfromUS.,UK.,cUKUS.,ԀthebeginningUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀofthecreationUS.,UK.,ΠUKUS.,ԀGodUS.,UK., UKUS.,ԀmadeUS.,UK.,:UKUS.,ԀthemUS.,UK.,kUKUS.,  maleUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀfemaleUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,DUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,qUKUS.,7US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,ѢUKUS.,ForthiscauseUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀshallUS.,UK.,8UKUS.,ԀamanUS.,UK.,jUKUS.,ԀleaveUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀhisUS.,UK.,ΣUKUS.,ԀfatherUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,1UKUS.,Ԁmother,US.,UK.,aUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀcleaveUS.,UK.,ŤUKUS.,  toUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀhisUS.,UK.,;UKUS.,ԀwifeUS.,UK.,kUKUS.,;US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,ɥUKUS.,8US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,)UKUS.,AndUS.,UK.,VUKUS.,ԀtheytwainUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀshallbeUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀoneUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁflesh:US.,UK.,!UKUS.,ԀsothenUS.,UK.,TUKUS.,ԀtheyareUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀnomoreUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁtwain,US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀbutUS.,UK.,$UKUS., p oneUS.,UK.,TUKUS.,ԀfleshUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,ʨUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,9US.,UK.,'UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,WUKUS.,WhatUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀthereforeUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀGodUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁhathjoinedtogether,US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀletUS.,UK.,\UKUS.,ԀnotUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀmanUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀputasunderUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,$UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,QUKUS.,10US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀAnd \ inthehousehisdisciplesaskedhimagainofthesameUS.,UK.,UKUS.,matterUS.,UK.,1UKUS.,.US.,UK.,fUKUS.,11US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀAndhesaithunto wH them,US.,UK.,ȬUKUS.,WhosoeverUS.,UK.,!UKUS.,ԀshallputawayUS.,UK.,VUKUS.,ԀhisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁwife,US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀmarryUS.,UK.,#UKUS.,Ԁanother,US.,UK.,UUKUS.,ԀcommittethadulteryUS.,UK.,UKUS., c4 againstUS.,UK.,ʮUKUS.,ԀherUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,BUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,oUKUS.,12US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,ЯUKUS.,AndUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀifUS.,UK.,,UKUS.,ԀawomanUS.,UK.,[UKUS.,ԀshallputawayUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀherUS.,UK.,ʰUKUS.,Ԁhusband,US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,/UKUS.,ԀbemarriedUS.,UK.,_UKUS.,Ԁtoanother,US.,UK.,UKUS., O  shecommittethadulteryUS.,UK.,αUKUS.,.US.,UK.,&UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,S; !! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX՘# XXXXXXLuke16:18 !! 8  UKUS.,18US.,UK.,HUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,yUKUS.,WhosoeverUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀputtethawayUS.,UK.,۳UKUS.,ԀhisUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁwife,US.,UK.,DUKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,vUKUS.,ԀmarriethUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁanother,US.,UK.,۴UKUS.,Ԁcommittethadultery:US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,QUKUS.,   whosoeverUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀmarriethUS.,UK.,˵UKUS.,ԀherthatisputawayUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀfromUS.,UK.,AUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,rUKUS.,herUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀhusbandUS.,UK.,ԶUKUS.,ԀcommittethadulteryUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,HUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,u__!!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXJohn8:39#!! 8  UKUS.,3US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀAndthescribesandPhariseesbroughtuntohimawomantakeninadultery;and $  whentheyhadsetherinthemidst,US.,UK.,UKUS.,4US.,UK.,pUKUS.,ԀTheysayuntohim,Master,thiswomanwas %l! takeninadultery,intheveryact.US.,UK.,UKUS.,5US.,UK.,2UKUS.,ԀNowMosesinthelawcommandedus,thatsuch &X" shouldbestoned:butwhatsayestthou?US.,UK.,bUKUS.,6US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀThistheysaid,temptinghim,thattheymight s'D # havetoaccusehim.ButJesusstoopeddown,andwithUS.,UK.,+UKUS.,hisUS.,UK.,һUKUS.,Ԁfingerwroteontheground,US.,UK.,UKUS., _(0!$ asthoughheheardUS.,UK.,OUKUS.,ԀthemnotUS.,UK.,UKUS.,.US.,UK.,ڼUKUS.,7US.,UK., UKUS.,ԀSowhentheycontinuedaskinghim,heliftedup K)"% himself,andsaiduntothem,US.,UK.,;UKUS.,HethatiswithoutsinUS.,UK.,ɽUKUS.,Ԁamongyou,US.,UK., UKUS.,ԀlethimUS.,UK.,BUKUS.,ԀfirstUS.,UK.,vUKUS.,ԀcastUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁa 7*#& stoneUS.,UK.,پUKUS.,ԀatUS.,UK.,!UKUS.,ԀherUS.,UK.,PUKUS.,.US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,8US.,UK.,ݿUKUS.,ԀAndagainhestoopeddown,andwroteontheground.US.,UK., UKUS.,9US.,UK.,qUKUS.,ԀAndtheywhich #+#' heardUS.,UK.,UKUS.,itUS.,UK.,UKUS.,,beingconvictedbyUS.,UK.,+UKUS.,theirownUS.,UK.,oUKUS.,Ԁconscience,wentoutonebyone,beginningat ,$( theeldest,US.,UK.,UKUS.,evenUS.,UK.,%UKUS.,Ԁuntothelast:andJesuswasleftalone,andthewomanstandinginthe / midst.US.,UK.,X!! #XXXX XX3# XXXXXX8  #XXXX XX)# XXXXXXRomans7:14 !! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀKnowyenot,brethren,(forIspeaktothemthatknowthelaw,)howthatthelawhath   dominionoveramanaslongasheliveth?US.,UK.,UKUS.,2US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀForthewomanwhichhathanhusband   isboundbythelawtoUS.,UK.,UKUS.,herUS.,UK.,tUKUS.,Ԁhusbandsolongasheliveth;butifthehusbandbedead,   sheisloosedfromthelawofUS.,UK.,UKUS.,herUS.,UK.,BUKUS.,Ԁhusband.US.,UK.,tUKUS.,3US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀSothenif,whileUS.,UK.,UKUS.,herUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁhusbandliveth,she  t bemarriedtoanotherman,sheshallbecalledanadulteress:butifherhusbandbe ` dead,sheisfreefromthatlaw;sothatsheisnoadulteress,thoughshebemarriedto {L  anotherman.US.,UK.,QUKUS.,4US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀWherefore,mybrethren,yealsoarebecomedeadtothelawbythe g8  bodyofChrist;thatyeshouldbemarriedtoanother,US.,UK.,UKUS.,evenUS.,UK.,vUKUS.,Ԁtohimwhoisraisedfrom S$  thedead,thatweshouldbringforthfruituntoGod.US.,UK.,? !! #XXXX XXx# XXXXXX#XXXX XX{# XXXXXX  Afterhavingreadallofthat,ourfirstconclusionisthattherewasnodivorceforadulteryor   fornicationintheOldTestament.AccordingtoLeviticus20:10andDeuteronomy22:22,thepenalty   foradulterywasdeathbystoning!Caseclosed.Theremedyfortheinnocentspouseforadulteryin  theOldTestamentisthattheguiltyspousewasputawaybystoningthemtodeath!Thiswasan  especiallyfastandeffectivemeansofdivorceforadulterythatensuredtherewouldbenorepeat  offenders!DoyouactuallythinkthatGodwouldnotsupplysomemeansofrelieffortheinnocent  spouseintheNewTestament!?ThatmeansofreliefintheNewTestamentisthattheinnocent p spousewasallowedtoputawaytheguiltyspousethroughdivorce.ThoughDeuteronomy24:14does \ notmentionadultery,itisoftenbroughtintothediscussionconcerningadulteryforthepurposeof wH destroyingthemeansofgracethattheLordJesusChristprovidedforthosewhoarevictimsof c4 adultery.ThisapproachmakesthefornicationofMatthew5:32andMatthew19:9theuncleanness O  ofDeuteronomy24:1.AtypicalinterpretationofthispassageisthatofBrotherHaroldSightlerwho ;  writes: ' 8  #XXXX XX#.XXXXXX InDeuteronomy24:1wefindtheexplanationforthepermissiongivenMosesto   divorceoneswife.Whenhefoundinhiswifesome uncleannesswhichoccurred ! beforemarriage,hewasthenpermittedtogiveherawritingofdivorcementandsend " heroutofhishouse.ThisuncleannessiscalledfornicationintheNewTestament. # Beingunfaithfultothemarriagevowhasneverbeenoreverwillbegroundsfor $  divorce.LikeHosea,wearetoforgiveevenadultery.(Page3,Divorceand %l! Remarriage,HaroldB.Sightler)#XXXX.XX# XXXXXX&X"!!   Tothiswerespond,theuncleannessofDeuteronomy24:1isnotpremaritalfornicationor _(0!$ adulterybecauseifitwerethelawofDeuteronomy22:2124wouldapplyandtheoffenderswould K)"% bestonedtodeath. #XXXX XX# Theywouldnotbeallowedtodivorceandremarry.BrotherSightleriscorrect 7*#& whenhesaysthatbeingunfaithfultothemarriagevowsintheOldTestamentwasnogroundsfor #+#' divorce.Themarriagewasterminatedinawholelotfasterfashionthanadivorcecouldever ,$( accomplish.Theoffenderswerestonedtodeath!Thatiswhyabillofdivorcewasrequiredin / Deuteronomy24:1.Itwasinsuranceagainstgettingstonedtodeathforadultery!InDeuteronomy  24:14,thosegettingthedivorceweregrantedtherighttoremarry.Infact,thewomanthatwas   divorcedcouldgetremarriedanddivorcedagain!Aswehavealreadymentioned,themarginalnote   intheKingJamesBibleforDeuteronomy24:1shedssomelightontheinterpretationofthephrase    foundsomeuncleanness.TheKingJamesmarginalnotereferstoitasamatterofnakedness.In   otherwords,itwassomedefectthatcouldnotbeobserveduntilthewomanwasfoundnakedinthe   marriagebed. XXXXXXԀItisobviousthatDeuteronomy24:14hadawiderangeofinterpretationfromtheway  t thePhariseestriedtouseitintheirconfrontationwiththeLordJesusChristinMatthew19andMark ` 10.ThePhariseesinterpreteditofdivorcebeingjustifiedforeverycause.Unlikemanymodernday {L  preachers,pastors,andteacherstheyknewitdidnotapplytofornicationoradulteryandthe g8  confrontationbetweenthePhariseesandtheLordJesusChristinJohn8:39provesit.InJohn8,in S$  temptingtheLordJesusChrist,thePhariseesbroughtthewomancaughtinadulterytotheLordJesus ?  Christknowingthatunderthelawshehadtobestoned.TheywantedtoknowwhattheLordthought. +  Intheconfrontationthatensued,Heputthemontherunconvictingthemoutoftheirownmouths.   TheLordprobablywroteLeviticus20:10ontheground.TheLordJesusChristwantedtoknowwhere   themanwaswhoparticipatedintheactofadulterybecausehewassupposedtobestonedtodeath  also.    InourLordsresponsetothePhariseesinMatthew19,HeresetthelawformarriagetoGods  originalintentsetdowninGenesis2:24.Healsodoneawaywiththe foreverycausedivorceand  establishedfornicationasascripturallyjustgroundsfordivorce.Hereiswherethecontroversy p begins.IntheNewTestament,fornicationappliestoeverysexualsinunderthesunincluding \ adultery.Adulteryisanactoffornicationcommittedbytwopeopleatleastoneofwhomismarried. wH Wewouldreferyoubacktoourextensivediscussiononfornication.Thefornicationreferredtohere c4 isnotpremaritalsex. WhywouldtheLordallowadivorceforapresumedactofpremaritalsex O  andnotallowdivorceforanactsofadulteryand/orfornicationduringamarriage?? Theact ? ofadulteryand/orfornicationduringmarriagewouldbemuchmoredestructivetoarelationshipthan / anactofpremaritalsex.Again,forthoseofyouwhobelievethatadulteryisnotanactoffornication,   youneedtostudyEzekiel16indepthwhereactsofadulteryarecalledfornicationatleastthree ! differenttimes. WerealizethecontextofEzekiel16isspiritualfornication,butthatdoesnotchange ! itsapplicationtotheadulterythatisdescribedinthecontext. "   WhatmanyChristiansdoistotakeMark10:1112andLuke16:18aloneandusethemto # condemnanydivorceandtoteachadoctrineof perpetualadulteryforallthosethathavebeen $  divorcedandremarried.Thatisakintoneglecting1Thessalonians4:1318and1Corinthians15:51 %t! 58whentryingtoteachthescripturaldoctrineoftheraptureofthesaints(Church).Itdoesnotpresent &`" thewholecounselofGod.StillotherswilltakeMark10:1112,Luke16:18,Matthew5:32,and {'L # Matthew19:9anduseallofthem,butthendeliberatelyneglecttousethephrases savingforthe g(8!$ causeoffornicationinMatthew5:32and exceptitbeforfornicationinMatthew19:9.Manyalso S)$"% willdeliberatelyneglecttousethephrase andshallmarryanotherfromMatthew19:9.#XXXX XXv#Thatisa ?*#& criticalerrorininterpretation.Matthew19:310isgrantingtherightoftheinnocentpartyinadivorce ++#' todivorceandremarrywhentheirspouseisguiltyoffornication. Inotherwordsthecontextof ,$( Matthew19:310islawfuldivorceandremarriage.  XXXXXXԀConcerningtheexceptionclausesthe / InternationalStandardBibleEncyclopediahadthistosay:  8  #XXXX XXz# XXXXXX ` Why,then,willreasonstandbythisexception?Becauseadulteryisperse   destructiveofmonogamicfamilylife.Whoever,married,isguiltyofadulteryhas   takenanotherpersonintofamilyrelation.Childrenmaybeborntothatrelation"are   borntoit.Nottoallowdivorceinsuchcaseistoforceaninnocentpartyinmarriage   toliveinapolygamousstate.Thereistheissuestatedsoplainlythat thewayfaring  x manneednoterrtherein,and hewhorunsmayread,and hewhoreadsmayrun. d ItisthehandofanunerringMasterthathasmadefornicationagroundfordivorce P  fromthebondofmatrimonyandlimiteddivorcetothatsinglecause.Whicheverway k<  wedepartfromstrictpracticeundertheSaviorsdirectionwelandinpolygamy.The W(  societythatallowsbyitsstatutesdivorceforanyothercausethantheonethatbreaks C  themonogamicbond,issimplyactinginaidofpolygamy,consecutiveifnot /  contemporaneous.#XXXX XXR# XXXXXX[TheInternationalStandardBibleEncyclopedia#XXXX XXD# XXXXXX,Copyright1929,   JamesOrrGeneralEditor,VolumeII,page865] !!   NowletsgetbacktoHaroldSightlersassertionthatdivorceisneverpermissibleonthe  groundsofadultery.Whilethatmaysoundveryrighteous,#XXXX XX# nodivorce,everisnotthehistorical  positionnorisit XXXXXXԀthescripturalposition.#XXXX XX{#TheWestminsterConfessionof1646stated:  8  Adulteryorfornicationcommittedafteracontract,beingdetectedbeforemarriage, ` givesjustoccasiontotheinnocentpartytodissolvethatcontract.Inthecaseof {L adulteryaftermarriage,itislawfulfortheinnocentpartytosueoutadivorceand, g8 afterthedivorce,tomarryanother,asiftheoffendingpartyweredead.[Westminster S$ ConfessionOf1646,ChapterXXIV,SectionV]?!! MatthewHenry(1662-1714)hadthistosayaboutMatthew19:9   8   ` He[TheLordJesusChrist]settlesthepointbyanexpresslaw;Isayuntoyou ! (v.9);anditagreeswithwhathesaidbeforech.5:32);thereitwassaidinpreaching, " hereindispute,butitisthesame,forChristisconstanttohimself.Now,inboththese # places,(1.)Heallowsdivorce,incaseofadultery;thereasonofthelawagainstdivorce $  beingthis,Theytwoshallbeoneflesh.Ifthewifeplaytheharlot,andmakeherself %p! onefleshwithanadulterer,thereasonofthelawceases,andsodoesthelaw.Bythe &\" lawofMosesadulterywaspunishedwithdeath,Deu.22:22.NowourSaviour w'H # mitigatestherigourofthat,andappointsdivorcetobethepenalty.[MatthewHenrys c(4!$ CommentaryOnTheWholeBible,onMatthew19:9]O) "%!! MatthewPoole[(16241679)saidthisaboutMatthew19:9: '+#'  ,$( 8   ` WemetwiththelikedeterminationofourLordsuponthisquestionMatthew / 5:32,onlythereitwas(insteadofcommittethadultery)causethhertocommit  adultery,thatis,incaseshemarriedagain.HereourLordsaiththelikeofthe   husband:wehavethesame,Mark10:11Luke16:18.Thereasonisthis:Because   nothingbutadulterydissolvestheknotandbandofmarriage,thoughtheybethus   illegallyseparated,yetaccordingtothelawofGod,theyarestillmanandwife.Some   haveuponthesewordsmadeaquestionwhetheritbelawfulforthehusbandorthe   wifeseparatedforadulterytomarryagainwhileeachotherliveth.Astotheparty  t offending,itmaybeaquestion;butastotheinnocentpersonoffended,itisno ` question,fortheadulteryofthepersonoffendinghathdissolvedtheknotofmarriage {L  bytheDivinelaw.Itistruethattheknotcannotbedissolvedwithoutthefreedomof g8  bothpersonseachfromanother,butyetitseemethagainstreasonthatbothpersons S$  shouldhavethelikelibertytoasecondmarriage.For,? !! 8  1.TheadulteressisbyGodslawadeadwoman,andsoinnocapacitytoasecond   marriage. !! 8  2.Itisunreasonablethatsheshouldmakeanadvantageofherownsinanderror.!! 8  3.Thismightbetheoccasionofadultery,togiveawickedpersonalegallibertyto  satisfyanextravagantlust.p!! 8  Butfortheinnocentperson,itisasunreasonablethatheorsheshouldbepunishedfor wH thesinofanother.ButwhatourSavioursaithhere,andintheotherparalleltexts,is c4 undoubtedlytobeunderstoodofhusbandsandwivesputawaynotforadultery,but O  forotherlightandtrivialcauses,forwhichbythelawofGodnodivorceisallowed. ;  [SeeMatthewPoolesCommentaryOnTheHolyBible,Volume3,pages88and89]'!!  MatthewHenryandMatthewPoolealsobelievedthat1Corinthians7:15grantedanotherscriptural   causefordivorceandthatbeingdesertion. XXXXXXԀWewillquotethosecommentslater.BrotherKarlBaker ! hadthistosayconcerningMatthew19:  " 8   ` #XXXX XXu#Ԛ Tryingtokeepthechurchespulpits purebypreachingagainstdouble $  marriedpreachersattheexpenseofdoctrinaltruthisnomoreeffectivethanthe %l! Phariseestryingtocleanuptheoutsideofthecupandplatter,whentheinsideisfull &X" ofextortionandexcess...Firstofall,JesussaidthatbecauseofthePharisees s'D # perversionofDeuteronomy24;topreservethespiritualintentofGodsmercytothose _(0!$ whoaremarriedthatfoundthemselvesjoinedtoanunfaithfulspouse,theallowance K)"% ofdivorceunderthegroundsoffornication(whichalsoincludedadultery,readthe 7*#& dictionary)wouldbethe only acceptableactthatconstitutedanannulmentofthe #+#' marriagebondageunderthelaw.Itisnottherightoftheguiltypartytoinstigatethe ,$( divorceproceedings(seethestatementunderthestatutesoflawinindex). [The / Marriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,pages9899]  XXXXXX!! 8   ` #XXXX XX# Therefore,Matthew19istobeunderstoodtomeanwhatourLordplainly   statedinthefirstplace:alawfulmeansbywhichoneisallowedbythegraceofGod   toputawayanunfaithfulspouse.WearetointerpretitasourLordspecified[as]the   reliefofaninnocentpartyinasituationwherethehearthasbeenhardenedagainstthe   spouseforviolatingthemarriagebondsbyfornication.Theapplicationisthis:  t reconciliationistobemadeforalloffenseswithoneexception!fornication(andthat ` isnotacommandment,itisanoptionforthereliefofabrokenspirit!)...Theputting {L  awayhastobedonebytheinnocentpartyandiftheaccusationoffornicationistrue, g8  theLordwillhonortheinnocentbyallowingthedivorceandmarriageagain. [The S$  Marriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,page110]  XXXXXX? !!   Inclosingthissectiononadulteryasascripturalgroundsfordivorce,wehaveprovedthat   adulteryisascripturalgroundsfordivorceandremarriage.Throughoutthisbookwehavequoted,   andwillcontinuetoquote,numerousauthorsontheissuesthatarebeforeus,butthoseauthorsdo  notdetermineourdoctrine.WehavealsolookedatmanyBibledictionariesandcommentariesNOT  todeterminewhereweshouldstandontheseissues,buttoseewherevarious greatmenofGod  stoodontheseissues.Whatwecantellyouisthatitisamixedbagwithmany greatmenofGod  comingdownonoppositesidesoftheissue.#XXXX XX> # XXXXXXWearenotmockinghere.Weknowmanygreat p preachersthatwedisagreewithonthisissuethatwehavedrivenhundredsofmilestohearpreach. \ WhilewehavenevermetBrotherKarlBaker,weprettymuchagreewithalmosteverythingthathe wH saysinhisbook TheMarriageandDivorceControversy.Itwashisbookthatmotivatedusto c4 searchthewholecounselofGodontheseissues.Boywerewesurprised!Thebottomlineisthis: O  WhatdoestheBiblesay! ;  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX@w w  DESERTIONASASCRIPTURALGROUNDFORDIVORCE    #XXXX XX,#  MatthewHenryhadthistosayaboutdesertionasascripturalgroundfordivorceand ! remarriage: " 8   ` TheChristiancallingdidnotdissolvethemarriagecovenant,butbinditthe $  faster,bybringingitbacktotheoriginalinstitution,limitingittotwopersons,and %l! bindingthemtogetherforlife.ThebelieverisnotbyfaithinChristloosedfrom &X" matrimonialbondstoanunbeliever,butisatonceboundandmadeapttobeabetter s'D # relative.But,thoughabelievingwifeorhusbandshouldnotseparatefroman _(0!$ unbelievingmate,yetiftheunbelievingrelativedesertthebeliever,andnomeanscan K)"% reconciletoacohabitation,insuchacaseabrotherorsisterisnotinbondage(v.15), 7*#& nottieduptotheunreasonablehumour,andboundservilelytofolloworcleavetothe #+#' maliciousdeserter,ornotboundtoliveunmarriedafterallpropermeansfor ,$( reconciliationhavebeentried,atleastofthedesertercontractanothermarriageorbe / guiltyofadultery,whichwasaveryeasysupposition,becauseaverycommon  instanceamongtheheatheninhabitantsofCorinth.Insuchacasethedesertedperson   mustbefreetomarryagain,anditisgrantedonallhands.Andsomethinkthatsuch   amaliciousdesertionisasmuchadissolutionofthemarriage-covenantasdeathitself.   Forhowisitpossiblethatthetwoshallbeonefleshwhentheoneismaliciouslybent   topartfromorputawaytheother?Indeed,thedeserterseemsstillboundbythe   matrimonialcontract;andthereforetheapostlesays(v.11),Ifthewomandepartfrom  t herhusbandupontheaccountofhisinfidelity,letherremainunmarried.Butthe ` desertedpartyseemstobeleftmoreatliberty(Imeansupposingallthepropermeans {L  havebeenusedtoreclaimthedeserter,andothercircumstancesmakeitnecessary)to g8  marryanotherperson.Itdoesnotseemreasonablethattheyshouldbestillbound, S$  whenitisrenderedimpossibletoperformconjugaldutiesorenjoyconjugalcomforts, ?  throughthemerefaultoftheirmate:insuchacasemarriagewouldbeastateof +  servitudeindeed.[MatthewHenryCommentaryOnTheWholeBible,on1   Corinthians7:15]d !!   dMatthewPoolehadthistosayaboutdesertionasascripturalgroundfordivorceand  remarriage:  8   ` Iftheunbelievinghusbandortheunbelievingwifewillleavehisorher p correlate,thatis,soleavethemastoreturnnomoretoliveasahusbandorasawife \ withherorhimthatisChristian,lethimdepart.Suchapersonhathbrokenthebond wH ofmarriage,andinsuchcasesChristiansarenotunderbondage,theyarenottiedby c4 lawtofetchthemagain,norbythelawsofGodtokeepthemselvesunmarriedfor O  theirperverseness.Butitmaybeobjected,thatnothingbutadultery,bytheDivine ;  law,breakeththatbond.'!! 8   ` Answer.Thatisdenied.Nothingbutadulteryisajustifiablecauseofdivorce:   nomanmayputawayhiswife,noranywifeputawayherhusband,butforadultery.   Butthehusbandsvoluntaryleavinghiswife,orthewifesvoluntaryleavingher ! husband,witharesolutiontoreturnnomoretothem,breaksalsothebondof " marriage,frustratingitastotheendsforwhichGodhathappointedit;and,afterall # duemeansusedtobringagainthepartydepartingtotheirduty,dothcertainlyfreethe $  correlate.Sothatalthoughnothingcanjustifyrepudiation,orputtingawayawifeor %l! ahusband,andmarryinganother,buttheadulteryofthepersonsodivorcedand &X" repudiated;yetthedepartureeitherofhusbandorwifewithouttheothersconsentfor s'D # alongtime,andrefusaltoreturnafterallduemeansused,especiallyifthepartyso _(0!$ goingawaydothitoutofahatredandabominationoftheothersreligion,willjustify K)"% thepersonssodeserted,afterduewaitinganduseofmeanstoreducehimorherto 7*#& theirduty,whollytocastoffthepersondeserting;fornoChristianinsuchacase,by #+#' Godslaw,isunderbondage.[SeeMatthewPoolesCommentaryOnTheHoly ,$( Bible,Volume3,page560]/!!   BrotherKarlBakerhadthistosayabout1Corinthians7andthedoctrineofdesertion:   8  d ` d Areyougoingtosay,thatwhenPaulsaidin1Corinthians7, Abrotheror   sisterisnotunderbondageinsuchcases,buttheLordhathcalledustopeace    doesnotmean,becauseofthedesertionoftheunbeliever,Godisnotfreeing(loosed,   Ibelieveitsaysinverse27)youfromthebondageofmarriage?Why,thewhole  x contextofthechapteristhecommandmentsconcerningmarriage! [TheMarriage& d DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,page101]  XXXXXXP !!     BrotherHaroldSightlerhadthistosayaboutwhetherdesertionisascripturalbasisfor W(  divorce: C  8   ` #XXXX XX)#.XXXXXXDivorceisneverpermissibleonthegroundsofdesertion.Thishappensmany   times.Husbandorwifewillsimplywalkaway.Theywilldesertoneanother.Iknow   thelawsofourstatewillpermitdivorceonthisgroundbuttheBibleknowsnothing  ofdivorceonsuchgrounds.(Page5,DivorceandRemarriage,HaroldB.Sightler#XXXX.XX*#.XXXXXX) #XXXX.XX,# XXXXXX!! ButdoesHaroldSightlersstatementlineupwithwhattheBibleteachesongroundsfordivorce?  Thatisthequestionthatweanswernext.Isdesertionascripturalgroundfordivorce? t #XXXX XX-#  Whataboutthemanorwomanwhodesertstheirmateandnevergetsadivorce,butlivesa ` lifeoffornication.IsntitungodlytokeepaChristianbrotherorsisterinbondagetoamatewhois {L consortingwiththeDevilbyrubbingfornicationintheChristiansface.Isntitungodlytocontinue g8 infellowshipwithamatewhoisinopenfornicationwhenGodhascommandedChristianstoseparate S$ fromtheunfruitfulworksofdarkness.Isntitungodlytocontinueinfellowshipwithamatewhois ? inopenfornicationwhenGodhascommandedChristiansNOTtokeepcompanywithanymanthat + iscalledabrotherwhoisafornicator:howmuchmoresoanunbelievingmate.Thiscreatesabig   problemforthosewhomaintainthatadulteryisasecondceremonyandnotanactoffornication. ! Callingthemarriageceremonyadulteryallowstheunsavedmatetolivealicentiouslifestylewithout ! beingheldaccountableforit.Whenyouwillnotallowascripturaldivorceincasesofadulteryand " desertionyouarepunishingtheinnocentpartyforthesinofanother.Adulteryisnotaceremony. # Adulteryisan actoffornication byamarriedperson.Ifadulteryandfornicationareforgivablesins, $  thenhowisitthatdivorceisanunforgivablesin??Youwilldenythatyoubelievedivorceisan %t! unforgivablesin,butthatisnotwhattheapplicationofyourdoctrinescreams.Ifmydoctrinecreates &`" ahugeconflictwithanotherBiblicaldoctrine,Ihadbetterbeadjustingmydoctrinetolineupwith {'L # theScriptures.WhentheapplicationofOURlawconflictswithGodslawandGodsmercyand g(8!$ grace,thenweneedtocheckourlawagainsttheScriptures.Whenyourdoctrinewillnotallowfor S)$"% divorcewheretheScripturesallowforit,thenyousubvertandhijackthemercyandgraceofGodin ?*#& thelifeofaninnocentbelieverwhohasbeengrievouslyinjuredbyanactoftreacheryonthepartof ++#' anunfaithfulmate. XXXXXXԀThisleadsustoourthirdgroundfordivorce. ,$(   Ourthirdgroundforascripturaldivorceisanactofdesertionwherebyanunbelieverrejects / anddesertsabelievingspouse.Abelievercannotdesertanunbelievingspouseandremarry.Ifa  believerdesertsanunbelievingspousetheymustremainUNMARRIED(divorced).Youcannotbe   unmarriedwithoutadivorce.Theargumentfordesertionbeingascripturalgroundfordivorceis   basedmostlyupon1Corinthianschapter7whichwedealwithinthenextfewparagraphs.Wewould   encourageyoutoreadourchapterinthisbookon1Corinthianschapter7.Therearegenerallyfour   argumentspresentedagainstusingdesertionasascripturalgroundfordivorce:(1)Theyinterpretthe   word unmarriedinverse11tomeanseparation;(2)Theysayyouputyourselfinasupposed  t impossiblepositionoftryingtoestablishwhoisunbelievinginverse15;(3)Theyaccuseyouof ` believingthatGodchangespositionsfromverse11toverse15andthenchangesHispositionagain {L  inverse2728andthenbackagaininverse39;(4)TheyaccuseyouofcontradictingtheLordJesus g8  ChristwhosaidinMatthewthattheonlygroundsfordivorcewasfornication.Letsdealwiththeidea S$  of unmarriedbeinginterpretedas separated. ?    Doestheword unmarriedinverse11meanseparation? Whatislegallycalledseparation +  cannotexistinanunmarried,orinotherwords,adivorcedstate.Separationdoesnotfitinthecontext   of1Corinthianschapter7.ThattheHolyGhostisdefiningdivorceasbeingunmarriedisclearly   statedinthecontextof1Corinthians7:1011.Alegalseparationisnotadivorce.Itenablesyouto  liveseparatelybuttoremainlegallymarried.Alegalseparationcomesviaasecularcourtorderand  isnowherefoundintheScriptures.#XXXX XX`7# XXXXXXManytrytoinferitfrom1Corinthians7:1011,butthoseverses  plainlystatethatthedepartedspouseisunmarried,notseparated.Attheriskofbeingaccusedof  tautology,unmarriedmeans notmarried:unmarrieddoesnotmeanseparated.Unmarriedapplies t tothosewhohaveneverbeenmarriedandtothosewhohavebeenmarriedbutarenolongermarried ` becauseofdeathordivorce.Theonlyreasonweevenaddresstheissueoflegalseparationhereis {L becausesomeunscripturallycallthe unmarriedof1Corinthians7:1011 theseparatedinan g8 attempttoeliminatedesertionasascripturalgroundfordivorce.#XXXX XXc@# XXXXXXԀInthecontext,unmarriedmeansnot S$ havingasexualrelationshipwithanotherpersonandtherebymakingthemyourspouse.Thatchokes ? thosewhorefusetoacknowledgethescripturaldefinitionofmarriageasbecomingonefleshwithout + thenecessityofaceremony.FirstCorinthians7:1011isarestatementofthelawandrunsparallel   toRomans7:14.Romans7:14isnotaboutdivorceandremarriage,butisaboutlivinginan ! adulterousstate. #XXXX XXC#.XXXXXX DivorceandremarriagehavetobereadintoRomans7:14becausetheyarenot ! statedorimpliedinthecontext.#XXXX.XXF# XXXXXXԀNow,letsreadRomans7:14: " 8  Romans7:14$ !! 8  1Knowyenot,brethren,(forIspeaktothemthatknowthelaw,)howthatthelaw %p! hathdominionoveramanaslongasheliveth?2Forthewomanwhichhathan &\" husbandisboundbythelawtoherhusbandsolongasheliveth;butifthehusband w'H # bedead,sheisloosedfromthelawofherhusband.3Sothenif,whileherhusband c(4!$ liveth,shebemarriedtoanotherman,sheshallbecalledanadulteress:butifher O) "% husbandbedead,sheisfreefromthatlaw;sothatsheisnoadulteress,thoughshebe ;* #& marriedtoanotherman.#XXXX XXF# XXXXXX4UKUS.,ԀWherefore,mybrethren,yealsoarebecomedeadtothelaw '+#' bythebodyofChrist;thatyeshouldbemarriedtoanother,US.,UK.,DJUKUS.,evenUS.,UK.,KUKUS.,Ԁtohimwhoisraised ,$( fromthedead,thatweshouldbringforthfruituntoGod.US.,UK.,3K#XXXX XXJ# XXXXXX8@!! / 8 `  !! #XXXX XXK#  Here,wecanplainlyseethatthelawofdeathinmarriageisbeingusedtoshowthatthe   believersdeathtothelawthroughtheresurrectionoftheLordJesusChristbrokeourmarriagewith   SatansothatwecouldandshouldbemarriedtotheLordJesusChrist.Thatistheapplicationofthe   text,butifwearegoingtouseitinthecontextofadebateoradiscussiononmarriage,thenweneed   torightlydivideitaccordingtotheOldTestamentlawsofmarriageanddivorceandnotreadour   doctrineintoit.Ifyoureadyourdoctrineintoit,wecallthataddingtothewordofGod(Revelation  t 22:1819).NoticethattheRomans7:2says, womanwhichhathanhusband,and herhusband. ` Whatisthistextpicturing?Thepictureisofawomanmarriedtooneman,whocommitsadultery. {L  UndertheMosaicLaw,shewouldnowbestonedforcommittingadultery;therewouldbeno g8  remarriageforher.Nowhereinthiscontextisdivorce/remarriagementioned.Why?Becausea S$  divorcedwomannolongerhasahusband.Hermarriageisover.Thepicturehereisofadultery,not ?  adivorce/remarriagesituation.Itreallyisthatsimple.Thistexthasnothingtodowithremarriage. +   XXXXXXThebindingofthelawreferstotheirmarriageandtheloosingfromthelawreferstothebreakingof   themaritalbondinthiscasethroughdeath.Theloosingfromthelawofaspousealsotakesplacein   ascripturaldivorcewhichisthewholepointofDeuteronomy24:14.Thatloosingallowsremarriage  whichisthewholepointofverses2and3whereabillofdivorcementisgiven.Thatisalsowhatthe  meaningofboundandloosedisin1Corinthians7:15,and27wherewesee:  8  #XXXX XXR# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:15p!! 8  UKUS.,15US.,UK., UUKUS.,ԀButiftheunbelievingdepart,lethimdepart.Abrotherorasisterisnotunder \ bondageinsuchUS.,UK.,=UUKUS.,casesUS.,UK.,UUKUS.,:butGodhathcalledustopeace.US.,UK.,VwH!! #XXXX XXT# XXXXXX8  #XXXX XXV# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:2728O !! 8  27Artthoubounduntoawife?seeknottobeloosed.Artthouloosedfromawife? ;  seeknotawife.28Butandifthoumarry,thouhastnotsinned;andifavirginmarry, ' shehathnotsinned.Neverthelesssuchshallhavetroubleintheflesh:butIspareyou. !!   Itisalreadyanestablishedscripturalfactthatnosinisinvolvedwhenapersonremarriesafter ! thedeathofamate.So,verse27cannotbereferringtoawidoworawidower.Verse27isreferring " generallytoallthoseinverses1526.Thosethathavesufferedthedeathofamateareaddressedin # theclosingtwoversesof1Corinthians7,verses39and40.#XXXX XXV# XXXXXXԀBrotherKarlBakerhadthistosayabout $  1Corinthians7:2728: %l! 8  #XXXX XXwZ# ` Donotseekawife,but,ifyoudomakesureitisintheLord(verse39)and s'D # youhavenotsinnedifyoudo(verse28)!...Cantyouseein1Corinthians7:15with _(0!$ verse27,thecrossreferenceofRomans7:2thatsays boundandthensays loosed K)"% withverse2andthensays freeinverse3?Freetodowhat!staysingle?1 7*#& Corinthians7:27saysthatifyouareloosedfromawife,andthatincludesverse15, #+#' seeknotawife! Butandifthoumarry,thouhastnotsinned:andifavirgin ,$( marry,shehathnotsinned.Nevertheless,suchshallhavetroubleinthefleshbut / Ispareyou (verse28).  XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XXM^#[TheMarriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,page96] XXXXXX!!   Whatisclearlyestablishedin1Corinthians7:2728isthatitisnotasintoremarryifthere   werescripturalgroundsfordivorce.Thatscripturalgroundsisestablishedherein1Corinthians7by   thedesertionofanunbelievingmate.#XXXX XX^#Inmostcases,thedeserting,unsavedmatewillhaveasexual   relationshipwithapartythatisnottheirspouse(marry)anotherandloose(release)thesavedvictim   frombeingbound(married)totheunsaveddeserter.Thisactofadulterywouldgivethesavedvictim  x anadditionalgroundforascripturaldivorce.  XXXXXXԀAroughparallelcanbedrawnbetweenthedivorces d allowedforthedesertionofunbelievingmatesintheNewTestamentandthedivorcesallowedfor P  thestrangewivesthatIsraelhadtakenfromthepagansintheirdaythatweredocumentedinEzra k<  chapter10.Thatroughparallelexistsinthefactthatinbothcasesbelieverswereorderedand/or W(  allowedtobedivorcedfromtheirunbelievingspouses.TheactionsthatweretakeninEzrachapter C  10provethatdivorceisnotalwaysasinbecausethosedivorcesweresanctionedbyGodHimself. /    Wealsowanttoemphasizeherethatifthebelieverdesertstheunbelievertheyareboundto   remainunmarried,orbereconciledto,totheirformerspouseuntiltheirformerspouseeitherdies,   getsremarried,orsexuallyconsummatesanotherrelationship.BrotherKarlBakerhasthistosay  concerningthismatter:  8   ` #XXXX XXa# Beforeweleave1Corinthians7,Iwouldliketosaythis;indealingwith  desertion,itisonlythedesertionoftheunsaved.Goddoesntexpectustotake t advantageofhisgracesorpervertthem.WhentwoChristianshavetroubleandone ` departs,itisnotverse15,butverses1011thattheyfallunder!reconciliation.  XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XXg#[The {L Marriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,page102] XXXXXXg8!! #XXXX XXxh#d XXXXXX   dIsittruethatweputourselvesinanimpossiblepositionifwetrytoestablishwhoisan ? unbelieverinlinewith1Corinthians7:15? #XXXX XXh#ԀWehavehearditstatedthatifweinterpretthedesertion + of1Corinthians7:15and1Corinthians7:2728asanothergroundsfordivorcethatweareputinthe   untenablepositionoftryingtodiscernifanindividualisabeliever.Itissometimesphrasedinthis ! manner: ! 8   ` Iftheabandonmentbyanunbelievingspouseisgroundsfordivorce,weface # theunenviableresponsibilityofdeterminingwhetherthedepartingspouseis $  redeemed.Whileevidencecanbeprocuredtoshowdefinitivelythataspousehasbeen %t! unfaithfulwewillhaveahardtimeprovingthatanygivenindividualisan &`" unbeliever.  XXXXXX{'L #!! Or,itisphrasedlikethis: S)$"% 8   ` #XXXX XXl#Further,tosee abandonmentbytheunbelievingspouseasgroundsfor ++#' divorceputsusinthesituationoftryingtodeterminewhetherthedepartingspouseis ,$( born-again.  XXXXXX/!!   Statementslikethesebegthequestion.Ifwecannotwithsomedegreeofcertaintydetermine   whetherapersonissaved,thenwhywouldtheHolyGhostusethephrase iftheunbelievingdepart.   Ithastomeanthatwecanconcludethatanindividualisunsavedbasedupontheirconductortheir   words.Whilewecannotjudgeapersonsheart,wearechargedtobaseourcontinuingfullfellowship   withourfamilies,ourfriends,andthosearoundusuponwhethertheyarebelievers.#XXXX XXn# XXXXXXԀThischargeis   giventousin2Corinthians6:1415whereweread:  t 8  #XXXX XX*q# XXXXXX2Corinthians6:1415{L !! 8  UKUS.,14US.,UK.,GrUKUS.,ԀBeyenotunequallyyokedtogetherwithunbelievers:forwhatfellowshiphath g8  righteousnesswithunrighteousness?andwhatcommunionhathlightwithdarkness? S$  US.,UK.,xrUKUS.,15US.,UK.,osUKUS.,ԀAndwhatconcordhathChristwithBelial?orwhatparthathhethatbelievethwith ?  aninfidel?US.,UK.,s+ !! #XXXX XXq# XXXXXXWhilewecannotjudgeapersonsheart#XXXX XXt# XXXXXX,wecanjudgetheirfruits.Ifwedonothavesomebasisupon   whichtodetermineifapersonisabeliever,thenwecannothaveanyassuranceofbeingabletoobey  anycommandmenttoseparatefromunbelievers.Thesameprincipleofinterpretation,or  hermeneutics,appliestotheinterpretationof1Corinthians7:15.#XXXX XXt# XXXXXXԀTherefore,wecanwithsomedegree  ofcertaintydeterminewhetheranindividualissaved.    Ifweinterpret1Corinthians7toallowdivorcesincaseofdesertion,dowebelievethat \ Godchangespositionsfromverse11toverse15andthenchangesHispositionagaininverses wH 2728andagaininverse39? #XXXX XXv# XXXXXXԀTheanswertothatquestionisthatweknowforsurethatGoddoes c4 notchangepositions,butwealsoknowforsurethathechangespersonsthroughout1Corinthians7. S$ WhatwehavehereisanissueofrightlydividingtheWordofTruth.#XXXX XXx#ԀInverses10and11,weare ? talkingaboutbelievingspouseswhodeserttheirunbelievingspouses.Whenbelievingspousesdesert + unbelievingspouses,thebelievingspousemustremainunmarried(divorced)becausebelieversare   subjecttothelaw.Incaseswherebelieversdesertunbelievers,thebelievercannotremarryuntilsuch ! timeastheunbelievingspouseeithercommitsadulteryorremarries.Inverses1215thesubject ! switchestounbelievingspouses XXXXXXԀwhodeserttheirbelievingspouses.Whentheunbelievingspouse " desertsthebelievingspouse,thebelievingspouse#XXXX XX|# XXXXXXԀisloosedfromthebondageofthelawandmay # divorceandremarry.Inthesecasestheunbelievingspousesarenotsubjecttothelaw,neitherindeed $  can.#XXXX XX|# XXXXXXԀInverses2728thefocushasswitchedbacktoamixedgroupofpeoplethatincludessaved, %p! unmarriedfolksincludingthedivorcedandvirginsthataretoldthatiftheymarrytheyhavenot &\" sinned.Verses3940aredealingwithsavedwidows.#XXXX XX}# XXXXXX w'H # #XXXX XX3# XXXXXX   DowecontradicttheLordJesusChristwhenweallowdivorceonthegroundof c(4!$ desertionwhenHesaidexceptitbeforfornication? Whatwehaveinthisquestionisadenialof O) "% thedoctrineofprogressiverevelationasitrelatestomarriage,divorce,andremarriage.Whilethe ?*#& questioncouldbedealtwithdispensationally,thereisnoneedtowhenitisobviouslyamatterof ++#' progressiverevelation.#XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀWhilemanywillallowfor,andevenpromote,thedoctrineofprogressive ,$( revelationinBibleProphecy,Salvation,theScriptures,andotherdoctrines,theydenythatitcanbe / appliedtothedoctrinesofmarriage,divorce,andremarriage.Thatcreatesamajorproblemforthose  whotrytoapplylawswrittenstrictlyfortheJewstotheGentiles.Theoriginalbiblicaldoctrinesof   marriage,divorce,andremarriage#XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀwerelawsthatwerewrittenfortheJewishpeopleinasocietythat   wasactivelyregulatedandcontrolledbythefivebooksofthelaw.TheGentileswerenotsubjectto   thatlaw.InMatthew5andMatthew19,theLordJesusChristoverrodeandpermanentlychanged   someOldTestamentJewishlawsthathadbeeninexistenceforthousandsofyears.Thatwashis   prerogativebecauseheistheAuthorandGodofthelawandtheScriptures.TheLordJesusChrist  t eliminatedthe foreverycausedivorceinterpretationofthePhariseesthathadprobablyexistedsince ` shortlyafterDeuteronomy24:14waswrittenbecausemansnaturaltendencyistopervertthelaw {L  tofeedhiswickedflesh.TheLordJesusChristalsoeliminatedthedeathpenaltyforfornicationand g8  adulterythathadexistedforthousandsofyears.Wasthatamatterofcontradictionalso?No,itwas S$  amatterofprogressiverevelation.NotealsothattheLordJesusChristwasdealingwithnothingbut ?  JewsinMatthew5andMatthew19.ThegospelwastogoforthtoJewandGentile.TheLordJesus +  ChristalsoknewthattheGospelwouldbegoingforthtotheGentilenationsthathadnottheruleof   theJewishlaw.HealsoknewthatmanynewlyconvertedChristianswouldbedesertedbytheir   unbelievingspousesastheGospelwassentforthtoalltheearth.Whatwehavehereisanothercase  ofpharisaicalmenfindingtheswordsamongtheplowsharesandviceversaandcallingita  contradictionbecauseitdoesnotfittheirdoctrine.ItwasnotsomescribeorPhariseethatmadethe  followingstatements:8  k k 8  p\#XXXX XX# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:1011p!! 8  p\UKUS.,10US.,UK.,eUKUS.,ԀAnduntothemarriedIcommand,US.,UK.,UKUS.,yetUS.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀnotI,buttheLord,Letnotthewifedepart p fromUS.,UK.,UKUS.,herUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁhusband:US.,UK.,UKUS.,11US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀButandifshedepart,letherremainunmarried,orbereconciled \ toUS.,UK.,*UKUS.,herUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Ԁhusband:andletnotthehusbandputawayUS.,UK.,UKUS.,hisUS.,UK.,?UKUS.,Ԁwife.US.,UK.,qwH!! #XXXX XX# XXXXXX8  c4O #XXXX XX# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:15c4!! 8  c 4O UKUS.,15US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀButiftheunbelievingdepart,lethimdepart.Abrotherorasisterisnotunder c 4 bondageinsuchUS.,UK.,UKUS.,casesUS.,UK.,UKUS.,:butGodhathcalledustopeace.US.,UK.,ɑO! !! #XXXX XXJ# XXXXXX8  ;# '##XXXX XXZ# XXXXXX1Corinthians7:2728;# !! 8  ;$ '$UKUS.,27US.,UK.,5UKUS.,ԀArtthoubounduntoawife?seeknottobeloosed.Artthouloosedfromawife? ;$  seeknotawife.US.,UK.,fUKUS.,28US.,UK., UKUS.,ԀButandifthoumarry,thouhastnotsinned;andifavirginmarry, '%  shehathnotsinned.Neverthelesssuchshallhavetroubleintheflesh:butIspareyou.US.,UK.,<_&!!! _#XXXX XX# XXXXXXItwasGodtheHolyGhostthatmadethosestatements.ThoughitwasnotsomescribeorPhariseethat ' # madetheabovestatements,itisalwaysabunchofscribesandPhariseesthatwilldenythem.Wehave (!$ heardmanymentwistandcontortthewordsunmarried,bondage,bound,andloosedin1Corinthians )"% 7intothemostmangledverbalmesswehaveeverheard.Theywouldputmostpropagandiststo *#& shame.ItmakesyouwonderifEnglishistheirfirstlanguage.Ifyouhaveaprobleminterpretingthe +l$' wordsboundandloosed,goandlookagainatRomans7:14forthecontextualdefinitionthatisthe / sameasitisin1Corinthians7.Thereasonsomehaveaproblemwiththispassageisbecausethey  seeanapparentcontradictionwiththewordsoftheLordJesusChristthatissomewhatdifficultto   explainwithouttheapplicationoftheLawsofProgressiveRevelationandProgressiveMention.What   wehavein1Corinthians7isnotacontradictionofthewordsoftheLordJesusChrist,butrather   furtherrevelationonthedoctrineofmarriage,divorce,andremarriage#XXXX XX}# XXXXXXԀbytheHolyGhost.Itisan   additiontothedoctrineofmarriage,divorce,andremarriage#XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀbytheHolyGhost.   #XXXX XXa# XXXXXX@  REMARRIAGEAFTERDEATHANDDIVORCE  ` #XXXX XX̛#  Whenthescripturalconditionsaregivenallowingfordivorceandremarriage,innocaseis g8  aceremonystatedorimplied.Itisassumedthatthemarriageismadeandbrokenbyasexualact. XXXXXXIn S$  thecaseofabrokenmarriage,abillofdivorcementwasrequired.#XXXX XX>#.XXXXXXWearegoingtoturntosome ?  commentsmadebyBrotherHaroldSightler.Wewillbrieflyrefutehiscommentsandthenmoveonto +  adeeperanalysisofthewholeissueofremarriage.BrotherHaroldSightlersaid:   8   ` InMatthew19:89;Mark10:1112;Luke16:18,thegroundsfordivorceis  only fornication;andtheremarriageofthedivorcedpersonisforbidden.Andletus  rememberthatthisistheONLYgroundsuponwhichonemayscripturallydivorce.  (Page7,DivorceandRemarriage,HaroldB.Sightler#XXXX.XXڝ#.XXXXXX) Ԁ Ѡ#XXXX.XX#.XXXXXX!!   Luke16:18doesnotincludefornicationasagroundsfordivorce,butfornicationisincluded ` asagroundsfordivorceinMatthew19:89andMark10:1112.#XXXX.XX# XXXXXXInascripturaldivorce,thepermission {L toremarryisgrantedbythebillofdivorcement.ThetopicunderdiscussioninMatthew19andMark g8 10wasdivorceand remarriage .TherewasnoquestioninthewordsoftheLordJesusChristthat S$ fornicationwasascriptural(lawful)groundfordivorce.TheLordJesusChristmadeitsohimself C whenhesaidamarriedwomancouldfornicateandthatitwasgroundsfordivorce.Theanswerofthe / LordJesusChristmadeitlawfulfortheinnocentpartytoremarrywhentheirspousewasguiltyof   fornication.TheLordJesusChristmadeitplainthatifanyonemarriedapersonthathadbeenput ! awayforfornicationthentheythemselveswereguiltyofadultery.#XXXX XX:#.XXXXXXԀBrotherHaroldSightleralsosaid: ! 8   ` Thequestionisoftenasked,Whycannottheinnocentpartyremarryafter # divorcingaccordingtothescripture?Lookagaincarefullyatthepassageabove, $  Matthew19:89, Whosoevershallputawayhiswifeexceptitbeforfornication,and %t! shallmarryanother,committethadultery.Thisistheinnocentmanwhosewifeisput &`" awayforfornicationwhoisforbiddentoremarry.Ifwerereadthepassagesfrom {'L # Romans7:23andICorinthians7:1012aswellasthepassagesinGenesiswhich g(8!$ refertotheorigin,purposeandsacrednessofthemarriagerelation,wemustconclude S)$"% thatitwasneverinthemindofGod,nordiditoccurtoJesuswhenHeexplainedthe ?*#& mattertothePharisees,thatremarriagecouldbepermitted.(Pages78,Divorceand ++#' Remarriage,HaroldB.Sightler#XXXX.XXɥ#.XXXXXX)#XXXX.XX%# .XXXXXX,$(!! Ї  Theinnocentmanis NOT forbiddentoremarry.ThisinterpretationbyBrotherHarold / Sightlerisjustplainwrong.TheconceptofremarriagedidoccurtotheLordJesusChristbecausehe  usedtheword remarryinHisresponsetothePharisees.WhenthePhariseescametotheLordJesus   ChristinMatthew19,theirwholefallaciousargumentwasbaseduponalicentiousinterpretationof   Deuteronomy24:14.ThecontextofthequestionthatthePhariseesaskedplainlyincludeddivorce   ANDremarriage:twice,infact.ReadDeuteronomy24:23againandagainveryslowlyandvery   carefully.TheLordJesusChristinhisanswertothePhariseesalsoansweredtheirquestioninthe   contextof puttingawayANDshallmarryanother(remarry).InHisresponsetothePharisees,not  x onlydidtheLordJesusChristdoawaywiththe foreverycausedivorceinterpretation,butHealso d overrodetheOldTestamentdeathpenaltyrequiredforadulteryfromLeviticus20:10and P  Deuteronomy22:2124.BrotherSightlergoesontosay: k<  8   ` Tomarrythesecondtimeiswrongandsinful....Itisbetter,beloved,tobeon C  thesafesideandnottoguessatthewillofGodorriskdisobedience.(Page8, /  DivorceandRemarriage,HaroldB.Sightler#XXXX.XXn#.XXXXXX) #XXXX.XX#.XXXXXXԀ !!   TheBiblenowheresaysthatitiswrongandsinfultomarryasecondtime.Thathastoberead  intotheBiblethroughtheprismofsomeonesdoctrinalbias.Itisbaseduponthefalseideasthatboth  partiestoadivorcearealwayswrong,thatGoddoesnotallowdivorceunderanycircumstances,and  thatGoddoesnotallowremarriage.#XXXX.XXM# XXXXXXԀItisbetternottodoanythinglessordoanythingmorethanwhat  theScripturesrequirethanitistoriskaddingtoortakingawayfromtheWordofGodbyyielding t totheunscripturalprejudicesandfearsofmen.Yieldingtotheprejudicesandfearsofmenisthe ` sourceofmuchheresyandapostasyintheChurch.Thatiswhywedemandaliteralinterpretationof {L theScriptures.WhenwedonotyieldtothewholecounselofGodonaparticularsubject,werisk g8 disobedience,apostasy,andheresy. S$ #XXXX XXK#  Returningtotheissueoffornicationasitrelatestothegroundsforlawfuldivorceand ? remarriagewewanttoreemphasizethatcontrarytowhatistaughtandpreachedinmany + fundamentalistandindependentanddenominationalBaptistchurches,amarriedpersoncanbeguilty   offornication(Seeourdetaileddiscussionunderfornicationabove).Theproofofthatstatementis ! givenbytheLordJesusChristinMatthew19:9.Thatalsomakessexbetweenamanandawoman ! whoareunmarriedfornication.Amarriedpersonwhocommitsadulteryisguiltyofbothadulteryand " fornication.Thebottomlineisthatbothmarriedandsinglepeoplecanbeguiltyoffornication. # FornicationisanysexoutsideoftheGodordainedboundariesofmarriage.Thatmakespornography $  fornication.Thatmakessodomyfornication.Inotherwords,thatmakessexbetweenamananda %p! manandawomanandawomanfornication.Whattheworldcallshomosexualityandlesbianism, &\" thewordofGodcallssodomy.TheBibledoesnotrefertothemashomosexuals,andlesbians,and w'H # gays.TheBiblecallsthemsodomites.Thenecessityofdealingwithsodomyasbeingfornication c(4!$ whendealingwiththeissueofscripturalmarriagehascometotheforefrontintheyear2014because O) "% manyrelationshipsbetweenhusbandandwifearebeingdestroyedbymanysodomitesand ;* #& sodmitessescomingoutofSatansclosetanddesertingtheirspouses.Forthoseofyouwhobelieve '+#' thatthefornicationcalledoutbytheLordJesusChristinMatthew5:32andMatthew19:9issex ,$( beforemarriage,orsexbetweencouplesneitherofwhomismarried,whatareyougoingtodowhen / thesodomiteorsodomitesswhocomesoutofSatansclosetstartsrunningaroundontheirmatesin  asamesexabominablerelationship?Areyougoingtorequirethattheinnocentmateremaininthe   relationshipandendangertheirlives?Iftheygetscripturallydivorced,areyougoingtorequirethem   toremaincelibateandunmarriedfortherestoftheirlivesinviolationofMatthew19:9and1   Corinthians7verses15,27,and28?Or,willyousayinyourselfrighteous,pharisaicalhypocrisythat   theyshouldnothavethedesiretohaveasexualrelationshipwhileyoucontinuetohaveanormal   sexualrelationshipwithyourspouse?BrotherKarlBakerhaswellsaid:  t 8  Theanswerthegooddoctorshaveforallthisis;theinnocentmuststayunmarried {L  andwaitupontheirspousesreturnorthetranquilitythatonlydeathcanbring!The g8  problemis,thissoundsfineiftheLordcommandedsuch.However,thatisnotwhat S$  theScripturessayandI,asaminister,amnotgoingtohelpsupportafalseand ?  erroneousmethodofsanctimoniousspirituality. [TheMarriage&Divorce +  Controversy,KarlBaker,page113] !!  XXXXXXInMatthew19:12and1Corinthians7:7,celibacyisdescribedasapropergiftofGodthatwouldnot  beabletobereceivedbysome.ForbiddingtomarryorremarrywhentheScripturesallowitis  describedasadoctrineofdevilsin1Timothy4.#XXXX XXI#Forbiddingtomarryorremarryreeksoftheheresy  ofRomanCatholiccelibacy.ItcomesfromthesameRomanCatholictheologicalcryptasforbidding  divorceunderanycircumstances.THEBIBLESAYS:ITISBETTERTOMARRYTHANBURN! p THEBIBLESAYS:BUTANDIFTHOUMARRY,THOUHASTNOTSINNED! XXXXXX \   Muchoftheargumentastowhetheradivorcedpersoncanremarryisbaseduponafalsebelief wH thatdivorcedoesnotendamarriageorthatdivorceisneverallowedunderanycircumstances. c4 Therefore,sotheunscripturalargumentgoes,sincedivorceisneverpermitted,thenremarriageisout O  ofthequestion.Now,letslookatMatthew19:312whereitiswritten: ;  8  Matthew19:312 !! 8  3ThePhariseesalsocameuntohim,temptinghim,andsayinguntohim,Isitlawful   foramantoputawayhiswifeforeverycause?4Andheansweredandsaidunto ! them,Haveyenotread,thathewhichmadethematthebeginningmadethemmale " andfemale,5Andsaid,Forthiscauseshallamanleavefatherandmother,andshall # cleavetohiswife:andtheytwainshallbeoneflesh?6Whereforetheyarenomore $  twain,butoneflesh.WhatthereforeGodhathjoinedtogether,letnotmanput %l! asunder.7Theysayuntohim,WhydidMosesthencommandtogiveawritingof &X" divorcement,andtoputheraway?8Hesaithuntothem,Mosesbecauseofthe s'D # hardnessofyourheartssufferedyoutoputawayyourwives:butfromthebeginning _(0!$ itwasnotso.9AndIsayuntoyou,Whosoevershallputawayhiswife,exceptitbe K)"% forfornication,andshallmarryanother,committethadultery:andwhosomarriethher 7*#& whichisputawaydothcommitadultery.10Hisdisciplessayuntohim,Ifthecaseof #+#' themanbesowithhiswife,itisnotgoodtomarry.11Buthesaiduntothem,Allmen ,$( cannotreceivethissaying,savetheytowhomitisgiven.12Fortherearesome / eunuchs,whichweresobornfromtheirmotherswomb:andtherearesomeeunuchs,  whichweremadeeunuchsofmen:andtherebeeunuchs,whichhavemade   themselveseunuchsforthekingdomofheavenssake.Hethatisabletoreceiveit,let   himreceiveit. !! #XXXX XX #  XXXXXX   ThewholecontextofMatthew19:312islawfuldivorceandlawfulremarriage .Touse   theseversestoteachthatadivorcedpersoncannotremarryistwistingthewholepassageoutof  x contexttopromoteapreconceivedunscripturaldoctrinethatdivorcedpeoplecanneverremarry.What d weareobviouslydealingwithherearemattershardtobeunderstoodbecausemostofour P  fundamentalistandIndependentBaptistpreachers,pastors,andteacherswresttheseScripturestothe k<  destructionoftheirdivorcedbrethrenandmaketheirdivorcedbrethrenuntothemselvesasheathen W(  menandpublicans.Whatthephrase andshallmarryanotherdoesisputthewholepassageinthe C  contextofdivorceandremarriage.Whatthispassagealsoteachesisthatamarriedpersoncanbe /  guiltyoffornicationunlikesomewhoteachthefalsedoctrinethatamarriedpersoncannotbeguilty   offornicationinthepresenttense.TheLordJesusChristhimselfsaidthatawifecancommit   fornicationinMatthew19:9.Adulteryisanactoffornicationthatbecomesthecrimeofadultery  whentheactoffornicationiscommittedbyamarriedpersonwithapersonthattheyarenotmarried  to.Ifawifecanbeguiltyoffornicationwhenshecommitsadultery,thenahusbandcanbeguiltyof  fornicationwhenhecommitsadultery.ThecomplimentarypassagestoMatthew19:312arelocated  inMark10:212andinLuke16:18. t  8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXMark10:212{L!! 8  2AndthePhariseescametohim,andaskedhim,Isitlawfulforamantoputaway g8 hiswife?temptinghim.3Andheansweredandsaiduntothem,WhatdidMoses S$ commandyou?4Andtheysaid,Mosessufferedtowriteabillofdivorcement,and ? toputheraway.5AndJesusansweredandsaiduntothem,Forthehardnessofyour + hearthewroteyouthisprecept.6ButfromthebeginningofthecreationGodmade   themmaleandfemale.7Forthiscauseshallamanleavehisfatherandmother,and ! cleavetohiswife;8Andtheytwainshallbeoneflesh:sothentheyarenomore ! twain,butoneflesh.9WhatthereforeGodhathjoinedtogether,letnotmanput " asunder.10Andinthehousehisdisciplesaskedhimagainofthesamematter.11 # Andhesaithuntothem,Whosoevershallputawayhiswife,andmarryanother, $  committethadulteryagainsther.12Andifawomanshallputawayherhusband,and %p! bemarriedtoanother,shecommittethadultery.&\"!! __8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXXLuke16:18c(4!$!! 8  18Whosoeverputtethawayhiswife,andmarriethanother,committethadultery:and O) "% whosoevermarriethherthatisputawayfromherhusbandcommittethadultery.;* #&!! _ ,$( _8  #XXXX XX# XXXXXX1Corinthians7/!! 8  8Isaythereforetotheunmarriedandwidows,Itisgoodforthemiftheyabideeven  asI.9Butiftheycannotcontain,letthemmarry:foritisbettertomarrythantoburn.   10AnduntothemarriedIcommand,yetnotI,buttheLord,Letnotthewifedepart   fromherhusband:11Butandifshedepart,letherremainunmarried,orbereconciled   toherhusband:andletnotthehusbandputawayhiswife.12ButtotherestspeakI,   nottheLord:Ifanybrotherhathawifethatbelievethnot,andshebepleasedtodwell   withhim,lethimnotputheraway.13Andthewomanwhichhathanhusbandthat  t believethnot,andifhebepleasedtodwellwithher,lethernotleavehim.14Forthe ` unbelievinghusbandissanctifiedbythewife,andtheunbelievingwifeissanctified {L  bythehusband:elsewereyourchildrenunclean;butnowaretheyholy.15Butifthe g8  unbelievingdepart,lethimdepart.Abrotherorasisterisnotunderbondageinsuch S$  cases:butGodhathcalledustopeace.27Artthoubounduntoawife?seeknottobe ?  loosed.Artthouloosedfromawife?seeknotawife.28Butandifthoumarry,thou +  hastnotsinned;andifavirginmarry,shehathnotsinned.Neverthelesssuchshall   havetroubleintheflesh:butIspareyou.39Thewifeisboundbythelawaslongas   herhusbandliveth;butifherhusbandbedead,sheisatlibertytobemarriedtowhom  shewill;onlyintheLord.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX!! #XXXX XX#d  dAccordingtotheLordJesusChrist,divorcedoesendamarriage.WhydidtheLordJesus  ChristsaytothewomanatthewellinJohn4: thouHASTHADfivehusbandsandwhatwashersin? p Shewasobviouslyhavingsexwithamanwhowasnotherhusbandbecausehewasmarriedto \ anotherwoman!Shewascommittingadulteryandfornicationandhewascommittingadulteryand wH fornication.Also,theclearimplicationofthispassageisthatshehasbeendivorcedfivetimes.Why c4 wouldtheLordholditagainstherthatshehadbeenmarriedfivetimes,ifthosemenhadsimplydied? O  TheLordJesusChristshowedusthatshewasasexuallypromiscuouswoman,livingwithamanwho ;  wasnotherhusband.Noticethathedoesnotsaythatsheismarriedtoallfiveofthosemen.Hesays ' thatshe hasthad(past-tense)fivehusbands.Sheisnolongermarriedtothosemen.Therefore,it   isinaccuratetospeakofadivorcedpersonashavingmultiplelivingspousesbecauseofthedivorces.   Ifherpreviousdivorceshadnotdissolvedthosepreviousmarriages,theLordJesusChristwouldhave ! saidthat thouhast(presenttense)fivehusbands.Somuchforthosepreachers,pastors,andteachers " thatstatethatadivorcedmanhasmorethanonewifeifheremarries.Thatwholetheoryisblownout # ofthewaterwiththisonepassageofScripture!DoyouactuallythinktheLordJesusChristwould $  changehiswordingifitwasamanatthewellwho hasthadfivewives?BaseduponwhattheLord %l! JesusChristsaidhere,youcannotsaythatalawfullydivorcedmanorwomanwhoismarriednow &X" hasmorethanonehusbandorwife.Whenapersonisdivorcedfromaspouse,thatpersonisnolonger s'D # theirspouseinanysenseoftheword.Otherwise,theLordJesusChristwouldhaveusedthepresent _(0!$ tensetoindicatethatthefivemenwerestillherhusbands.d K)"%   dWehavealreadyprovenbeyondareasonabledoubtthatdivorceandremarriageareallowed 7*#& inthecasewhereaspouseisguiltyoftheactoffornicationcalledadultery.Wehavealsoprovedthat #+#' divorcepermanentlydissolvesthemarriageandthatpeoplewhoarescripturallydivorcedareallowed ,$( toremarry.BrotherKarlBakerhadthistosayconcerningtheissueofremarriage: / 8   ` DivorceisadivinesanctionedgraceintheNewTestamentestablishedbyour   Lordhimself(Matthew19and1Corinthians7)....Divorcethereforehastobea   loosingofthemaritalbonds(1Corinthians7:15).Forthosewhoknowthelaw   (Romans7:1),divorcealsoannulstherelationshipandallowsadivorcedperson,by   thepermissivewillofGodtomarryanotherpersonwithoutbeinganadulterer   (Deuteronomy24:14)justasdeathseparatesthebondinunquestionableterms  t (Romans7:46).Therefore,divorcedoesthesametothosewhohavechosendeath ` overlifeinthespiritualsense(1Timothy5,1Corinthians7:1415,Romans8:58, {L  Ephesians2:15,and2Corinthians5:1112)asmuchasdeathinthephysicalsense. g8  Theministerofthegospelhasnorighttotakeuponhimselfaselfimposedlawof S$  righteousnessforthesakeofpreservingthechurchagainstthesocalled evilfruits ?  ofunrighteousnessbecausehefeelsifhedoesntthelifeofthechurchwilldieorthe +  churchwillbeaffectedbytheeviltosuchadegreeshewillneverrecover.[The   Marriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,page71] !! 8   ` Dr.Ballewsays:EventhoughtheLordpermitsamantoputawayhiswife  onthebasisoffornication,hedoesnotclearlygivehimfreedomtoremarry....Karl  Bakersays:NowifamanisdivorcedintheeyesofGod(JesusisGodmanifestinthe  flesh,ishenot?);Andifthewomanmaygoandbeanothermanswifelawfully p (Deuteronomy24:23);andifinfactshecandoittwice(Deuteronomy24:3);thendo \ youmeantotellmethedivorcedidnottotallyandunconditionallyseparatethetwo wH sothemancouldmarryagain? [TheMarriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker, c4 page88]O !! 8   ` Boththeythathavebeenloosedwhochoosetoremarryandvirginsare ' explicitlytoldthatthechoiceofmarriageisultimatelyapersonaldecisionofself   determinednecessityandalthoughmarriagemaycause troubleintheflesh(verse   28),thetroubleisnotbecauseofsin(verse28),itisjustmoreofthepresentdistress ! oflife(verse26)....Thesesocalled wellmeanersgotonoendstotrytoprovethat " undernoconditiondoesdivorcedmeanyouare freetomarryagain!nomatterif # ChristorPaultheapostleacceptedit.Divorcedoesnotmean, loosedtothese gnat $  strainerswhoseonlymethodofinterpretationsisbasedupon private %l! interpretation.  XXXXXX#XXXX XX#[TheMarriage&DivorceControversy,KarlBaker,page97] XXXXXX&X"!! #XXXX XX#  RememberthatremarriageisincludedintheOldTestamentpermissiontodivorcein _(0!$ Deuteronomy24:1-4,whichtheLordJesusChristreplacesinMatthew19:9.InMatthew19:9,the K)"% LordJesusChristsaidthatHeprohibiteddivorceandremarriage,exceptinthecaseoffornication. 7*#& Inthephrase Whosoevershallputawayhiswife,exceptitbeforfornication,andshallmarry #+#' another,committethadulteryhejoinstheputtingaway(divorce)withtheremarriagebytheword ,$(  and. XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX#TyingthetwotogetherisconsistentwithDeuteronomy24:23whereremarriagewasallowed / afterascripturaldivorce.Noticethatdivorceendsthemarriage.Inverse2,shegoesandbecomes  anothermanswife.Verse4referstoherfirsthusbandasher formerhusband.Heisnolongerher   husband.Theyhavenorelationship,andindeedareforbiddentore-establisharelationship.Their   marriageisover.InnosensedoesGodorthelawconsiderherandherfirsthusbandstilltobe   married.Nordoesshecommitadulteryagainstherfirsthusbandwhenengaginginthemarriage   relationshipwithhercurrenthusband.Otherwise,shewouldbestonedforadulteryandwouldnotbe   continuinginasecondmarriage(muchlessaseconddivorceasthetextindicates).No,hermarriage  t isover. `   BrotherKarlBakerinquotingBrotherStinnettBallewhadthefollowingtosay: {L  8   ` Dr.Ballewstressestheideathatalthoughthewomanisfreetomarry,the S$  manisevidentlynotfreebecauseinthenextparagraphhesays: Eventhoughthe ?  Lordpermitsamantoputawayhiswifeonthebasisoffornication,hedoesnot +  clearlygivehimfreedomtoremarry.[TheMarriage&DivorceControversy,Karl   Baker,page79] !! $   Inhisbook,BrotherBakergoesontorightlycondemnthisstatementofBrotherBallew.We  seenoneedtoclearlygivethedivorcedmanthefreedomtoremarrybecausethelawspecifically  grantshimthepermissiontoremarrywiththeprovisothathecouldnotremarrythewomanhehad  putawayforuncleanness.Also,theLordJesusChristspecificallygrantspermissiontodivorceAND p remarryincasesoffornication.Furthermore,whywouldthewomanbeexplicitlygiventherightto \ remarryandthesamerightbedeniedtotheman.ThePhariseesquestioninMatthew19wasfocused wH upontheinterpretationofDeuteronomy24:14whichalloweddivorceforuncleanness.Thefactthat c4 theyframedtheirquestionsintermsof foreverycauseshowsthatadulterywasnotinview,butthey O  gotmorethantheybargainedfor.TheLordJesusChristusedthewholeconfrontationtosetasidethe ;  wholeofthePhariseesdoctrineofdivorceandtoreestablishGodsoriginalintentformarriagefrom ' Genesis2:24.ThePhariseesquestioninMatthew19wasNOTontheissueofadulterybecausethe   PhariseesknewthatadulterywashandledaccordingtoLeviticus20:10andDeuteronomy22:22   whichrequiredthedeathpenaltyforbothparties.Thatwasthewholepointoftheconfrontation ! betweentheLordJesusChristandthePhariseesinJohn8:112.Thewomansadulteryrequiredthe " deathpenalty,butwherewastheman?Thiswholeseriesofconfrontationsshouldputtorestthefalse # doctrinethattheuncleannessofDeuteronomy24:1wasfornicationoradulterybecausethatwhole $  issuewascoveredinLeviticus20:10andDeuteronomy22:1330.Thepenaltyfortheuncleanness %l! ofDeuteronomy24:1wasdivorce.Thepenaltyforthefornication/adulteryofDeuteronomy22:1331 &X" wasdeath.ItissignificanttonotethatthedeclarationoftheLordJesusChristinMatthew19:9 s'D # abrogated,ordoneawaywith,thedeathpenaltyforfornicationandadulteryinmarriage.Thepenalty _(0!$ wouldnowbedivorcewiththeinnocentpartybeingallowedtoremarry. Theguiltypartyisnot K)"% allowedtoremarrywithoutcommittingadultery. 7*#& d  dAll unscriptural divorceandremarriageconstitutesasinofadulteryunderthefollowing #+#' conditions:1.Amanwhodivorceshiswifeandtakesasecondwifecommitsadulteryagainsthisfirst ,$( wifeifhedidnotdivorceherforherfornicationand/oradultery,ordesertion.Thesecondwomanhe / marriesalsocommitsadulteryifthehusbanddidnotscripturallydivorcehisfirstwife.Thesameis  trueforthewomanalso2.Amanwhomarriesadivorcedwomancommitsadulteryifthatwomans   formerhusbandwasnotputawayforfornicationand/oradultery,ordesertion.3.Awomanwho   divorcesherhusbandandmarriesanothercommitsadulteryifthewomandidnotputawayherformer   husbandforfornicationand/oradultery,ordesertion.4.Amanwhodivorceshiswifeisguiltyof   causinghertocommitadulteryifhiswifewasnotputawayforfornicationand/oradultery,or   desertion.WewillcloseoutthissectionwithacommentfromBrotherHaroldSightlerwherehe  t stated: ` 8  .XXXXXX ItisadangerousthingtolowerGodsstandardstoaccommodatemansweakness. g8  (Page8,DivorceandRemarriage,HaroldB.Sightler#XXXX.XXo #.XXXXXX)Ԁ S$ !! y    Towhichwereply,thatitisadangerousthingtoraisemansstandardabovethewordofGod +  becauseyouthengetintothedoctrinesandcommandmentsofpharisaicalmenwhosenatural   tendencyistoexceedtherighteousnessoftheScripturesresultinginthesubvertingofthegraceof   God. #XXXX.XXY # XXXXXXFortheybindheavyburdensandgrievoustobeborne,andlay#XXXX XX[ # XXXXXXthem#XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀonmensshoulders;but  they#XXXX XX' # XXXXXXthemselves#XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀwillnotmovethemwithoneoftheirfingers.(Matthew23:4) #XXXX XX #.     @@l l ARETHOSETHATAREREMARRIED  LIVINGINPERPETUALADULTERY?  p    Considernowtheinterpretivesnarecreatedbytheunscripturalpositionthatdivorcedoesnot wH endmarriage.Somechurcheswillnotletdivorcedpeoplejointheirchurchesbecausetheysaythey c4 areinperpetualadulteryaslongasthecontinuetostaymarriedaftertheirdivorces.Somechurches O  describeitas livinginsin.Thisfalsedoctrinethatstatesthatadivorcedoesnotpermanentlyend ;  amarriageisthecreatorofyetanotherunforgivablesinnerandthatbeingthe perpetual ' adulterer/adulteressthatcanbeaddedtotheblasphemeroftheHolyGhostandthedivorcedman.   [Wearebeingsatiricalhere.Wedonotbelievethatdivorceandadulteryareunforgivablesins]Can   the perpetualadulteress/adulterereverjoinaBiblebelievingNewTestamentchurch?Thechurch ! isclearlycommandedtoseparatefromthosewhocontinueinsin(Matthew18:1517,2Corinthians " 6:1418,1Corinthians5:9).AScripturethatispertinenttothediscussionbeforeusisGalatians5:19 # 21whichsays: $  8   XXXXXXGalatians5:1921&X"!! 8  UKUS.,19US.,UK.,z UKUS.,ԀNowtheworksoftheflesharemanifest,whichareUS.,UK., UKUS.,theseUS.,UK.,! UKUS.,;Adultery,fornication, s'D # uncleanness,lasciviousness,US.,UK.,B! UKUS.,20US.,UK.,! UKUS.,ԀIdolatry,witchcraft,hatred,variance,emulations, _(0!$ wrath,strife,seditions,heresies,US.,UK.,! UKUS.,21US.,UK.," UKUS.,ԀEnvyings,murders,drunkenness,revellings,and K)"% suchlike:ofthewhichItellyoubefore,asIhavealsotoldUS.,UK.," UKUS.,youUS.,UK.,l# UKUS.,Ԁintimepast,thatthey 7*#& whichdosuchthingsshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod.US.,UK.,# #XXXX XX ##+#'!!  ,$(   NotethatadulteryisatthetopofthelistinGalatians5.Inverse21,thephrase theywhich / dosuchthingsmeans theywhichcontinuallydothesethings.Ifwebelievearemarriedperson  commitsanactofadulteryeverytimetheyengageinthemarriageactwiththeirnewspouse,these   versesdenythemsalvation.ThatwouldmeanthattheyaregoingtoHell.Whatifthatremarried   personwasalreadysaved?Doyouactuallybelievetheywouldlosetheirsalvation?Theviewthat   aremarriedcoupleis livinginperpetualadulterycomesfromamisinterpretationofScriptureand   isrootedinRomanCatholictheologywhichstates:   8   XXXXXX ` 2384Divorceisagraveoffenseagainstthenaturallaw.Itclaimstobreakthe ` contract,towhichthespousesfreelyconsented,tolivewitheachothertilldeath. {L  Divorcedoesinjurytothecovenantofsalvation,ofwhichsacramentalmarriageisthe g8  sign.Contractinganewunion,evenifitisrecognizedbycivillaw,addstothegravity S$  oftherupture:theremarriedspouseistheninasituationofpublicandpermanent ?  adultery:+ !! 8  8` !!Ifahusband,separatedfromhiswife,approachesanotherwoman,he   isanadultererbecausehemakesthatwomancommitadultery,andthe  womanwholiveswithhimisanadulteress,becauseshehasdrawn  another'shusbandtoherself.#XXXX XX' #[Quotedfromthe19931994Roman  CatholicCatechism]` `    The livinginperpetualadulteryargumentdeniesthatascripturaldivorceendsamarriage. \ UsuallyitmisusesRomans7:3or1Corinthians7:39toarguethatonlydeathendsamarriage.Italso wH misusesMark10:1112andLuke16:18totheexclusionofMatthew5:3132andMatthew19:9. c4 Matthew5:32andMatthew19:9includetheexclusionclauses savingforthecauseoffornication O  and exceptitbeforfornication.Whatthosetwoclausesestablishisascripturalgroundfordivorce ;  andthatgroundisfornication/adultery.However,Deuteronomy24:13clearlyindicatesthatdivorce ' endsmarriage.InJohn4,Christtoldthewomanatthewell thouhasthadfivehusbands,pointedly   usingthepast-tensetoindicatethatthosepreviousmarriagesweredivorced.     Howdoesthisindividualquitcommittingthisadultery?Dotheydivorcetheirnewspouse? ! Thatwouldcreateyetanotherproblem.Furthermore,itisneverrighttocommitwrongtocorrect " wrong.Remarryinganindividualyouhavedivorcedafteryouhavemarriedadifferentspouseisnot # lawful.Deuteronomy24:34hasthistosay:d $  8   XXXXXXdDeuteronomy24:34&X"!! 8  UKUS.,3US.,UK.,1 UKUS.,ԀAndUS.,UK., 2 UKUS.,ifUS.,UK.,A2 UKUS.,Ԁthelatterhusbandhateher,andwriteherabillofdivorcement,andgivethUS.,UK.,r2 UKUS.,itUS.,UK.,2 UKUS., s'D # inherhand,andsendethheroutofhishouse;orifthelatterhusbanddie,whichtook _(0!$ herUS.,UK., 3 UKUS.,tobeUS.,UK.,3 UKUS.,Ԁhiswife;US.,UK.,4 UKUS.,4US.,UK.,B4 UKUS.,ԀHerformerhusband,whichsentheraway,maynottakeheragain K)"% tobehiswife,afterthatsheisdefiled;forthatUS.,UK.,r4 UKUS.,isUS.,UK.,*5 UKUS.,ԀabominationbeforetheLORD:and 7*#& thoushaltnotcausethelandtosin,whichtheLORDthyGodgiveththeeUS.,UK.,[5 UKUS.,forUS.,UK., 6 UKUS.,Ԁan #+#' inheritance.dUS.,UK.,;6 ,$(!! 8  d#XXXX XXx1 # !! So,thatrulesoutadivorceandremarriagetotheformerspouse.Dotheyquitsleepingwiththeirnew  spouse?TodosomeanstheybecomeguiltyofyetanothersinbybreakingGodsinstructionsin1   Corinthians7:4-5,wheremarriedfolksaretoldnottoceasefromthemarriagebedexceptforatime   offastingandprayer,makingsuretocometogetheragain.IsGodnowcommandingthemtosin?The   answertothatquestionisobviouslyno.Whatweneedtodointhesesituationsistoapplythe   teachingsoftheLordJesusChristinMatthew19:9whereheclearlystatesthattheinnocentpartycan   remarryincasesthatinvolvefornicationandin1Corinthians7:15,2728wheretheHolyGhost  t plainlystatesthatapersonthathasbeenloosedfromamarriagedoesnotsiniftheyremarry.These ` versesstate: {L  8   XXXXXXMatthew19:9S$ !! 8  UKUS.,9US.,UK.,D; UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,t; UKUS.,AndUS.,UK.,; UKUS.,ԀIsayUS.,UK.,; UKUS.,Ԁuntoyou,US.,UK.,< UKUS.,ԀWhosoeverUS.,UK.,8< UKUS.,ԀshallputawayUS.,UK.,n< UKUS.,ԀhisUS.,UK.,< UKUS.,Ԁwife,US.,UK.,< UKUS.,ԀexceptUS.,UK., = UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,>= UKUS.,itbeUS.,UK.,n= UKUS.,ԀforUS.,UK.,= UKUS.,Ԁfornication,US.,UK.,= UKUS., ?  andUS.,UK., > UKUS.,ԀshallmarryUS.,UK.,O> UKUS.,Ԁanother,US.,UK.,> UKUS.,Ԁcommittethadultery:US.,UK.,> UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,> UKUS.,ԀwhosomarriethUS.,UK.,-? UKUS.,ԀherwhichUS.,UK.,h? UKUS.,Ԁisput +  awayUS.,UK.,? UKUS.,ԀdothcommitadulteryUS.,UK.,? UKUS.,.US.,UK.,+@ UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,X@  !! #XXXX XX: # XXXXXX8  UKUS.,#XXXX XX@ # XXXXXX1Corinthians7:15!! 8  US.,UK.,@ UKUS.,15US.,UK.,A UKUS.,ԀButiftheunbelievingdepart,lethimdepart.Abrotherorasisterisnotunder  bondageinsuchUS.,UK.,A UKUS.,casesUS.,UK.,~B UKUS.,:butGodhathcalledustopeace.US.,UK.,B !! 8  1Corinthians7:2728p!! 8  UKUS.,27US.,UK.,pC UKUS.,ԀArtthoubounduntoawife?seeknottobeloosed.Artthouloosedfromawife? \ seeknotawife.US.,UK.,C UKUS.,28US.,UK.,FD UKUS.,ԀButandifthoumarry,thouhastnotsinned;andifavirginmarry, wH shehathnotsinned.Neverthelesssuchshallhavetroubleintheflesh:butIspareyou.US.,UK.,wD c4!! #XXXX XX.A # XXXXXX#XXXX XXE # XXXXXXTobeloosedistobefreedfromthemarriagebond.Themarriagebondbecomesbondagewhenthe ;  innocentvictimofafornicatingandadulterousspouseisrequiredtoremaineithercelibatein ' marriageorunmarriedforlifewhiletheguiltyspouseisallowedtoforcetheinnocentspouseto   continuetosuffer.Torequiretheinnocentvictimtocontinuetosufferwouldbeaviolationofthe   spiritofMatthew19:1012and1Timothy4:13whichstate: ! 8  #XXXX XXE # XXXXXXMatthew19:1012#!! 8  UKUS.,10US.,UK.,H UKUS.,ԀHisdisciplessayuntohim,IfthecaseofthemanbesowithUS.,UK.,H UKUS.,hisUS.,UK.,PI UKUS.,Ԁwife,itisnotgood $  tomarry.US.,UK.,I UKUS.,11US.,UK.,I UKUS.,ԀButhesaiduntothem,US.,UK.,J UKUS.,AllUS.,UK.,ZJ UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,J UKUS.,menUS.,UK.,J UKUS.,ԀcannotUS.,UK.,J UKUS.,ԀreceiveUS.,UK.,K UKUS.,ԀthisUS.,UK.,RK UKUS.,Ԁsaying,US.,UK.,K UKUS.,ԀsaveUS.,UK.,K UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,K UKUS.,theyUS.,UK.,L UKUS.,Ԁto %l! whomUS.,UK.,KL UKUS.,ԀitisgivenUS.,UK.,L UKUS.,.US.,UK.,L UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,L UKUS.,12US.,UK.,(M UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,YM UKUS.,ForUS.,UK.,M UKUS.,ԀthereareUS.,UK.,M UKUS.,Ԁsomeeunuchs,US.,UK.,M UKUS.,ԀwhichUS.,UK.,%N UKUS.,ԀweresoUS.,UK.,WN UKUS.,ԀbornUS.,UK.,N UKUS.,ԀfromUS.,UK.,N UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,N UKUS.,theirUS.,UK.,O UKUS., &X" mothersUS.,UK.,QO UKUS.,Ԁwomb:US.,UK.,O UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,O UKUS.,ԀthereareUS.,UK.,O UKUS.,Ԁsomeeunuchs,US.,UK.,5P UKUS.,ԀwhichUS.,UK.,oP UKUS.,ԀweremadeeunuchsUS.,UK.,P UKUS.,ԀofUS.,UK.,P UKUS.,Ԁmen:US.,UK.,Q UKUS.,ԀandUS.,UK.,?Q UKUS., s'D # therebeUS.,UK.,oQ UKUS.,Ԁeunuchs,US.,UK.,Q UKUS.,ԀwhichUS.,UK.,Q UKUS.,ԀhavemadeUS.,UK.,R UKUS.,ԀthemselvesUS.,UK.,UR UKUS.,ԀeunuchsUS.,UK.,R UKUS.,ԀforUS.,UK.,R UKUS.,ԀthekingdomUS.,UK.,R UKUS.,Ԁofheavens _(0!$ sake.US.,UK.,(S UKUS.,ԀHethatisableUS.,UK.,}S UKUS.,ԀtoreceiveUS.,UK.,S UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,S UKUS.,itUS.,UK., T UKUS.,,lethimreceiveUS.,UK.,QT UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,T UKUS.,itUS.,UK.,T UKUS.,.US.,UK.,T UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,U K)"%!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XXTH # XXXXXX1Timothy4:13#+#'!! 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,V UKUS.,ԀNowtheSpiritspeakethexpressly,thatinthelattertimessomeshalldepartfromthe ,$( faith,givingheedtoseducingspirits,anddoctrinesofdevils;US.,UK.,FV UKUS.,2US.,UK.,"W UKUS.,ԀSpeakingliesin / hypocrisy;havingtheirconsciencesearedwithahotiron;US.,UK.,RW UKUS.,3US.,UK.,W UKUS.,ԀForbiddingtomarry,US.,UK.,X UKUS.,and  commandingUS.,UK.,WX UKUS.,Ԁtoabstainfrommeats,whichGodhathcreatedtobereceivedwith   thanksgivingofthemwhichbelieveandknowthetruth.US.,UK.,X  !! #XXXX XXU # XXXXXXInMatthew19:12and1Corinthians7:7,celibacyisdescribedasapropergiftofGodthatwouldnot   beabletobereceivedbysome.ForbiddingtomarryorremarrywhentheScripturesallowitis   describedasadoctrineofdevilsin1Timothy4.#XXXX XXY #Forbiddingtomarryorremarryreeksoftheheresy  t ofRomanCatholiccelibacy.ItcomesfromthesameRomanCatholictheologicalcryptasforbidding ` divorceunderanycircumstances.Furthermore,foryoutosetuparulethatrequiresaninnocent {L  spousetoremaincelibate,orunmarriedforlife,whiletheiradulterousmatecontinuestofornicateis g8  toviolatethecommandnottodefraudthemarriagebedthatisexplicitlystatedasfollowsin1 S$  Corinthians7: ?  8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:5 !! 8  UKUS.,5US.,UK.,] UKUS.,ԀDefraudyenotonetheother,exceptUS.,UK.,] UKUS.,itbeUS.,UK.,<^ UKUS.,Ԁwithconsentforatime,thatyemaygive   yourselvestofastingandprayer;andcometogetheragain,thatSatantemptyounot  foryourincontinency.US.,UK.,p^ !! #XXXX XXY] #WecannotoveremphasizethatMatthew19:112isgiveninthecontextofLAWFULDIVORCEand  REMARRIAGE.Thatiswhatthephrase andshallmarryanother means.Foryoutostatethat p Matthew19:9doesnotallowforremarriage,istotakeawayfromtheScriptures. `  XXXXXX  ThetopicunderdiscussioninMatthew19isdivorceandremarriage.Therewasnoquestion {L inthewordsoftheLordJesusChristthatfornicationwasascriptural(lawful)groundfordivorce.The g8 LordJesusChristmadeitsohimselfwhenhesaidamarriedwomancouldfornicateandthatitwas S$ groundsfordivorce.TheansweroftheLordJesusChristmadeitlawfulfortheinnocentpartyto ? remarrywhentheirspousewasguiltyoffornication.TheLordJesusChristmadeitplainthatif + anyonemarriedapersonthathadbeenputawayforfornicationthentheythemselveswereguiltyof   adultery.#XXXX XX` # XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XXd # XXXXXXInreadingthesescriptures,rememberthatDeuteronomy22and24givetwodifferent ! exceptionstotheprohibitionconcerningdivorce.InDeuteronomy22,theexceptionwasfornication ! andthepenaltywasdeath.InDeuteronomy24,theexceptionwasuncleannessandthepenaltywas " divorce.WealsoneedtorememberthatGod(theLordJesusChrist)gaveanexceptiontothe # prohibitionagainstdivorceinMatthewchapters5and19.Theexceptionwasfornicationandthe $  penaltywasdivorceandNOTdeath.WealsoneedtorememberthattheBiblicaldefinitionof %p! fornicationisANYsexoutsidetheGodordainedboundariesofamarriagebetweenamananda &\" woman.Thatmakesadultery,premaritalsex,sodomy,childmolestation,pornography,etctobe w'H # fornication.WerealizethatintheNewTestamentthattwodifferentGreekwordsareusedfor c(4!$ fornicationandadultery.WerealizethatintheOldTestamentthattwodifferentHebrewwordsare O) "% usedforfornicationandadultery.BothwordsinbothTestamentsrefertoillicitsexualintercourse: ;* #& theonlydifferencebeingwhethertheoffendershadhusbandsorwives.In1Corinthianschapter7 '+#' itisverycrucialthatyoulookateverydetailsothatyouwillknowexactlywhatgroupofindividuals ,$( arebeingdealtwith.#XXXX XXId # /  XXXXXX#XXXX XXj #   SOMEQUESTIONSANSWERED XXXXXX:SUMMARY    j   Attheoutsetofthisstudyweposed17differentquestionswhichwehaveansweredduring   thecourseofthischapter.Theanswerstothesequestionsformsomewhatofasummaryofthis   chapterandaregiveninbriefhere:   8  (1)Whatisadultery?Adulteryisanactoffornicationthatinvolvestwopeopleofthe ` oppositesexnotmarriedtoeachother,oneofwhomismarried.Bothpartieswhether {L  singleornotaresaidtobeguiltyofadultery.g8 !! 8  (2)Whatisfornication?FornicationisanysexualactoutsidetheGodordained S$  boundariesofmarriagebetweenamanandawoman.Fornicationincludesadultery, ?  harlotry,prostitution,sodomy,pornography,rape,beastiality,andchildmolestation.+ !! 8  (3)Whatisthedifferencebetweenfornicationandadultery?#XXXX XXj # XXXXXXԀFornicationisanysexual   actoutsidetheGodordainedboundariesofmarriagebetweenamanandawoman#XXXX XX\o # XXXXXX   whereasadulteryisanactoffornicationcommittedbyamarriedpersonwithsomeone  theyarenotmarriedto.!! 8  (4)Canamarriedpersonbeguiltyoffornication?#XXXX XXp # XXXXXXԀYesamarriedpersonisguiltyof  fornicationwhentheyhavesexualintercoursewithsomeonetheyarenotmarriedto.!! 8  (5)Isadulteryasexualactoraceremonialact?#XXXX XXPq # XXXXXXԀAdulteryisneverdescribedasa p ceremonialactintheScriptures.Itisalwaysasexualact.\!! 8  (6)What,ifany,arethescripturalgroundsfordivorce?Therearethreescriptural wH groundstodissolveamarriage.Thesearedeath,fornication/adultery,anddesertion.c4!! 8  (7)Doesunmarriedmeanseparated,butnotdivorced?Unmarriedmeansdivorced. O  UnmarriedisneverreferredtoasaseparationintheScriptures.; !! 8  (8)Isdesertionascripturalgroundfordivorce?#XXXX XXxr # XXXXXXAswehaveproved,desertionisa ' scripturalgroundfordivorce. !! 8  (9)Arealldivorcesabsolutelyprohibited?AswehaveseentheyarenotbecauseGod   divorcedIsraelandGodorderedthepriestsandthepeopleofIsraeltodivorcetheir ! paganwivesinEzra10."!! 8  (10)Isdivorcealwayswrong?Notonlyisdivorcenotalwayswrong,itissometimes # absolutelynecessaryforthereliefandtheprotectionoftheinnocent.Itiseven $  commandedbyGodincertaininstances.%l!!! 8  #XXXX XXAu # XXXXXX(11)Isdivorcealwaysasinforallpartiestothedivorce?Aswehaveseen,notevery &X" partytoadivorceisguiltyofthesinthatledtothedivorce.Manytimes,theinnocent s'D # aremadetosufferthepenaltyoftheguilty._(0!$!! 8  #XXXX XX7x # XXXXXX(12)Underwhatcircumstancesisadivorcescriptural?#XXXX XXy # XXXXXXԀTherearethreescriptural K)"% groundstodissolveamarriage.Thesearedeath,fornication/adultery,anddesertion.#XXXX XX$z # XXXXXX7*#&!! 8  (13)Isdivorceanunforgivablesin?#XXXX XXz # XXXXXXԀThoughmostdivorcedpeopleinfundamentalist #+#' andIndependentBaptistchurchesaretreatedasiftheirdivorcesareanunforgivable ,$( sin,thereisbutoneunforgivablesinandthatistheblasphemingoftheHolyGhost./!! 8  (14)Ifapersongetsdivorcedcantheyremarry?#XXXX XX|{ # XXXXXXԀAllthosethathavebeenscripturally  divorcedcangetremarriediftheyhavesufferedwrongthroughthedesertionor   adultery/fornicationoftheirspouses. !! 8  (15)Ifadivorcedpersongetsremarriedaretheyinperpetualadultery?#XXXX XX} # XXXXXXԀNo,theyare   notinperpetualadulteryiftheygetremarried.Suchapreposterousconceptisbased   uponthefalsedoctrinethatdivorcedoesnotendamarriage.Thisisespeciallytrue   whereaninnocentpartytoadivorcehasbeengrantedascripturaldivorce.  t Furthermore,eventheguiltypartyorpartiesinadivorceareguiltyofbutoneactof ` adulterywhentheygetremarriedandthatbeingtheinitialsexualconsummationof {L  thenewmarriage.Theceremonyitselfisnotanactofadultery.g8 !! 8  (16)Shouldapersonwhohasbeenguiltyofanunscripturaldivorceputaway S$  (divorce)theircurrentspouseandreunitewiththeirformerspouse?#XXXX XX~ # XXXXXXԀNo,theycannot ?  divorcetheircurrentspouseandremarrytheirformerspousebecausethatwouldbe +  yetanothersinbecausetheScripturesbanthatpractice. !! 8  (17)Canyoubemarriedtosomeoneandthemnotbeyourspouse?#XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX # XXXXXXAccordingtoMark   6:1718amancanbemarriedtoawomanandhernotbehiswife.Theseversessay:#XXXX XXă # XXXXXX!! 8  #XXXX XX # XXXXXX !! 8  8` !!#XXXX XX # XXXXXXMark6:171817ForHerodhimselfhadsentforthandlaidholdupon  John,andboundhiminprisonforHerodiassake,hisbrotherPhilips  wife:forhehadmarriedher.18ForJohnhadsaiduntoHerod,Itisnot p lawfulfortheetohavethybrotherswife.\` `  8   ` WhattheseversesindicateisthatthoughHerodwasmarriedtoHerodias c4 throughasexualrelationship,hecouldnotscripturallybe#XXXX XXe # XXXXXXԀherhusbandbecauseshe O  wasscripturallymarriedtoHerodsbrotherPhilip.Whatwehavehereisacaseof ;  adulteryandbigamyonthepartofHerodandHerodias.#XXXX XXŇ #  XXXXXX Thesamesituationexisted ' withthewomanatthewellinJohn4:730.#XXXX XXو #InJohn4:1718,thereasonthemanthe   womanatthewellwassleepingwithwasnotherhusbandisbecausehewasanother   womanshusband.Thoughthewomanatthewellhad marriedthisman,hecould ! notbeherhusbandbecausehealreadyhadawife.Weknowthismayoffendsomeof " ourChristiansisters,butundertheOldTestamentlawthismanwasnotguiltyof # adulterybecausehewasnothavingsexwithawomanwhowasmarriedtoanother $  man._ XXXXXX%l!!! _____ ,$( #XXXX XXʋ # XXX@ll%APPENDIXI #XXX #Ԉ p      x   / @77   XXXXXXTHECOUNCILOFTRENT #XXXX XXd #Ԉ /   XXXXXXCANONI!Ifanyonesaith,thatmatrimonyisnottrulyandproperlyoneofthesevensacraments   oftheevangeliclaw,(asacrament)institutedbyChristtheLord;butthatithasbeeninventedbymen   intheChurch;andthatitdoesnotconfergrace;lethimbeanathema.#XXXX XXԍ # XXXXXX   CANONV!Ifanyonesaith,thatonaccountofheresy,orirksomecohabitation,ortheaffected  absenceofoneoftheparties,thebondofmatrimonymaybedissolved;lethimbeanathema.#XXXX XXQ # XXXXXX t  CANONVII.!Ifanyonesaith,thattheChurchhaserred,inthatshehathtaught,anddothteach,in {L  accordancewiththeevangelicalandapostolicaldoctrine,thatthebondofmatrimonycannotbe g8  dissolvedonaccountoftheadulteryofoneofthemarriedparties;andthatboth,oreventheinnocent S$  onewhogavenotoccasiontotheadultery,cannotcontractanothermarriage,duringthelife-timeof ?  theother;and,thatheisguiltyofadultery,who,havingputawaytheadulteress,shalltakeanother +  wife,asalsoshe,who,havingputawaytheadulterer,shalltakeanotherhusband;lethimbe  anathema.#XXXX XX| # XXXXXX[ThisstatementcontradictsanddeniesthestatementoftheLordJesusChristinMatthew  19:7allowingtheinnocentpartytoremarry,butisinkeepingwiththeunscripturaldoctrineof  marriagepushedbymanysocalledfundamentalistandBaptistpreachersandpastors]  CANONVIII!Ifanyonesaith,thattheChurcherrs,inthatshedeclaresthat,formanycauses,a  separationmaytakeplacebetweenhusbandandwife,inregardofbed,orinregardofcohabitation, p foradeterminateorforanindeterminateperiod;lethimbeanathema.#XXXX XX # XXXXXX \ [Thisdenies1Corinthians7:3] wH ̀CANONIX!Ifanyonesaith,thatclericsconstitutedinsacredorders,orRegulars,whohave O  solemnlyprofessedchastity,areabletocontractmarriage,andthatbeingcontracteditisvalid, ;  notwithstandingtheecclesiasticallaw,orvow;andthatthecontraryisnothingelsethantocondemn '! marriage;and,thatallwhodonotfeelthattheyhavethegiftofchastity,eventhoughtheyhavemade " avowthereof,maycontractmarriage;lethimbeanathema:seeingthatGodrefusesnotthatgiftto " thosewhoaskforitrightly,neitherdoesHesufferustobetemptedabovethatwhichweareable.[To # requireanyonetoremaincelibateandunmarriedasaconditionofserviceinthechurchisaviolation $  theliteralintentandspiritofMatthew19:12,1Corinthians7:7,1Timothy3:2,1Timothy4:13,and %! Titus1:6] &" CANONX!Ifanyonesaith,thatthemarriagestateistobeplacedabovethestateofvirginity,or (X!$ ofcelibacy,andthatitisnotbetterandmoreblessedtoremaininvirginity,orincelibacy,thantobe s)D"% unitedinmatrimony;lethimbeanathema.#XXXX XXu # XXXXXX[ThisisaddingtotheScripturesandcontradictsHebrews _*0#& 13:4.Marriage,andnotcelibacy,isapictureoftheLordJesusChristandtheHisChurch.] K+$'  7,%( [AllcitedfromthetwentyfourthsessionoftheCouncilofTrent,November11,1563,thedoctrine / onthesacramentofmatrimony#XXXX XX # XXXXXX]Notefromtheauthor:ThesacramentofmatrimonyisaRoman  Catholicheresythatmakesmarriageapartoftheworksthataccumulatetosalvation.   @   THE19931994ROMANCATHOLICCATECHISM #XXXX XX # XXXXXXԈ   1650TodaytherearenumerousCatholicsinmanycountrieswhohaverecoursetocivildivorceand   contractnewcivilunions.InfidelitytothewordsofJesusChrist-"Whoeverdivorceshiswifeand  t marriesanother,commitsadulteryagainsther;andifshedivorcesherhusbandandmarriesanother, ` shecommitsadultery"TheChurchmaintainsthatanewunioncannotberecognizedasvalid,ifthe {L  firstmarriagewas.Ifthedivorcedareremarriedcivilly,theyfindthemselvesinasituationthat g8  objectivelycontravenesGod'slaw.#XXXX XX # XXXXXX S$  2353Fornicationiscarnalunionbetweenanunmarriedmanandanunmarriedwoman.Itisgravely +  contrarytothedignityofpersonsandofhumansexualitywhichisnaturallyorderedtothegoodof   spousesandthegenerationandeducationofchildren.Moreover,itisagravescandalwhenthereis   corruptionoftheyoung#XXXX XXˡ # XXXXXX  2382TheLordJesusinsistedontheoriginalintentionoftheCreatorwhowilledthatmarriagebe  indissoluble.HeabrogatestheaccommodationsthathadslippedintotheoldLaw.  Betweenthebaptized,"aratifiedandconsummatedmarriagecannotbedissolvedbyanyhuman p powerorforanyreasonotherthandeath." \ 2383Theseparationofspouseswhilemaintainingthemarriagebondcanbelegitimateincertain c4 casesprovidedforbycanonlaw.Ifcivildivorceremainstheonlypossiblewayofensuringcertain O  legalrights,thecareofthechildren,ortheprotectionofinheritance,itcanbetoleratedanddoesnot ;  constituteamoraloffense. ' 2384Divorceisagraveoffenseagainstthenaturallaw.Itclaimstobreakthecontract,towhichthe   spousesfreelyconsented,tolivewitheachothertilldeath.Divorcedoesinjurytothecovenantof ! salvation,ofwhichsacramentalmarriageisthesign.Contractinganewunion,evenifitisrecognized " bycivillaw,addstothegravityoftherupture:theremarriedspouseistheninasituationofpublic # andpermanentadultery: $  8  Ifahusband,separatedfromhiswife,approachesanotherwoman,heisanadulterer &X" becausehemakesthatwomancommitadultery,andthewomanwholiveswithhim s'D # isanadulteress,becauseshehasdrawnanother'shusbandtoherself.#XXXX XX # XXXXXX_(0!$!! #XXXX XXQ # XXXXXX[Allcitedfromthe19931994RomanCatholicCatechism(thenumbersprecedingthetextaretheso 7*#& calledcanonnumbers)]#XXXX XX #  #+#'  ,$( Ї ,$( } }  }  ?< _   u XXXCHAPTER7:WHATTHEBIBLESAYSABOUT  SEXUALPERVERSIONANDSODOMY#XXX u} #XXX#XXX #  $ __q _@$ INTRODUCTION  4   Manywouldaskwhyintheworldwouldyouincludeachapteronsexualperversionand   sodomyinabookaboutmarriage,divorce,remarriage,andthe husbandofonewifecontroversy?   Theanswersarereallyquitesimple.Wedonotusetheclinicaltermshomosexualandlesbianto   describewhattheBiblecallssodomites.Manychurchesarebeingattackedbecausetheywillnot   performsamesexweddingceremoniesforsodomitesandsodomitesses.Sodomyisdestroyingmany l   BiblicallybasedmarriageswithsodomitescomingoutofSatansclosettodivorcetheirhusbandsand X  wivestoformabominablesamesexunionsthatviolatetheBiblicalmandateformarriagebeingone D  manwithonewomanbecomingonefleshforalifetime.Therearealsodenominationsputtingthese 0  devilsintheirpulpitswhentheywillnotallowadivorcedmantopastor.Thisissueisevenmore l  difficulttofaceifyoubelievethatamanwhohashadadivorceispermanentlydisqualifiedfromthe X  ministry.Wewillagainaddressthisissueintheupcomingchapteron StandardsForChurch D Service,butwouldyoupermanentlydisqualifyamanfromtheministrywhosewifelefthimand 0 divorcedhimforanabominablesamesexrelationshipwithanotherwoman??Menhavealreadyhad  tofacethisissue.Willyouclingtoadoctrinethatwoulddisqualifythismanfromtheministry?These  devilshavesubvertedtheUnitedStatesConstitutionbyhavinghatecrimeandhatespeechlaws  passedintheUnitedStatesthatchokeoffreedomofspeech.Itswickedlydesiredendistochokeoff  allpreachingagainstthatwhichGodcallsanabomination.Ifallowedtocometofullfruition,itwill | endtheGodordainedBiblicalinstitutionofmarriage. h   Manytimessodomiteswilljumponwhattheyfalselyandwickedlyperceivetobethe T injusticeofGodinrequiringthedeathpenaltyformenhavingsexwithmenandwomenhavingsex @ withwomen.Theyonlyseewhattheywanttosee.Godalsorequiredthedeathpenaltyformany ,| otheroffenseswhichwewilldocumentlaterinourdiscussion.Thepurposeofthisdiscussionisto h statewhattheBiblehastosayaboutsexualperversionandsodomy.Youhavereadinthisbookand T willreadagaininthisbookthatsexualperversionand/orfornicationisanysexoutsidetheGod @ ordainedboundariesofsexbetweenamalehusbandandafemalewife.Thatrulesout samesex , marriages.     Theresearchforthischapterhasleftusfeelingmuchviolatedafterhavingconductedmuch ! researchonthehomosexual/sodomiteagendafortheUnitedStatesofAmericaandtherestofthe "  world.Thereisavarietyoffilthouttherethatismuchmorewickedthanwehadeverimagined.The #! wickednessofmanisgreatintheearth,andeveryimaginationofthethoughtsofhisheartareonly x$" evilcontinually.MuchofthereadingthatwehavedonehasbeenrevoltingtotheChristian d% # conscious.Thewordswicked,vile,andanabominationarenotadequatetodescribethecesspooland P&!$ sewerofdepravitywhichmankindhasslitheredintowithSatan.Thegatheringofsomeofthe <'"% statisticsforthispagerequiredthatwereadsomeveryvulgarlanguageandstatisticsthatarenotfit ((x#& forChristianears.ThisisnotatopictoresearchforaChristianthatisyounginthefaith.Howit )d$' musthavepainedGodtohavetorecordinthepagesofScripturesthedeedsofreprobateminds.The *P%( focusofthispageistopresentwhatGodsaysaboutsodomyandothersexualperversions.While *<&) conductingthisresearchthisScripturecametomind: +('* Ї8  Ephesians5:11-12/!! 8  11Andhavenofellowshipwiththeunfruitfulworksofdarkness,butratherreprove  them.12Foritisashameeventospeakofthosethingswhicharedoneofthemin   secret. !! Thereismuchthathasbeendoneinsecrettopushthesodomiteagenda.Muchmorehasbeendone   publiclyrecentlytopushthesodomiteagenda.ItisashamethataChristianmusttalkaboutthe   wickednessofsodomyandsexualperversion.Thesodomiteagendaisbeingpushedinourapostate  t churches,ourpublicschools,ourmedicalfacilities,ourworkforce,ourmilitary,ourgovernment,and ` ourentertainment.ThisisnothingnewfortheRomanCatholiccult.Her celibatepriestshaveraped {L  andmolestedyoungboysforatleastnine-hundredyearsnowandwillcontinuetodoso.Thatisa g8  fruitoftheirwickeddoctrineofforcedcelibacy.Ifitwerepossibletogatherthestatistics,Iwonder S$  howmanysodomiteswouldtellyouthattheyhadtheirfirstsodomitesexualexperienceatthehands ?  ofaRomanCatholicpriest.Interpretthatstatementinlightofthefactthatthethreelargeststudies +  ofchildmolestationprovethatifachildwasmolestedbyasodomite,thatfullytwo-thirds(66.6%)   ofthosechildrenwouldengageinhomosexualityasanadult.Inoursociety,sodomyhasexacteda   terriblepriceindisease,sickness,andviolence.Thestatisticswillbothamazeandshockyou.Read  on.InGodseyes,anysexoutsidetheboundsofascripturalmarriagebetweenamanandawomen  ispervertedsex.Thatmeansthatincest,fornication,adultery,pedophilia,pornography,bestiality,  sexchangeoperations,andsodomyareallperversionsofGodsgiftofsextomarriedcouples.Gods  definitionofmarriageisonemanandonewomantiedtogetherforonelifetimeinholymatrimony. p WhatdoestheBiblehavetosayaboutsodomyand/orsexualperversion? \ A=  ThischapterdoesnotdealindepthwiththeScripturaldoctrineofadulteryand wH fornication.Adulteryishavingsexwithsomeoneotherthantheoneyouaremarriedto. c4 FornicationisanysexoutsidetheboundsofaScripturalmarriage.Fornicationcanalsobe O  usedtodescribehomosexualactsintheNewTestament.Thecontextwilldeterminewhatis ;  meant. Anadultereroradulteresscanalsobeguiltyoffornication.UnderOldTestamentlaw,both ' adulteryandfornicationwereoffensesworthyofdeath.Adulteryandfornicationareperversionsof   GodsgiftofsextoScripturallymarriedcouples.ThesubjectofadulteryisaddressedintheBible ! atleast61differenttimesin54verses.FornicationisaddressedintheBibleatleast44differenttime ! in44verses.NeitherdowedealwithwhattheBiblehastosayaboutwhores,whoring,harlots,and " whoremongers.Theseparticularsinsarecalledoutatleast91differenttimesin88verses.Adultery, # fornication,whoredom,harlotry,andwhoremongeringwillallsendyoutohellifyoudonotputyour $  faithintheLordJesusChristandrepentofyoursin.However,whatfollowsdealswithwhatGod %p! hastosayaboutaheinousformofsexualperversionknownashomosexuality/sodomy. &\"    APRESENTATIONONWHATTHE c(4!$ BIBLESAYSABOUTSEXUALPERVERSION O) "%  D   AnyonesinthatisnotcoveredbythebloodoftheLordJesusChristwillsendsinnerstohell. '+#' Godhatesallsin,butaccordingtotheBible,Godhasanespeciallystronghatredofsexualperversion. ,$( Beastiality,sodomy(homosexuality),andcrossdressing(transgenderdressing)aretheonlysexual / sinsthatGodspecificallyreferstoasanabomination.ReadLeviticus18:22-30,Leviticus20:13,  Deuteronomy22:5,and1Kings14:24toverifythatstatement.Anabominationissomethingthatis   utterlydetestabletoGod.Mankindssinsofbestialityandsodomy(homosexuality)havebrought   downuponmankindthemostdestructivejudgementsofGodrecordedintheBible.Threeofthese   eventsincludetheworldwidefloodofGenesis6,thedestructionofSodomandGomorrahandmore   inGenesis19,andthedestructionof65,000JewsinJudgeschapters19-21.TheLordJesusChrist   statedinLuke19:27thattherewasanotherdestructioncomingfortheverysamereasons.This  t passagewillbediscussedlateroninconjunctionwithGenesis6,2Peter2-3,andthebookofJude. ` Thetentribesinthenorth(Israel)werealwaysunderjudgementofGodbecauseoftheiridolatryand {L  theabominationsassociatedwithit.Godcursedthosetribesbecauseoftheirwickedness.Theywent g8  intocaptivitymuchsoonerthandidJudah.Judahwasalsowicked,butnearlyasbadasIsraelwas. S$  TherearethreekingsinthehistoryofJudahthatprovethatanytimethekingsbrokedowntheidols ?  andremovedsodomyoutofthelandthattheycameunderthemightyhandofGodandhisblessing. +  BecauseAsa,Jehoshaphat,andJosiahdidthatwhichwasrightintheeyesoftheLordgreatrevival   wasexperienced.throughouttheland.WeareconvincedthatthiswassoforthereignofHezekiah   also,butwecouldnotfindanyspecificreferencestosodomyduringtheperiodofgreatrevivaland  restorationunderHezekiah.    IntheKingJamesBible,thereareatleasttwenty(22)separateScripturesthatdealwiththe  sinsofsodomyand/orsexualperversionincludingcrossdressing.TheseScripturesincludeGenesis  19,Exodus22:19,Leviticus18:22,Leviticus18:23,Leviticus20:13,Leviticus20:15-16, p Deuteronomy22:5,Deuteronomy23:17,Deuteronomy27:21,Judges19:22-30,1Kings14:24,1 \ Kings15:12,1Kings22:46,2Kings23:7,Luke17:29,Romans1:18-28,1Corinthians6:9, wH Colossians3:5,1Timothy1:10,Genesis6,2Peter2:6,andJude7.Leviticuschapter18identifies c4 specificsexualsinsincludingincest,adultery,humansacrifice,sodomy(homosexuality),and O  bestiality(humanshavingsexwithanimals).Leviticuschapter20establishesthepunishmentfor ;  sexualperversionsofmenandwomenidentifiedinLeviticus18.Manlikestousethetermsgays, ' lesbians,transgenders,crossdressers,andhomosexualstodescribethesereprobates.Godrefersto   allthesegroupsassodomites.InGodseyes,theactivitiesofthesegroupsarenotalternative   lifestyles.Godcallstheseactionssinandthosewhoparticipateinthemhecallssinners.Infact,God ! referstotheseactionsasanabomination.GodsenttheLordJesusChristtothecrosstodiefor " sinnersandthatincludessodomites. #   Manysodomitesinattemptingtojustifytheirsinfullifestylewilltellyouthattheywereborn $  sodomites.Manywantyoutothinkthatitisageneticdisorder.Nothingcouldbefurtherfromthe %l! truth.Sodomyisnotageneticdisorder,butitisSIN.Sodomyisasmuchasinasmurder,adultery, &X" stealing,rape,drinkingalcohol,assault,andetc.Thereisnobiologicallinktosodomy.Many s'D # so-calledscientistshavetriedtoestablishalinkandhavefailedmiserably.Thesescientistshaveput _(0!$ forth profaneandvainbabblings,andoppositionsofsciencefalselysocalled.Itisblasphemyto K)"% accuseGodofallowingsomeonetobebornasodomitewhenGodhascalledsodomybothasinand 7*#& anabomination.Ifmenandwomenarebornsodomites,thenGodhascausedthemtosin.Thatis #+#' blasphemy!Buyingintotheideathathomosexualityisaninborntrait,andthereforeinnocentand ,$( defensible,wouldbelikestatingthatmurder,stealing,assault,anddrinkingalcoholarecausedby / birthdefects.Thatwouldleadtototalanarchy.Homosexualityisnotacivilright.Itissinjustlike  murderandstealing.Homosexualitywillsendyoutohelljustlikemurderandstealingwill.Would   youarguethatsomeonehastherighttocommitmurder?     ThereisneveranygoodmentionedinconnectionwithSodom.ThewordSodomoccurs48   timesintheKingJamesBible.SodomisfirstmentionedinGenesis10:19inconnectionwithits   beingacityofHamssonCanaan.RememberfromGenesis9:25thatacursehadalreadybeen   pronounceduponCanaanbecauseofHam(Canaansfather)lookinguponNoahsnakedness(Genesis  t 9:22).Canaanmusthavehadsomepartinthiseventforthecursetohavebeenpronouncedupon ` him.WeknowfromGenesis13:13that themenofSodomwerewickedandsinnersbeforethe {L  LORDexceedingly.WealsoknowfromGenesis18:20thatthesinofSodomandGomorrahwas g8   verygrievousbeforetheLord.FromAbrahamspleatoGodinGenesis18:23-33,weknowthat S$  therewerenoteventenpeoplewithinthecityofSodomthatwerenotgivenovertothesexual ?  perversionofthecityofSodom.Fromthatpointon,weknowthatthecityofSodomwas +  exceedinglywicked.Itwassowickedthatthesinassociatedwithitbecameknownassodomy.Now   letusreadthestoryinGenesis19ofthedestructionofSodomandGomorrahaswellasAdmahand   Zeboim(Deuteronomy29:23)  8  Genesis19!! 8  1AndtherecametwoangelstoSodomateven;andLotsatinthegateofSodom:and  Lotseeingthemroseuptomeetthem;andhebowedhimselfwithhisfacetowardthe p ground;2Andhesaid,Beholdnow,mylords,turnin,Iprayyou,intoyourservants \ house,andtarryallnight,andwashyourfeet,andyeshallriseupearly,andgoon wH yourways.Andtheysaid,Nay;butwewillabideinthestreetallnight.3Andhe c4 presseduponthemgreatly;andtheyturnedinuntohim,andenteredintohishouse; O  andhemadethemafeast,anddidbakeunleavenedbread,andtheydideat.4But ;  beforetheylaydown,themenofthecity,eventhemenofSodom,compassedthe ' houseround,botholdandyoung,allthepeoplefromeveryquarter:5Andtheycalled   untoLot,andsaiduntohim,Wherearethemenwhichcameintotheethisnight?   bringthemoutuntous,thatwemayknowthem.6AndLotwentoutatthedoorunto ! them,andshutthedoorafterhim,7Andsaid,Iprayyou,brethren,donotso " wickedly.8Beholdnow,Ihavetwodaughterswhichhavenotknownman;letme,I # prayyou,bringthemoutuntoyou,anddoyetothemasisgoodinyoureyes:only $  untothesemendonothing;forthereforecametheyundertheshadowofmyroof.9 %l! Andtheysaid,Standback.Andtheysaidagain,Thisonefellowcameintosojourn, &X" andhewillneedsbeajudge:nowwillwedealworsewiththee,thanwiththem.And s'D # theypressedsoreupontheman,evenLot,andcameneartobreakthedoor.10Butthe _(0!$ menputforththeirhand,andpulledLotintothehousetothem,andshuttothedoor. K)"% 11Andtheysmotethementhatwereatthedoorofthehousewithblindness,both 7*#& smallandgreat:sothattheyweariedthemselvestofindthedoor.12Andthemensaid #+#' untoLot,Hastthouhereanybesides?soninlaw,andthysons,andthydaughters,and ,$( whatsoeverthouhastinthecity,bringthemoutofthisplace:13Forwewilldestroy / thisplace,becausethecryofthemiswaxengreatbeforethefaceoftheLORD;and  theLORDhathsentustodestroyit.14AndLotwentout,andspakeuntohissonsin   law,whichmarriedhisdaughters,andsaid,Up,getyououtofthisplace;forthe   LORDwilldestroythiscity.Butheseemedasonethatmockeduntohissonsinlaw.   15Andwhenthemorningarose,thentheangelshastenedLot,saying,Arise,takethy   wife,andthytwodaughters,whicharehere;lestthoubeconsumedintheiniquityof   thecity.16Andwhilehelingered,themenlaidholduponhishand,anduponthe  t handofhiswife,anduponthehandofhistwodaughters;theLORDbeingmerciful ` untohim:andtheybroughthimforth,andsethimwithoutthecity.17Anditcameto {L  pass,whentheyhadbroughtthemforthabroad,thathesaid,Escapeforthylife;look g8  notbehindthee,neitherstaythouinalltheplain;escapetothemountain,lestthoube S$  consumed.18AndLotsaiduntothem,Oh,notso,myLord:19Beholdnow,thy ?  servanthathfoundgraceinthysight,andthouhastmagnifiedthymercy,whichthou +  hastsheweduntomeinsavingmylife;andIcannotescapetothemountain,lestsome   eviltakeme,andIdie:20Beholdnow,thiscityisneartofleeunto,anditisalittle   one:Oh,letmeescapethither,(isitnotalittleone?)andmysoulshalllive.21And  hesaiduntohim,See,Ihaveacceptedtheeconcerningthisthingalso,thatIwillnot  overthrowthiscity,forthewhichthouhastspoken.22Hastethee,escapethither;for  Icannotdoanythingtillthoubecomethither.Thereforethenameofthecitywas  calledZoar.23ThesunwasrisenupontheearthwhenLotenteredintoZoar.24Then p theLORDraineduponSodomanduponGomorrahbrimstoneandfirefromthe \ LORDoutofheaven;25Andheoverthrewthosecities,andalltheplain,andallthe wH inhabitantsofthecities,andthatwhichgrewupontheground.26Buthiswifelooked c4 backfrombehindhim,andshebecameapillarofsalt.27AndAbrahamgatupearly O  inthemorningtotheplacewherehestoodbeforetheLORD:28Andhelooked ;  towardSodomandGomorrah,andtowardallthelandoftheplain,andbeheld,and, ' lo,thesmokeofthecountrywentupasthesmokeofafurnace.29Anditcameto   pass,whenGoddestroyedthecitiesoftheplain,thatGodrememberedAbraham,and   sentLotoutofthemidstoftheoverthrow,whenheoverthrewthecitiesinthewhich ! Lotdwelt.30AndLotwentupoutofZoar,anddweltinthemountain,andhistwo " daughterswithhim;forhefearedtodwellinZoar:andhedweltinacave,heandhis # twodaughters.31Andthefirstbornsaiduntotheyounger,Ourfatherisold,andthere $  isnotamanintheearthtocomeinuntousafterthemannerofalltheearth:32Come, %l! letusmakeourfatherdrinkwine,andwewillliewithhim,thatwemaypreserveseed &X" ofourfather.33Andtheymadetheirfatherdrinkwinethatnight:andthefirstborn s'D # wentin,andlaywithherfather;andheperceivednotwhenshelaydown,norwhen _(0!$ shearose.34Anditcametopassonthemorrow,thatthefirstbornsaiduntothe K)"% younger,Behold,Ilayyesternightwithmyfather:letusmakehimdrinkwinethis 7*#& nightalso;andgothouin,andliewithhim,thatwemaypreserveseedofourfather. #+#' 35Andtheymadetheirfatherdrinkwinethatnightalso:andtheyoungerarose,and ,$( laywithhim;andheperceivednotwhenshelaydown,norwhenshearose.36Thus / wereboththedaughtersofLotwithchildbytheirfather.37Andthefirstbornbarea  son,andcalledhisnameMoab:thesameisthefatheroftheMoabitesuntothisday.   38Andtheyounger,shealsobareason,andcalledhisnameBenammi:thesameis   thefatherofthechildrenofAmmonuntothisday. !!   Genesischapter19presentsoneofthemostsordideventsrecordedinScripture.Verses4   through7describeacitythatisalmosttotallygivenovertosexualperversion.Thephrase thatwe  t mayknowtheminverse5andthephrase donotsowickedlyinverse7meansthattheywanted ` toknowthemsexually.Noticefromverse9thatthemenofSodomweregoingtobreakthedoor {L  downsothattheycouldforcefullysodomizeLotstwoguests(angels)thattheyreferredtoasmen. g8  Noticesomeotherdetailsinthispassage: S$  8  1.0` !!Lotwaswillingtosacrificeatleasttwoofhisvirgindaughterstothe +  sodomitesoutsidehisdoor(verse8). ` !` ! 8  2.0` !!LotalsohadatleasttwootherdaughtersinthecityofSodombecauseLot    seemedasonethatmockeduntohissonsinlaw(verse14).` !` ! 8  3.0` !!Lotandhisfamilysolingeredinthecitythatthetwoangels laidholdupon  thehandsofhimandhisfamilyandsetthemforcefullyoutsidethecity(verse  16).` !` ! 8  4.0` !!Lotstwovirgindaughtersmadetheirfatherdrunkandconceivedtwosonsby p theirfatherLot(verses31-38).AsChristians,itishardforustoevenimagine \ howamancouldsubjecthisfamilytothesexuallypervertedhorrorsof wH Sodom,losemorethanhalfofhisfamilytothehorrorsofsexualperversion, c4 seethecityofSodomsdestructionbecauseofthosehorrors,andstillyet O  conceivetwochildrenbyhisowndaughtersfollowingthatdestruction.The ;  offspringofthesetwoincestuousrelationships,theMoabitesandAmmonites, ' becameaperpetualthorninthesideofGodspeople.Israelwasconstantly   atwarwiththem. ` !` ! 8  5.0` !!ThesexualperversionofSodom,Gomorrah,Admah,andZeboimresultedin ! thetotaldestructionofeverythingandeverybodyinthosecities(verses24-25 " andDeuteronomy29:23).#` !` !   ThenextsexualperversionthatGoddealswithisthatofbeastiality.GodsaysinExodus %l! 22:19: &X" 8  Exodus22:19_(0!$!! 8  Whosoeverliethwithabeastshallsurelybeputtodeath.K)"%!! Beastialityismenandwomenhavingsexwithanimals.Thatiswhatthephrase Whosoeverlieth #+#' withabeastmeans.Thepenaltyforthissinwasdeath. ,$(   InLeviticus18Godestablisheslawsforgoverningsexualrelations.Leviticus20establishes / Godspenaltiesforviolationofhislawsgoverningsexualrelations.TheBibleusestheterm   uncoveringnakednesstorefertohavingsexualrelations.IntheBible,seeingsomeonesnakedness   meanstoviolateapersonsprivacy(Somewoulddisagreewiththatstatement).Hence,tolookupon   someonesnakednessisnothavingsexualrelationswiththem.Therefore,thesinofHaminGenesis   9:22didnotinvolvesexualrelationswithhisfatherNoah.However,itwasasintolookuponNoahs   nakedness.Lookinguponsomeonesnakednesswasasinthatcouldleadtoactualsexualrelations   and/oruncleanthoughts.Pornographyislookinguponsomeonesnakedness.Anotherproblemwith  t Hamisthathebroadcastwhathehadseen.Anotherquestionthatarisesiswhywashaminhis ` fatherstenttostartwith?SomewoulddisagreehereandsaythatCanaansandHamssinwasthat {L  ofsodomy.ItmaybethatthisisaverystrongstatementastowhyGodexpectsmenandwomento g8  keeptheirnakednesscovered.Here,itresultedinacurse.Fromthescripturesthatfollowwewill S$  alsoseethatwitchcraft,sorcery,andwizardrywereassociatedwithsexualperversionandtheworship ?  ofpagangods.NowletuslookatLeviticuschapters18and20. +  8  Leviticus18:6-30 !! 8  6Noneofyoushallapproachtoanythatisnearofkintohim,touncovertheir  nakedness:IamtheLORD.7Thenakednessofthyfather,orthenakednessofthy  mother,shaltthounotuncover:sheisthymother;thoushaltnotuncoverher  nakedness.8Thenakednessofthyfatherswifeshaltthounotuncover:itisthy  fathersnakedness.9Thenakednessofthysister,thedaughterofthyfather,or p daughterofthymother,whethershebebornathome,orbornabroad,eventheir \ nakednessthoushaltnotuncover.10Thenakednessofthysonsdaughter,orofthy wH daughtersdaughter,eventheirnakednessthoushaltnotuncover:fortheirsisthine c4 ownnakedness.11Thenakednessofthyfatherswifesdaughter,begottenofthy O  father,sheisthysister,thoushaltnotuncoverhernakedness.12Thoushaltnot ;  uncoverthenakednessofthyfatherssister:sheisthyfathersnearkinswoman.13 ' Thoushaltnotuncoverthenakednessofthymotherssister:forsheisthymothers   nearkinswoman.14Thoushaltnotuncoverthenakednessofthyfathersbrother,thou   shaltnotapproachtohiswife:sheisthineaunt.15Thoushaltnotuncoverthe ! nakednessofthydaughterinlaw:sheisthysonswife;thoushaltnotuncoverher " nakedness.16Thoushaltnotuncoverthenakednessofthybrotherswife:itisthy # brothersnakedness.17Thoushaltnotuncoverthenakednessofawomanandher $  daughter,neithershaltthoutakehersonsdaughter,orherdaughtersdaughter,to %l! uncoverhernakedness;fortheyarehernearkinswomen:itiswickedness.18Neither &X" shaltthoutakeawifetohersister,tovexher,touncoverhernakedness,besidethe s'D # otherinherlifetime.19Alsothoushaltnotapproachuntoawomantouncoverher _(0!$ nakedness,aslongassheisputapartforheruncleanness.20Moreoverthoushaltnot K)"% liecarnallywiththyneighbourswife,todefilethyselfwithher.21Andthoushaltnot 7*#& letanyofthyseedpassthroughthefiretoMolech,neithershaltthouprofanethename #+#' ofthyGod:IamtheLORD.22Thoushaltnotliewithmankind,aswithwomankind: ,$( itisabomination.23Neithershaltthouliewithanybeasttodefilethyselftherewith: / neithershallanywomanstandbeforeabeasttoliedownthereto:itisconfusion.24  Defilenotyeyourselvesinanyofthesethings:forinallthesethenationsaredefiled   whichIcastoutbeforeyou:25Andthelandisdefiled:thereforeIdovisittheiniquity   thereofuponit,andthelanditselfvomitethoutherinhabitants.26Yeshalltherefore   keepmystatutesandmyjudgments,andshallnotcommitanyoftheseabominations;   neitheranyofyourownnation,noranystrangerthatsojournethamongyou:27(For   alltheseabominationshavethemenofthelanddone,whichwerebeforeyou,andthe  t landisdefiled;)28Thatthelandspuenotyououtalso,whenyedefileit,asitspued ` outthenationsthatwerebeforeyou.29Forwhosoevershallcommitanyofthese {L  abominations,eventhesoulsthatcommitthemshallbecutofffromamongtheir g8  people.30Thereforeshallyekeepmineordinance,thatyecommitnotanyoneof S$  theseabominablecustoms,whichwerecommittedbeforeyou,andthatyedefilenot ?  yourselvestherein:IamtheLORDyourGod.+ !! 8  Leviticus20:1-21,27 !! 8  1AndtheLORDspakeuntoMoses,saying,2Again,thoushaltsaytothechildrenof  Israel,WhosoeverhebeofthechildrenofIsrael,orofthestrangersthatsojournin  Israel,thatgivethanyofhisseeduntoMolech;heshallsurelybeputtodeath:the  peopleofthelandshallstonehimwithstones.3AndIwillsetmyfaceagainstthat  man,andwillcuthimofffromamonghispeople;becausehehathgivenofhisseed p untoMolech,todefilemysanctuary,andtoprofanemyholyname.4Andifthe \ peopleofthelanddoanywayshidetheireyesfromtheman,whenhegivethofhis wH seeduntoMolech,andkillhimnot:5ThenIwillsetmyfaceagainstthatman,and c4 againsthisfamily,andwillcuthimoff,andallthatgoawhoringafterhim,tocommit O  whoredomwithMolech,fromamongtheirpeople.6Andthesoulthatturnethafter ;  suchashavefamiliarspirits,andafterwizards,togoawhoringafterthem,Iwilleven ' setmyfaceagainstthatsoul,andwillcuthimofffromamonghispeople.7Sanctify   yourselvestherefore,andbeyeholy:forIamtheLORDyourGod.8Andyeshall   keepmystatutes,anddothem:IamtheLORDwhichsanctifyyou.9Foreveryone ! thatcursethhisfatherorhismothershallbesurelyputtodeath:hehathcursedhis " fatherorhismother;hisbloodshallbeuponhim.10Andthemanthatcommitteth # adulterywithanothermanswife,evenhethatcommittethadulterywithhis $  neighbourswife,theadultererandtheadulteressshallsurelybeputtodeath.11And %l! themanthatliethwithhisfatherswifehathuncoveredhisfathersnakedness:both &X" ofthemshallsurelybeputtodeath;theirbloodshallbeuponthem.12Andifaman s'D # liewithhisdaughterinlaw,bothofthemshallsurelybeputtodeath:theyhave _(0!$ wroughtconfusion;theirbloodshallbeuponthem.13Ifamanalsoliewithmankind, K)"% asheliethwithawoman,bothofthemhavecommittedanabomination:theyshall 7*#& surelybeputtodeath;theirbloodshallbeuponthem.14Andifamantakeawifeand #+#' hermother,itiswickedness:theyshallbeburntwithfire,bothheandthey;thatthere ,$( benowickednessamongyou.15Andifamanliewithabeast,heshallsurelybeput / todeath:andyeshallslaythebeast.16Andifawomanapproachuntoanybeast,and  liedownthereto,thoushaltkillthewoman,andthebeast:theyshallsurelybeputto   death;theirbloodshallbeuponthem.17Andifamanshalltakehissister,hisfathers   daughter,orhismothersdaughter,andseehernakedness,andsheseehisnakedness;   itisawickedthing;andtheyshallbecutoffinthesightoftheirpeople:hehath   uncoveredhissistersnakedness;heshallbearhisiniquity.18Andifamanshalllie   withawomanhavinghersickness,andshalluncoverhernakedness;hehath  t discoveredherfountain,andshehathuncoveredthefountainofherblood:andboth ` ofthemshallbecutofffromamongtheirpeople.19Andthoushaltnotuncoverthe {L  nakednessofthymotherssister,norofthyfatherssister:forheuncoverethhisnear g8  kin:theyshallbeartheiriniquity.20Andifamanshallliewithhisuncleswife,he S$  hathuncoveredhisunclesnakedness:theyshallbeartheirsin;theyshalldiechildless. ?  21Andifamanshalltakehisbrotherswife,itisanuncleanthing:hehathuncovered +  hisbrothersnakedness;theyshallbechildless. !! 8  Leviticus20:27!! 8  27Amanalsoorwomanthathathafamiliarspirit,orthatisawizard,shallsurelybe  puttodeath:theyshallstonethemwithstones:theirbloodshallbeuponthem.!! AstudyofLeviticus18(therule)andLeviticus20(thepenalty)revealsthefollowingaboutGods p rulesforhumansexualconduct: \ 8  1.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenafatheranddaughterorasonandmother.The c4 penaltywasdeath(Leviticus18:7,Leviticus20:11).O ` !` ! 8  2.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenasonandafatherswife.Thepenaltywasdeath. ;  (Leviticus18:7,Leviticus20:11).'` !` ! 8  3.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenbrothersandsisters.Heshallbecutoff(castout)in   thesightofhispeople(Leviticus18:9,11;Leviticus20:17). ` !` ! 8  4.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenagrandfatherandhisgranddaughters(Leviticus ! 18:10)."` !` ! 8  5.0` !!Godforbidsmentohavesexwiththeirauntsortheiraunts-in-law.The # penaltywasdyingchildless(Leviticus18:12-14,Leviticus20:19).$ ` !` ! 8  6.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenafather-in-lawandadaughter-in-law.Thepenalty %l! wasdeath(Leviticus18:15,Leviticus20:12).&X"` !` ! 8  7.0` !!Godforbidssixwithamanssister-in-lawexceptintheroleaskinsman s'D # redeemer.Thepenaltywasthattheyweretobechildless(Leviticus18:16, _(0!$ Leviticus20:21,Deuteronomy25:5).K)"%` !` ! 8  8.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenamanandthedaughterofthatmanswifeorthe 7*#& wifesgranddaughters.Thiswouldbethecaseifamanmarriedawomanwho #+#' alreadyhadchildren.Insuchacasetheman,hiswife,andthedaughterwere ,$( tobeputtodeath.Thisobviouslyappliedifallthreewerewilling / participants.(Leviticus18:17,Leviticus20:14).` !` ! 8  9.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenamanandhiswifessisterwhilethewifeisstill   alive(Leviticus18:18). ` !` ! 8  10.0` !!Godforbidssexduringawomansmenstrualcycle.Bothwerecutofffrom   amongthepeople(Leviticus18:19,Leviticus20:18). ` !` ! 8  11.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenmarriedandunmarriedpeople(adultery).The   penaltyforbothwasdeath(Leviticus18:20,Leviticus20:10). t` !` ! 8  12.0` !!Godforbidssexforthepurposeofsacrificingtheseed(theinfant)toMoloch ` (anidol).Thepenaltywasdeath(Leviticus18:21,Leviticus20:1-5).{L ` !` ! 8  13.0` !!Godforbidssexbetweenamanandamanorsexbetweenawomananda g8  woman.Thepenaltywasdeathforboth(Leviticus18:22,Leviticus20:13)S$ ` !` ! 8  14.0` !!Godforbidsmankindhavingsexwithanimals.Thepenaltywasdeathfor ?  boththeanimalandtheperson(Leviticus18:23,Leviticus20:15-16,Exodus +  22:19). ` !` ! 8  15.0` !!Communicationwithfamiliarspiritsandthepracticeofwitchcraft,sorcery,   andwizardrywereusedincombinationwithsexualperversionand  promiscuityintheworshipofpagangods.Thevilestpartofthisdebauchery  wassodomy.Bydefinitioncommunicationwithafalsegodwas  communicatingwithfamiliarspirits.Thepenaltyforthissinwasdeath.  (Leviticus20:6,Leviticus20:7,Deuteronomy18:9-12)p` !` ! Ѐ  Manytimessodomiteswilljumponwhattheyfalselyandwickedlyperceivetobethe wH injusticeofGodinrequiringthedeathpenaltyformenhavingsexwithmenandwomenhavingsex c4 withwomen.Theyonlyseewhattheywanttosee.Seeagainthediscussionjustcompleted.God O  alsorequiredthedeathpenaltyforthefollowingoffenses:touchingmountSinai(Exodus19:12); ;  murder(Genesis9:5-6;Leviticus24:17,21;Numbers35:16,17-18,21,30-31);smitingorcursing ' onesmotherorfather(Exodus21:15,17;Leviticus20:9);stealingandsellingaman(Exodus21:16,   Deuteronomy24:7);havingsexwithanimals(Exodus22:19;Leviticus20:15-16);workingduring   ordefilingtheSabbath(Exodus31:14-15,Numbers15:35);strangerscomingnighthetabernacle ! (Numbers1:51,Numbers3:10,Numbers3:38,Numbers18:7);falseprophesying(Deuteronomy13:5, " Deuteronomy18:20);practicingidolatry(Leviticus20:2,Deuteronomy17:1-7);adultery(Leviticus # 20:10);practicingwitchcraftanddealingwithfamiliarspiritsandwizards(Exodus22:18,Leviticus $  20:27);rebellionagainstthepriestandthejudge(Deuteronomy17:12);rape(Deuteronomy22:25); %l! blasphemingthenameoftheLordandcursing(Leviticus24:14-16,23);asonrebellingagainsthis &X" motherandfather(Deuteronomy21:18-21);fornication,or,sexoutsidemarriage(Deuteronomy s'D # 22:21);andfinallyamanhavingvoluntarysexwithavirginthatisengagedtoanotherman _(0!$ (Deuteronomy22:23)Allthisprovesthatthewages,orthepenalty,forsinisdeath(Romans6:23). K)"% Ifyouwantdeliverancefromthewagesofsinturnfromyoursin(repent)andputyourfaithandtrust 7*#& intheLordJesusChrist. #+#'   Manytimestheinfantchildrenofthosewhowereinvolvedinthesexualperversionthat ,$( occurredintheworshipofpagangodsweresacrificeduntothosepagangods.Theseinfantswere / burnttodeath.Manytimestheendofsexualperversionisinflictingpainuponothersandself.Itis  aproductofamindthatistotallygivenovertoSatan.Itisalsoaperfectpictureofthedepravityof   man.     ThenextsexualissuethatGoddealswithistheabominationofcrossdressing.Godsaysin   Deuteronomy22:5:   8  Deuteronomy22:5 t!! 8  Thewomanshallnotwearthatwhichpertainethuntoaman,neithershallamanput ` onawomansgarment:forallthatdosoareabominationuntotheLORDthyGod.{L !! Oneofthemarksofasodomiteisamanthatwilldresslikeawomanandawomanthatwilldresslike S$  aman.ThisisaBiblicalstandardthatSatanhasbeentearingdownfordecadesinthetelevisionand ?  moviecesspoolsandthesodomitedominatedfashiondesignindustry.Itstartedinthetelevision +  industrybydressingmenupaswomenandthenpokingfunatthemandlaughingaboutit.Wewill   guaranteeyouthatGodisnotamusedbyit.Hecallsitanabomination.Sodomyandcrossdressing   areanabominationuntoGod.Goddoesnotwanthischildrentodressinamannerthatdoesnot  clearlyidentifythemaseithermaleorfemale.Goddoesnotwanttheworldtomistakehischildren  forsodomites.    IntheverynextchapterofDeuteronomyGoddealsagainwiththeissueofsodomy.Hesays:  8   !! 8  Deuteronomy23:17\!! 8  17ThereshallbenowhoreofthedaughtersofIsrael,norasodomiteofthesonsof wH Israel.c4!! Forthoseofyouwhodonothavea1611KingJamesBiblethathaskeptthemarginalnotesandcross ;  referencesyouwillnotbeabletoverifythisstatement.The1611KingJamesBibleandmostcenter ' columnreferenceeditionsofCambridgeKingJamesBibleshavetheoriginalKingJamestranslators   marginalnotesandcrossreferencesinthem.Themarginalnoteontheword whoreinverse17is    sodomitess.InotherwordsthewhorethatisthesubjectofDeuteronomy23:17,isafemale ! sodomitethatprostitutesherselftootherfemales. "   GodagaindealswithsexualperversioninDeuteronomy27whereweread: # Ѐ8  Deuteronomy27:20-23%l!!! 8  20Cursedbehethatliethwithhisfatherswife;becauseheuncoverethhisfathers &X" skirt.Andallthepeopleshallsay,Amen.21Cursedbehethatliethwithanymanner s'D # ofbeast.Andallthepeopleshallsay,Amen.22Cursedbehethatliethwithhissister, _(0!$ thedaughterofhisfather,orthedaughterofhismother.Andallthepeopleshallsay, K)"% Amen.23Cursedbehethatliethwithhismotherinlaw.Andallthepeopleshallsay, 7*#& Amen.#+#'!!  ,$( TheseversesinDeuteronomy27againdealwithincest(verses20and22),bestiality(verse21),and / adultery(verse23).Godpronouncedacurseuponallthosethattookpartintheseabominations.    TheeventsinJudges19standrightupnexttotheeventsinGenesis19aseventsthatwilllive   inBiblicalinfamy.Bothoftheseeventsbroughtaverypainfuljudgementuponthoseinvolvedin   themthatwouldhavetobeclassifiedwiththegreatestmancausedtragediesinworldhistory.Both   oftheseweredrivenbyGodsjudgementonsodomy.LetustakealookatJudgeschapter19:   8  Judges19:22-30 t!! 8  22Nowastheyweremakingtheirheartsmerry,behold,themenofthecity,certain ` sonsofBelial,besetthehouseroundabout,andbeatatthedoor,andspaketothe {L  masterofthehouse,theoldman,saying,Bringforththemanthatcameintothine g8  house,thatwemayknowhim.23Andtheman,themasterofthehouse,wentoutunto S$  them,andsaiduntothem,Nay,mybrethren,nay,Iprayyou,donotsowickedly; ?  seeingthatthismaniscomeintominehouse,donotthisfolly.24Behold,hereismy +  daughteramaiden,andhisconcubine;themIwillbringoutnow,andhumbleyethem,   anddowiththemwhatseemethgooduntoyou:butuntothismandonotsovilea   thing.25Butthemenwouldnothearkentohim:sothemantookhisconcubine,and  broughtherforthuntothem;andtheyknewher,andabusedherallthenightuntilthe  morning:andwhenthedaybegantospring,theylethergo.26Thencamethewoman  inthedawningoftheday,andfelldownatthedoorofthemanshousewhereherlord  was,tillitwaslight.27Andherlordroseupinthemorning,andopenedthedoorsof p thehouse,andwentouttogohisway:and,behold,thewomanhisconcubinewas \ fallendownatthedoorofthehouse,andherhandswereuponthethreshold.28And wH hesaiduntoher,Up,andletusbegoing.Butnoneanswered.Thenthemantookher c4 upuponanass,andthemanroseup,andgathimuntohisplace.29Andwhenhewas O  comeintohishouse,hetookaknife,andlaidholdonhisconcubine,anddividedher, ;  togetherwithherbones,intotwelvepieces,andsentherintoallthecoastsofIsrael. ' 30Anditwasso,thatallthatsawitsaid,Therewasnosuchdeeddonenorseenfrom   thedaythatthechildrenofIsraelcameupoutofthelandofEgyptuntothisday:   considerofit,takeadvice,andspeakyourminds.!!! Onceagainweseethosefatefulexpressions thatwemayknowhimand donotsowickedly(See # againGenesis19:5-6).Thesesodomitemenwerenotinterestedinthewomen.Theywantedtohave $  sexwiththeman.Onceagainwehaveamanofferinguptwoinnocentwomentoappeasetheviolent %l! sodomitesatthedoor(SeeagainGenesis19:8).Thesodomitesweregiventhevisitorsconcubine &X" andtheysexuallyabusedhertodeath.WearenotquitesurewhytheLevitecuthisdeadconcubine s'D # upintotwelvepieces,butweknowthatitwasavileactinitself.WeknowfromJudges19:30that _(0!$ thiswasauniqueeventinthehistoryofIsraelsincetheExodusfromEgypt.TheeventsinJudges K)"% chapter19becamesowellknownthattherewasaproverbinIsraelthatstated:asinthedaysof 7*#& Gibeah.ItwasquotedinHosea9:9and10:9.Thisonehorrificincidentofsodomywasthestraw #+#' thatbrokethecamelsback.ItresultedinjudgementthatbroughtcivilwarinIsraelbecausethetribe ,$( ofBenjaminrefusedtosurrenderthesodomiteswhowereresponsibleforthedeathoftheconcubine / (Judges20:12-15).Thecarnagethatresultedcaused40,000deathsinIsrael(Judges20:21,25)and  25,000deathsinthetribeofBenjamin(Judges20:46).Thisamountedto94%ofthemeninthetribe   ofBenjaminand10%ofthemeninthetribesofIsrael.Thisamountsto65,000deathsnotincluding   thoseinJabeshgilead.Therootcauseofthiswholeincidentwassodomy.     FirstKings14isthefirstplaceintherecordedhistoryofthekingsofIsraelwhereGoddealt   withanationalissueofsodomy.Doyourememberallthewaybacktothesordideventsattheend   ofGenesis19whereLotconceivedsonsofhisowndaughtersfollowingthedestructionofSodom?  t Someofthefruitofthatwickednessshowsuphere.NoticethatRehoboamsmotherwasan ` Ammonitess. {L  8  1Kings14:21-26S$ !! 8  21AndRehoboamthesonofSolomonreignedinJudah.Rehoboamwasfortyandone ?  yearsoldwhenhebegantoreign,andhereignedseventeenyearsinJerusalem,the +  citywhichtheLORDdidchooseoutofallthetribesofIsrael,toputhisnamethere.   AndhismothersnamewasNaamahanAmmonitess.22AndJudahdidevilinthe   sightoftheLORD,andtheyprovokedhimtojealousywiththeirsinswhichtheyhad  committed,aboveallthattheirfathershaddone.23Fortheyalsobuiltthemhigh  places,andimages,andgroves,oneveryhighhill,andundereverygreentree.24And  therewerealsosodomitesintheland:andtheydidaccordingtoalltheabominations  ofthenationswhichtheLORDcastoutbeforethechildrenofIsrael.25Anditcame p topassinthefifthyearofkingRehoboam,thatShishakkingofEgyptcameupagainst \ Jerusalem:26AndhetookawaythetreasuresofthehouseoftheLORD,andthe wH treasuresofthekingshouse;heeventookawayall:andhetookawayalltheshields c4 ofgoldwhichSolomonhadmade.O !! Becauseoftheidolatryandthesodomyconnectedtoit,Godbroughtjudgementuponthenationof ' Judah.KingShishakofEgyptinvadedJudahandsackedJerusalemandtookawayallthegoldand   treasuresfromboththekingshouseandthehouseoftheLord(verses25-26).     ThenextthreeincidentsdealingwithsodomyinthenationofJudahtakeonsomewhatofa ! positivenoteinthattheyshowthatGodrewardsobediencetohiscommandmentstoremovesodomy " outoftheland.TheseweresomeofthebesttimesinthehistoryofthenationofJudah.Theyinvolve # thegoodkingsAsa,Jehoshaphat,andJosiah.Thetotaloftheirreignscovers97years.IKings15:12 $  makesthisstatement: %l! 8  1Kings15:12s'D #!! 8  12Andhetookawaythesodomitesoutoftheland,andremovedalltheidolsthathis _(0!$ fathershadmade.K)"%!! ThiswasastatementaboutKingAsa.Therewasaperiodofpeaceforthefirsttenyearsofthereign #+#' ofAsafollowedbyagreatmilitaryvictoryoverZerahtheEthiopian.Thiswasoneofgreatest ,$( militarycampaignsinthehistoryoftheworld.Asasarmywasoutnumberedbyalmost2to1and / Godgavehimoneofthegreatestmilitaryvictoriesinthehistoryoftheworld.Zerahsarmythat  cameagainstAsawasone-millionstrong(2Chronicles14:9).Asasarmynumbered580,000(2   Chronicles14:8).AsawasakingofJudah.Asareignedfor41years.ThefollowingScripturescover   thereignofAsa:1Kings15,1Kings16,2Chronicles14,2Chronicles15,2Chronicles16.   ThefollowingstatementwasmadeaboutJehoshaphat,kingofJudah:   Ѐ8  1Kings22:46`!! 8  46Andtheremnantofthesodomites,whichremainedinthedaysofhisfatherAsa, {L  hetookoutoftheland.g8 !! Weknowfromverse46abovethatJehoshaphatwasthesonofAsa(Seealso1Kings15:24). ?  Jehoshaphatreigned25years.Accordingto1Kings22:43,2Chronicles17:3-4,and2Chronicles +  20:32,JehoshaphatwasaGodlykingthatdidthatwhichwasrightintheeyesoftheLord.Another   significantstatementwasthatin1Kings22:46whereitisstatedthathetookthesodomitesoutof   theland.Healsosentpriests,Levites,andteachersthroughoutJudahteachingandproclaimingthe  wordofGod.Accordingto2Chronicles17:14-18,hefieldedanarmyof1,160,000men.Thatwas  ahugearmyforitsday.GodputJehoshaphatabovemostoftheoftherestofthekingsofIsraeland  Judah.HerankedamongthetopsixofthegreatestkingsinIsraelandJudah.Thisgroupincluded  David,Solomon,Hezekiah,Asa(hisfather),Jehoshaphat,andJosiah.Allthishappenedbecausehe p didthatwhichwasrightintheeyesoftheLordandtookawaythesodomitesoutoftheland.Toread \ therestofthestoryofJehoshaphatsreignread1Kings22,2Chronicles17,2Chronicles18,2 wH Chronicles19,and2Chronicles20. c4   ThefollowingstatementwasmadeaboutJosiah,kingofJudah: ;  8  2Kings23:7 !! 8  7Andhebrakedownthehousesofthesodomites,thatwerebythehouseofthe   LORD,wherethewomenwovehangingsforthegrove.!!! Josiahreignedfor31yearsinJudah.PerhapsthegreatestshorttermrevivalinthehistoryofIsrael # andJudahtookplaceduringthereignofJosiah.WeknowfromtheScripturesthatthesinglegreatest $  PassoverinthehistoryofIsraelandJudahtookplaceduringthereignofJosiah(2Kings23:22). %l! Josiahtoredownthehousesofthesodomites,puttheworkerswithfamiliarspiritsandwizardsout &X" oftheland,anddestroyedtheimages,idols,andabominationsthatwerefoundinJudah.Josiahalso s'D # purgedandrebuiltthehouseoftheLord.Itissignificantthatthisgreatrevivalonlytookplaceafter _(0!$ hedealtwiththeidolatryinthelandandtoredownthehousesofthesodomitesthatwererightnext K)"% doortothehouseoftheLord.AnotheramazingthingintheeventssurroundingthereignofJosiah 7*#& isthattheprophecygiven369yearsbeforein1Kings13:1-2wasfulfilledtotheletterin2Kings #+#' 23:17-18. ,$(   ThisisthelastmentionofthesodomitesspecificallyintheOldTestamentthoughtheiractions / weredealtwithmanytimesintheprophetsandinthebooksofthekings(Samuel,Kings,and  Chronicles)whenspeakingoftheabominationsoftheheathen.     Thecleareststatementagainsthomosexualityand/orsodomyintheNewTestamentisfrom   Romanschapter1.Itisveryclearinthetextthathomosexualityandsodomyendinbeingturnedover   toareprobatemind.   8  Romans1:18-32 t!! 8  18ForthewrathofGodisrevealedfromheavenagainstallungodlinessand ` unrighteousnessofmen,whoholdthetruthinunrighteousness;19Becausethatwhich {L  maybeknownofGodismanifestinthem;forGodhathshewedituntothem.20For g8  theinvisiblethingsofhimfromthecreationoftheworldareclearlyseen,being S$  understoodbythethingsthataremade,evenhiseternalpowerandGodhead;sothat ?  theyarewithoutexcuse:21Becausethat,whentheyknewGod,theyglorifiedhimnot +  asGod,neitherwerethankful;butbecamevainintheirimaginations,andtheirfoolish   heartwasdarkened.22Professingthemselvestobewise,theybecamefools,23And   changedthegloryoftheuncorruptibleGodintoanimagemadeliketocorruptible  man,andtobirds,andfourfootedbeasts,andcreepingthings.24WhereforeGodalso  gavethemuptouncleannessthroughthelustsoftheirownhearts,todishonourtheir  ownbodiesbetweenthemselves:25WhochangedthetruthofGodintoalie,and  worshippedandservedthecreaturemorethantheCreator,whoisblessedforever. p Amen.26ForthiscauseGodgavethemupuntovileaffections:foreventheirwomen \ didchangethenaturaluseintothatwhichisagainstnature:27Andlikewisealsothe wH men,leavingthenaturaluseofthewoman,burnedintheirlustonetowardanother; c4 menwithmenworkingthatwhichisunseemly,andreceivinginthemselvesthat O  recompenceoftheirerrorwhichwasmeet.28Andevenastheydidnotliketoretain ;  Godintheirknowledge,Godgavethemovertoareprobatemind,todothosethings ' whicharenotconvenient;29Beingfilledwithallunrighteousness,fornication,   wickedness,covetousness,maliciousness;fullofenvy,murder,debate,deceit,   malignity;whisperers,30Backbiters,hatersofGod,despiteful,proud,boasters, ! inventorsofevilthings,disobedienttoparents,31Withoutunderstanding, " covenantbreakers,withoutnaturalaffection,implacable,unmerciful:32Whoknowing # thejudgmentofGod,thattheywhichcommitsuchthingsareworthyofdeath,not $  onlydothesame,buthavepleasureinthemthatdothem.%l!!! InthispassagefromRomanschapter1Godisveryspecificinhiscondemnationofunnaturalsexual s'D # acts(sodomy).FromtheprogressioninRomans1,youcanseethatmenandwomenfallintothese _(0!$ unnaturalsexualactsbecausetheyhaverejectedGod(verses18-22).Noticeinverse21thattheir K)"% heartsbecamedarkened.Aftertheirheartsweredarkened,theybecamefoolsandstartedworshiping 7*#& themselves(corruptibleman).Inverse24,theprogressionintosodomyiscompletedwhenthey #+#' dishonortheirownbodiesbetweenthemselves.Inverse25,theystartedworshipingandservingtheir ,$( unnaturalsexualdesiresuntilGodgivesthemuptotheirvileaffections(sodomy)inverse26.Again / inverse26,thewomenareshowntobehavingsexualrelationshipswithotherwomen.Menare  showntobehavingsexualrelationshipswithmeninverse27.Notethatitwasafourstage   progressionintothesodomitelifestyle:   8  1.ThemenleftorrejectedGod; !! 8  2.Themenleftthenaturaluseofthewoman; !! 8  3.Menburnedintheirlustforothermen; t!! 8  4.Menwerelyingwithmensexually.`!!   Notethatthewordnaturalisused3differenttimesinthispassageandthewordnatureisused g8  once.Itisnotnaturalthatmenwouldhavesexwithmenandwomenwouldhavesexwithwomen. S$  Godhimselfsaidinverse26thatsamesexrelationshipsareAGAINSTnature.Verse27alsosays ?  thatGodisjustinturningthemovertoareprobatemindinverse28.Itsaysthattheyreceive +  recompenceoftheirerrorwhichismeet.Thatwordmeetmeansproperandright.Inverse28,the   phrase todothosethingsthatarenotconvenientalsoreferstounnaturalactsofsex.     Whatdoesthetermreprobatemindmean?Ashortdefinitionwouldbethatitisaseared  consciousthatisunabletorespondtoGod.Paulusesthetermreprobateseveraltimes.Itisonce  againassociatedwiththetermwithoutnaturalaffectionin1Timothy3:1-9.InTitus1:15-16,the  termreprobateisassociatedwithanabominationandadefiled(seared)mindandconscience.When  amanorawomangetsturnedovertoareprobatemindtheycannotbesavedbecausetheyhave p rejectedGod.BecausetheyhaverejectedGod,Godhasrejectedthem.Thetermreprobateisused \ inJeremiah6:30inrelationtothosethatGodhasrejected.Noticethatwhenanindividualgetsturned wH overtoareprobatemindthattheprogressionintosingetsdeeperanddeeper(verses29-31).The c4 wordimplacableinverse31meansthatanindividualthathasbeenturnedovertoareprobatemind O  cannotbepersuadedthatwhattheyaredoingiswrong.Thedictionarydefinitionofimplacableis ;   incapableofbeingappeasedorchanged.Inasense,itsummarizesareprobatemind.Weseein ' verse31thatthesodomitesarewithoutnaturalaffectionandunmerciful.ThatiswhyChristiansand   Jewshavesufferedmany hatecrimesatthehandsofsodomites.ManyoftheNazisweresodomites.   Asagroup,thesodomitesarethemostviolentpeopleintheworld.Itisbecausetheyareunmerciful ! andwithoutnaturalaffection.Romans1:32showsthattheendofthesodomitelifestyleisthe " judgementofGodanddeath. #   Paulonceagaindealswithsexualperversionin1Corinthians6:9wherehesays: %l! 8  1Corinthians6:9s'D #!! 8  9KnowyenotthattheunrighteousshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod?Benot _(0!$ deceived:neitherfornicators,noridolaters,noradulterers,noreffeminate,norabusers K)"% ofthemselveswithmankind,7*#&!! IwanttoremindyouagainthattheBiblelooksuponanysexoutsideofamarriagebetweenoneman ,$( andonewomanasbeingaperversionofGodsgiftofsex.Inverse9above,foursexualsinsare / identified.Twoofthesesins,menbeingeffeminateandmenbeingabusersofthemselveswithother  men,aretalkingabouthomosexuality(sodomy).   Colossians3:5-6says:   8  Colossians3:5-6 !! 8  5Mortifythereforeyourmemberswhichareupontheearth;fornication,uncleanness,  t inordinateaffection,evilconcupiscence,andcovetousness,whichisidolatry:6For ` whichthingssakethewrathofGodcomethonthechildrenofdisobedience:{L !! Inordinateaffectionisdefinedasdepravedandvilepassion.Itisonceagainareferencetosexual S$  perversion.InordinateaffectionisidentifiedasoneofthosesinsthatbringthejudgementofGodon ?  thosewhoareguiltyofthem. +  1Timothy1:9-10says:   8  1Timothy1:9-10!! 8  9Knowingthis,thatthelawisnotmadeforarighteousman,butforthelawlessand  disobedient,fortheungodlyandforsinners,forunholyandprofane,formurderersof  fathersandmurderersofmothers,formanslayers,10Forwhoremongers,forthemthat p defilethemselveswithmankind,formenstealers,forliars,forperjuredpersons,and \ iftherebeanyotherthingthatiscontrarytosounddoctrine.wH!! CondemnationofactsofsexualperversionareaconstantthemeoftheHolyGhostinspiredwritings O  oftheApostlePaul.Hereinoneofthefinalbooksthathewroteheonceagaincondemnsthosethat ;  defilethemselveswithmankind. '   ThefirstmentionofsodomyintheNewTestamentcomesfromthelipsofourLordand   SaviourJesusChrist.InLuke17,theLordJesusChristmakesaconnectionbetweenthewayitwill   bewhenhereturnsandthewayitwasinthedaysofNoah(Genesis6)andthedaysofLot(Genesis ! 19).ThemostsignificantstatementinScriptureconcerningsodomyanditsconnectiontodestruction " ismadebytheLordJesusChristinLukewherewesee: # 8  Luke17:26-29%l!!! 8  26AndasitwasinthedaysofNoe,soshallitbealsointhedaysoftheSonofman. &X" 27Theydideat,theydrank,theymarriedwives,theyweregiveninmarriage,untilthe s'D # daythatNoeenteredintotheark,andthefloodcame,anddestroyedthemall.28 _(0!$ LikewisealsoasitwasinthedaysofLot;theydideat,theydrank,theybought,they K)"% sold,theyplanted,theybuilded;29ButthesamedaythatLotwentoutofSodomit 7*#& rainedfireandbrimstonefromheaven,anddestroyedthemall.#+#'!!  ,$( InthisScripture,theLordJesusChristconnectsthedestructionoftheworldbythefloodwiththe / destructionofSodomandGomorrahbyfireandbrimstone.SodomandGomorrahweredestroyed  becauseitwastotallygivenovertosodomy.RereadGenesis19.Weknowfromthecomparison   madebytheLordJesusChristthatSodomandGomorrahweredestroyedforthesamereasonsthat   theworldwasdestroyedbywaterinGenesis6and7.Sodomywasthecauseofbotheventsof   destruction.FromGenesischapter6weread:   8  Genesis6:5,11-12 t!! 8  5AndGODsawthatthewickednessofmanwasgreatintheearth,andthatevery ` imaginationofthethoughtsofhisheartwasonlyevilcontinually.11Theearthalso {L  wascorruptbeforeGod,andtheearthwasfilledwithviolence.12AndGodlooked g8  upontheearth,and,behold,itwascorrupt;forallfleshhadcorruptedhiswayupon S$  theearth.? !! Howdowecorrupttheflesh?WedoitbyhavingpervertedsexoutsidetheScripturalboundsof   marriagebetweenonemanandonewoman.TheLordJesusChristsaidthatwhenhereturnedit   wouldbeasitwereinthedaysofNoahandLot.Inotherwords,theworldwebetotallyconsumed  withpervertedsexandsodomy.Thedayofhisreturnmustbeclosesincesexualperversionisan  indicatorofit.    BothPeterandJudemadethesameconnectionwithsodomyandthecomingjudgementand  destruction.BothmentionedthedestructionofthefloodandthedestructionofSodomand p Gomorrah.Both2PeterandJudearewritteninthecontextofrebuketoanunbelievingandapostate \ church.Thesetwobooksareveryclearthatnotonlywilltheendtimeschurchbeapostate,butthat wH itwillbeconsumedwithunrestrainedsexualactivityandsexualperversion. c4 8  2Peter2:4-8; !! 8  4ForifGodsparednottheangelsthatsinned,butcastthemdowntohell,and ' deliveredthemintochainsofdarkness,tobereserveduntojudgment;5Andspared   nottheoldworld,butsavedNoahtheeighthperson,apreacherofrighteousness,   bringinginthefloodupontheworldoftheungodly;6Andturningthecitiesof ! SodomandGomorrhaintoashescondemnedthemwithanoverthrow,makingthem " anensampleuntothosethataftershouldliveungodly;7AnddeliveredjustLot,vexed # withthefilthyconversationofthewicked:8(Forthatrighteousmandwellingamong $  them,inseeingandhearing,vexedhisrighteoussoulfromdaytodaywiththeir %l! unlawfuldeeds;)&X"!! 8   !! 8  2Peter3:3-6_(0!$!! 8  3Knowingthisfirst,thatthereshallcomeinthelastdaysscoffers,walkingaftertheir K)"% ownlusts,4Andsaying,Whereisthepromiseofhiscoming?forsincethefathersfell 7*#& asleep,allthingscontinueastheywerefromthebeginningofthecreation.5Forthis #+#' theywillinglyareignorantof,thatbythewordofGodtheheavenswereofold,and ,$( theearthstandingoutofthewaterandinthewater:6Wherebytheworldthatthen / was,beingoverflowedwithwater,perished:!! 8   !! 8  Jude4-8,14-19 !! 8  4Fortherearecertainmencreptinunawares,whowerebeforeofoldordainedtothis   condemnation,ungodlymen,turningthegraceofourGodintolasciviousness,and   denyingtheonlyLordGod,andourLordJesusChrist.5Iwillthereforeputyouin   remembrance,thoughyeonceknewthis,howthattheLord,havingsavedthepeople  t outofthelandofEgypt,afterwarddestroyedthemthatbelievednot.6Andtheangels ` whichkeptnottheirfirstestate,butlefttheirownhabitation,hehathreservedin {L  everlastingchainsunderdarknessuntothejudgmentofthegreatday.7Evenas g8  SodomandGomorrha,andthecitiesabouttheminlikemanner,givingthemselves S$  overtofornication,andgoingafterstrangeflesh,aresetforthforanexample, ?  sufferingthevengeanceofeternalfire.8Likewisealsothesefilthydreamersdefilethe +  flesh,despisedominion,andspeakevilofdignities.14AndEnochalso,theseventh   fromAdam,prophesiedofthese,saying,Behold,theLordcomethwithtenthousands   ofhissaints,15Toexecutejudgmentuponall,andtoconvinceallthatareungodly  amongthemofalltheirungodlydeedswhichtheyhaveungodlycommitted,andof  alltheirhardspeecheswhichungodlysinnershavespokenagainsthim.16Theseare  murmurers,complainers,walkingaftertheirownlusts;andtheirmouthspeakethgreat  swellingwords,havingmenspersonsinadmirationbecauseofadvantage.17But, p beloved,rememberyethewordswhichwerespokenbeforeoftheapostlesofourLord \ JesusChrist;18Howthattheytoldyouthereshouldbemockersinthelasttime,who wH shouldwalkaftertheirownungodlylusts.19Thesebetheywhoseparatethemselves, c4 sensual,havingnottheSpirit.O !!   BothJudeandPeterweredealingwith,andprophesyingof,theapostasy,heresy,mockersand ' scoffers,andthesexualperversionintheendtimeschurch.AccordingtoJude,theendtimeschurch   willbefullofunbelieving,sodomite,churchmembers.Judedescribesthesechurchmembersasfilthy   dreamersthatdefiletheflesh(verse8).AfterreferringtothesodomitesofthefloodandofSodom ! andGomorrah,Judesaid: Thesebetheywhoseparatethemselves,sensual,havingnottheSpirit " (verse19).Todaywehavedenominationsthatwerespecificallyorganizedforsodomites.The # MetropolitanCommunityChurchisonesuchdenomination.Wehavedenominationssuchasthe $  RomanCatholics,theEvangelicalLutheranChurchinAmerica(ELCA),theUnitedChurchofChrist, %l! thePresbyterianChurchUSA,theUnitedMethodistChurch,theEpiscopalChurch,andsomeBaptist &X" Churchesthatareordainingmaleandfemalesodomitestotheministry.Mostofthesearealso s'D # performingsamesexmarriageswherethepartnersandthechurchenterintoamarriagecovenant _(0!$ withtheDevilforthedestructionoftheirsouls.Anychurchthatwouldconductasamesexmarriage K)"% ceremonyisapartoftheBrideofSatan.SheisdescribedinRevelation17.Thebuildinginwhich 7*#& anysamesexmarriageceremonytakesplaceistheSynagogueofSatan. #+#'   ThereasonforthedestructionofthefloodandthedestructionofSodomandGomorrahwere ,$( unbelief,mockery,andsexualperversion.Thereasonfordestructionoftheworldinouragewillbe / unbelief,mockery,mistreatmentofIsrael,persecutionoftheLordstruechurch,andsexual  perversion.Thetolerationofsodomyhasalwaysbeenassociatedwithabominablepaganreligions.   Wheresodomyandchildmolestationexists,thereisfalsereligionpresent.Anytimeachildis   molestedtheoffendershouldbeprosecutedtothefullestextentofthelaw.Whereitcanbeproved   beyondashadowofadoubt,ifitinvolvestherapeorsodomyofachild,theoffendingpartyshould   beexecuted.IdonotcareifitisanapostateBaptistsuchasBobGreyorachildmolesting,sodomite   RomanCatholicpriestornun.Withthedeathpenalty,therearenorepeatoffenderswithmoredead  t childrenleftbehindtobeburied. `   TheBibleendsthebookofRevelationwithseveralpassagesthatdealwiththejudgementof {L  allsinincludingsexualperversionandsodomy.Revelation21:8,Revelation21:27,Revelation g8  22:11,andRevelation22:15dealspecificallywiththosethatareexcludedfromheaven.Ifyouare S$  excludedfromheavenyouareincludedinhell. ?  8  Revelation21:8 !! 8  8Butthefearful,andunbelieving,andtheabominable,andmurderers,and   whoremongers,andsorcerers,andidolaters,andallliars,shallhavetheirpartinthe  lakewhichburnethwithfireandbrimstone:whichistheseconddeath.!! 8   !! 8  Revelation21:27!! 8  27Andthereshallinnowiseenterintoitanythingthatdefileth,neitherwhatsoever p workethabomination,ormakethalie:buttheywhicharewrittenintheLambsbook \ oflife.wH!! 8   !! 8  Revelation22:11O !! 8  11Hethatisunjust,lethimbeunjuststill:andhewhichisfilthy,lethimbefilthy ;  still:andhethatisrighteous,lethimberighteousstill:andhethatisholy,lethimbe ' holystill. !! 8   !! 8  Revelation22:15!!! 8  15Forwithoutaredogs,andsorcerers,andwhoremongers,andmurderers,and " idolaters,andwhosoeverlovethandmakethalie.#!! AndsotheBibleconcludesinthesefourversesinRevelationwithyetanotherwarningtothosewho %l! wouldinvolvethemselveswithsexualperversion.TheclosingchaptersofourBibleareclear.Ifyou &X" areinalifeofsexualperversion,youwilleitherrepentorburnforaneternityintheLakeOfFire. s'D #  ,$(   r   B?'!_  u XXXCHAPTER8:STANDARDSFORCHURCHSERVICE#XXX u # XXXXXX____   @ WE_ԀHAVESOMEQUESTIONSFORYOU     Ataminimum,thischapterdealswithandattemptstoanswerthefollowingquestionsand  more:   8  (1)0` !!DoyoubelievethatabishopordeaconshouldbefilledwiththeHolyGhost?#XXXX XX # XXXXXX\ ` !` ! 8  (2)0` !!DoyoubelieveinaliteralinterpretationoftheScriptures?H ` !` ! 8  (3)0` !!Doyoubelievethatthesocalledqualificationsin1Timothy3alsoapplyto 4   menwhoseektobeteachers,missionaries,evangelists,churchtreasurers,  p  missionsprogramdirectors,andsoforth? \ ` !` ! 8  (4)0` !!Doyoubelievethatifamangetsadivorceafterheissaved,thatheis H  permanentlydisqualifiedfromanypositionofleadershipinthechurch 4  includingbishopanddeacon? ` !` ! 8  (5)0` !!Doyoubelievethatamanwhowasdivorced beforehewassavedis   qualifiedforpositionsofchurchleadershipincludingbishopanddeacon?` !` ! 8  (6)0` !!Doyoubelievethetimingofamanssalvationhasanyeffectonwhetherhe  isqualifiedfortheofficesofbishopordeacon?` !` ! 8  (7)0` !!Doyoubelievethatamandisqualifieshimselffromtheofficesofelder, l bishop,anddeaconifhemarriesadivorcedwoman?X` !` ! 8  (8)0` !!DoyoubelievethatdivorceendsamarriageintheeyesofGodsothata D formerspouseisnolongerscripturallyaspouseinanysenseoftheword?0` !` ! 8  (9)0` !!WaspolygamyapotentialproblemintheearlyNewTestamentchurchera?l` !` ! 8  (10)0` !!Isthecontextoftheconflictin1TimothyandTitusJewishorGentilein X nature?Howdoesthiscontextaffectthedoctrinalandhistoricalinterpretation D ofthesepassages?0` !` ! 8  (11)0` !!Doyoubelieveyouhavethediscernmenttodeterminewhetheranyoneis/was  savedataparticularpointintime?` !` ! 8  (12)0` !!Wouldyouleaveaneverdivorcedmaninabishopsordeaconsofficewhen  byhisconductherevealsthatheisnotfilledwiththeHolyGhost? ` !` ! 8  (13)0` !!Doyoubelievethatanadulterousorfornicatingpastorordeaconshouldbe |! allowedtoremainintheministry?#XXXX XX # XXXXXXh" ` !` ! 8  (14)0` !!Wouldyoukickamanoutoftheministrywhosesodomitewifelefthimfor T#! anabominablesamesexrelationship?@$"` !` ! 8  (15)0` !!Doyoubelievethatthesocalledqualificationsforchurchofficeareabsolute ,%| # standardsoraretheyintendedtobeageneralstandardbywhichtheoverall &h!$ presentcharacterandconductofamanmaybejudgedtodeterminehis 'T"% suitabilitytoserveintheofficesofbishopanddeacon?#XXXX XX # XXXXXX'@#&` !` ! 8  (16)0` !!WasPaulandtheLordJesusChristqualifiedtopastorchurches?(,$'` !` ! 8  (17)0` !!HowshouldandhowdoesPaulsmaritalstatusaffecttheinterpretationof1 )%( Timothy3:2?*&)` !` ! 8  (18)0` !!Isadivorcedandremarriedmandisqualifiedfrombeingthepastorofhis +&*  home?#XXXX XXU # XXXXXX/` !` ! CA  Wehaveincludedanappendixtothischapterthatdealswiththeinterpretationofthephrase    husbandofonewifebynumerouscommentariesandbymanypreachersofthedistantpastand   somemorerecent.Ifyoudonotreadthecommentsinthatappendix,youwilllosesomeofthebenefit   youwouldotherwisehaveexperienced.Manyofthecommentsareveryenlightening.Insomecases,   wegivethecommentandthenaddsomeofourowncommentstoit.Ourcommentswillbepreceded   bythestatement: Notefromthisauthor #XXXX XXw # XXXXXX.Wewishedwehadaccesstomorefreecommentariesso  t wecouldfurtherresearchthistopic.#XXXX XXx # XXXXXX d @  WHATTHEYBELIEVEANDPRACTICE  k<    Theveryfirstquestionthatshouldbeansweredwhendealingwiththosewhomightbe C  qualifiedtoholdtheofficesofbishopanddeaconis: Doyoubelievethatabishopordeaconshould /  befilledwiththeHolyGhost?.Whilemanywillquicklysay#XXXX XX* # XXXXXXԀthattheybelievethatabishopordeacon   shouldbefilledwiththeHolyGhost,theymakenorealefforttoholdthoseinthosepositions   accountablefortheirunholyconductmuchlessholdthemtothegeneralstandardsforbishopsand  deaconsfrom1Timothy3andTitus1.Acts6:17says:  8  Acts6:17  1Andinthosedays,whenthenumberofthediscipleswasmultiplied,therearosea t murmuringoftheGreciansagainsttheHebrews,becausetheirwidowswereneglected ` inthedailyministration.2Thenthetwelvecalledthemultitudeofthedisciplesunto {L them,andsaid,ItisnotreasonthatweshouldleavethewordofGod,andservetables. g8 3Wherefore,brethren,lookyeoutamongyousevenmenofhonestreport,fullofthe S$ HolyGhostandwisdom,whomwemayappointoverthisbusiness.4Butwewillgive ? ourselvescontinuallytoprayer,andtotheministryoftheword.5Andthesaying + pleasedthewholemultitude:andtheychoseStephen,amanfulloffaithandofthe   HolyGhost,andPhilip,andProchorus,andNicanor,andTimon,andParmenas,and ! NicolasaproselyteofAntioch:6Whomtheysetbeforetheapostles:andwhenthey ! hadprayed,theylaidtheirhandsonthem.7AndthewordofGodincreased;andthe " numberofthedisciplesmultipliedinJerusalemgreatly;andagreatcompanyofthe # priestswereobedienttothefaith.$ !! #XXXX XX # XXXXXX  ThelayingonofhandswasanOldTestamentprinciplethatcarriedoverintoboththe &\" appointingofmemberstotheJewishSanhedrinandintotheNewTestamentChurch(Numbers8:10, w'H # Numbers27:1823,Deuteronomy34:9,Acts13:13,1Timothy4:14,Hebrews6:2).#XXXX XX1 # XXXXXXԀTheBiblesays c(4!$ tolayhandsonnomansuddenly.Thatiswhatthemodernapostatechurchissoguiltyof.Thatiswhy O) "% wehavesomanywickedmeninourpulpitsinAmerica.InActs6,wehavethefirstsevendeacons ;* #& calledbythechurch.Theonly qualificationsgiventothechurchwasthatthesemenhadtobe:(1) '+#' ofhonestreport;(2)fulloftheHolyGhost;(3)andfullofwisdom.Thesethreerequirementsalone ,$( woulddisqualifymostmenthatoccupyAmericanpulpits.Gonewouldbemostofthosewhohold C positionsofleadershipbyvirtueoftheireducational,economic,andsocialstatus.Themostimportant / ofthesethreewouldbethatofbeingfulloftheHolyGhost.Mostmenwhoholdthepositionsof  bishopanddeaconinAmericanchurchesarenotfulloftheHolyGhostbecausetheyarelost,hell   boundsinners.TheyarenotevenqualifiedtobemembersofBiblebelievingchurchesmuchlessto   bebishopsanddeacons.Theproofofthatisinthefilthy,Sataniceffluentthatcomesspewingforth   fromtheirmouthsastheystepbehindtheirpulpitsandlecterns.Thatisalsotrueofmany   fundamentalistandIndependentBaptistchurches.IfweusedActs6asourfirststopwhenexamining  t menforchurchoffice,wewouldnotevenhavetogoto1Timothy3andTitus1.#XXXX XX # XXXXXXEvenifwecould  ` getto1Timothy3andTitus1thereisawiderangeofmisinterpretationinfundamentalistandBaptist L  congregations. {8  #XXXX XX #  ManyBaptistpastorswillnotallowdivorcedmentopreachintheirpulpits.ManyBaptist g$  pastorsandevangelistswillnotpreachinapastorspulpitifthatpastorallowsdivorcedmento S  preachinhispulpit.ManyBaptistpastorswillbreakfellowshipwithandostracizeamanwhowill ?  allowadivorcedmanintohispulpit.SomeBaptistpastors,preachers,andevangelistsdonotbelieve +  thatadivorcedmancanbeanointedoftheHolyGhostinthepulpit.SomeBaptistpreachersand   evangelistswillbreakfellowshipwithapastorwhowillnotbreakfellowshipwithapastorwho  allowsdivorcedmantopreachinhispulpit.Now,ifthatsoundsconfusing,itoughtto.Iguarantee  youthatGodisnotinitbecauseGodisnottheauthorofconfusion.ManyBaptistpastors,  evangelists,andpreacherswilltakeapastorwhoallowsadivorcedmantopreachintheirpulpitsto  thePeterRuckmanWhippingPostasifheisthestandardofjudgingthestandardsfortheministry. p SomeBaptistchurcheswillallowdivorcedmentoholdchurchofficesandpreachandteachprovided \ theirdivorcetookplacebeforetheirsalvation.OtherBaptistchurcheswillallowadivorcedmanto H holdanyofficeincludingpastorintheirchurchandtopreachandteachprovidedhemaintains w4 Biblicalstandardsofholinessinhislife.Soyoucanseethereisawidevarietyofbeliefandpractice c  inBaptistchurches.Regardlessofwhatyoubelieveandpractice,someofthesebeliefsandpractices O  havetobescripturalandsomeofthemhavetobeunscriptural.Someofthesefolkshavetobe ; scripturallywrong.Theyarewrongeitherininterpretationand/orapplication.Ifyouexceedthe ' standardsofthescripturesinapplication,thenyouareguiltyofsettingyourselfupasaselfrighteous   judge.Ifyourrighteousnessexceedstherighteousnessofthescriptures,thenyouareguiltyofbeing   aselfrighteousPharisee.Manymenparrotthepositionsoftheirpastor,ortheirfavoriteevangelist, ! ortheirfavoriteseminary/instituteprofessorwithouthavingstudiedthescripturesanddeterminedfor " themselvesthewholecounselofGodonthematter.Ratherthanbeingaworkmanthatrightly #  divideththewordoftruth,theyarealazy,mockingparrot.Asaremindertotheparrots,itisnotwhat $l! thussaiththeman,butinsteadwhatTHUSSAITHTHELORD.Manymenholdpositionsonthe %X" matterunderdiscussionthatareobviouslycontradictorytotheclearteachingofthescripturesandthe &D # SpiritoftheHolyGhostofGod.Regardlessofmotivation,togobeyondtheclearteachingand s'0!$ standardsofthescripturesisdoctrinalerroralso.Whenwesetthebarhigherthanthescriptures,we _("% areputtingourselvesintheroleoftheHolyGhostofGod.WehavemadethatscripturewhichGod K)#& neverintendedtobescripture.Inotherwords,wehaveaddedourpersonalstandardstothescriptures: 7*#' ourownprivateinterpretation.Putbluntly,wehaveputmanswordsintoGodsmouth.Wecallthat #+$( addingtotheScriptures! XXXXXX ,%) #XXXX XX/ #   XXXXXXDoyoubelievethatthesocalledqualificationsin1Timothy3alsoapplytomenwhoseek / tobeteachers,missionaries,evangelists,churchtreasurers,missionsprogramdirectors,andsoforth?#XXXX XX #  TherearesomeBaptistchurchesthatbelievethatthequalificationsforbishop(pastor)anddeacon   alsoapplyequallytopreachers,evangelists,missionaries,teachers,song/musicleaders,musicians,   choirmembers,etc.Thatisnotscriptural.TherearebutthreeNewTestamentchurchoffices.Those   areelders,bishops,anddeacons.PreacherisnotaNewTestamentchurchoffice.Evangelistisnot   aNewTestamentchurchoffice.TeacherisnotaNewTestamentchurchoffice.Missionaryisnota   NewTestamentchurchoffice.SongleaderisnotaNewTestamentchurchofficeandsoforth.For  t anyonetoattempttoapplythestandardsforbishopsanddeaconstoanyoneotherthanbishopsand ` deaconsistoADDtotheScriptures.Itisnothingmorethanaselfrighteousstandardthatexceeds {L  therighteousnessoftheScriptures.Thatmakesitamanmadedoctrine.Concerningthesubjectofthis g8  paragraphRalphWoodrowhadthefollowingtosay: S$  8  Apreacherwhowasreadytocleanhouse,asheputit,declaredthatnopersonin +  hischurchwhohadapreviousmarriagecouldsinginthechoir,holdanypositionin   thechurch,orevenserveasanusher! Idontbelieveinsecondmarriages!hesaid.   Aclosefriendofhis(whohaddivorcedandremarried)saidtohiminprivate, Iknow  youhaveonlymarriedonce,butdidyoueverhaveasexualrelationshipwithanother  woman?(Beingclosefriends,neitherconsideredthisconversationtoopersonal.)  Withsomehesitationthepastoradmittedtherehadbeensomeinvolvementwith...two  women...longbeforehewasmarriedtohiswife. Well,repliedtheotherman, you p havebeenmarriedtoTHREEwomenandneverevendivorcedthefirstTWO.Ihave \ beenmarriedonlyTWICE,butIgotadivorce!...Woodrowcontinues:wH!! 8   ` SomemonthsagoIheardamangivehistestimonyabouthowGodsavedhim c4 fromaverywickedlife.Thoughraisedinchurch,hehadrebelledatanearlyage, O  becameinvolvedwithgangs,gotintodrugs,cursedGod,chasedwomen,livingwith ;  onethenanother,thoughheneverlegallymarried.Thenhegotsaved,wenttoBible ' SchoolwherehemarriedaChristiangirl,andisnowanordainedminister.Wecanall   rejoiceinwhatGodhasdoneforhim.ButthereisaseriousINCONSISTENCYhere.   Thedenominationwhichordainedhimdoesnotallowdivorceandremarriage(inthe ! ministryorindeacons).HadhemarriedevenONEofthesewomenhelivedwith,any " marriageafterthatwouldnotbefirstmarriageandordinationwouldhavebeen # refused!$ !! 8   ` Theinconsistencyofthisdoublestandardsays,ineffect, Dontgetmarried %l! !justlivewithdifferentones.Godwillforgivethis,andifyoudofinallygetmarried &X" itwillbeafirstmarriage.Butifyoumarryanditdoesntworkout,youcanneverget s'D # marriedagain...andcertainlyneverbeadeaconorminister![DivorceAnd _(0!$ Remarriage,pages8384RalphWoodrow,1991]K)"%!! StanleyA.Ellisensaidthisaboutthesubjectbeforeus: #+#'  ,$( 8  Howfarshouldtheserestrictionsbecarried?Iftheycannotbedeaconorpastor,can C theyserveasusher?Collectoffering?Orwouldthatbetooclosetothedutiesofa / deacon?WouldtheybeallowedtoprayorreadScripturefromthepulpit,orgivetheir  testimonyfromthepulpit?Wouldthatbetooclosetopreaching?Topressitfurther,   wouldthedivorcedpersonbeallowedtosinginthechoirorsingasolo?Orwould   suchaperformancebordertoocloselytotheconceptofministry?Ihavenotheardof   anysuchchurchwhorestrictsdivorcedfolksfrombeingdeaconsorpastorsfrom   contributingtotheofferingplate,however.[DivorceandRemarriage,StanleyA.  t Ellisen,page83] `!!   SomeBaptistchurchestakethishypocrisyastepfurtherwhentheywillevengosofarasto {8  prohibitdivorcedmanfromtestifyingofhissalvationinchurchservices.Whatdoesthisdoforthe g$  commandoftheLORDto lettheredeemedoftheLORDsaysso?ThereareevensomeBaptist S  churchesthatwillnotallowadivorcedmanorwomantobeamemberofTHEIRchurch.Wearealso ?  awarethatsomeBaptistchurchesdonotallowwomentoteachanyoneatall. XXXXXXThatdoesnotlineup +  withTitus2:34whichstates:   8  Titus2:34  3Theagedwomenlikewise,thattheybeinbehaviourasbecomethholiness,notfalse  accusers,notgiventomuchwine,teachersofgoodthings;4Thattheymayteachthe  youngwomentobesober,tolovetheirhusbands,tolovetheirchildren,#XXXX XXu2 # XXXXXXp!! #XXXX XXh4 #  Wehavealsoheardmanypreachersandpastorsattemptto selectively applytherulesthat H appliedtotheOldTestamentpriesthoodtomenintheministryintheNewTestament.Itwillnotwork {8 andwewillexplain.Ifyouaregoingtoapplysomeofthem,youwillhavetoapplyallofthemto g$ NewTestamentbishopsanddeacons.HerearethoserequirementsfromLeviticuschapter21: S (1)Thepriestscouldnotshavetheirheadsortheirbeards.(Theregoesmostofthepastorsand ? preachersfromAmericanpulpits).Theregoesthoseofyouwhopreachagainstbeards.Forthoseof + youwhopreachagainstbeards,youmusthavebeenamongthosewhopluckedoutthebeardofthe   LordJesusChristbeforethecrucifixion.(2)Thepriestscouldnothavetattoos.(Theregoesmany ! militarymenanddrunkswhovisitedtattooparlorsbeforetheygotsaved)(3)Thepriestshadtomarry ! avirgin.(Howaboutyoupreacherman?Didyoumarryavirgin?).Or,howmanywomensvirginity " didyoustealbeforeyouhadaceremony?(4)Thepriestswifecouldnothavebeenawhore(How #  manydifferentwomenhaveyouengagedinsexwith?)Didyouhavesexwithyourwifebeforeyou $p! hadaceremony.Youguessedit.Youmadeherawhorewhenyoudonethat.(5)Thepriestsswife %\" couldnotbeprofane;inotherwordsunsaved.(Howaboutyoupreacherman?Wasyourwifesaved &H # whenyougotmarried,ordidshemakeaprofessionafteryouweremarried?).(6)Thepriestscould w'4!$ nottakedivorcedwomenforwives(moreonthisonelater).(7)Thepriestscouldnothaveany c( "% physicaldefectsuchasbeingblind,lame,brokenfooted,brokenhanded,aeunuch,havingaflatnose, O) #& acrookedback,orbeingamidget.Physicaldefectswoulddisqualifymanymenfromtheministry ;*#' today.(8)WehavebadnewsforeverypreacherandpastorwhobelievesthatNewTestamentbishops '+$( anddeaconsmustmeettherequirementsforOldTestamentpriests.Youhaveallmissedtheboat ,%) becauseyouarenotofthelineageofAaron.Rats!Whydidntwereadthatonefirst! XXXXXXԀVerse1in S Leviticus21saysthis: ? 8  Leviticus21:1   1AndtheLORDsaiduntoMoses,Speakunto theprieststhesonsofAaron ,andsay   untothem,Thereshallnonebedefiledforthedeadamonghispeople:#XXXX XXe> # XXXXXX !!   Fromthelistabove,theonethatstatesthatthepriestcannotmarryadivorcedwomanisthe  x onethatismostfrequentlyregurgitatedandunscripturallyappliedtothe qualificationsforpotential d bishops,eldersanddeaconsintheNewTestament.Theonethatmost oncemarriedpeacocksdare P  notbringupistherequirementthatthepriesthadtomarryawomanwhowasnotawhore.The <  reasontheydarenotbringitupisthatmostofthemhavemadetheirwivesawhorewhentheystole {(  theirvirginitybeforetheirredundant,hypocriticalmarriageceremonies.Thenthereisalsothose g  promiscuousfornicatorsthatbeddeddowneverywhoreunderthesunbeforetheirredundant, S  hypocriticalmarriageceremonies.TheyaretheDonJuansofourpulpitsthatbragaboutalltheir pre ?  maritalaffairsbeforetheygotsaved.And,thesearethemenwesetasidedivorcedpastorsand +  preachersfor!??ManyofthesevirginstealersandDonJuansarealsotheonesthatcannotwaitto  openupthewoundsofadivorcedmanandpoursaltinthemwhiletheirconductmakesadivorced  manasaintbycomparison.Whileweagreethattheconductofbishops,elders,deaconswives  shouldbeabovereproach,youcannotdisqualifyamanfromtheministrybecausehiswifehashad  adivorce.Ifyoudothat,youwouldagainbeguiltyofreadingdivorceintoapassagethatneither t directlystatesorinsinuatesthata[wifes]divorcedisqualifiesamanfromtheministry.Ifyoulook ` realclose,youwillseethatthepotentialbishopswifesconductisnotevenmentionedin1Timothy L 3whereasthedeaconswifesconductismentionedinverse11.LookingatTituschapter1,wesee 8 thatdeaconsarenotevenmentioned.However,wedoseethestandardsforeldersandbishops w$ mentionedwithouttheconductoftheirwivesevenbeingbroughtup. c   Inthechapterbeforeus,itwillbecomecleartoourreaderswhywespentsomuchtimeand O effortinthechapteron MarriageinemphasizingthefactthatGodconsidersasexualrelationship ;  tobeamarriage.#XXXX XX? # XXXXXXԀWeareabouttoembarkononeofthemostcontroversialsubjectsinsocalled '! fundamentalBiblebelievingchurches.Itisacontroversythatwalkshandinhandwiththe " controversyconcerningmarriage,divorce,andremarriage.Thosehavealsobeenthesubjectofthree " previouschaptersinthisbook.Thecontroversyofthischapterswirlsaroundtheinterpretationand # applicationof1Timothy3:2.Whilemanyrefertothelistsin1Timothy3as qualificationsfor $  churchoffice,weprefertocallthoselists StandardsForChurchService.Wehavenotalwaysheld %p! tothepositiononthissubjectthatwenowholdto.Wewilladmitthatthedecadeslongopinionsand &\" positionsweonceheldonthissubjectpriortothroughDClystudyingthisissueforourselveswerethe 'H # opinionsofourpeersandmentorsinthechurchesthatwehaveservedin.Inshort,theywerewhat (4!$ wehadbeentaughtandnotwhatwehaverightlydivided.Itwasanissuethatwehadnotsoughtthe s) "% wholecounseloftheWordOfGodon.IfyouwillconsulttheIntroductiontothisbook,youwillsee _* #& howthoroughourresearchandstudyhasbeen.Wehaveresearchedthecommentariesofmany K+#' respectedpreachersandtheworksofallthesocalledchurchfathersinpreparingforthisbook.We 7,$( didnotdotheresearchtofindoutwhereweshouldstandonthesubjectbeforeus.Ourconvictions C arebaseduponanindependentstudyoftheentiresubjectfromtheBible.Westudiedtheworksof / otherstofindwheretheystoodonthissubjectandwhatwehavefoundisthatmanygoodmenofGod  comedownonoppositesidesoftheissuewearedealingwithhere.So,whatistheproblemhere?Job   32:9saysthatgreatmenarenotalwayswise:neitherdotheagedunderstandjudgment.#XXXX XX2J # XXXXXXԀWerealize   thatmanywillnotevenreadwhatwehavewrittenherebecausethey knowwhatthehavebeen   taught.Theywillrejectwhatwesayhereoutofhand.Proverbs18:13says: Hethatansweretha   matterbeforehehearethit,itisfollyandshameuntohim.Proverbs15:32says:Hethatrefuseth  t instructiondespisethhisownsoul:buthethathearethreproofgettethunderstanding.  ` @  ACHALLENGEANDWHATWEHAVEBEENTAUGHT  {8  #XXXX XXR # XXXXXX  Ifwearewrongonthisissue,wehaveaverystrongdesiretobeprovedwrongandto S  becorrected.Ifyouhaveathoroughlyresearchedcounterargumentagainstwhatwehavesaid ?  inthisbookandwhatwewillsayinthischapter,orifyouhavefurthersupportingarguments, +  pleasefeelfreetocontactusviaemailat:4 O  5  contact@earnestlycontendingforthefaith.com6 W O W   7 NW  .Before   yougetoutragedandstartattackingus,wewouldencourageyoutotemporarilysetasideeverything  youhavebeentaughtorpreachedonthissubject.ThenpickupaKingJamesBibleandtakeevery  occurrenceofthe62wordslistedonpage3oftheIntroductiontothisbookandreadandstudythem  incontextandtakenotesbeforeyoupickupanycommentaries.Thenyoucangobackandpickup  allthatyouhavebeentaughtandpreachedthatlinesupwiththeKingJamesBible.Wehavetomany t parrotstodayandnotenoughBiblicaloracles.#XXXX XXbU # XXXXXXWedonotwishtoremoveanyoldlandmarkshere.We ` justwanttomakesurethatthoseoldlandmarksaresetintheirproperBiblicalcontext.#XXXX XXZ # XXXXXXԀ L   Wehavereadmanygoodarticlesandbooksonthesubjectbeforeus,someofwhichweagree {8 withandotherswedonotagreewith.Thereissomereallywildstuffoutthereonbothsidesofthis g$ issue!BeforeanybodypointsthePeterRuckmanfingeratusandtakesustothePeterRuckman S whippingpost,youneedtoknowthatourresearchwasalmostcompletebeforewereadhis29page ? articletitled Marriage,Divorce,andRemarriage.ThoughweagreewithPeterRuckmanonthis + issue,youneedtounderstandthatneitherPeterRuckmanorPeterRuckmansdoctrineonmarriage,   divorceandremarriageisthestandardbywhichwejudgeourdoctrine.PeterRuckmanisthestraw ! manforallthosewhohatetheKingJamesBibleandthoseputrid doublemarriedpreachers.They ! cannotdefendtheirpositionsontheBibleormarriagesotheypullPeterRuckmanoutandkickhim " aroundforawhilehopingthatyouwillnotaskthemforchapteraverse.Thisisanissuethatwehave #  hadseriousdoubtsabouteversincewefirstheardthedoctrinepropoundedthatdivorcedmencould $p! notentertheministryandtoourshameandourhurtwedidnothingtoexhaustivelystudytheissue %\" scripturally.Weheardandreceivedthatwhichmentaught.TherealquestioniswhatdoestheBible &H # say;notwhatwethink.Ourstandardistheperfect,inspiredKingJamesBible.Manyofthose once w'4!$ marriedpreachersthatwehaveheardexpoundtheirdoctrineofexclusionofdivorcedmenoverthe c( "% yearsaccusethoseofuswhoholdtothedoctrinethatwedothatwearerespondingtotheissue O) #& emotionallyandnotdoctrinally.Really?Whenconfrontedwiththeirdoctrine,mostofthemwillrun ;*#' andhideundertheemotionalcoattailsoftheirfavoriteevangelist,preacher,seminaryprofessor,or '+$( BibleInstituteteacher.Mostofthemwillrespondthattheyknowwhattheyhavebeentaught,orthey ,%) knowwhatsoandsosays.Really?ButwhatdoestheBiblesaychapterandverse?Mostofthemwill S notevenattempttodefendtheirdoctrinefromtheBiblebecausetheyhaveneverstudiedtheissue ? throughandthroughforthemselves.WewanttothankBrotherKarlM.Bakerforhisexcellentbook +   TheMarriage&DivorceControversyWithARebuttalOf1Timothy3:2#XXXX XX[ # XXXXXX.Itwashisbookthat   motivatedustodothemostexhaustivestudyofanysubjectthatwehaveevercompletedotherthan   ourstudyontheKingJamesBibleitself.#XXXX XXzf # XXXXXXԀFormanyyearswewereconvictedthatourdoctrineonthe   subjectbeforeuswasanaffronttotheHolyGhostthatdweltinus,butwe feltlikesurelywemust   bewrongbecausehowcansomanygoodmenofGodbewrongonthissubjectandusberight.  t Besides,wewerebutthewaterboyonthedoctrinefieldwithallthebigplayers.Wearenotbeing ` sarcastichere,butlikemostyoungChristiansweheld,andshouldhold,ourelders,deacons,pastors, L  andpreachersinhighesteemfortheirworkssake.FirstThessalonians5:1213and1Timothy5:17 8  tellus: w$  8  #XXXX XXg # XXXXXX1Thessalonians5:1213 O  12Andwebeseechyou,brethren,toknowthemwhichlabouramongyou,andareover ;  youintheLord,andadmonishyou;13Andtoesteemthemveryhighlyinlovefortheir '  workssake.Andbeatpeaceamongyourselves.!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XXj # XXXXXX1Timothy5:17  17Lettheeldersthatrulewellbecountedworthyofdoublehonour,especiallythey  wholabourinthewordanddoctrine.#XXXX XXql # XXXXXXp!!   Wearenotmakinglightofthosewhohavebeenoureldersindoctrineovertheyears.Welove H them.Whatwearesayingisthatourverystrongrespectforthoseeldersledustereceiveandbelieve 4 somethingsthatweshouldhavecheckedoutforourselves.Ourfirstmentorhaschangedhisposition s  onwhetheradivorcedmancanentertheministryandnolongerholdsapositionthatbansalldivorced _  menfromtheministry.Itiswrongforustoholdtheeldersweloveresponsibleforthedoctrineswe K holdto.#XXXX XXjm # XXXXXXWhatweshouldnotdoisreceiveadoctrinewithouthavingcheckeditoutintheScriptures. 7  ThechargetobeaBereanandtorightlydividethewordoftruthisachargegiventoeverybeliever #! andnotjustchurchleaders.Whenwereceiveadoctrinewithouthavingcheckeditoutinthe " ScriptureswhatweproveisthatwelovemanmorethanwedoGod.Thatisespeciallytrueofthose " whoare,andwhowouldbe,churchleaders.#XXXX XX>p # XXXXXXBlindlyfollowingchurchleaderswithouttheinformed # consentoftheScripturesisungodly,sloppy,andlazy.Ifyouwillbelieveaman,especiallyina $  controversialdoctrine,withouthavingcheckedhisdoctrineagainsttheScriptures,thenyouareNOT %l! qualifiedtoaholdapositionofleadershipinthechurch.Thatisespeciallytrueinthisissuebecause &X" muchfundamentalistandBaptistdoctrineasitrelatestomarriage,divorce,andremarriagehasbeen 'D # corruptedbyRomanCatholictheology.Thissametypeofungodlysloppinessandlazinessisexactly (0!$ whywehavesomanyhereticsandapostatesinpulpitsandbehindlecternstryingtocorrectand o)"% overthrowtheperfectKingJamesBible.WhatweareconfrontedwithonthedoctrineoftheKing [*#& JamesBibleistheverysamethingweareconfrontedwithonthedoctrineofmarriage,divorce, G+#' remarriage,andstandardsforchurchofficers.Thatis,wehavetomanypreachers,pastors,and 3,$( teachersthatareslothfulsluggardsthatparrotthepositionsoftheirmentorswithouthavingstudied C theissuethroughforthemselves.#XXXX XX~r # XXXXXXIfyouwillnotstudytheissuethroughforyourself,shameonyou. / Forsuchahighprofileandhighimpactissueasmarriage,divorce,remarriage,andstandardsfor  churchoffice,itisunconscionablethataGodcalledpastorwouldbeasleepatthespiritualwheel   whenatleast50%ofthemembersofmostfundamentalistandBaptistcongregationshave   experiencedawreckonthehighwayofdivorce.Howlongwiltthousleep,Osluggard?whenwilt   thouariseoutofthysleep?#XXXX XXw #Thesluggardiswiserinhisownconceitthansevenmenthatcanrender   areason. XXXXXXԀAndthat,knowingthetime,thatnowitishightimetoawakeoutofsleep#XXXX XXz # XXXXXX.  t @88 BADATTITUDES,PRIDE,ANDROMANCATHOLICTHEOLOGY  L  #XXXX XXL{ # XXXXXX  Ifyouwanttostartastutteringconventionallyouhavetodoisasktheaveragegroupof g$  assembledIndependentBaptistpreacherstogivescripturalandhistoricalreasonswhytheyholdto S  theKingJamesBible;orwhytheyaretwo,three,orfourpointCalvinists#XXXX XX| # XXXXXX;or,Godforbid,whythey ?  condemn doublemarriedpreachers.Hellooutthere: ThisisarecordingfromtheIndependent +  Baptistglorycorner.WeonlyusetheKingJamesBibleandwedontwantanydoublemarried   preachersaroundherebecauseDoctorSoAndSosaidso.And,bytheway,divorcedman  whereisthetithingdoughbro? .WedonotknowwhyweholdtotheKingJamesBibleorwhy  wedetest doublemarriedpreachers.Wejustdo.Wejustdowhatwearetoldtodo.    Onthisissueofmarriage,divorce,remarriage,andstandardsforchurchoffice,thepreachers  areteachingandpreachingthecommandmentsanddoctrinesofmen.Thepastorsarebeatingthe x bleatingdivorcedsheepontheanvilofRomanCatholictheology.Theteachersarefleecingthe d bleatingsheepthroughbleedingearsthathavebeenscratchedrawwithfalsedoctrine.Ifyouwill P corrupttheWordofGoddoctrinallybecauseyouaretolazytostudythisissuethrough,thenyouare < nobetterthanthehereticwhocorruptstheWordofGodbytakingawayfromoraddingtothewords k( ofourBibles.Whetheryoucorruptitinword,doctrinally,orinapplicationyouareequallyculpable W beforeGod. C   ManydivorcedmenshowmuchmoreofthegraceofGodintheirministriesthanmanyofthe /  oncemarriedpeacocksdo.Weknowmanypastorsthatwillnotallowadivorcedmantoteachor   preachin theirchurch.Wealsonowmanypastorsandpreachersthatwillbreakfellowshipwitha ! manwhowillallowadivorcedmantopreachintheirpulpits.Wealsoknowpreachersthatwillrant ! andraveaboutthewickednessof doublemarriedpreachers,buttheywillgoandpreachinachurch " thatallowsdivorcedmentopreachintheirpulpit.Thereisaspiritofungodlypridethatlashesout #  fromtheheartofthisissueanditisnotcomingfromthedivorcedmen.Thefollowinghasbeenwell $t! saidbyAgur: %`" 8  Proverbs30:121412{'8!$!! 8  Thereisagenerationthatarepureintheirowneyes,andyetisnotwashedfromtheir g($"% filthiness.13Thereisageneration,Ohowloftyaretheireyes!andtheireyelidsare S)#& liftedup.14Thereisageneration,whoseteethareasswords,andtheirjawteethas ?*#' knives,todevourthepoorfromofftheearth,andtheneedyfromamongmen.#XXXX XX} # XXXXXX++$(!!  ,%)   Whilemanywillnotreceivewhatweareabouttosay,wedobelievethatitisanaccurate S portrayaloftheattitudeofmanypreachersthatwouldlikeustobelievethattheyarethesqueaky ? clean,anointedones.Hereitis(Icanheartheoutragealready):#XXXX XX # XXXXXXThe OnceMarriedPreacherstood +  andprayedthuswithhimself,God,Ithankthee,thatIamnotasothermenare,extortioners,unjust,   adulterers,orevenasthis divorcedman .#XXXh XX # XXXXXXԀ(Thedivorcedmanwasheresubstitutedforthepublican.   Theprincipleisthesame.).Some oncemarriedpreacherscannotevenpraythatbecausetheyare   extortioners,unjust,andadulterous,butthankGodtheyarenot doublemarrieddivorcedpreachers   eventhoughtheyhavebrokentheircovenantwiththewifeoftheiryouth.TheyareasPROUDAS  t APEACOCK#XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀinallitsglory.Howmanyofyouselfrighteouspreachersouttherehavebeenguilty ` ofallowingamantostayintheministrywhoisanadultererandhasbeenguiltyofviolatingmostof L  thestandardsin1Timothy3forchurchofficers?Ourchurchesarechockfullof oncemarried 8  preachersandpastorsthatdonotmeetthestandardsof1Timothy3.Wecouldtaketherestofthe w$  standardsin1Timothy3anddisqualifyatleast90%ofthepastorsinIndependentBaptistpulpitsif c  weusedthesamepharisaical,bloodthirstytacticsthatthe husbandofonewifeinalifetimeuse. O  WeseenothingofthegraceofGodintheirtactics.Itisavoraciouscancerthatisconsumingwhat ;  weregoodBiblebelievingchurches.Itisoneofthemajorreasonsourchurchesaredeadanddying '  becausewewillnotdealwiththesinsofourleaders.Wewillthrowholy,divorcedmenoutofour  pulpitswhileweallowfornicatorsandpervertstodevourthesheepthataresetbeforethem.  @ THEISSUEFROMDOCTRINALANDHISTORICALPERSPECTIVES     Wewillnowenterintoadiscussionoftheissuebeforeusfromahistoricalperspectiveand \ usetheKingJamesBibletointerprettheissuedoctrinally.Aspartofourdiscussion,wewilltalk H aboutthepracticeofpolygamyduringthetimeNewTestamentchurcheswerebeingformed.Then 4 wewillenterintoabriefdiscussiononJewishmarriagecustomsastheycouldrelatetotheSanhedrin s  andtheapostlePaul.WewillfollowthatbyadiscussionofwhattheHolyGhosthasrecordedinthe _  ScripturesconcerningPaulandthediscussionbeforeus.Thenwewillgetintoanextendeddiscussion K onthestandardsforthosewhohavebeencalledandchoosetoserveasbishopsanddeaconsinNew 7  Testamentchurches.d #! d  ManyofthosewhoenterintothisfraydosowithouttryingtointerprettheBibledoctrinally " inthecontextofitshistoricalreference.Thisdrivestothequestionastowhatpossiblecircumstances " andproblemsafirstcenturypastormighthavehadtodealwith.Oneofthoseproblemswasthe # existenceofpolygamyintheJewishculture.Wedealtquiteextensivelywiththisissueinthesection $  called MultipleWivesinthechapterinthisbooktitled #XXXX XX #AScripturalDefinitionandDescription %l! ofMarriage XXXXXX.Wewilldealwithitagainhere.Wehavereadmanycommentariesthatdenythat &X" polygamywasaproblemintheJewishcultureduringtheformationoftheNewTestamentchurch, 'D # butthatisnottrue.Wewilldocumentthatshortly.TheearlyNewTestamentchurchwasmadeup (0!$ ofmostlyJewishconvertsfortwoverygoodreasons.Oneofthoseisrootedinthecommandfrom o)"% theLordJesusChristtothetwelveapostleswhenhestatedinMatthew10:56: [*#& 8  #XXXX XX\ # XXXXXXMatthew10:56 3,$( 5ThesetwelveJesussentforth,andcommandedthem,saying,Gonotintothewayof C theGentiles,andintoanycityoftheSamaritansenteryenot:6Butgorathertothelost / sheepofthehouseofIsrael.!!   AnotherreasonthatmostoftheconvertstotheearlychurchwereJewsisthatcommandment   togofirsttothehouseofIsraelcontinuedtobethepatternfortheearlydisciplesandtheapostles,   includingPaul.WhereverPaulwent,hisfirststopwasalwaysthesynagoguesoftheJews.Twenty   threedifferenttimesthesynagoguesarementionedinthebookofActs.Forthesereasons,itisno  t smallwonderthatmostoftheearlychurchesweremadeupmostlyofJewishconverts.  ` @& POLYGAMY  {8    WiththeJewishconvertscametheirJewishcustomsandtheMosaicLawthathadtobedealt S  withbytheHolyGhostinseveralofthePaulineEpistlesincludingRomans,Galatians,1Timothy, ?  Titus,andthebookofHebrews.Thepassagesthatweareconcernedwithhereare1Timothy1:47 +  andTitus1:1014whichwequotehere:   8  #XXXX XXқ # XXXXXX1Timothy1:47  4Neithergiveheedtofablesandendlessgenealogies,whichministerquestions,rather  thangodlyedifyingwhichisinfaith:sodo.5Nowtheendofthecommandmentis  charityoutofapureheart,andofagoodconscience,andoffaithunfeigned:6From p whichsomehavingswervedhaveturnedasideuntovainjangling;7Desiringtobe \ teachersofthelaw;understandingneitherwhattheysay,norwhereoftheyaffirm.H!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX # XXXXXXTitus1:1014 c  10Fortherearemanyunrulyandvaintalkersanddeceivers,speciallytheyofthe O  circumcision:11Whosemouthsmustbestopped,whosubvertwholehouses,teaching ; thingswhichtheyoughtnot,forfilthylucressake.12Oneofthemselves,evena ' prophetoftheirown,said,TheCretiansarealwayliars,evilbeasts,slowbellies.13   Thiswitnessistrue.Whereforerebukethemsharply,thattheymaybesoundinthe   faith;14NotgivingheedtoJewishfables,andcommandmentsofmen,thatturnfrom ! thetruth."!! #XXXX XXQ # XXXXXX#XXXX XXo # XXXXXX  BothofthesepassagesstatestronglythatbothTimothyandTituswerehavingtroublewith $l! theirJewishconvertsinthechurchestheywerepastoring.In1Timothychapter1,theHolyGhost %X" rebukesthosethattakeheedtofablesandendlessgenealogiesandthosedesiringtobeteachersofthe &D # law.ThisisstrictlyinaJewishcontext.InTituschapter1theHolyGhostrebukesthosevaintalkers s'0!$ especiallythoseofthecircumcision(Jews)andwarnsthatchurchnottogiveheedtoJewishfables _("% andcommandmentsofmen.ThisisstrictlyinaJewishcontext.Onefurtherindicationthatthesewere K)#& churchesdominatedbyJewishconvertsisthatwhentheHolyGhostlistedthestandardsrequiredfor 7*#' bishopsanddeaconssomeofthemmirroredtheJewishlawsregulatingmembershipintheSanhedrin #+$( whichweherequote: ,%) Ї8  #XXXX XX #Thereweretenbasicqualificationsfortheeligibilityofmembership.Eachmember S oftheSanhedrinmustbeaHebrew,learnedinthelaw,andpossessingjudicial ? experienceatlowerlevels(therewereminorSanhedrinsoftwenty-threemembers +  whichtriednon-capitaloffensesineverytownof120malesormore).Themember   wasrequiredalsotobelearnedinscience,alinguist,modest,piousbutstrongand   courageous,devoidofphysicaldefects,aqualifiedtradesman,and,finally,hewas   requiredtobemarriedandtobeafather. XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX #[LibertyInTheBalance,RussellandColin   Standish,HartlandPublishing,August30,1998] XXXXXX t!! 8  #XXXX XX1 #ThespecialqualificationsfortheofficeofSanhedrist,mentionedintheRabbinical L  writings,aresuchasremindofusofthedirectionsofPaultoTimothy(1Timothy3:1 8  10).AmemberoftheSanhedrimmustbewise,modest,God-fearing,truthful,not w$  greedyoffilthylucre,giventohospitality,kindly,notagambler,norausurer,norone c  whotradedintheproduceofSabbaticalyears,noryetonewhoindulgedinunlawful O  games(Sanh.iii.3).Theywerecalled Sekenim, elders, Memunim, rulers, ;   Parnasin, feeders,overseers,shepherdsoftheflock,and Manhigei, guides. '  Theywereunderthepresidencyandsupremeruleofan Archisynagogos,  orRosh-ha-Cheneseth, headofthesynagogue(Yom.vii.1;Sot.vii.7),who  sometimesseemstohaveevenexercisedsoleauthority.[FromAlfredEdersheims  work SketchesOfJewishSocialLife,Chapter18,page257oftheprintededition] XXXXXX!! 8  #XXXX XX; #WeshouldnotappointtoaSanhedrinamanofveryoldageoronewhodoesnot \ possessmalephysicalattributes,fortheypossessthetraitofcruelty,noramanwho H ischildless,sothatthejudgesshouldbemerciful. XXXXXXԀ[Citedfrom:#XXXX XX #Halacha3:Sanhedrin 4 veha`OnashinhaMesurinlahem,MishnehTorah]s !! 8   XXXXXX !! 8  Wearenotcarefultodemandthatajudgeforacourtofthreepossessallthese K qualities.Hemust,however,possesssevenattributes:wisdom,humility,thefearof 7  God,aloathingformoney,alovefortruth;hemustbeapersonwhoisbelovedby #! peopleatlarge,andmusthaveagoodreputation.#XXXX XX{ # XXXXXXԀ[Citedfrom:#XXXX XXF #Halacha7:Sanhedrin " veha`OnashinhaMesurinlahem,MishnehTorah] XXXXXX"!!   Noticetheparallelsbetweenthesequalificationsandthestandardsgivenin1Timothy3.Not $  giventofilthylucreandgiventohospitalityareidentical.Lookalsoattherequirementtobemarried %l! andafatherwhichrunparalleltobeinga husbandofonewifeandhavingtheirchildrenin &X" subjection.Someonewhois learnedinthelawwouldbe apttoteach.TheSanhedrinrequirement 'D # tobemodestwalkshandinhandwithFirstTimothychapterthreesbeingsober.TheSanhedrin (0!$ requirementtobe#XXXX XX # XXXXXXkindlyisaparalleltoFirstTimothychapterthrees#XXXX XXʻ # XXXXXXchargetonotbeabrawler.The o)"% Sanhedrinrequirementtobepiousisequivalenttotherequirementtobeblamelessin1Timothy3. [*#& TheSanhedrinrequirementtobewiseistheproductofnotbeinganoviceaslistedin1Timothy G+#' chapter3.So,whywastherequirementtobe husbandofonewifeincludedin1Timothy3:2by 3,$( theHolyGhost?CoulditbethattherewerealreadyprobleminthechurchespastoredbyTimothyand C Tituswithmenwhohadmultiplewiveswantingtoserveasbishopsanddeacons?Aswehavealready / said,WehavereadmanycommentariesthatdenythatpolygamywasaproblemintheJewishculture  duringtheformationoftheNewTestamentchurch,butthatjustisnottrue.#XXXX XXE # XXXXXXWehavealreadyquoted   muchofwhatfollowsinthepreviouschapteronScripturalMarriage,butweagainquoteithereto   refutetheideaandthestatementsthatpolygamywasnotaproblemduringtheformationoftheNew   Testamentchurch.Wequotefromthe1906JewishEncyclopedia,theWorksOfFlaviusJosephus,   andtheInternationalStandardBibleEncyclopedia.Herearethequotes:  t #XXXX XXѿ #.XXXXXX  JosephusandtheTalmud. L  8  ThatpolygamysurvivedintotheChristianerais,however,assertedbyJosephus {8  ( Ant.xvii.1,2);andhehimself( Vita,75)seemstohavehadonewifein g$  PalestineandanotherinEgypt(comp.Lw, GesammelteSchriften,iii.47).Such S  apractiseisforbiddenbyabaraitainYeb.37a;andthisprohibitionis(withcertain ?  limitations)introducedintotheShulh.anAruk(Ebenha-Ezer,ii.11).TheTalmud +  certainlydoesnotenactmonogamy(seeBigamy);andasfarastheLawis,concerned,   JustinMartyr( Dial.cumTryph.134)isnotwronginassertingthatinhistime(2d  cent.C.E.)Jewswerepermittedtohavefourorfivewives.(Citedfromthe1906  JewishEncyclopediaarticleonMonogamy:InternetEditionlocatedat:  4nO  5  http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/10949-monogamy6 O3 dma  7na Ԁ)!! 8  #XXXX.XX # XXXXXXNevertheless,havingtheadvantageofprecedent,itwaslongbeforepolygamyfellinto \ disuseinHebrewsociety.Herodhadninewivesatonetime(Josephus,Ant,XVII,I, H 2).JustinMartyr(Dial.,134,141)reproachesJewsofhisdaywithhaving fouror w4 evenfivewives,andfor marryingasmanyastheywish(compareTalm).Itwasnot c  definitelyandformallyforbiddenamongJewsuntilcirca1000AD.Itexistsstill O  amongJewsinMoslemlands.[#XXXX XX^ #.XXXXXXCitedfrompage634oftheInternationalStandard ; BibleEncyclopedia(ISBE)fromthearticle Marriage;JamesOrr,GeneralEditor]'!! 8  HealsoallottedoneofAristobulussdaughterstoAntipatersson,andAristobuluss   otherdaughtertoHerod,asonofhisown,whowasborntohimbythehighpriests ! daughter;foritistheancientpracticeamongustohavemanywivesatthesametime. " [Josephus,Book17,Chapter1,Section2(14)]#XXXX.XX #.XXXXXX# !! 8  NowHerodthekinghadatthistimeninewives;oneofthem,Antipatersmother,and %X" anotherthehighpriestsdaughter,bywhomhehadasonofhisownname.Hehad &D # alsoonewhowashisbrothersdaughter,andanotherhissistersdaughter;whichtwo s'0!$ hadnochildren.#XXXX.XXU #.XXXXXXԀ[TheWorksOfFlaviusJosephus,Book17,chapter1,section3(19), _("% page452]#XXXX.XX #.XXXXXXK)#&!! 8   !! 8  ShealsofrequentlyreproachedHerodssisterandwiveswiththeignobilityoftheir #+$( descent;andthattheywereeveryonechosenbyhimfortheirbeauty,butnotfortheir ,%) family.Nowthosewivesofhiswerenotafew;itbeingofoldpermittedtotheJews S tomarrymanywives,"andthiskingdelightinginmany;allwhomhatedAlexander, ? onaccountofGlaphyriasboastingandreproaches.[Josephus,WarOfTheJews, +  Chapter24,page1351]#XXXX.XX # XXXXXX !! 8  #XXXX XXz # .XXXXXX NowHerodthekinghadatthistimeninewives;oneofthem,Antipatersmother,and   anotherthehighpriestsdaughter,bywhomhehadasonofhisownname.Hehad   alsoonewhowashisbrothersdaughter,andanotherhissistersdaughter;whichtwo  t hadnochildren.#XXXX.XX #Ԁ[TheWorksOfFlaviusJosephus,Book17,chapter1,section3(19), ` page452] XXXXXXL !!   Wewouldremindourreadersthatthe1906JewishEncyclopediaandtheJewishhistorian w$  FlaviusJosephusareindependentwitnessesthathavenostakeinthesubjectbeforeus.Theywerenot c  Christians.Thatbeingthecase,theydonothaveaNewTestamentagendatopromotethatwouldput O  themononesideortheotherofthisargument.FlaviusJosephuswasbornin37A.D.intoafamily ;  ofJewishpriestsandwasalivetowitnessthedevelopmentoftheNewTestamentchurchfirsthand '  thoughhewasnotapartofit.#XXXX XX # XXXXXX Fromtheresourcesjustquoted,wewouldhavetoconcludethat  polygamywasbeingpracticedbytheJewsatthetime1TimothyandTituswerewritten  somewherebetween6366A.DandthatitwasaprobleminthechurchesthatTimothyand  Tituspastored. #XXXX XX #Ifyouscreamthat youarereadingintotheScripturesthatwhichisnotthere,then  youarebeinghypocriticalbecauseyouread divorceinto1Timothy3:2whenitisnotthere.Your x insertionoftheword divorcein1Timothy3:2comeswithawholelotlessplausiblesupportthan d whatwehaveprovidedhere.Atleastwehaveprovenfromthesecularhistoricalrecordthatpolygamy P wascommonlypracticedbytheJewsbothduringandafterthetimewhenNewTestamentchurches < werebeingestablished.WehavealsoprovedfromtheOldTestamentthatpolygamywasanaccepted {( practiceamongtheJewishpeople.WehavealsoproventhatEpistlesof1TimothyandTituswere g writtentochurchesthathadaproblemwithJudaizers. XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX #Somewouldcomplain, butwhataboutthose S countrieswerepolygamyispracticedandisallowedunderthelawsofthelandandthemenalready ?  havemultiplewiveswhentheygetsaved.WealreadyhavescripturalprecedentforthatwhenEzra +! forcedtheprieststoputawaytheirunscripturalwivesrequiringthemtoprovidethenecessarysupport " forthosethathadbeenputaway. XXXXXXԀWewilldealwiththephrase thehusbandofonewifeinalot # moredetaillater.Inclosingthissectiononpolygamy,ourreadersshouldknow#XXXX XX #thatallbuttwoofthe # followingbelievedthat1Timothy3:2wastobeinterpretedofpolygamyandhadnoreferenceto $  divorce:HarryIronside,M.R.Dehaan,JVernonMcGee,JohnR.Rice,DwightL.Moody,C.I. %t! Scofield,CharlesHodge,Theodoret,Chrysostom,Theophylact,DanielWhedon,CharlesSpurgeon, &`" JohnTrapp,A.T.Robertson,FrederickB.Meyer,MatthewPoole,Jerome,W.B.Godby,ArnoC. 'L # Gaebelein,JohnGill(polygamyandunscripturaldivorce),ThomasCoke(polygamyandcauseless (8!$ divorce),AdamClarke,JosephBenson,JohnCalvin,andAlbertBarnes. XXXXXX w)$"% @  THEMARITALSTATUSOFTHEAPOSTLEPAUL  O+#'  ;,$(   WasPaulandtheLordJesusChristqualifiedtopastorchurches?#XXXX XX^ # XXXXXXԀHowshould,andhowdoes, C Paulsmaritalstatusaffecttheinterpretationof1Timothy3:2?#XXXX XXk # XXXXXXԀWhilewedonotbelievethemarital / statusofPaulmakesonebitofdifferenceastohow1Timothy3:2 should beinterpreted,werealize  thatbecauseofthewaymanyfundamentalistsandBaptistsinterpretthephrase husbandofonewife   from1Timothy3:2thatitisanissuethatmustbedealtwithiffornootherreasonthanbuildinga   foundationtodestroytheheresythatsaysthatadivorcedmanispermanentlydisqualifiedfrom   enteringtheministry.   #XXXX XX #  Reading divorcedand doublemarriedinto1Timothy3:2istheseedbedofmuchendless  x speculationandconfusionintheinterpretationofthestandardsforchurchoffice.Here,wewilldo  d some speculation.Ifthesamehermeneuticalstandardthatisappliedtotheinterpretationofthe P  phrase husbandofonewifebythosewhoadvocate onelivingwifeforonelifetimeisappliedto <  therestofthestandardslistedin1Timothy3,thenwehaveourselvesahugedoctrinalmessthat k(  butcherstheEnglishlanguageleavingnoonequalifiedforchurchoffice.Notonlydoesitbutcherthe W  Englishlanguage,itbreakstherulesofEnglishgrammarinaninyourfacemanner.Ifmanysocalled C  conservativecommentatorsandpreacherswouldjustinterpret1Timothy3:2inthenormal,literal, /  grammaticalsense,wewouldnothaveallthehurtandconfusioncausedbytheirbreakingevery   hermeneuticalstandardforinterpretingtheEnglishBible.Butthe oncemarriedstallionswiththeir  blindersoncanonlyseethe oncemarriedpreachersthataredeadahead.Therestofthestandards  inthepassagearebuthurdlestheymustjumptogetpastthose doublemarriedpreachers.They  cannotinterpretproperlyincontextbecausetheirdoctrinalblinderswillnotletthemseetheplain  Englishthatisonallsidesofthem. Mustbeisapresenttensephrase. Mustbeisapresenttense t phrase.Forthethirdtime, mustbeisapresenttensephrase.Furthermore,allofthestandardsfor ` churchservicein1Timothy3andTitus1aregiveninthepresenttense.Inotherwordstheyare L lookingatpresentconduct:atthepresentqualificationsforthemanbeingconsideredfortheoffice {8 ofbishopordeacon.ForyouGreekscholars,youwillsmothertodeathifyourbreathoflifeisone g$ oftheGreekwordsfordivorce(apostasionandapoluo)becausetheyarefoundnowhereinthe S contextof1Timothy3:2orTitus1.DoyouthinkthattheHolyGhostdidnotknowwhattheGreek ? wordfordivorcewas?HeusedtheminMatthew5:3132,Matthew19:7,andMark10:4.IftheGreek + wordsfordivorcewerein1Timothy3:2doyounotthinktheKingJamestranslatorswouldhave   supplieditastheydidinMatthew5:3132,Matthew19:7,andMark10:4. !   Whataboutthephrase mustbe...husbandofonewifeusedin1Timothy3:2?Remember, ! weare speculatingherejustasthosewhospeculatethatPaulmeantdivorcedinthispassage.The " bigdifferenceisthatour speculationhasmuchsupportfromthecontext,bothdoctrinaland #  historicalaswewillproveinthefollowingpages.IfweassumethatPaulwasavirgin,awidower, $p! ordivorced,thenwhattheHolyGhostsaidabout thehusbandofonewifein1Timothy3:2does %\" notmakesenseifweapplyitinanabsolutesensetoPaulsincePaulhadtobeputintoaposition &H # wherehetemporarilyassumedtheroleofapastorinthechurchesheestablishedonthemissionfield. w'4!$ Ifbeingthehusbandofonewifewasa mustbequalificationforachurchleader,thenPaulwasnot c( "%  qualifiedtopastorthechurcheshestartedonthemissionfield.Ifyourdoctrineinterprets husband O) #& ofonewifeas noteverhavingbeendivorced,thenifPaulwasdivorced,thenhewasnotqualified ;*#' totemporarilyassumethepositionofpastorinthechurchesheestablishedonthemissionfield.The '+$( ScripturesdonotspecificallystatethatPaulwasnotawidowerorwasnotdivorced.However,the ,%) BibledoesplainlystatethatPaulwasunmarried.Thattheterm unmarriedappliestobothvirgins S andthedivorcedisprovenin1Corinthians7:11whichreads: ? 8   XXXXXX1Corinthians7:11   11Butandifshedepart,letherremainunmarried,orbereconciledtoherhusband:and   letnotthehusbandputawayhiswife.#XXXX XX\ # !!   So,wasPaulsstateofbeingunmarriedthatofbeingwidowed,ordivorced,orvirgin.We  t believethatPaulwasmarriedatonetime.Arewetoassumethatsincetheonlyapostlewhowas ` identifiedashavingawifewasPeterthatnoneoftheothersweremarried?Thatishighlyunlikely L  sinceitwasanaffrontandevenunlawfulinmostinstancesforJewishmennottobemarried. XXXXXXԀThat 8  someoftheotherapostlesweremarriedinadditiontoPeterisindicatedin1Corinthians9:5which w$  states: c  8  #XXXX XXE # XXXXXX1Corinthians9:5 ;  5Havewenotpowertoleadaboutasister, awife,aswellasotherapostles, andas '  thebrethrenoftheLord,andCephas?!! #XXXX XXD # XXXXXXNotethattheword apostlesisplural.Thepointbeingthatthoughtherewereotherapostleswho  weremarried,theirmaritalstatusisnotspecificallyidentifiedintheScriptures.Thispassageof  ScripturealsoputstheRomanCatholicdoctrineofcelibacybackintothetheologicalcryptthatit t cameslitheringforthfrom.ThereisalsoprooffromMatthew19:2729thatsomeoftheapostleshad ` forsakentheirwivesandyetthecontinuedintheministry.Theseversesstate: L 8  #XXXX XXm # XXXXXXMatthew19:2729 w$ 27ThenansweredPeterandsaiduntohim,Behold,wehaveforsakenall,andfollowed c thee;whatshallwehavetherefore?28AndJesussaiduntothem,VerilyIsayuntoyou, O Thatyewhichhavefollowedme,intheregenerationwhentheSonofmanshallsit ;  inthethroneofhisglory,yealsoshallsitupontwelvethrones,judgingthetwelve '! tribesofIsrael.29Andeveryonethathathforsakenhouses,orbrethren,orsisters,or " father,ormother, orwife ,orchildren,orlands,formynamessake,shallreceivean " hundredfold,andshallinheriteverlastinglife.#!! #XXXX XX # XXXXXX#XXXX XX^ # XXXXXXNotethattheHolyGhostisquotingtheLordJesusChristashavingsaidthatthosewhohadforsaken %t! theirwivesforhisnamesakewouldreceiveanhundredfoldandeternallife.Yetalltheapostles &`" continuedintheministryuntilwellafterthedeath,burial,andresurrectionoftheLordJesusChrist. 'L # Thesearetheythatmadethemselveseunuchsforthekingdomofheavenssake.Nowwhatofthe (8!$ possiblemaritalstatusoftheapostlePaul.LetslookatsomedocumentstoascertainwhetherPaul w)$"% couldhavebeenmarried.From#XXXX XX #.XXXXXXthe1906JewishEncyclopediaweread: c*#& 8  ThefirstpositivecommandmentoftheBible,accordingtorabbinicinterpretation ;,$( (Maimonides, Minyanha-Miz.wot,212),isthatconcerningthepropagationofthe C humanspecies(Gen.I.28).ItisthusconsideredthedutyofeveryIsraelitetomarry / asearlyinlifeaspossible.EighteenyearsistheagesetbytheRabbis(Ab.v.24);and  anyoneremainingunmarriedafterhistwentiethyearissaidtobecursedbyGod   Himself(K.id.29b).Someurgethatchildrenshouldmarryassoonastheyreachthe   ageofpuberty,i.e.,thefourteenthyear(Sanh.76b);andR.H.isdaattributedhis   mentalsuperioritytothefactthathewasmarriedwhenhewasbutsixteenyearsold   (K.id.l.c.).Itwas,however,strictlyforbiddenforparentstogivetheirchildrenin  t marriagebeforetheyhadreachedtheageofpuberty(Sanh.76b). Amanwho,  ` withoutanyreason,refusedtomarryafterhehadpassedhistwentiethyearwas P  frequentlycompelledtodosobythecourt. Tobeoccupiedwiththestudyofthe <  Torahwasregardedasaplausiblereasonfordelayingmarriage;butonlyinveryrare o,  instanceswasamanpermittedtoremainincelibacyallhislife(Yeb.63b; [  Maimonides, Yad,Ishut,xv.2,3;Shulh.anAruk,Ebenha-Ezer,1,1-4;see G  Celibacy)....3 !! 8  (Citedfromthe1906JewishEncyclopediaarticle MarriageLawslocatedat   4nO  5  http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/10435-marriage-laws6 O dma  7n Ԁ)#XXXX.XX] #.XXXXXX !! 8  #XXXX.XX #WeshouldnotappointtoaSanhedrinamanofveryoldageoronewhodoesnot  possessmalephysicalattributes,fortheypossessthetraitofcruelty, noramanwho  ischildless ,sothatthejudgesshouldbemerciful. XXXXXXԀ[Citedfrom:#XXXX XX #Halacha3:Sanhedrin | veha`OnashinhaMesurinlahem,MishnehTorah].XXXXXXl!! 8  #XXXX.XX #Thereweretenbasicqualificationsfortheeligibilityofmembership.Eachmember D oftheSanhedrinmustbeaHebrew,learnedinthelaw,andpossessingjudicial s0 experienceatlowerlevels(therewereminorSanhedrinsoftwenty-threemembers _ whichtriednon-capitaloffensesineverytownof120malesormore).Themember K wasrequiredalsotobelearnedinscience,alinguist,modest,piousbutstrongand 7 courageous,devoidofphysicaldefects,aqualifiedtradesman,and,finally,hewas #  requiredtobemarriedandtobeafather. XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX #[LibertyInTheBalance,RussellandColin ! Standish,HartlandPublishing,August30,1998].XXXXXX!!!   IfPaulwasnevermarried,hewasinaverydifficultpositioninaJewishculturethatwould #  forceamantogetmarriedbycourtorderifhehadnotmarriedbeforetheageof20.#XXXX.XXa #Itmustalsobe $|! notedthattheTalmudspecificallystated: XXXXXX AnyJewwhohasnotawifeisnoman[Babylonian %h" Talmud,Yebamoth63a].#XXXX XX #.XXXXXXԀThereisalsoaverystrongpossibilitythatPaulwasamemberofthe &T # Sanhedrinbecausehe consented untothestoningdeathofStephen(Acts7:588:1).Onlythe '@!$ Sanhedrincouldauthorizethedeathpenaltyforreligiousoffenses;inthiscase,thefalseaccusation s(0"% ofblasphemy.WehavealreadyproventhatmembersoftheSanhedrinhadtobemarried.Many _)#&  ASSUME thatPaulwasnevermarriedbecausehesaysin1Corinthians7:8thatheisunmarried.We K*$' havealreadyproveninthechapter  #XXXX.XX # Adultery,Fornication,Desertion,DivorceAndRemarriage.XXXXXXthat ;+$( thetermunmarriedappliestowidows/widowers,virgins,andthosewhoaredivorced.#XXXX.XXn #.XXXXXXԀItisnomore ',%) astretchforustobelievethatPaulwasoncemarried,butnowunmarriedthroughdivorceordeath, S thanitisforyoutobelievethathewasnevermarriedbecauseheisunmarried.Itcouldwellbethat ? Paulwasoneofthementhatwasmadeaeunuchforthekingdomofheavenssake(Matthew19:12) +  oroneofthosewhohadforsakentheirwivesforthesakeofthenameoftheLordJesusChrist   (Matthew19:29).Inclosingthistopic,wegobacktothestatementthatweintroducedthistopicwith.   #XXXX.XX! # XXXXXXHowshould,andhowdoes,Paulsmaritalstatusaffecttheinterpretationof1Timothy3:2?#XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀWedo   notbelievethemaritalstatusofPaulmakesonebitofdifferenceastohow1Timothy3:2 should be   interpreted#XXXX XX #.XXXXXX,butitmustbedealtwithbecauseofthewaysomepreachersandpastorsinterpretthe  x phrase husbandofonewife.Furthermore,ifwetaketheinterpretationbysomepreachersand d pastors#XXXX.XXl #.XXXXXXofthephrase husbandofonewifetoitslogicalconclusion,thenPaulcouldnotbea P  missionaryorpastorbecausehewasnotthehusbandofonewife,theLordJesusChristcouldnotbe <  thepastorofHischurchbecauseHewasnotthehusbandofonewife,andneithercouldGodofthe {(  OldTestamentqualifybecauseHewasdivorcedandunmarriedandthereforenotthehusbandofone g  wife.Nowletstakealookatthescripturalstandardsforchurchservice. S    #XXXX.XX # XXXXXX @  STANDARDSFORBISHOPSANDDEACONS  +    In1Thessalonians5:1213,1Timothy5:1718,Hebrews13:7,andHebrews13:17,wehave  Godschargetothecongregationsconcerningthosehehassetinpositionsofresponsibilityand  authorityinthechurches.TheHolyGhosttellsus:  8  #XXXX XX#! # XXXXXX1Thessalonians5:1213 ` 12Andwebeseechyou,brethren,toknowthemwhichlabouramongyou,andareover L youintheLord,andadmonishyou;13Andtoesteemthemveryhighlyinlovefortheir 8 workssake.Andbeatpeaceamongyourselves.w$!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX" # XXXXXX1Timothy5:1718 O 17Lettheeldersthatrulewellbecountedworthyofdoublehonour,especiallythey ;  wholabourinthewordanddoctrine.18Forthescripturesaith,Thoushaltnotmuzzle '! theoxthattreadethoutthecorn.And,Thelabourerisworthyofhisreward.#XXXX XX$ # XXXXXX"!! 8  #XXXX XX[& # XXXXXXHebrews13:7#!! 8  7Rememberthemwhichhavetheruleoveryou,whohavespokenuntoyoutheword $  ofGod:whosefaithfollow,consideringtheendoftheirconversation.%p!!! 8   !! 8  Hebrews13:17'H #!! 8  17Obeythemthathavetheruleoveryou,andsubmityourselves:fortheywatchfor (4!$ yoursouls,astheythatmustgiveaccount,thattheymaydoitwithjoy,andnotwith s) "% grief:forthatisunprofitableforyou._* #&!!   ItisveryimportantthatachurchlatchontothepassagesofScripturejustquotediftheyexpect 7,$( GodtoblessthemandusethemforthegloryofGod.WearetoesteemandlovethosethatGodhas C putoverusintheLord.Incontext,thephrase doublehonourmeansthatwearetotakethebest / possiblefinancialcareofthepastorsthatlabourinthewordanddoctrine.Apastorthatwillnotlabour  inthewordanddoctrineisnotworthyofthetimeofday.Wearetofollow,obey,andsubmittothose   thatGodhasgiventheruleoverusaslongastheyareinobediencetotheScriptures.Thatdoesnot   meanthatwearetoblindlyfollowaman.WearetobeaBereanwhenitcomestodoctrine.Itisno   shepherdwhowillabusethesheep.WehavealreadydiscussedActs6:17inthecontextofstandards   fordeacons.In1Peter5:14,1Timothy3:113,andTituswehaveGodschargetothoseheplaces  t intheofficesofelder,bishopanddeacon.InthesepassagestheHolyGhostsays:  ` 8  #XXXX XX& # XXXXXX !! 8  #XXXX XXb. # XXXXXX1Peter5:14{8 !! 8  1TheelderswhichareamongyouIexhort,whoamalsoanelder,andawitnessofthe g$  sufferingsofChrist,andalsoapartakeroftheglorythatshallberevealed:2Feedthe S  flockofGodwhichisamongyou,takingtheoversightthereof,notbyconstraint,but ?  willingly;notforfilthylucre,butofareadymind;3NeitherasbeinglordsoverGods +  heritage,butbeingensamplestotheflock.4AndwhenthechiefShepherdshall   appear,yeshallreceiveacrownofglorythatfadethnotaway.!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX. # XXXXXX1Timothy3:113!! 8  1Thisisatruesaying,Ifamandesiretheofficeofabishop,hedesirethagoodwork.  2Abishopthenmustbeblameless,thehusbandofonewife,vigilant,sober,ofgood p behaviour,giventohospitality,apttoteach;3Notgiventowine,nostriker,not \ greedyoffilthylucre;butpatient,notabrawler,notcovetous;4Onethatrulethwell H hisownhouse,havinghischildreninsubjectionwithallgravity;5(Forifamanknow w4 nothowtorulehisownhouse,howshallhetakecareofthechurchofGod?)6Not c  anovice,lestbeingliftedupwithpridehefallintothecondemnationofthedevil.7 O  Moreoverhemusthaveagoodreportofthemwhicharewithout;lesthefallinto ; reproachandthesnareofthedevil.8Likewisemustthedeaconsbegrave,not ' doubletongued,notgiventomuchwine,notgreedyoffilthylucre;9Holdingthe   mysteryofthefaithinapureconscience.10Andletthesealsofirstbeproved;then   letthemusetheofficeofadeacon,beingfoundblameless.11Evensomusttheir ! wivesbegrave,notslanderers,sober,faithfulinallthings.12Letthedeaconsbethe " husbandsofonewife,rulingtheirchildrenandtheirownhouseswell.13Fortheythat #  haveusedtheofficeofadeaconwellpurchasetothemselvesagooddegree,andgreat $l! boldnessinthefaithwhichisinChristJesus.%X"!! 8  #XXXX XX1 # XXXXXXTitus1:516s'0!$!! 8  5ForthiscauseleftItheeinCrete,thatthoushouldestsetinorderthethingsthatare _("% wanting,andordaineldersineverycity,asIhadappointedthee:6Ifanybeblameless, K)#& thehusbandofonewife,havingfaithfulchildrennotaccusedofriotorunruly.7For 7*#' abishopmustbeblameless,asthestewardofGod;notselfwilled,notsoonangry,not #+$( giventowine,nostriker,notgiventofilthylucre;8Butaloverofhospitality,alover ,%) ofgoodmen,sober,just,holy,temperate;9Holdingfastthefaithfulwordashehath S beentaught,thathemaybeablebysounddoctrinebothtoexhortandtoconvincethe ? gainsayers.10Fortherearemanyunrulyandvaintalkersanddeceivers,speciallythey +  ofthecircumcision:11Whosemouthsmustbestopped,whosubvertwholehouses,   teachingthingswhichtheyoughtnot,forfilthylucressake.12Oneofthemselves,   evenaprophetoftheirown,said,TheCretiansarealwayliars,evilbeasts,slow   bellies.13Thiswitnessistrue.Whereforerebukethemsharply,thattheymaybe   soundinthefaith;14NotgivingheedtoJewishfables,andcommandmentsofmen,  t thatturnfromthetruth.15Untothepureallthingsarepure:butuntothemthatare ` defiledandunbelievingisnothingpure;buteventheirmindandconscienceisdefiled. L  16TheyprofessthattheyknowGod;butinworkstheydenyhim,beingabominable, 8  anddisobedient,anduntoeverygoodworkreprobate.w$ !! #XXXX XX9 # XXXXXX#XXXX XX@ #  FirstPeter5:14isoneofthemostignoredpassagesinIndependentBaptistchurches.We O  havetomanydictatorsinIndependentBaptistchurcheswhoabusetheflocksthatGodhasgiventhem ;  toshepherd.Theydemandthattheir authorityisnottobechallengedinanyway.Theyruleas '  absolutedespots.ThechargetothepastorisnottoLordhispositionandscripturalauthorityoverthe  congregationthathepastors.Wearetorespecttheoffice,butifyouasthepastorhavetoconstantly  demandrespectthenyouarealreadyintroublebecauseyouhavenotearnedthecongregations  respect.Wearetold: TouchnotGodsanointed.Yeh,thatisespeciallytrueifitappliestohimif  heisstealingfromthechurchorawhoringaroundonhiswife.Somepastorsaremorelikeuntothe p fallenanointedcherub.Wehavealreadystatedthatpastorsaretobefollowed,tobeobeyed,andto \ besubmittedto.Ifyouasapastorhavetoconstantlybadgeracongregation,thenoneorbothofyou H isnotyieldedtotheHolyGhost. h  4   OneofthemostneglectedpassagesofscriptureinfundamentalistandBaptistchurchesisthe s  frontendandthelasthalfof1Timothy3:2andalsoverses37ofthesamechapter.Itisamazingto _  usthatGoddidnottakehusbandofonewifeoutandmakeitaseparatebook!Itisalsoamazingthat K manyBaptistchurchescanmaintainsuchhighandholystandardsfortheirpastorsandpreachers 7  whilethegreenfruitsoftheirministryrotinthepewsandliveliketheDevilhimself.Theywillput #! aninnocentdivorcedmanoutoftheministrywhiletheyallowawhoreandawhoremongerto " continueinfullfellowshipwiththe church.Theywillallowachildmolester,anadulterer,athief, " aliar,aheretic,anapostate,andsoforthtocontinueinthepulpitandthepastorate.Mostpastors # todaywouldchoketodeathontheirownhypocrisyiftheywererequiredtoexercisechurchdiscipline. $  Howaboutyoupastor?WhatIamtalkingabouthereisthetolerationoftheopensinofmenand %l! womensittinginthepewsandthepastorswholeadthem.Godisnorespecterofpersonswhenit &X" comestothejudgmentofsin.JudgmentwillstartatthehouseofGodandthatdoesnotexcludethe 'D # congregation.Ifyouasacongregationrefusetoexerciserighteousdisciplineoverapastorwhoisin (0!$ opensin,youareaskingGodtokillyourchurch.MostIndependentBaptistchurcheswillnotdeal o)"% withthesinsoftheirpastorsbecausetheyhavebeenthreatenedandbeatenwiththefullyloaded [*#&  touchnotGodsanointedpistol.NotonlydomanyIndependentBaptistpastorsgetblindloyalty, G+#' theydemandit.Itisamalignantcancer.Ifyouasapastorgoawhoringaroundonyourwife,thenyou 3,$( havealsogoneawhoringaroundontheBrideOfChrist.Ifyouasapastorrefusetoexerciserighteous C judgmentinthehouseofGod,youwilllosetheanointingoftheHolyGhostofGod.Yourpreaching / willhavenopowerinit.Youmayaswelltakeaknifetothecongregation.Thepastorschargeisto  feedandedifythesheepandnottogohowlingandraveningafterthedivorcedsheepseekingwho   hemaydevour.Thisisanissuethatisalsoveryunscripturallyhurtfultothewivesofmenwhohave   beendivorced.Anunscripturalattackuponherhusbandisanattackuponheralso. XXXXXX     MostpastorsinthepulpitsofIndependentBaptistchurchescannotpreachallthe   qualificationsof1Timothychapter3withanyauthorityandundertheanointingoftheHolyGhost  t ofGodbecausetheyaregrosslyguiltyofnotmeetingmanyofthestandardsthemselves.Manyof  ` themusetheirpulpitstobestrikersofdivorcedpeople.Usingthesamecorrupthermeneuticsthatthe L   oncemarriedpreachersandpastorsuse,wecanthrowouttheclause husbandofonewifeand {8  taketherestofthequalificationsforbishops(pastors)anddeaconsin1Timothychapter3and g$  disqualifyatleast90%ofthemenoccupyingpulpitsinfundamentalistchurches.Soon,wewilldo S  justthatbyusinganextendedparodyinthepagesofthischapter.Whatthiswillproveisthatthe ?   oncemarriedpreachersandpastorsalreadyhaveanunscripturalandtheologicallycorrupt +  hermeneuticthatisfilteredthroughtheirownprejudicesandselfrighteousness.WeIndependent   Baptistsarequicktopubliclyexposethe sinofdivorcedmenwhileweallowthevilestof  undivorcedmen,manyofthemunsaved,tooccupyourpulpitsandpastorates.Thethreebiggest  qualificationswemisswhenconsideringwhethertoputamanintoapastorspositionoradeacons  position,ortokeepthemthere,iswhetherheisofhonestreportANDfulloffaithANDfullofthe  HolyGhost(YoudorememberthatActs6:17isstillintheBible,dontyou?).Bytheway,these p weretheonlythreescripturalstandardsforthefirstsevendeacons.Nowletstakealookat1Timothy \ 3. H #XXXX XXP # XXXXXX  Doyoubelievethatthesocalledqualificationsforchurchofficeareabsolutestandardsorare w4 theyintendedtobeageneralstandardbywhichtheoverallpresentcharacterandconductofaman c  maybejudgedtodeterminehissuitabilitytoserveintheofficesofbishopanddeacon?#XXXX XXX # XXXXXXԀSadly,in O  application,most oncemarriedpreachershavebutoneabsolute qualificationin1Timothy3and ; thatis thehusbandofonewife.Most oncemarriedpreachersinterpret husbandofonewifeas ' meaningadivorcedmanispermanentlydisqualifiedfromtheministry.Theyconsistentlyreaddivorce   intothispassage.Whiletheypreachabsolutequalificationsfortheremainderof1Timothy3,youwill   notcatchthemlivingbythem.But,ifyouletadivorcedmanstepintoapulpit,itislikethe ! abominationofdesolationhasappearedinthecongregation.Whenisthelasttimeyouheardsome " preachersay:Youarenotqualifiedtobeapastororpreacherifyoudonotpayyourbills;or,Youare #  notqualifiedtobeapastororpreacher#XXXX XX:Z # XXXXXXbecauseyoucannotteach;or,Youarenotqualifiedtobea $l! pastororpreacher#XXXX XX.^ # XXXXXXbecauseyourchildrenareoutofcontrol;or,Youarenotqualifiedtobeapastor %X" orpreacher#XXXX XX^ # XXXXXXbecauseyouarealazybum(striker);or,Youarenotqualifiedtobeapastororpreacher &D # #XXXX XX_ # XXXXXXbecauseyouaretofocusedonmoney;or,Youarenotqualifiedtobeapastororpreacher#XXXX XX9` # XXXXXXbecauseyou s'0!$ havebeenguiltyoffornicationandadultery.Ifyourhermeneuticisgoingtobeconsistentin _("% interpretingthispassage,thenwhyisntsomeonewhowillnotpaytheirbillspermanently K)#& disqualified;or,whyissomeonewhocommitsadulteryandfornicationnotpermanentlydisqualified. 7*#' Tobeconsistent,letsextendyourludicroushermeneuticfor husbandofonewifetotherestofthis #+$( passage. ,%)   Byyourreasoning,ifthereeverwasatimewhenyouwerenotblamelessthenyouare S permanentlydisqualified.Ifthereeverwasatimewhenyouwerenotvigilant,thenyouare ? permanentlydisqualified.#XXXX XX` # XXXXXXԀIfthereeverwasatimewhenyouwerenotpatient,thenyouare +  permanentlydisqualified.#XXXX XX6d # XXXXXXԀIfthereeverwasatimewhenyouwerenotincontrolofyourchildren,then   youarepermanentlydisqualified.#XXXX XXd # XXXXXXԀIfthereeverwasatimewhenyouweregreedyoffilthlucre,then   youarepermanentlydisqualified.#XXXX XXe # XXXXXXԀIfthereeverwasatimewhenyouwerenotapttoteach,thenyou   arepermanentlydisqualified.#XXXX XXgf # XXXXXXԀIfthereeverwasatimewhenyouwerecovetous,thenyouare   permanentlydisqualified.#XXXX XXg # XXXXXXԀIfthereeverwasatimewhenyoucommittedadulteryorfornication,then  t youarepermanentlydisqualifiedandsoforth.#XXXX XXg # XXXXXXԀAllofusknowhowridiculousallthissounds,butthat ` isexactlywhereyourmethodofinterpretationleadsus.Contendingforabsolutequalificationsleads L  usintoyetanothertrapespeciallyindealingwiththe husbandofonewife.Ifamanmustbethe 8  husbandofonewife,thennomanwhoissingleeitherbecausehehasneverbeenmarriedorbecause w$  hiswifehasdiedisqualifiedfortheministry.If thehusbandofonewifequalificationappliesto c  missionaries,preachers,andevangeliststhenneitherPaulorthosethatherecommendedstaying O  unmarriedwouldeverbequalifiedfortheministry.Then,whatofTimothyandTituswhowere ;  obviouslyatleastchurchplantersandmorelikelypastorsofchurches.Thereisnomentionofeither '  ofthembeingmarried.Ifahusbandandwifecannothavechildren,thenthehusbandcannothavehis  childreninsubjectiontohim.Alotoftheproblembeforeusisrootedintheuncannyabilityofmany  pastorsandpreacherstoreadtheworddivorcedinto1Timothy3:2andTitus1:6.  #XXXX XXh #  Thequestionarises: IsthereaGreekwordusedfordivorce?.Theanswerisofcourse  becausetheLordJesusChristHimselfuseditinMatthew5:31,Matthew19:7,andMark10:4.Ifthe p HolyGhostintendedthathusbandofonewifein1Timothy3:2andTitus1:6beinterpretedof \ divorce,thenwhydidHenotusetheGreekwordfordivorcewhichis  XXXXXXapostasion#XXXX XXo # XXXXXXinthecontext. H #XXXX XXo # XXXXXXSinceeverystandardforbishopsanddeaconsinthesepassagesisinthepresenttense,thenwemust 4 assume,thatinthecontext,theHolyGhostisinterestedinthepresentconductoftheindividualunder s  considerationtobecomeorcontinuetobeabishopordeacon.Thathastobethecasebecauseifit _  werenotthenNOmanwouldeverbequalifiedtobeabishopordeacon.Theproblemwithmaking K divorcetheonlysinthatpermanentlydisqualifiesamanfromtheministryisthatitmakesdivorce 7  anunforgivablesinonlyinthecontextofamansministry.ItmakestheChurchandGodarespecter #! #XXXX XX?p #ofpersons. XXXXXXIncontext,themostnaturalsenseofthephrase husbandofonewifeishavingonewife, " butnotmorethanone.Thatisthemostlogicalinterpretationwhenitisreadandinterpretedliterally. " Thereisnomentionoftheword divorcedor widowerinthecontextof1Timothy3.Norcanthe # words divorcedor widowerbeimpliedfromthecontextwhenitisreadinitsmostnaturalsense. $  Thewordscomefromspeculating: Welldidhemeanthis,ordidhemeanthat.Theanswertothat %l! questionis,no,theHolyGhostmeantexactlywhatHesaid.Forthewords divorcedand widower &X" toappeartheretheyhavetobereadintoitthroughtheprismofsomebodysfalsedoctrine.#XXXX XXcs # XXXXXXSome 'D # folkstrytoaddthewordlivingto1Timothy3:2tomakeitread HUSBANDOFONELIVING (0!$ WIFE.Theydothisbecausetheyknowtheimplicationsoftheirdoctrineforawidower.Their o)"% doctrinedisqualifiesawidowerfromtheministry.Wedonotforaminutebelievethatawidoweris [*#& disqualifiedfrombeingintheministry.Neitherdowebelievethatadivorcedmanispermanently G+#' disqualifiedfrombeingintheministry.Many,inavainattempttodisqualifyadivorcedman,read 3,$(  husbandofonewifeas havinghadonlyonewife.#XXXX XXw # XXXXXXThatisagrossmisinterpretationalsobecause C itchangestheBiblespresenttense mustbe...thehusbandofonewifetothemanpleasing,past / tense havinghadonlyonewife#XXXX XXy # XXXXXX.  #XXXX XX{ #  Furthermore,youwillnotfindthephrases doublemarried, widower,or divorced   anywhereineitherFirstandSecondTimothyorinTitus.Foryoutoputthosewordsintothose   Scriptures,youhavetoreadthemintoitbecauseofyourdoctrinalbias.Ifyoudonotbelieveit,ask   theaverageunsaved,Biblicallyilliteratepersononthestreetwhatismeantbythephrase husband   ofonewifeanditisdoubtfultheywilleversayitmeans thehusbandofonelivingwifeor aman  t thathasneverbeendivorced.Whattheywilltellyouisthatitmeans amandoesnothavemorethan  ` onewife.Whatwearesayingisthattheywill literally assumethatitmeansnothavingmorethan L  onewifeatthepresenttime.IfyoutooktheaverageBiblically,literateChristianwhohadneverbeen <  taughtthedoctrinesof doublemarriedpreachersand nodivorcedpreachersandaskedthemwhat k(   husbandofonewifemeanstothem,theywouldtellyouthatitmeansthatahusbanddoesnot W  currentlyhavetwoormorewivesorthathemustbemarriedtoserveasabishopordeacon.Theword C   divorcewouldnotoccurtomostfolkswithouthavingbeenreadintothepassagesweare /  discussing.YoucouldtrytakingyourrulesforgrammartoyourfavoriteEnglishteacherandseehow   fasttheywouldrunyououtoftheirclass.    Wehaveheardtheargumenttimeandagainthat husbandofonewifedisqualifiesadivorced  manbecausehehassetabadexampletotheflockwhenitcomestothehome.Whatthatargument  doesissetupdivorceasaspecialclassofunforgivablesin.Whatabouttheotherstandardsinthe  list??Forthosewhosay butthedivorcecannotberepentedoforrestored,whatabouttheguywho t hasmurderedamanorawoman,orbeatuphiswife,orcommittedadultery,orhasmolestedachild, ` orhasrapedawoman,orbeingguiltyofsodomy,orfiledabankruptcy,orbeenguiltyofpublic L drunkenness.Youcannotunmurdersomeone(theapostlePaulwasamurderer),orunbeatupawife, {8 oruncommitadultery,orunmolestachild,orunrapesomeone,orunsodomizesomeone,orunfile g$ abankruptcy,orundoaconvictionforpublicdrunkenness.Ifamancannotbeaneffectivemarriage S counsellorbecausehehashadadivorce,canhebeaneffectivefinancialcounsellorifhehasfileda ? bankruptcy?Ifamancannotbeaneffectivemarriagecounsellorbecausehehashadadivorce,then + canhebeaneffectivemarriagecounsellorwhenheisanunrepentant,undivorcedadulterer?Facts   arestubbornthings.Wecouldgoonandon,butwehavemadeourpoint. !    XXXXXXDoyoubelievethetimingofamanssalvationhasanyeffectonwhetherheisqualifiedfor ! theofficesofbishopordeacon?#XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀDoyoubelievethatifamangetsadivorceafterheissaved,thathe " ispermanentlydisqualifiedfromanypositionofleadershipinthechurchincludingbishopand #  deacon?Doyoubelievethatamanwhowasdivorced beforehewassavedisqualifiedforpositions $p! ofchurchleadershipincludingbishopanddeacon?#XXXX XX #Ԁ XXXXXXDoyoubelieveyouhavethediscernmentto %\" determinewhetheranyoneis/wassavedataparticularpointintime?#XXXX XX #ԀWedonotbelievethatthe &H # timingofadivorce,savedorunsaved,hasanyeffectonthestandardsin1Timothy3.Divorceisnot w'4!$ theissuein1Timothy3.Furthermore,ifyoutrytoholdanunsavedmanspastagainsthimyourun c( "% intothewallsetupbytheHolyGhostin1Corinthians6:611whereHesaid: O) #& Ѐ8   XXXXXX1Corinthians6:911 ,%) 9KnowyenotthattheunrighteousshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod?Benot S deceived:neitherfornicators,noridolaters,noradulterers,noreffeminate,norabusers ? ofthemselveswithmankind,10Northieves,norcovetous,nordrunkards,norrevilers, +  norextortioners,shallinheritthekingdomofGod.11 Andsuchweresomeofyou :but   yearewashed,butyearesanctified,butyearejustifiedinthenameoftheLordJesus,   andbytheSpiritofourGod. !! #XXXX XX #  Thekeyhereis suchweresomeofyou. Ifyouwillnotletadivorcedmanministerinall  x ministriesofthechurch,whetherhisdivorcetookplacebeforeorafterhewassaved,thenwhatyou h aresayingisthatthebloodofJesuscannotcleanseamanfromthepotentialsinsofdivorce.The T  reasonsomeofyouwillallowadivorcedmantobeapreacherorpastorifhisdivorcetookplaceprior @  tohissalvationisthattheHolyGhosthasconvictedyouofyourfalsedoctrine.Youalsoputyourself ,  inaverydangerouspositionofdeterminingwhenamanwassaved.Thereisnowayyoucanmake k  thatdecisionbecauseyouarenottheHolyGhost.Whenyouwillnotletanydivorcedmanintothe W  ministryyoupromotetheDevilsliethatallpartiestoadivorceareguiltyofsin.Whenyouwillnot C  letadivorcedmanintotheministryyouaremakingdivorcetheunforgivablesin.Whenyouwillnot /  letdivorcedmenintotheministrythenyouaresayingthatyouwouldnotletGodministerinyour  churchesbecausehehasbeendivorced!Whatcomplicatesthematterbeforeusevenmoreisthatmost   oncemarriedpreacherswillnotacceptthescripturalfactthatadivorcescripturallyendsamarriage.  Thatisournexttopic. XXXXXX  #XXXX XX # XXXXXX   DoyoubelievethatdivorceendsamarriageintheeyesofGodsothataformerspouseisno x longerscripturallyaspouseinanysenseoftheword?#XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀYouranswertothatquestionwillrevealyour d prejudices.Anotherprejudicethatentersintointerpretingthephrase husbandofonewifeisthe P stubborninsistencebymanythatdivorcedoesnotendamarriage.Accordingtothisfalsedoctrine, < evenifyouhavebeendivorcedfromsomeone,youwillalwaysbemarriedtothemintheeyesofGod. {( Thedoctrinealsostatesthatifyoudivorceandremarryyouarelivinginperpetualadulterybecause g youcannotdivorceanyoneforanyreason.Wedealtwiththeissueofperpetualadulteryinthechapter S on #XXXX XX #Adultery,Fornication,Desertion,DivorceAndRemarriage XXXXXX.LetusallowtheLordJesusChrist ?  tointerpretwhetheradivorcedpersonisanylongerahusbandorwifetothepersonfromwhomthey +! aredivorced.#XXXX XX= #.XXXXXXTheLordJesusChristindealingwiththewomanatthewellhadthistosayinJohn " 4:1618: # 8  John4:1618 $  16Jesussaithuntoher,Go,callthyhusband,andcomehither.17Thewomananswered %t! andsaid,Ihavenohusband.Jesussaiduntoher,Thouhastwellsaid,Ihaveno &`" husband:18Forthouhasthadfivehusbands;andhewhomthounowhastisnotthy 'L # husband:inthatsaidstthoutruly.#XXXX.XX> # XXXXXX(8!$!! #XXXX XX #  Herewewillrepeatourdiscussiononthisissuefromthechapteron Adultery,Fornication, c*#& Desertion,DivorceandRemarriage.AccordingtotheLordJesusChrist,divorcedoesenda O+#' marriage.WhydidtheLordJesusChristsaytothewomanatthewellinJohn4: thouHASTHAD ;,$( fivehusbands.Whatwashersin?Shewasobviouslyhavingsexwithamanwhowasnother C husbandbecausehewasmarriedtoanotherwoman!Shewasguiltyoffornicationandadulteryand / hewasguiltyofadulteryandfornication.Also,theclearimplicationofthispassageisthatshehas  beendivorcedfivetimes.WhywouldtheLordholditagainstherthatshehadbeenmarriedfive   times,ifthosemenhadsimplydied?TheLordJesusChristshowedusthatshewasasexually   promiscuouswoman,livingwithamanwhowasnotherhusband.Noticethathedoesnotsaythat   sheismarriedtoallfiveofthosemen.Hesaysthatshe hasthad(past-tense)fivehusbands.Sheis   nolongermarriedtothosemen.Therefore,itisinaccuratetospeakofadivorcedpersonashaving  t multiplelivingspousesbecauseofthedivorces.Ifherpreviousdivorceshadnotdissolvedthose  ` previousmarriages,theLordJesusChristwouldhavesaidthat thouhast(presenttense)five L  husbands.Somuchforthosepreachers,pastors,andteachersthatstatethatadivorcedmanhasmore {8  thanonewifeifheremarries.Thatwholetheoryisblownoutofthewaterwiththisonepassageof g$  Scripture!DoyouactuallythinktheLordJesusChristwouldchangehiswordingifitwasamanat S  thewellwho hasthadfivewives?BaseduponwhattheLordJesusChristsaidhere,youcannotsay ?  thatalawfullydivorcedmanorwomanwhoismarriednowhasmorethanonehusbandorwife. +  Whenapersonisdivorcedfromaspouse,thatpersonisnolongertheirspouseinanysenseofthe   word.Otherwise,theLordJesusChristwouldhaveusedthepresenttensetoindicatethatthefivemen  werestillherhusbands. XXXXXXDivorceunequivocallyandpermanentlyendsamarriage.Wehavestatedthat  allthestandardsforbishopsanddeaconsareinthepresenttense.Whatdoesthatmean?    Ifwetakeallthestandardsandlookatthem,wewouldhavetosaythatallmenhavebeen  guiltyofnotmeetingatleastoneofthemintheirpastbeforetheyweresaved.Infact,mostmenare p guiltyofnothavingmetmanyofthesestandards.Mostsavedmenareguiltyofnotmeetingallthe \ standardsatleastsomeofthetimeeveninthepresenttense.Thepassageisnottobeinterpretedas H ifthecandidateforbishopordeaconmustHAVEALWAYSbeenblameless,thehusbandofone w4 wife,vigilant,sober,ofgoodbehaviour,hospitable,incontrolofhishouseandhischildren,and#XXXX XXt # XXXXXX c  patient.Neitheristhepassagetobeinterpretedinthesensethatamanhasneverbeenguiltyofbeing O  adrunk,astriker,greedyoffilthylucre,abrawler,orcovetous.Whatweareinterestedinis,whatis ; themansprovengeneralconductandcharactertoday.Noonemeetsallthestandardsallthetime. ' TherearealotofthepastorsinourBaptistpulpitsthatarenotapttoteachandtheproofofitisin   theirinterpretationofthispassage.#XXXX XX; # XXXXXX     Thestandardsgivenforelders,bishops,anddeaconsin1Timothy3andTitus1areNOT ! absolutestandardsbecauseiftheyare,theybecomeafarcewhenwetrytoapplythem.Usingthem " asabsolutestandardswouldresultinnooneeverbeingqualifiedfortheofficesofbishopelder,or #  deacon.Yet,thatisthewaythephrase husbandofonewifeisusedtotheexclusionofEVERY $l! otherstandardinthispassage.Wehavealreadyproventhatifyoutrytointerpreteverystandardin %X" thepresenttensebuttheninterpret husbandofonewifeinthepasttense,youcreateaninterpretive &D # mess.Allofthestandardsaddressthe presentconduct ofanindividual.Thephrase mustbeisthe s'0!$ keytointerpretingthispassage.ItisanEnglishverbformthatisstrictlyinthepresenttense.Itcannot c( "% beread musthavebeenbecausethatwouldbeinthepasttense.Yet,thatisexactlythewayitis O) #& interpretedbythose oncemarriedpreachersthatwanttoholdamansdivorceagainsthim.In ;*#' application,theydonotbelieveGodeverforgivesamanofadivorceevenifhewasinnocent.They '+$( willforgiveareprehensible,fornicating,whoremongering,adultererwhoisguiltyofmultipleactsof ,%) fornicationwithseveraldifferentwomenandeitherleavehiminthepulpitwithnochurchdiscipline S beingexercisedorimmediatelyrestorehimtotheministryafterafewcrocodiletearsandthenturn ? rightaroundandthrowadivorcedmanoutoftheministrywhoseobviouslydevilpossessedwifeand +  Satanconspiredtodestroyhisministry.ThenSatanrecruitssomefundamentalist oncemarried   peacockstorubberstamptheDevilsSatanicdestructionofareallygoodmanofGodandthe   ministryGodhascalledhiminto.Whatsheerandutterlywickedhypocrisyallthisis. Whichleads   ustotheconclusionthatallmannerofsinshallbeforgivenamanexceptthesinofdivorceand   blasphemyoftheHolyGhost. Thephrase husbandofonewifeshouldbeinterpretedasfollows:  x  Ifamanismarried,thenhecanhavebutonewifeatatime.Thephrase husbandofonewifecuts h offpolygamistsfromservingintheministry:nothingmore,nothingless.Wehavealsoheardthe T  phrase husbandofonewifeinterpretedofsocalledserialpolygamy.Thatinterpretationdeniesthat @  divorceendsamarriage.IntheeyesofGod,whenamanorwomancommitsadulterytheyhave ,  brokenthemaritalbondwith(divorced)#XXXX XX # XXXXXXtheirmate.ThatiswhyGodsaidtokilladulterersand k  adulteressesintheOldTestamentunderthelaw(Thatwasthedivorce).Doyouthinkforaminute W  thatapriestwaskickedoutofthepriesthoodifhiswifelefthim,orifhewasdivorced?The C  followingquoteisfromanemailinquirythatwesentouttoarabbi: /  8  Adivorcedandremarriedpriestcanserve!theonlyrestrictionwefindisthathemay  notmarryadivorcee.ApriestdoesnothavetobemarriedexceptfortheHighPriest  ontheYomKippurservice.ThisisderivedfromLeviticus16:6:"Heshallatonefor  himselfandhishome"where'home'implieshehasafamily(seeMishnaYoma1;1). x Theyalsocouldhavemultiplewivessincethisisforbiddenonlyrabinically.#XXXX XX # XXXXXXEzekiel d 44containsmoreofthebasiclawsofpriestspropheticallydescribedintheThird P Temple,butLeviticus21isthemainsource.[#XXXX XX # XXXXXXFromRabbiDovidRosenfeld<!! 8  #XXXX XX # XXXXXX4 O  5  aishrabbi@aish.edu6+ O?   7 0 m #XXXX XX # XXXXXXԀ]{(!!   Ifthepriestswifecommittedadultery,theproblemwasresolvedinapileofstoneswithher S atthebottomofit.Wehaveheardofcaseswherewomenhaveactuallythreatenedtodestroytheir ?  husbandsministrybydivorcingthem.Furthermore,howmanytimeshaveyouheardofamans +! ministrybeingdestroyedatthehandsofsome oncemarriedfundamentalistsbecausehiswife " committedadulteryandlefthim.Yet,thesefundamentalisthypocriteswillallowafornicating, # whoremongering(whorehoppingifyouprefer)adultererouspreachertocontinueintheministry # whilekickinganinnocentdivorcedmanoutoftheministry.Wearesendingsomevery,verywrong $  signalstothelostandtoyoungChristiansfromourfundamentalistandIndependentBaptistchurches %t! whenwewillnotputafornicatingadultereroutofourpulpits,butwewillputaninnocentdivorced &`" manoutofourpulpits.Wearetellingtheworldthatweareincapableofexercisingrighteousandjust 'L # judgment.WhodoyouthinktheyoungChristianwillthinkisguiltyofsinwhencomparingaproven (8!$ fornicating,adulterouspreacherwithaninnocentdivorcedmanwhowasdesertedbyhisadulterous w)$"% wife??Youdobelievethatadivorcedmancanbeinnocentdontyou?Or,areyouoneofthe c*#& promotersofthefalsedoctrinethatstatesthatallpartiestoadivorcearealwaysguiltyofsin? When O+#' anindividualhasscripturalgroundsfordivorce,theyarenotguiltyofsininthedivorceaction. ?,$(  Youmaythinkthattheissuebeforeusisnotasseriousaswemakeitouttobe,butletstakealook C atsomeshockingstatisticsfromsevenyearsago(thisis2014)writtenbyRichardJ.Krejcir: / 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX #HereisresearchthatwedistilledfromBarna,FocusontheFamily,andFuller   Seminary,allofwhichbackedupourfindings,andadditionalinformationfrom   reviewingothers'research:Almostfortypercentpolledsaidtheyhavehadan   extra-maritalaffairsincebeginningtheirministry.[ StatisticsonPastors,2007   (researchfrom1989to2006)R.J.KrejcirPh.D.FrancisA.SchaefferInstituteof  t ChurchLeadershipDevelopment;citedfrom `!! 8  4eO  5  http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/?articleid=365626 O sta  7lt*  XXXXXX]L !! Didyoucatchthat?Awhoppingfortypercentadmittedtoextramaritalsexualaffairs!Notethatthese g$  menwerestillintheministrywhentheresearchwasconducted.Whatthatindicatestousisthatmost S  churchesinAmericarefusetodealwiththeissueofpastoraladulterybecauseiftheydealtwithit ?  scripturally,manyofthesesexuallypromiscuous,wicked,sinisterministerswouldnotbeinour +  pulpits.WhataboutsomespecificcasesfromsomeveryhighprofileIndependentBaptistChurches?     #XXXX XX #  Itisokayforthepastorthatisanadultererandfornicatortogoawhoringaroundonhiswife  justsoheremainsundivorced.TouchednotGodsanointednomatterhowwickedlyhebehaves.  Manypastorsandpreachersuse touchnotGodsanointedtohidethevilestofsins.Somecasesin  pointincludetheunholytrinityfromFirstBaptistHammond,Indiana,namelyJoeCombs,JackHyles,  andJackSchaap.TothatwecanaddBobGreyofthethenunholyTrinityBaptistChurchin p Jacksonville,Floridawhowasguiltyofmolestingchildrenandyetremainedintheministrywiththe \ knowledgeofsomeofhischurchleaders.Butatleastthesefourmenwerenotdivorced.Godforbid H thattheyshouldbedivorced!Theconsequenceoftoleratingsuchconductisthatwehavelostthe w4 anointingoftheHolyGhostofGodinmostofourIndependentBaptistchurches.Thisiswhat c  happenswhensocalled menofGodwillnotrebukethesinofmansanointed(wrongfullycalled O  Godsanointed),butwillinsteadletthemcontinueintheirsinbringingshameandreproachuponthe ; nameoftheLordJesusChristandhisChurch.WhatabanetotheIndependentBaptistmovement! ' Manychurcheswillputamanoutoftheministrywhodivorcesthroughnofaultofhisown,butthey   willnotputafornicatingpastor,preacher,ordeaconoutoftheirpulpitsortheirchurches.Many   churcheswillnotputanadulterer,adulteress,fornicator,orsodomiteoutfromthemembershipof ! theirchurch,buttheygointoamadrushtogetridofthatwickedandungodlydivorcedmanwhose " onlysinwastobemarriedtoawomanwhoturnedintoanadulteressandawhore.Manyfornicating #   oncemarriedpreacherswickedlythinktheyarestillqualifiedtopreachandpastorbecausethey $l! havenotbeengivendivorcepapersordonotpossessasecondmarriagelicense.Wehavenewsfor %X" youboys.Youareawholelotlessqualifiedtobeintheministrythanthatinnocentdivorcedman &D # whoseadulterouswifedivorcedhim. s'0!$   Letmestatethisunequivocally,ifyouhaveeverhadanykindofsexualrelationshipwitha _("% womanotherthanthewomanyouaremarriedtonow,youareguiltyofbeingatleast double K)#& marriedinGodseyesunderboththeOldTestamentlawandunderNewTestamentScriptures.What 7*#' thatmeansisthis.Ifyouhadsexwithanywomanotherthanthewomanyouaremarriedtonow,and #+$( youpreachagainst doublemarriedpreachersandpastors,then YOU havepermanentlydisqualified ,%) yourselffromtheministryoutofyourownmouth.TheHolyGhostplainlyteachesin1Corinthians S 6:16thatifyoujoinyourbodytoanharlot,thenyouandtheharlotbecomeoneflesh.The oneflesh ? statementisGodsrequirementfromGenesis2:24foramanandawomantobecomehusbandand +  wife.Thewholeideaofasexualrelationshipwithanharlotconstitutingamarriageisalsoaddressed   byJosephuswhenhesaid:   8  Andfurther,nooneoughttomarryaharlot,whosematrimonialoblations,arising   fromtheprostitutionofherbody,Godwillnotreceive;forbythesemeansthe  t dispositionsofthechildrenwillbeliberalandvirtuous;Imean,whentheyarenot ` bornofbaseparents,andofthelustfulconjunctionofsuchasmarrywomenthatare L  notfree.[Josephus,Book4,Chapter8,Section23(245)page119)]8 !! ThatwasthewholeideathattheHolyGhostwaspresentingin1Corinthians6:16whenPaulsaidthat c  ifyoujoinyourselftoanharlotyouhavemarriedher(becameoneflesh).Thereisnoceremony,no O  marriagelicense,nopriest,ornopastorthere.NoneisrequiredintheeyesofGodortheeyesofthe ;  Scriptures.Norwasthereajusticeofthepeaceoramagistratein1Corinthians6:16.Neitherisany '  requiredintheeyesofGodorintheeyesoftheScriptures.Readitforyourself.Youwillnotfinda  scripturalmandateorcommandmentineitherTestamentthatrequiresamarriageceremonyinorder  foracoupletobemarriedintheeyesofGod..XXXXXXAgain,thereasonthattheinterpretationthatbecoming  onefleshconstitutesamarriagedoesnotsitwellwithalotofourpreachersandpastorsisbecause  manyofthemareguiltyofadulteryandfornication.Iftheyareguiltyofadulteryandfornication,then p theyareguiltyofbecomingonefleshwithmultiplewomentherebymakingthemselveshusbandsof \ multiplewives.Iftheyarehusbandsofmultiplewives,thentheyaredisqualifiedfromtheministry H bytheirownpreachingandteachingof1Timothy3andTitus1.Itneverceasestoamazeushowwe 4 canleaveanadulterer,childmolester,andafornicatorinthepulpitandpermanentlydisqualifyaman s  whohashadadivorce.#XXXX.XX # XXXXXXԀ#XXXX XX0 # _    Awomanisguiltyofbeingawhoreandaharlotwhenshecommitsherfirstactoffornication K and/oradultery.Amanisguiltyofbeingawhoremongerwhenhecommitshisfirstactoffornication 7  and/oradultery.Whatthatmeansisthatifyoucometogethersexuallywithmultiplepartners,then #! youhavehad,ordohave,multiple(living)spouses.Manypastorsscreamagainstactsoffornication " beingcalledmarriagesbecausetheyareguiltyoffornicationand/oradulteryaftertheirmarriages.The " actofadulteryalsoconstitutesanactoffornication.Ifthesexualact(s)constituteamarriage(andit # does),thentheyareguiltyofhavingmultiplewiveswhichbytheirowntwistedinterpretationand $  applicationwouldpermanentlydisqualifythemfromtheministry.Again,theHolyGhostplainly %l! statesin1Corinthians6:16thatwhenamanjoinshimselfuntoanharlotthattheybecomeoneflesh. &X" Thatisthedefinitionofascripturalmarriage.Someofthemenwearetalkingaboutherewereguilty 'D # offornicationbeforetheyweresavedandsomeofthemwereguiltyoffornicationaftertheywere (0!$ saved.Manywereguiltyofboth.Goddoesnotgiveadifferentsetofqualificationsfortheministry o)"% baseduponwhetheramanwassavedorlost.Whenameremantriestomakethatjudgment,thenthey [*#& aretryingtojudgethatwhichonlytheHolyGhostiscapableofjudging.Manyselfrighteous once G+#' marriedpeacockstakewhattheyconsidertobethe saferoutebynotallowinganyonewhohas 3,$( everbeendivorced,savedorlost,toenterintotheministry.Whilewepartiallyagreewiththat C interpretationthatsalvationisnottheissue,wetotallydisagreethatdivorceisthedisqualifyingissue. / Theissueishowmanyscripturallivingwivesdoesamanhaveinthepresenttense.Ifamanis  scripturallydivorcedfromawoman,thatwomanisnolongerhiswife.   .XXXXXX  Fornicationandadulterymakea fundamentalistpastorandpreachernolessdisqualifiedto   beinthepulpitthanamanwhohashadadivorcethathissincaused.However,wedobelievethat   theDevilhastakenmanyinnocentmenfromourpulpitswhosedivorceswerenofaultoftheirown.   WealsobelievethattheDevilhasusedmany fundamentalist,selfrighteoushypocritesto  t accomplishthatwhichrightlydividingtheScripturescouldnothavedone.#XXXX.XXp # XXXXXX8 @( Wealsobelievethatthe  `  fundamentalistdoctrineofthrowingdivorcedmenoutofthepulpitshasallowedtheDeviltouse L  manyungodlypastorsandpreacherswivestocontrolanddestroymanythrivingministries.#XXXX XX #ԀMany {8  ungodly,highprofilepreachersandpastorshavesetthemselvesaboverebukebecausetheybelieve g$  theyareuntouchable. S    Thephrases husbandofonewifeand touchnotGodsanointedarethetwomostabused ?  phrasesintheIndependentBaptistmovement.ThetwounforgivablesinsintheIndependentBaptist +  movementisdivorceandtouchingGodsanointed.Thephrase touchnotGodsanointedin1   Chronicles16:22andPsalm105:15isalmostalwayspreachedandtaughtfromthewrongcontext.  ThecontextistotouchnotGodsanointedpeople.Inotherwords,incontext,itsemphasisison  Godschosenpeople.GodtheHolyGhostaddedthephrase anddomyprophetsnoharmalmost  asanafterthought,buttheemphasiswasonthePEOPLE.IfwewantedtoattempttomakeaNew  Testamentapplicationofthepassageitwouldbemuchmoretruetocontextifweappliedittothe p CONGREGATION(thespiritualseedofAbraham)ratherthantosomeunscripturaldictatorwhose \ sincannotbequestionedandwhoopenlymocksthementhatGodhasputtheretosupportthe H ministry.Wearenotadvocatingrebellionagainsta holy manofGodthathasbeencalledofGodto w4 pastor,butwearecallingforhimtobeheldtothesamestandardofholinessthatGodholdsthe g$ congregationto.Godsaidin1Peter5:14: S 8  1TheelderswhichareamongyouIexhort,whoamalsoanelder,andawitnessofthe + sufferingsofChrist,andalsoapartakeroftheglorythatshallberevealed:2Feedthe   flockofGodwhichisamongyou,takingtheoversightthereof,notbyconstraint,but ! willingly;notforfilthylucre,butofareadymind;3NeitherasbeinglordsoverGods ! heritage,butbeingensamplestotheflock.4AndwhenthechiefShepherdshall " appear,yeshallreceiveacrownofglorythatfadethnotaway.# !!   Weseeitallovertheinternetwhereunholy,blindloyaltyleadsdeceivedchurchmembers %\" todefendthewickedconductofunholypreachersandpastorswhohaveviolatedthetrustthatGod &H # andtheircongregationhasplacedinthem.Wehaveheardofandreadmanycaseswhereblindchurch w'4!$ membersandchurchleaderswillwickedlydefendunholy,fornicating,adulterous,oncemarried c( "% pastorswhilecondemningadivorcedmanwho,bothbeforeandafterhisdivorce,haslivedamodel O) #& ChristhonoringChristianlife.SomeoftheseunholyBaptistpopesareevenguiltyofchild ;*#' molestationandyettheycontinueintheministry.Thescripturesdonotteachblindloyalty,butrather '+$( aloyaltythatisenlightenedbythescripturesandtheHolyGhostofGod.Whenpastorsandother ,%) churchofficerswillnotrepentoftheirsintheyarejustassubjecttorebukeandchurchdisciplineas S otherchurchmembers.Ifyouaredeacon,orachurchmember,thatwillallowapastortocontinue ? inknownsin,thenyoubecomeapartakerinthatsin.Ifyouareapastorthatgoesawhoringaround +  onyourwifethenyouareguiltyofprostitutingthemercyandgraceofGodtofeedyourflesh.We   believethatGodcallsthatpresumptuoussin.Letmesaythis.Ifaninnocentdivorcedmancanbe   permanentlyputoutoftheministry,thenaoncemarriedpastorthatisguiltyoffornication,or   adultery,orchildmolestationmustbepermanentlyputoutoftheministry.Infact,thatoncemarried   whoremongeringpreacherandpastorismuchmoredeservingofbeingpermanentlyputoutofthe  t ministrythanthatinnocentdivorcedman.Youdobelievethatadivorcedmancanbeinnocentdont ` you?Or,areyouoneofthosethatbelievehemusthavedonesomethingwrongtooorGodwould L  haveprotectedhimandtheministryfromhiswifesungodlyconduct?Really!?Willyoualsodeny 8  freewill? w$  @ MENPLEASERS,FLATTERINGTITLES,ANDDOCTORSOFTHELAW  O    Thebiggestproblemintheissuebeforeusispride.Wearenotgoingtogiveuponwhatwe '  havebeentaughtbecausewewouldhavetoadmitwearewrong.Allthewimpymenfollowerswould  havetotooktheirtailsunderandrunfromtheirdoctrinaldictatorsandtaskmasterslikescaldeddogs.  Godforbidtheyshouldstudythisissuethroughforthemselves!Wehavealsoseenpastorsthatnot  onlyrejectcounsel,butalsoopenlyrebukecounsel. Amanthatwillnottakecounselisafoolthat  isrightinhisowneyes(Proverbs12:15). MostmenopenlyrejectthewholecounselofGodonthe t issuebeforeuschoosinginsteadtotakethecounselofgreatmen.Thefearofmenbringethasnare. d Greatmenarenotalwayswise.InmanyofourIndependentBaptistchurches,wehavebecome P promotersofmeninsteadofpromotersoftheLordJesusChrist.ManyIndependentBaptistpastors < havetakenapeacocksstrolldownloverslanewalkinghandinhandwiththemselves.Wehaveput {( unholyandwickedDoctorsintoourpulpitswhoareintoselfexaltationandconsiderthemselvesto g beaboverebukeandallthewhileforgettingthewarningandcounselofJobandJeremiah: S  XXXXXX8  Job32:2122 +! 21Letmenot,Iprayyou,acceptanymansperson,neitherletmegiveflatteringtitles " untoman.22ForIknownottogiveflatteringtitles;insodoingmymakerwouldsoon # takemeaway.#!! 8   !! 8  #XXXX XX` #Jeremiah9:2324 %t! 23ThussaiththeLORD,Letnotthewisemangloryinhiswisdom,neitherletthe &`" mightymangloryinhismight,letnottherichmangloryinhisriches:24Butlethim 'L # thatgloriethgloryinthis,thatheunderstandethandknowethme,thatIamtheLORD (8!$ whichexerciselovingkindness,judgment,andrighteousness,intheearth:forinthese w)$"% thingsIdelight,saiththeLORD.c*#&!! Whatthattellsusisthatwearetoneithergiveflatteringtitlesorreceiveflatteringtitles.Todoeither ;,$( isSIN.ManyofthesedoctorshavebecomethepriestclassinourBaptistchurcheswhoseekthe C highestseatsandhonoursinthesynagogues.Acaseinpointisthefollowingadvertisementquoted / verbatimfromthebackpageoftheAugust31,2012editionofthatIndependentBaptistbastionof  humility,the SwordOfTheLord:   8  ThereisnotamanalivewhohaspersonallywonmoresoulstoChristthan    DOCTOR BobGray,Sr.Hehasbeenintheministryfor39yearsanddailywins   souls.Lastyearhepersonallyled404soulstoChrist,with107ofthosefollowingthe  x Lordinbaptism.HehasbeenusedofGodtosee1,116,887soulscometoChristwhile  d pastoringtheLongviewBaptistTempleofLongview,Texas.Itgrewfromalowof159 P  toaveraging2,046thelastyearhewaspastor,withhighdaysover10,000.Theyran <  40busroutesandhadalargeSundaySchoolprogram.Heledthechurchtogive k(  $9,328,835.69tomissions.IwantyoutocomehearthismanofGodwhocanhelp W  you.C !! 8   DOCTOR RussellAnderson/ !!   Wow,whatvainglory!ThereisnothinglikeavainattempttostealthegloryfromGod!That   isenoughtomakeuswanttopuke!BobGrayhasreceivedhisrewardinthepraiseofmen.Wewould  beashamedtohavesuchunadulteratedworshippublishedconcerningus.Notonlywouldwebe  ashamed,wewouldnotallowit.Shameonthe SwordOfTheLord.Wecannotbelievethatthe   conservative,fundamentalist SwordOfTheLordwouldpublishsuchvainglory!Uh,uh,uhwe x retractthatstatement.AsearchoftheAugust2012issueof TheSwordrevealsthatIndependent d BaptistsareveryfondofthetitleDOCTOR.Itappearsnolessthan105timesinthe24pagesof The P Sword.Justincaseyouhaveforgottenthesinnersprayertheyalsoincludeitwithacopyofa < decisionformthatmayputyourconvertsontheroadtoconfirmation.Thereisalsoanequally k( effusivetripdowngloryroadintheendorsementgivento PastorTerrellHopkinsonthebackpage. W Thiswholepaperreeksofthefilthinessofthefleshandthevilenessofselfesteemandself C exaltation.ThereisdefinitelynoglorylefttherefortheLordJesusChrist.Maybetheyneedtorename / theirnewspaper TheIndependentBaptistGloryCorner.ItisdefinitelynottheswordoftheLord   becauseinitspagesmanishighandliftedup. Godforbidthatweshouldglory,saveinthecross ! ofourLordJesusChrist.Hallelujah! Hallelujah! XXXXXX ! @ #XXXX XX #DIVORCECOMMANDEDUPONTHEPRIESTHOOD XXXXXXԈ #     ThenexttothelastissuewewilldealwithinthischapteristhesituationwhereGod %h" commandedtheLeviticalprieststoputawaytheirpaganwives.Thisdrivestotheissueofwhether &T # divorcedisqualifiesmenfromministeringintheserviceofGod.InEzra10andNehemiah13wehave '@!$ therecordofthecleansingofthepriesthoodthatincludedputtingawaytheirstrange(pagan)wives. o(,"% TheseeventsarerecordedinEzra10:23,Ezra10#XXXX XX # XXXXXX:1011,Ezra10#XXXX XX # XXXXXX:1819,andNehemiah13:2730. [)#& TheseScripturesstate:  #XXXX XXR # XXXXXX G*$' #XXXX XX # XXXXXX#XXXX XXA # XXXXXX8  Ezra10:23,%)!! 8  2AndShechaniahthesonofJehiel,oneofthesonsofElam,answeredandsaidunto S Ezra,WehavetrespassedagainstourGod,andhavetakenstrangewivesofthepeople ? oftheland:yetnowthereishopeinIsraelconcerningthisthing.3Nowthereforelet +  usmakeacovenantwithourGodtoputawayallthewives,andsuchasarebornof   them,accordingtothecounselofmylord,andofthosethattrembleatthe   commandmentofourGod;andletitbedoneaccordingtothelaw.8@!!   8   !! 8  Ezra10:1011 t!! 8  10AndEzratheprieststoodup,andsaiduntothem,Yehavetransgressed,andhave ` takenstrangewives,toincreasethetrespassofIsrael.11Nowthereforemake L  confessionuntotheLORDGodofyourfathers,anddohispleasure:andseparate 8  yourselvesfromthepeopleoftheland,andfromthestrangewives.w$ !! 8  Ezra10:1819O !! 8  18Andamongthesonsoftheprieststherewerefoundthathadtakenstrangewives: ;  namely,ofthesonsofJeshuathesonofJozadak,andhisbrethren;Maaseiah,and '  Eliezer,andJarib,andGedaliah.19Andtheygavetheirhandsthattheywouldput  awaytheirwives;andbeingguilty,theyofferedaramoftheflockfortheirtrespass.#XXXX XX # XXXXXX!! 8  Nehemiah13:2730  27Shallwethenhearkenuntoyoutodoallthisgreatevil,totransgressagainstour p Godinmarryingstrangewives?28AndoneofthesonsofJoiada,thesonofEliashib \ thehighpriest,wassoninlawtoSanballattheHoronite:thereforeIchasedhimfrom H me.29Rememberthem,OmyGod,becausetheyhavedefiledthepriesthood,andthe 4 covenantofthepriesthood,andoftheLevites.30ThuscleansedIthemfromall s  strangers,andappointedthewardsofthepriestsandtheLevites,everyoneinhis _  business;#XXXX XXY& # XXXXXXK!! #XXXX XX) #  XXXXXX#XXXX XX) #Whataboutthat?!AcommandmentfromGodtothepeopleandthepriesthoodtodivorce(put #! away)theirpagan,unbelievingwives.  XXXXXXԀIfyoustudyallofEzrachapter10,youwillfindthatnotonly " hadthepeoplecorruptedthemselveswithpaganwivesbutthatpriesthood#XXXX XX* #Ԁhadalso.Whenthepriests " defiledthemselvesbytakingprofane(strangeorpagan)wivestheydisqualifiedthemselvesfromthe # priesthoodaccordingtoLeviticus21:7whichsays: $  8   XXXXXXLeviticus21:7 &\" 7They[thepriests]shallnottakeawifethatisawhore,orprofane;neithershallthey 'H # takeawomanputawayfromherhusband:forheisholyuntohisGod.#XXXX XX, #(4!$!! Itwasthereforenecessarythattheyputaway(divorce)theirpaganwivessothattheymightbe _* #& ceremoniallycleanforserviceinofferingupsacrificesuntotheLORD.Nehemiahmakesitplainthat K+#' thepriestswerecleansed fromallstrangers beforetheywereappointedintowards.This 7,$( cleansingwasthesubjectofallofEzrachapter10wherethedivorceswerecommandedandcarried C out.So,ifdivorcedisqualifiesamanfromserviceuntoGod,thenwhydidGodcommandthe / divorcesofthepriestsandthenreturnthemuntoserviceintheTemple?8 @  XXXXXXԀIfyouteachthatdivorce  disqualifiesamanfromtheministry,thenyouaregoingtohaveahardtimereconcilingthatdoctrine   withEzra10andNehemiah13.Youcannotexplainitawaydispensationally.Youcannotexplainit   awayasbeingadifferencebetweenlawandgrace.Weclosethissectionwithastatementthatwe   quotedearlier:   8  Adivorcedandremarriedpriestcanservetheonlyrestrictionwefindisthathemay  ` notmarryadivorcee.ApriestdoesnothavetobemarriedexceptfortheHighPriest L  ontheYomKippurservice.ThisisderivedfromLeviticus16:6:"Heshallatonefor {8  himselfandhishome"where'home'implieshehasafamily(seeMishnaYoma1;1). g$  Theyalsocouldhavemultiplewivessincethisisforbiddenonlyrabinically.#XXXX XX0 # XXXXXXEzekiel S  44containsmoreofthebasiclawsofpriestspropheticallydescribedintheThird ?  Temple,butLeviticus21isthemainsource.[#XXXX XX4 # XXXXXXFromRabbiDovidRosenfeld+ !! 8  #XXXX XXw5 # XXXXXX4 O  5  aishrabbi@aish.edu66 O16   7 0 _6 #XXXX XX5 # XXXXXXԀ]#XXXX XX6 # XXXXXX !! Notethatthepriestsinthisquotewereallowedtohavemultiplewives.Couldthatgiveussome  insightintothenecessityfortheuseofthephrase husbandofonewifebytheHolyGhostin1  Timothy_3:2?_  @  DIVORCEDHUSBANDSASPASTORSOFTHEIRHOMES  \   Ourfinalquestionis:Isadivorcedandremarriedmandisqualifiedfrombeingthepastorof w4 hishome?#XXXX XX;7 # XXXXXXԀWhileonthesurfacethismightseemtobearidiculousquestion,itreallyisnotbecause c  manymenhavebeenputinsituationswheretheyareinremotelocationswherethereisnoestablished O  churchandtheymustpastortheirfamilies.Areyougoingtotrytotellusthattheyshouldforegoany ; assemblyforthepurposeofworship,preaching,andteachingbecausethefatherinthefamilyhas ' beendivorced.TheLordJesusChristsaidinMatthew18:20: Forwheretwoorthreearegathered   togetherinmyname,thereamIinthemidstofthem.#XXXX XX9 # XXXXXXԀThatisgiveninthecontextofachurch.As   areminder,achurchisanorganizedassemblyofbaptizedbelievers.Thatassemblydoesnothaveto ! takeplaceinachurchbuilding.Thatisadefinitionthatappliestofamiliesinlocationswherethere " arenochurchesornoscripturalchurches.Areyougoingtotellusthatafamilycannotmeetthe #  commandment notforsakingtheassemblingofourselvestogether?Thechargehasbeengivento $l! thehusbandtobethespiritualleaderinthehomeregardlessofwhetherheisdivorced.Areyougoing %X" totellusthatthatdivorcedmancannotpreachtoandteachthemembersofhisfamily?Arethe &D # familymembersanylesschurchmembersbecausetheyarenotassembledinachurchbuilding?The s'0!$ rateatwhichthewicked,apostate,hereticalchurchisfallingawaytherewillcomeatimewhen _("% peoplewillhavetoholdchurchintheirhomes.Inmanylocations,thatisalreadyanabsolute K)#& necessity.Wewouldremindyouthatmanyoftheearlychurcheswereorganizedinhomes.#XXXX XX< # XXXXXXԀWeare 7*#' nothereadvocatingfamiliespullingoutofgoodBiblebelievingchurches.Thisparagraphisyet #+$( anotherillustrationofhowutterlyunscripturalthedoctrineisthatpermanentlydisqualifiesadivorced ,%) '    manfrombeingapreacher,pastor,evangelist,missionary,ordeacon.Thatdoctrineisanaffrontto S  rightlydividingthewordoftruth.Putbluntly,itis_heresy. ? _#XXXX XXA #   APPENDIXI   QUOTESFROMVARIOUSAUTHORSANDCOMMENTARIES    D Westronglystatethefollowingdisclaimeronthequotesthatfollow:Weinnowayendorsethe   doctrineortheologyofmostoftheindividualswequotebelow.ManyofthemareCalvinistsand  t RomanCatholics.Infact,mostofthemwewoulddisagreewithonsomemajorpointofdoctrine. ` Theyareonlyquotedheretoshowthebreadthofopinionandinterpretationofthephrase husband L  ofonewife. 8  @   QUOTESFROMVARIOUSAUTHORS  c   AlbertBarnes: (Presbyterian;born1798):Polygamy:(1)Itisthemostobviousmeaningofthe ;  language,anditwoulddoubtlessbethusunderstoodbythosetowhomitwasaddressed.Atatime +  whenpolygamywasnotuncommon,tosaythatamanshould havebutonewifewouldbenaturally  understoodasprohibitingpolygamy.[AlbertBarnes,Notes,ExplanatoryandPractical,onthe  EpistlesofPaul:TotheThessalonians,ToTimothy,ToTitus,andtoPhilemon,Harper&Brothers,  1845,Page162]   Ambrose:  XXXXXXAndtheApostlehasestablishedalaw,saying: Ifanymanbewithoutreproachthe ` husbandofonewife.Sothenhewhoiswithoutblamethe#XXXX XXmI # XXXXXXhusbandofonewifecomeswithintherule P forundertakingthepriestlyoffice;he,however,whohasmarriedagainhasnoguiltofpollution,but < isdisqualifiedforthepriestlyprerogative.#XXXX XXVJ #Ԁ[PhilipSchaff,HenryWace,ASelectLibraryofNicene {( andPost-NiceneFathersoftheChristianChurch:St.Ambrose:SelectWorksAndLetters.Christian g LiteratureCompany,1896,Page466] S  JosephBenson: (Methodist;born1748):Polygamy:Theapostlesmeaning,therefore,inthese +! canons,is,thatsuchpersonsonlyweretobeintrustedwithsacredofficeswhointheirmarriedstate " hadcontentedthemselveswithonewife,andwithonehusbandatatime;becausetherebytheyhad # showedthemselvestemperateintheuseofsensualpleasures;throughtheimmoderateloveofwhich # theAsiaticnationsuniversallypractisedpolygamy.[NoLocateOnReference] $   WilliamBurkitt: (Anglican;born1650):PolygamyAndDivorce:Thehusbandofonewife;thatis, &d" oneatatime;notguiltyofthesinofhavingmanywives,orofputtingawaythewifebydivorce,as 'T # theJewsfrequentlydidforfrivolouscauses.[WilliamBurkitt,Expositorynotes,withpractical (@!$ observations,ontheNewTestament,Volume2,1832,Page522] ),"%  JohnCalvin: (Calvinist;born1509):Polygamy:Theonlytrueexposition,therefore,isthatof W+$' Chrysostom,thatinabishopheexpresslycondemnspolygamy,(50)whichatthattimetheJews C almostreckonedtobelawful.[JohnCalvin,CommentariesontheEpistlestoTimothy,Titusand / Philemon,CalvinTranslationSociety,1856,Page77]   JohnChrysostom:  XXXXXX ABishopthen,hesays, mustbeblameless,thehusbandofonewife.This   hedoesnotlaydownasarule,asifhemustnotbewithoutone,butasprohibitinghishavingmore   thanone.ForeventheJewswereallowedtocontractsecondmarriages,andeventohavetwowives   atonetime.#XXXX XXOR #Ԁ [JohnChrysostom,ASelectLibraryoftheNiceneandPost-NiceneFathersofthe  x ChristianChurch:ChristianliteratureCompany,1889,Page438]   h  AdamClarke: (Methodist;born1760):Polygamy:Second-mustbethehusbandofonewife.He @  shouldbeamarriedman,butheshouldbenopolygamist;andhaveonlyonewife,i.e.oneatatime. s0  [AdamClarke,TheNewTestamentofOurLordandSaviourJesusChrist:Volume2,PeterC.Smith, _  1831,Page612] K   ThomasCoke: (Methodist;born1747):PolygamyAndCauselessDivorce)thehusbandofonewife; #  thatis, onewhohasnotcauselesslydivorcedhiswife,andmarriedanother;muchlessoughtheto  havemorethanonewifeatatime.[NoLocateOnReference]   StanleyL.Derickson: ADivorcedManIsDisqualified:  XXXXXXԀ #XXXX XXW # XXXXXXOneotherpossibilityhasbeentaughtin  recentyears. Notaloosetypeman,or aonewomanatatimeman,whichofcourseallows  fordivorceandremarriageofelders.ThisisarecentadditiontothemenuofexcusestoskirtScripture p andallowpeoplethefreedomtodoastheypleaseratherthanastheLorddirects.#XXXX XX!X #Ԁ \ [ XXXXXXStanleyL.Derickson#XXXX XXZ # XXXXXX,DericksonsNotesOnTheology,Copyright1992,Page1061] H _#XXXX XXZZ #_ Jameson,Fausett,andBrown: (published1871):NoDivorcedMen:ThoughtheJewspracticed c  polygamy,yetasheiswritingastoaGentileChurch,andaspolygamywasneverallowedamong S evenlaymenintheChurch,theancientinterpretationthattheprohibitionhereisagainstpolygamy ? inacandidatebishopisnotcorrect.Itmust,therefore,meanthat,thoughlaymenmightlawfullymarry +  again,candidatesfortheepiscopateorpresbyterywerebettertohavebeenmarriedonlyonce. ! [RobertJamieson,AndrewRobertFausset,DavidBrownJ.B.ACommentary,Critical,Practicaland " Explanatory,ontheOldandNewTestaments,Volume2,Names&Company,1882,Page434] "  ArnoC.Gaebelein: (Methodist;born1861)Polygamy: Hemustbethehusbandofonewife.This $! hasbeenexplainedasexcludingallwhohadbeenmarriedtwice.Thisisincorrect.Itmayreferto %t" thosewhowereaspagansmarriedtomorethanonewoman,forpolygamywaspracticedamongthe &` # heatheninthatday,asitisstill.[ArnoC.Gaeblein,TheAnnotatedBible,PublicationOffice Our 'L!$ Hope,1917,Page162] {(8"%  JohnGill: (Baptist;born1697):PolygamyAndUnscripturalDivorce:Thehusbandofonewife; S*$' whichisnottobeunderstoodinamysticalandallegoricalsenseofhisbeingthepastorofonechurch, C+%( sincetheapostleafterwardsspeaksofhishouseandchildren,thataretoberuledandkeptingood /,%) orderbyhim,indistinctionfromthechurchofGod;butinaliteralsenseofhisconjugalestate; S thoughthisruledoesnotmakeitnecessarythatheshouldhaveawife;orthatheshouldnotmarry, ? ornothavemarriedasecondwife,afterthedeathofthefirst;onlyifhemarriesorismarried,thathe +  shouldhavebutonewifeatatime;sothatthisruleexcludesallsuchpersonsfrombeingelders,or   pastors,oroverseersofchurches,thatwere polygamists;whohadmorewivesthanoneatatime,   orhaddivorcedtheirwives,andnotforadultery,andhadmarriedothers.[JohnGill,Expositionof   theOldandNewTestament]    XXXXXX W.B.Godbey: #XXXX XXd # XXXXXXThehusbandofonewife;#XXXX XXAe # XXXXXX#XXXX XXe # XXXXXXi#XXXX XXe # XXXXXX.#XXXX XX%f # XXXXXXe#XXXX XXhf # XXXXXX.,polygamyprohibited.#XXXX XXf #Ԁ[ XXXXXXW#XXXX XX g # XXXXXX.#XXXX XXOg # XXXXXXB#XXXX XXg # XXXXXX.#XXXX XXg # XXXXXXGodbey#XXXX XXh #,C XXXXXXommentary ` OnThe#XXXX XXeh #NewTestament,Volume3, XXXXXXEphesiansPhilemon,Page190]#XXXX XXh # P   MatthewHenry: (Presbyterian;born1662):NoPolygamyAndNoDivorce: Hemustbethehusband {(  ofonewife;nothavinggivenabillofdivorcetoone,andthentakenanother,ornothavingmany k  wivesatonce,asatthattimewastoocommonbothamongJewsandGentiles,especiallyamongthe W  Gentiles.[MatthewHenry,AnExpositionoftheOldandNewTestament,Volume6,Belland C  Bradfute,J.Dickson,andJ.McCliesh,1791,Page674] /   Jerome:  XXXXXX(RomanCatholic):Towhatdoesallthistend,youask.Ireply;yourememberthequestion  thatyouproposed.Itwasthis.ASpanishbishopnamedCarterius,oldinyearsandinthepriesthood  hasmarriedtwowives,onebeforehewasbaptized,and,shehavingdied,anothersincehehaspassed  throughthelaver;andyouareofopinionthathehasviolatedthepreceptoftheapostle,whoinhis | listofepiscopalqualificationscommandsthatabishopshallbe thehusbandofonewife.Iam h surprisedthatyouhavepilloriedanindividualwhenthewholeworldisfilledwithpersonsordained T insimilarcircumstances;Idonotmeanpresbytersorclergyoflowerrank,butspeakonlyofbishops @ ofwhomifIweretoenumeratethemallonebyoneIshouldgatherasufficientnumbertosurpass , thecrowdwhichattendedthesynodofAriminum.#XXXX XXk #Ԁ[PhilipSchaff,HenryWace,ASelectLibraryof k NiceneandPost-NiceneFathersoftheChristianChurch:St.Jerome,ChristianLiteratureCompany, W 1893,Page142] C   Jerome:  XXXXXX(RomanCatholic)#XXXX XXp # XXXXXX:Thetextquotedbytheobjector, abishopmustbethehusbandofone " wife,admitsofquiteanotherexplanation.TheapostlecameoftheJewsandtheprimitiveChristian  # churchwasgatheredoutoftheremnantsofIsrael.PaulknewthattheLawallowedmentohave # childrenbyseveralwives,andwasawarethattheexampleofthepatriarchshadmadepolygamy $  familiartothepeople.Eventheverypriestsmightattheirowndiscretionenjoythesamelicense.He %|! gavecommandmentthereforethatthepriestsofthechurchshouldnotclaimthisliberty,thatthey &h" shouldnottaketwowivesorthreetogether,butthattheyshouldeachhavebutonewifeatonetime. 'T # #XXXX XXq #[PhilipSchaff,HenryWace,ASelectLibraryofNiceneandPost-NiceneFathersoftheChristian (@!$ Church:St.Jerome,ChristianLiteratureCompany,1893,Page144] ),"%  Jerome:  XXXXXX(RomanCatholic)#XXXX XX`u # XXXXXX: Thehusbandofonewife.ConcerningthisrequirementIhavespoken W+$' above.IwillnowonlywarnyouthatIfmonogamyisinsistedonbeforebaptismtheotherconditions C laiddownmustbeinsistedonbeforebaptismtoo.Foritisimpossibletoregardtheremaining / obligationsasbindingonlyonthebaptizedandthisaloneasbindingalsoontheunbaptized.#XXXX XXu #Ԁ[Philip  Schaff,HenryWace,ASelectLibraryofNiceneandPost-NiceneFathersoftheChristianChurch:   St.Jerome,ChristianLiteratureCompany,1893,Page147]    XXXXXX LeoTheGreat: [Caution:thiswasthefirstRomanPope!]:Amanwhohasmarriedtwiceorawidow   isnoteligibleasapriest.#XXXX XX~x #... XXXXXXForitiswellknownthatthehusbandsofwidowshaveattainedtothe  x priesthood:certain,too,whohavehadseveralwives,andhaveledalifegivenuptoalllicentiousness,  d havehadallfacilitiesputintheirway,andbeenadmittedtotheSacredOrder,contrarytothat P  utteranceoftheblessedApostle,inwhichheproclaimsandsaystosuch, thehusbandofonewife, <  andcontrarytothatpreceptoftheancientlawwhichsaysbywayofcaution: Letthepriesttakea k(  virgintowife,notawidow,notadivorcedwoman.Allsuchpersons,therefore,whohavebeen W  admittedweordertobeputoutoftheirofficesinthechurchandfromthetitleofpriestbythe C  authorityoftheApostolicSee#XXXX XX`y # XXXXXX....#XXXX XX| # XXXXXXButifalltherequirementsoftheholyFathersarefoundinthem,and /  iftheyhaveobservedallthatwereadtheblessedApostlePaultohaveenjoinedonsuch,viz.,thathe   bethehusbandofonewife,andthatshewasavirginwhenhemarriedher,astheauthorityofG#XXXX XX<} # XXXXXXOD#XXXX XX~ # XXXXXXs  lawrequires,[thenordainthem].#XXXX XX~ #Ԁ[PhilipSchaff,NiceneandPost-NiceneFathers:SecondSeries,  VolumeXIILeotheGreat,Cosimo,Inc.,Jun1,2007,Page3]   FrederickB.Meyer: (Baptist;firstpastorate1870):PolygamyAndUnscripturalDivorce:Suchwas t thefacilityofdivorceamongtheJewsthatitwasacommonthingforamantohavemorethanone d womanlivingwhohadbeenhiswife:butbyPaulsrulingthiswoulddebarhimfromholdingoffice, P unlesshisdivorcebeforcauseasprovidedinMatthew19:9.[Meyer,FrederickBrotherton, < Commentaryon1Timothy3,ThroughtheBibleCommentary,1914] k(  MatthewPoole: (Presbyterian;born1624):Polygamy:Thehusbandofonewife;nonewhoatthe C sametimehathmorewivesthanone,asmanyoftheJewshad;norwaspolygamyonlycommon 3 amongsttheJews,butamongsttheotherEasternnations;butthiswascontrarytotheinstitutionof   marriage.[MatthewPoole,AnnotationsUpontheHolyBible,R.CarterandBrothers,1852,Page  ! 779] !  PulpitCommentary: (Published1890):PolygamyAndNoDivorce:Itseems,then,tomeanthatthe #  pastorwastobe thehusbandofonewife,avoidingthepolygamythatwasthensocommonamong $|! theJews,andthesystemofdivorcestillsocommoninthatage,andremainingfaithfultothewife %h" ofhischoice.[H.D.M.SpenceandJ.S.Exell,HenryDonaldM.ThePulpitCommentary,1Timothy, &T # ed.bySpence-Jones1887,Page58] '@!$  A.T.Robertson: (SouthernBaptist,born1863):Polygamy:Ofonewife[miasgunaikos].Oneata [)#& time,clearly.[A.T.Robertson,WordPicturesintheNewTestament,Volume4,CCEL,1930,Page K*$' 659] 7+$(  #,%)  CharlesC.Ryrie: InterpretsNoDivorcedPastors: husbandofonewife(maymeanonlyonewife S ever,sincetheGreekisthesameasin1Ti5:9andsincepolygamywasunknownamongtheGreeks C andRomans,oritmaybarthosewhoremarryafterdivorce).[CharlesC.Ryrie,ASurveyofBible /  Doctrine,MoodyPublishers,June8,1989,Page88]    C.I.Scofield: (Congregationalist;PublishedTheScofieldBiblein1909):Heavoidstheissueof the   husbandofonewifeentirelyinhisnotes.Itisimportanttonotethathewasadivorcedpastorand   thathewasDwightLMoodyspastorandMoodyknewhewasdivorced.  |  CharlesSpurgeon: (Baptist;born1834):SeemedToInterpretofPolygamy: Forthereweremany T  convertstherewhohadtwoorthreewives.Whateverpositiontheymightbepermittedtooccupyin D  thechurch,theycouldnotbecomeofficers,theymustkeepintherearrank.[CharlesSpurgeon, 0  TabernaclePulpitVolume41,Page728,ExpositionofTitus1and2)Thephrase husbandofone o  wifeoccursbuttwiceinallofSpurgeonspublishedworks:theoneinVolume41andtheoneSword [  AndTrowel,Volume5,Page138]. G   JohnTrapp: (Anglican;born1601):Polygamy:Thehusbandofonewife]sc.Atonce.TheEgyptian  priestswereforbiddenalsopolygamy.[JohnTrapp,Commentaryon1Timothy3,TrappComplete  Commentary,1865-1868]   JohnWesley: (Methodist):PolygamyAndDivorce:Thisneithermeansthatabishopmustbe  married,northathemaynotmarryasecondwife;whichitisjustaslawfulforhimtodoastomarry p afirst,andmayinsomecasesbehisboundenduty.Butwhereaspolygamyanddivorceonslight \ occasionswerecommonbothamongtheJewsandheathens,itteachesusthatministers,ofallothers, H oughttostandclearofthosesins. [JohnWesley,NotesOnTheWholeBible,TheNewTestament, 4 Page693] w$  DanielWhedon: (Methodist;born1808):Polygamy:Polygamy,inSt.Paulstime,wasusualwith O  bothJewsandGentiles.Itwasdemoralizingbothraces.Rabbishadfourandfivewives.Convertsto ?! ChristianityinvolvedinpolygamywouldoftenpresentthemselvesforadmissiontotheChurch,and +" thepeculiaritiesoftheircasemightbeconsideredintheinstanceofprivateChristians;butPaul # forbidsanysuchentanglementforanelder.Alfordadmitsthattheearlycommentators,Theodoret, $ Chrysostom,Theophylact,eachmadethetextforbidonlypolygamy.[DanielDenisonWhedon, $  CommentaryontheNewTestament,Volume4,Hunt&Eaton,1903,Page423] %!  WayneGruden: However,thefollowingreasonscausemostinterpreterstorejectthisview.First, '` # thisviewignorestheoverallcontextof1Tim3,whichemphasizespostconversioncharacterrather (P!$ thanpreconversionsins. AlltheotherqualificationslistedbyPaulrefertoamanspresentstatus, )<"% nothisentirepastlife.Forexample,1Timothy3:1-7doesnotmeanonewhohasneverbeenviolent {*(#& butonewhoisnotnowviolent,butgentle.Itdoesnotmeanonewhohasneverbeenaloverof g+$' moneybutonewhoisnotnowaloverofmoney.Itdoesnotmeanonewhohasbeenabove C reproachhiswholelifebutonewhoisnowabovereproach.Ifwemadethesequalificationsapply / toonesentirepastlife,thenwewouldexcludefromofficealmosteveryonewhobecameaChristian  asanadult,foritisdoubtfulthatanynon-Christiancouldmeetthesequalifications.[WayneA.   Grudem,SystematicTheology:AnIntroductiontoBiblicalDoctrineZondervan,1994,Page917]   A^) xdE A    JohnRice saysinhisBook,DR.RICEHEREAREMOREQUESTIONS,pgs.339-340;    Ibelievethatanyofthesemajorsins(wrongdivorce,drunkenness,murder,etc.)canbeforgivenand _  areforgivenwhenthereishonestrepentance.ThenwhenGodhasforgivenandwhenonehasdone K  allhecandotorepudiateandundothesinsofthepast(whichofcourse,canneverbeundoneentirely z7  andsometimesnotatall),andwhenhehastakentimetoliveitdownandprovedhimselfa f#  dependable,trustworthyChristiansothathisusefulnessisnothinderedbythepast,thenhemightdo R  whateverGodcallshimtodoandwhateverGodspeopletrusthimtodo....Idonotbelieveinpassing >  arulethatonewhohaseverbeendrunkcanneverbeadeaconorpreacher;likewise,Idonotbelieve *  inpassingarulethatonewhohaseverbeendivorcedcannotbeadeaconorpreacher.Andmyreason  isverysimple;thereisnosuchruleintheBible.[JohnR.Rice,Dr.Rice,HereareMoreQuestions  ...,SwordoftheLordPublishers,1973,Pages339340]  A^) xdEA   StanleyA.Ellisen givesafewgoodthoughtsfromhisbookDIVORCEANDREMARRIAGE: ~  ..Onespasthistorymaynotnecessarilyportrayhispresentcharacter.Itispossibletohaveagood Z maritalhistoryofsinglemarriageandhaveacat-callingcharacterofwanderingaffectionsatthe F sametime...Ontheotherhand,itisalsopossibletohaveasorrowfulmaritalhistoryofabroken u2 marriagewhilehavingapersonalcharacterthatisabovereproach.Thetragedymaynothavebeen a ofhisownmaking,asnotedwiththeprophetHosea...Thepassagein1Timothy3:2....putsthe M  emphasiswhereJesusputit,ontheheartandpresentcharacter,ratherthanonoutwardrecordof 9  maritalhistory.TheemphasisisnotsomuchonwhatamanONCEwas,butwhatheNOWis.... %! [StanleyA.Ellisen,DivorceandRemarriageintheChurch(GrandRapids,1980),p.83] "  A^) xdE#A #"  J.VernonMcGee saysinhisbookQUESTIONSANDANSWERS: $$  Canamanwhoisdivorcedandremarriedstillbeeligibleforaposition,suchasdeaconorpastor? &} & Answer: ...Ifthedeacon(orpastor)hasscripturalgroundsonwhichhegotadivorce,andthe 'i!' circumstancesareprettygenerallyknown,thenIseenoreasonforhisnotoccupyingtheofficeof (U"( deacon(orpastor).[J.VernonMcGee,QuestionsandAnswers,PublishedbyThomasNelsonInc, )A#) 1991] p*-$*  \+%+ A^) xdERA S  M.R.Dehaan saysinhisbook,DEARDOCTOR,IHAVEAPROBLEM,pg.109); N  Ifamanissavedaftermakingthemistake,andseesandconfesseshisfault,Iwouldbethelastone *  toputupahindrancetohisministry.[M.R.DeHaan,DearDoctor:IHaveaProblem,Answersto   BibleQuestionsVolumeTwo,PublishedbyZondervan,GrandRapidsMI,1961,Page109]   A^) xdE A    H.A.Ironside saysinhisbookWHATISTHEANSWER?(question36);   Isitpermissibleforamanwhohasbeentwicemarried,thefirstwifehavingbeendivorcedbecause ^  ofimmorality....toholdtheofficeofadeacon(orpastor)?Answer: ....inthecasesuchasyou J  mention,thefirstwifehasbeendivorcedbothlegallyandscripturally,....themanisqualifiedforthe 6  officeofadeaconifthelifeisotherwiseright.[H.A.Ironside,WhatIsTheAnswer?(Question36), u"  GrandRapids,MI,Zondervon,1944] a  A^) xdE$A %   @  QUOTESFROMCOMMENTARIES     XXXXXX Husbandofonewife. (OnTitus1:6)ThetraditionalandmostwidelyacceptedviewofBible  believing,soulwinningpreachershasbeenthatapastormustnotbedivorcedandremarried.History  hasshownitalmostneverworksforapastortobedivorced.Ifhecannotrulehisownhousehowcan  herulethechurch?#XXXh XX # XXXXXX #XXXX XX # [EdHindson,KingJamesVersionCommentaryThomasNelsonInc,Sept.20, m 2005][ Notefromtheauthorofthisbook: So,ifyouthinkthatitisokayforadivorcedmantobe ] apastor,thenyouarenotasoulwinningpreacher??Incredible!!] M A^) xdEw A x %  XXXXXXPolygamywasnotpracticedintheRomanworldoutsidePalestine,thoughillegalbigamyand s!   certainlyadulterywere. Husbandofonewifenodoubtmeansafaithfulhusbandandpresupposes _" ! marriage;suchamanwouldbehelpfulinstandingagainstthefalseteacherswhoopposedmarriage K#" (4:3).(Theinjunctionthatmarriedleadersbeusedwouldnotapplytoallsituations;cf.commenton 7$# 1Cor7:8.) Husbandofonewifereferstoonescurrentmaritalstatusandbehavior;validlydivorced #%$ peoplewhoremarriedwereconsideredmarriedtoonespouse,thesecondone,nottotwospouses.#XXXh XXˮ # &% [ XXXXXXTheIVPBibleBackgroundCommentary:NewTestamenton1Timothy3:2] && A^) xdE(A (!( #XXXX XX # XXXXXX husbandofonewife "confutingthecelibacyofRomespriesthood.ThoughtheJewspracticed ){"* polygamy,yetasheiswritingastoaGentileChurch,andaspolygamywasneverallowedamong *k#+ evenlaymenintheChurch,theancientinterpretationthattheprohibitionhereisagainstpolygamy +W$, inacandidatebishopisnotcorrect.Itmust,therefore,meanthat,thoughlaymen.mightlawfully C marryagain,candidatesfortheepiscopateorpresbyterywerebettertohavebeenmarriedonlyonce.#XXXX XX # / [Jamieson,Robert;Fausset,AndrewRobert;Brown,DavidJ.B.ACommentary,Critical,Practical  andExplanatory,ontheOldandNewTestaments,Volume4 XXXXXX,page200]   A^) xdE A   #XXXX XX; # XXXXXX Thehusbandofonewife(v.2b). Allofthequalifyingadjectivesinthispassagearemasculine.While   thereisamplescopeforfeminineministryinalocalassembly,theofficeofelderisnotgivento   women.However,apastorshomelifeisveryimportant,andespeciallyhismaritalstatus.(Thissame  o  requirementappliestodeacons,accordingto1Tim.3:12.)Itmeansthatapastormustnotbedivorced [  andremarried.Paulwascertainlynotreferringtopolygamy,sincenochurchmember,letalonea G  pastor,wouldbeacceptedifhehadmorethanonewife.Norishereferringtoremarriageafterthe v3  deathofthewife;forwhywouldapastorbeprohibitedfrommarryingagain,inthelightofGenesis b  2:18and1Timothy4:3?Certainlythemembersofthechurchwhohadlostmatescouldmarryagain; N  sowhypenalizethepastor? :  #XXXX XX # XXXXXXItsclearthatamansabilitytomanagehisownmarriageandhomeindicateabilitytooverseealocal &  church(1Tim.3:4!5).Apastorwhohasbeendivorcedopenshimselfandthechurchtocriticism  fromoutsiders,anditisnotlikelythatpeoplewithmaritaldifficultieswouldconsultamanwhocould  notkeephisownmarriagetogether.IseenoreasonwhydedicatedChristianswhohavebeendivorced  andremarriedcannotserveinotherofficesinthechurch,buttheyaredisqualifiedfrombeingelders  ordeacons.#XXXh XX; # XXXhXX[#XXXX XX #BeFaithful(1&2Timothy,Titus,Philemon):WarrenW.Wiersbe,Jan1,2009Page  48 XXXXXX] k A^) xdEA C  Husbandofbutonewife, literally,a onewomanman.Thisambiguousbutimportantphraseis > subjecttoseveralinterpretations.Thequestionis,howstringentastandardwasPaulerectingfor q. overseers?Virtuallyallcommentatorsagreethatthisphraseprohibitsbothpolygamyandpromiscuity, ] whichareunthinkableforspiritualleadersinthechurch.ManyBiblestudentssaythewordsa one I womanmanaresayingthattheaffectionsofaneldermustbecenteredexclusivelyonhiswife.Many 5  othershold,however,thatthephrasefurtherprohibitsanywhohavebeendivorcedandremarried !! frombecomingoverseers.Thereasoningbehindthisviewisusuallythatdivorcerepresentsafailure  "  inthehome,sothateventhoughamanmaybeforgivenforanysininvolved,heremainspermanently "! disqualifiedforleadershipinthecongregation(cf.vv.45;1Cor.9:2427).Themoststrict #" interpretationandtheonecommonamongtheearliestcommentators(secondandthirdcenturies) $# includeseachoftheabovebutextendstheprohibitiontoanysecondmarriage,evenbywidowers. %z$ [RoyB.ZuckDavidC.Cook,#XXXX XX # XXXXXXTheBibleKnowledgeCommentary:AnExpositionoftheScriptures, &f % Volume1,1983on1Timothy3:2,Page736] 'R!& A^) xdEl)A m)*#(  Husbandofonewife: itdoesnotmean oneatatime(polygamywasunknownamongGreeksand h*%$* Romans);hehasnotbeendivorcedandremarried. [PaulPEnns,#XXXX XX # XXXXXXTheMoodyHandbookofTheology, X+%+ MoodyPublishers,Feb1,2008,Page367]( Notefromthisauthor: Thatthisstatementfromthe S MoodyHandbookOfTheologyisnotaccuratecanbeascertainedfromstatementsbytheJewish C historianJosephus,fromstatementsbyJeromerebukingtheJewsforhavingmultiplewives,andby /  thefactthatmultiplewivesforJewishmendidnotbecomeformallyprohibiteduntilabout1,000A.   D.)   #XXXX XX # XXXXXX * SeetheimportantdiscussionbyHomerA.Kent,Jr.,ThePastoralEpistles,rev.ed.(Chicago:   Moody,1982),pp.122!26.KentdiscussesthevariantviewsandconcludesPaulisprohibiting   remarriageafterdivorce. #XXXX XX # XXXXXX TheargumentondivorceusuallycentersontheexceptiveclauseofMatt.  | 19:9.Foracareful,biblicalstudyoftheentiresubjectofdivorceseeJ.CarlLaney,TheDivorceMyth l (Minneapolis:Bethany,1981).Perhapsthemostimportantbookthathasbeenrecentlywrittenonthe X  subjectisWilliamA.HethandGordonJ.Wenham,JesusandDivorce:TheProblemwiththe D  EvangelicalConsensus(Nashville:Nelson,1984).Theyconcludethatthecommonsuggestionthat 0  Jesusallowedthe innocentpartytoremarryafterdivorceisarecentviewfirstespousedbyErasmus o  andisbiblicallydeficientanderroneous.Nostudyofthesubjectwillbecompletewithoutconsulting [  thisimportantwork.[PaulPEnns,#XXXX XXS # XXXXXXTheMoodyHandbookofTheology,MoodyPublishers,Feb1, G  2008,Page380,on1Timothy3:2] [Notefromthisauthor: Thisisinconsistentwiththefactthat 3  D.L.Moodyspastor,C.I.Scofield,wasadivorcedman.#XXXX XX # XXXXXXWehavenoideawhoHomerA.Kentis,but # Paulnowherementionsdivorcein1TimothyandTitus.Itisonceagainreadintothepassageby  someonewhohasanunscripturalagenda]#XXXX XXA # XXXXXX  A^) xdEA  #XXXX XX\ # XXXXXXThequalificationsfortheeldersarespelledoutingreatdetailin1Timothy3:1!7andTitus1:5!9. { Theformerpassage(whichisthemoredetailedone)liststhemasfollows:blameless(notopento g criticism),husbandofonewife(maymeanonlyonewifeever,sincetheGreekisthesameasin1Ti S 5:9andsincepolygamywasunknownamongtheGreeksandRomans,oritmaybarthosewho ? remarryafterdivorce)[CharlesC.Ryrie,#XXXX XX # XXXXXXASurveyofBibleDoctrine,MoodyPublishers,June8, ~+ 1989]( Notefromthisauthor: Thatthisstatementfrom ASurveyOfBibleDoctrineisnotaccurate j canbeascertainedfromstatementsbytheJewishhistorianJosephus,fromstatementsbyJerome Z  rebukingtheJewsforhavingmultiplewives,andbythefactthatmultiplewivesforJewishmendid F! notbecomeformallyprohibiteduntilabout1,000A.D.)#XXXX XXR # XXXXXX 2" A^) xdE $A  $  #XXXh XX # XXXXXX#XXXX XXK # XXXXXXIthas,indeed,beeninferredfrom1Timothyiii.2,wheretheApostlesays,abishopmustbe the %" husbandofonewife,thataprivatememberoftheChurchmighthavemorewivesthanone.Butthis %# isinitselfaveryprecariousinference;andbeinginconsistentwithChristsexpressprohibition,itis &$ altogetherinadmissible.Themeaningofthepassagehasbeenmuchdisputed.WhattheApostle 'v % requiresisthatabishopshouldbeinallrespectsanexemplaryman:notgiventowine,nostriker,not (b!& greedyoffilthylucre;thehusbandofonewife,I.e.,notapolygamist.Thisnomoreimpliesthatother )N"' menmaybepolygamists,thanhissayingthatabishopmustnotbegreedyoffilthylucreandnota *:#( brawler,impliesthatothermenmaybecovetousorcontentious.Accordingtoanotherandwidely y+&$) acceptedinterpretationofthepassagein1Timothyiii.2,andthecorrespondingpassageinTitusI. C 6,theinjunctionoftheApostleisthatamanwhohasbeenmarriedmorethanonce,mustnotbe / appointedabishoporpresbyter.IfthisbethetruemeaningoftheApostle,hislanguageaffordsstill  lessgroundfortheargumentdrawnfromitinfavourofthelawfulnessofpolygamyinchurch   members.Ifevensecondmarriagewasforbiddentopresbyters,UKUS.,afortioriUS.,UK., Ԁmustpolygamyberegarded   asinconsistentwiththelawofChrist.#XXXh XX # XXXXXXԀ[CharlesHodge,#XXXX XXd # XXXXXXSystematicTheology,1871,Page388]   A^) xdE A  t #XXXX XX # XXXXXXHusbandofonewife:Aonewifekindofman,notaphilanderer(doesntnecessarilyruleout  o  widowersordivorcedmen).#XXXh XX # XXXXXXԀ[LawrenceO.Richards,DavidCCook,#XXXX XXq # XXXXXXBibleTeacher'sCommentary, [  2002,Page973] G  A^) xdEaA b   Thehusbandofonewife.Thiscanbeinterpretedtwoways.Itcouldmeanthatheoughttobe ]  married.IfeelthatPaulhadthisinmind.Youmaysay, Well,Paulwasnotmarried.Itakethe I  positionthatPaulhadbeenmarriedandhiswifehaddied.Hecouldnothavebeenamemberofthe 5  Sanhedrinwithoutbeingmarried.Hesimplyhadnotmarriedagain,perhapsbecauseofhistravels ! asanapostle.   WhenIfirstbecameapastorIwasnotmarriedandIwasfrequentlykiddedbyafriendwhosaidIhad  norighttobeapastorifIwasntmarried.Usingthisverse,hewouldsay, Youshouldbethehusband  ofonewife.However,Ithinkthattheprimarymeaninghereisthatthebishoporeldershouldnot  havetwowives.PolygamywascommoninPaulsday,andbigamywascertainlyprevalent.The z officerinthechurchshouldbethehusbandofonewife.[J.VernonMcGee#XXXX XX # XXXXXX,1Corinthiansthrough f Revelation,J.VernonMcGee,ThomasNelsonInc,Jan6,1984,Page441442on1Timothy3:2] R A^) xdElA m*  #XXXX XX #.XXXXXXA.T.RobertsononMatthew19:9:Exceptforfornication.... GRUS.,ThosewhodenyMatthewsreport h% arethosewhoareopposedtoremarriageatall.Jesusbyimplication,asin5:31,doesallowremarriage X oftheinnocentparty,butnotoftheguiltyone.CertainlyJesushasliftedthewholesubjectof D  marriageanddivorcetoanewlevel,farbeyondthepettycontentionsoftheschoolsofHilleland 0!  Shammai.[A.T.Robertson,#XXXX.XXB #.XXXXXXUS.,GR., GRUS.,TheGospelAccordingtoMatthewandtheGospelAccordingtoMark, "! KregelAcademic,April1,2003,Page163] #" #XXXX.XX #US.,GR.,  A^) xdE$A $$  c+ %, Ї_ 3,$( __ԇ_____  XXXXXXFBTAdulterer: #XXXX XX # XXXXXX0 ` 1.0 ` s#` s#Amanguiltyofadultery;amanwhohassexualcommercewithanymarried   woman,excepthiswife. x s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Inscripture,anidolater.Ezek23. d s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s#Anapostatefromthetruefaith,oronewhoviolateshiscovenant P  engagements;averywickedperson.Jer9and23.<  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#4.0 ` s#` s#Onedevotedtoearthlythings.James4.}(  s# s#  Adulteress: 0 ` #XXXX XX # XXXXXX0 ` s#` s#Amarriedwomanguiltyofincontinence.U  s# s#  Adultery: 0 ` #XXXX XXj # XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Violationofthemarriagebed;acrime,oracivilinjury,whichintroduces,or 1  mayintroduce,intoafamily,aspuriousoffspring.! s# s# 0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#BythelawsofConnecticut,thesexualintercourseofanyman,withamarried   woman,isthecrimeofadulteryinboth:suchintercourseofamarriedman,  withanunmarriedwoman,isfornicationinboth,andadulteryoftheman,  withinthemeaningofthelawrespectingdivorce;butnotafeloniousadultery | ineither,orthecrimeofadulteryatcommonlaw,orbystatute.Thislatter h offenseis,inEngland,proceededwithonlyintheecclesiasticalcourts.T s# s# 0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#Incommonusage,adulterymeanstheunfaithfulnessofanymarriedpersonto @ themarriagebed.InEngland,Parliamentgrantabsolutedivorcesforinfidelity , tothemarriagebedineitherparty;andthespiritualcourtsdivorceamensaet m thoro.Y s# s# 0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Inascripturalsense,allmanneroflewdnessorunchastity,asintheseventh E commandment.1  s# s# 0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s#Inscripture,idolatry,orapostasyfromthetrueGod.Jer3.! s# s#  Betroth: 0 ` #XXXX XX" # XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Tocontracttoanyone,inordertoafuturemarriage;topromiseorpledgeone " tobethefuturespouseofanother;toaffiance;usedofeithersex.""Thefather #  betrothshisdaughter.'$|! s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Tocontractwithoneforafuturespouse;toespouse;as,amanbetrothsalady.#XXXX XX # XXXXXX%h" s# s# 0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX # XXXXXXThedefinitionofbetrothfromEastonsBibleDictionary: #XXXX XX# # XXXXXXԀ #XXXX XX # XXXXXXtopromise byones &T # truth.Menandwomenwerebetrothedwhentheywereengagedtobe 'D!$ married.Thisusuallytookplaceayearormorebeforemarriage.Fromthe (0"% timeofbetrothalthewomanwasregardedasthelawfulwifeofthemanto q)#& whomshewasbetrothed(#XXXX XX # XXXXXXDeuteronomy28:30;#XXXX XX # XXXXXXJudges14:2,8;#XXXX XX # XXXXXXMatthew1:18 ]*$' 21).Thetermisfigurativelyemployedofthespiritualconnectionbetween I+$( Godandhispeople(Hos.2:19,20).#XXXX XX/ # XXXXXX5,%) s# s# T 8XXXdXXd8   #XXXX XX # XXXXXX#XXXX XX # XXXXXX Bride:0  0` s#s# #XXXX XX7 # XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Awomannewmarried.? s# s# HDր0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#Butthenameisappliedtoawomanatthemarriagefestival,beforesheis /  married,aswellasaftertheceremony.  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Awomanespoused,orcontractedtobemarried.ThecaseofLewellyn,prince   ofWales.Henry'sHist.ofBritain,B.iv.ch.i.,sect.2.[Thisisthetrueoriginal   senseoftheword.]  s# s#  Bridegroom: 0 ` #XXXX XX # XXXXXX0 ` s#` s#Amannewlymarried;oramanabouttobemarried.Thepassageof d ShakespearecitedbyJohnsonprovesthatthelastdefinitionisjust.#XXXX XXn# XXXXXX T  s# s# Concubine:  ` #XXXX XX_# XXXXXX1.0 Awomanwhocohabitswithaman,withouttheauthorityofalegalmarriage; ,  awomankeptforlewdpurposes;akeptmistress.o  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Awifeofinferiorcondition;alawfulwife,butnotunitedtothemanbythe [  usualceremonies,andofinferiorcondition.SuchwereHagarandKeturah, G  theconcubinesofAbraham;andsuchconcubineswereallowedbytheRoman 3  laws. s# s# 0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX# XXXXXXThedefinitionofconcubinefrom EastonsBibleDictionary : #XXXX XX# XXXXXXԀ Concubine#XXXX XX# XXXXXXin   theBibledenotesafemaleconjugallyunitedtoaman,butinarelationinferior  tothatofawife.AmongtheearlyJews,fromvariouscauses,thedifference  betweenawifeandaconcubinewaslessmarkedthanitwouldbeamongstus.  Theconcubinewasawifeofsecondaryrank.Therearevariouslawsrecorded l providingfortheirprotection(#XXXX XXf# XXXXXXExodus21:7;#XXXX XXf# XXXXXXDeuteronomy21:1014),and X settinglimitstotherelationtheysustainedtothehouseholdtowhichthey D belonged(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXGenesis21:14;25:6).Theyhadnoauthorityinthefamily,norcould 0 theyshareinthehouseholdgovernment.Theimmediatecauseofconcubinage o mightbegatheredfromtheconjugalhistoriesofAbrahamandJacob(Genesis [ 16;30).Butinprocessoftimethecustomofconcubinagedegenerated,and G  lawsweremadetorestrainandregulateit(#XXXX XX# XXXXXXExodus21:79).#XXXX XXu # XXXXXX3! s# s# 0  0` s#s#4.0 ` s#` s#ThedefinitionofaconcubinefromtheOxfordEnglishDictionary(OED):In " referencetopolygamouspeoples,astheancientHebrewsandthe  # Mohammedans:Asecondarywifewhosepositionisrecognizedbylaw,but # isinferiortothatofawife.TheOEDgoesontogivea1563contextual $  definitionthatstates:AfterthephraseoftheScriptureaconcubineisanhonest %|! name;foreveryconcubineisalawfulwife,buteverywifeisnotaconcubine. &h" An1807entryintheOEDstates:Themostessentialdifferencebetweenawife 'T # andaconcubineconsistedinthewifehavingadowryandtheconcubine (@!$ havingnodowry.),"% s# s#    ` 5.0 PilegeshistheHebrewtermforaconcubinewithsimilarsocialandlegal k*#& standingtoarecognizedwife,oftenforthepurposeofproducingoffspring.W+$' s# s# 0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#ApilegeshwasrecognizedamongtheancientHebrewsandenjoyedthesame U rightsinthehouseasthelegitimatewife.Sinceitwasregardedasthehighest A blessingtohavemanychildren,whilethegreatestcursewaschildlessness, - legitimatewivesoftengavetheirmaidstotheirhusbandstoatone,atleastin   part,fortheirownbarrenness.Theconcubinecommandedthesamerespect   andinviolabilityasthewife,anditwasregardedasthedeepestdishonorfor   themantowhomshebelongedifhandswerelaiduponher.  s# s# 0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#AccordingtotheBabylonianTalmud(Sanh.21a),thedifferencebetweena  t pilegeshandafullwifewasthatthelatterreceivedaketubah[dowry]andher  ` marriagewasprecededbyaformalbetrothal(kiddushin),whichwasnotthe L  casewiththepilegesh.However,anyoffspringcreatedasaresultofaunion 8  betweenapilegeshandamanwereonequallegalfootingwithchildrenofthe y$  manandhiswife.[Concubinage.(2013,June12).NewWorldEncyclopedia, e  Retrieved15:09,January31,2014from Q  http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Concubinage&ol =  did=969990.])  s# s#  Concupiscence: 0 #XXXX XX # XXXXXXLust;unlawfulorirregulardesireofsexualpleasure.Inamoregeneralsense,  thecovetingofcarnalthings,oranirregularappetiteforworldlygood;  inclinationforunlawfulenjoyments.Weknowevensecretconcupiscenceto  besin.Sin,takingoccasionbythecommandment,wroughtinmeallmanner t ofconcupiscence.Rom7.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX` s# s#  Divorce: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX# XXXXXXAlegaldissolutionofthebondsofmatrimony,ortheseparationofhusband 8 andwifebyajudicialsentence.Thisisproperlycalledadivorce,andcalled }( technically,divorceavinculomatrimonii.[Websters1828Dictionary] 73X XXi s# s# #73 738##XXX73c# XXXXXX Effeminate: 0 ` #XXXX XX# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Havingthequalitiesofthefemalesex;softordelicatetoanunmanlydegree; -  tender;womanish;voluptuous.Theking,byhisvoluptuouslifeandmean ! marriage,becameeffeminate,andlesssensibleofhonor. " s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Womanish;weak;resemblingthepracticeorqualitiesofthesex;asan " effeminatepeace;aneffeminatelife.#  s# s# #XXXX XXH# XXXXXX   ` 3.0 Notefromtheauthor:Thisphrasealsoappliestoaboykeptforsodomite $x! relationswithaman,amanwhosubmitshimselftounnaturallewdness,and %d" amaletomaleprostitute.&P # s# s#  Espouse: 0 ` #XXXX XX# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Tobetroth.}(("% s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#WhenashismotherMarywasespousedtoJoseph.Mat1.m)#& s# s# 0   ` 2.0 s#s#Tobetroth;topromiseorengageinmarriage,bycontractinwriting,orby Y*$' somepledge;as,thekingespousedhisdaughtertoaforeignprince.Usually E+$( andproperlyfollowedbyto,ratherthanwith.1,%) s# s# 0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s#Tomarry;towed.S s# s# 0  0` s#s#4.0 ` s#` s#Touniteintimatelyorindissolubly.#XXXX XX# XXXXXX? s# s# 0  0` s#s#5.0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX!# XXXXXXThedefinitionofespousefromEastonsBibleDictionary: #XXXX XX!# XXXXXXԀ #XXXX XX/"# XXXXXX(#XXXX XXu"# XXXXXX2Samuel3:14), +  tobetroth.Theespousalwasaceremonyofbetrothing,aformalagreement   betweenthepartiesthencomingunderobligationforthepurposeofmarriage.   EspousalsareintheEastfrequentlycontractedyearsbeforethemarriageis   celebrated.Itisreferredtoasfigurativelyillustratingtherelationsbetween   Godandhispeople(#XXXX XX"# XXXXXXJeremiah2:2;#XXXX XX$# XXXXXXMatthew1:18;#XXXX XX%# XXXXXX2Corinthians11:2).(See  x BETROTH.)#XXXX XXX%# XXXXXXd s# s#  Fornication: 0 ` #XXXX XX%# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Theincontinenceorlewdnessofunmarriedpersons,maleorfemale;also,the <  criminalconversationofamarriedmanwithanunmarriedwoman.,  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Adultery.Mat5.k  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s#Incest.1Cor5.W  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#4.0 ` s#` s#Idolatry;aforsakingofthetrueGod,andworshippingofidols.2Chr21.Rev C  19./  s# s#  Fornicator: 0 ` #XXXX XXQ&# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Anunmarriedperson,maleorfemale,whohascriminalconversationwiththe  othersex;also,amarriedmanwhohassexualcommercewithanunmarried  woman.#XXXX XX)# XXXXXXԀ(Notefromtheauthor:Matthew19:9saysthatawifecanbea  fornicator.Furthermore,ifawifecan,socanahusband)| s# s# #XXXX XX.*# XXXXXX Harlot: 0 ` #XXXX XX+# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Awomanwhoprostitutesherbodyforhire;aprostitute;acommonwoman.T s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#InScripture,onewhoforsakesthetrueGodandworshipsidols.Isa1.#XXXX XXw+# XXXXXXD s# s#  Husband: 0 ` #XXXX XX,# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Amancontractedorjoinedtoawomanbymarriage.Amantowhoma o womanisbetrothed,aswellasoneactuallyunitedbymarriage,iscalleda _  husband.Lev19.Deu22.K  s# s#  Lasciviousness:  7! 0  0` s#s##XXXX XX1-# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Looseness;irregularindulgenceofanimaldesires;wantonness;lustfulness. #" Who,beingpastfeeling,havegiventhemselvesovertolasciviousness.Eph # 4.# s# s# 0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Tendencytoexcitelust,andpromoteirregularindulgences.$  s# s#  Marry:0 ` #XXXX XX.# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Touniteinwedlockormatrimony;tojoinamanandwomanforlife,and &l" constitutethemmanandwifeaccordingtothelawsorcustomsofanation.By '\ # thelaws,ordainedclergymenhavearighttomarrypersonswithincertain (H!$ limitsprescribed.Tellhimheshallmarrythecouplehimself.)4"% s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Todisposeofinwedlock.s* #& s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#MecaenastoldAugustushemusteithermarryhisdaughterJuliatoAgrippa, _+ $' ortakeawayhislife.[Inthissense,itisproperlyapplicabletofemalesonly.]U s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s#Totakeforhusbandorwife.Wesay,amanmarriesawoman;orawoman A marriesaman.Thefirstwastheoriginalsense,butbotharenowwell - authorized.  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#4.0 ` s#` s#InScripture,touniteincovenant,orintheclosestconnection.Turn,O   backslidingchildren,saithJehovah,forIammarriedtoyou.Jer3.  s# s# ̀0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s#Marry,v.i.Toenterintotheconjugalstate;touniteashusbandandwife;to  t takeahusbandorawife.Ifthecaseofthemanbesowithhiswife,itisnot  ` goodtomarry.Mat19.Iwillthereforethattheyoungerwomenmarry.1Tim L  5.8  s# s#  Polyandry: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX0# XXXXXXThepracticeoffemales'havingmorehusbandsthanoneatthesametime; e  pluralityofhusbands.U  s# s# #XXXX XX7# XXXXXX#XXXX XX8# XXXXXX Polygamy: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX8# XXXXXXApluralityofwivesorhusbandsatthesametime;orthehavingofsuch -  plurality.Whenamanhasmorewivesthanone,orawomanmorehusbands  thanone,atthesametime,theoffenderispunishableforpolygamy.Suchis   thefactinChristiancountries.Butpolygamyisallowedinsomecountries,as  inTurkey. s# s#  Polygyny: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX89# XXXXXXԀThepracticeofhavingmorewivesthanoneatthesametime.#XXXX XXP;# XXXXXXd s# s#  Sodomite: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s#Amanwhohassexualrelationswithmen.@ s# s#  Sodomitess: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s#Awomanwhohassexualrelationswithwomen.Sheiscalledawhorein q Deuteronomy23:17.a  s# s#  Spouse: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX;# XXXXXXOneengagedorjoinedinwedlock;amarriedperson,husbandorwife.Wesay 9  ofaman,thatheisthespouseofsuchawoman;orofawoman,sheisthe )! spouseofsuchaman.#XXXX XX=# XXXXXX" s# s#  Uncleanness: 0 ` #XXXX XX># XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Foulness;dirtiness;filthiness.Benottroublesometothyselfortoothersby #  uncleanness.$! s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Wantofritualorceremonialpurity.Lev15.%t" s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#3.0 ` s#` s#Moralimpurity;defilementbysin;sinfulness.Iwillsaveyoufromallyour &` # uncleanness.Ezek36.'L!$ s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#4.0 ` s#` s#Lewdness;incontinence.Col3.2Pet2.(8"% s# s#    ` 5.0 Notefromtheauthor:InDeuteronomy24:1theworduncleannessrefersto y)$#& somethingthatisnotrevealeduntilnakednessoccurs.Ithastodowitha e*$' physicaldeformity.Q+$( s# s#  =,%)  Unmarried: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s#Usedinscriptureofhavingneverbeenmarriedandalsoofhavingbeen S marriedbut#XXXX XX(?# XXXXXXԀnow#XXXX XXC# XXXXXXdivorced.#XXXX XXC#   p   C s# s#  Unmarry: 0 ` 1.0 ` s#` s# XXXXXXTodivorce.[Websters1828Dictionary] 73X XX  s# s# #73 73D#.7373#.XXX.73D#0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#Todissolvethemarriageof;tofreefromthemarriagetie;todivorce.Toput   away,todivorce(awife).Contextualdefinition:Hedothunmarrythem,and   settethheratlibertythatshemaymarrywithanother.[1588fromMendoza's   HistoryofChina401]#XXXX.XXLE#.XXXXXX[AllfromtheOxfordEnglishDictionary]#XXXX.XX G# XXXXXX 73X XX | s# s# #73 73G##XXX73G# XXXXXX  #XXXX XX.H# XXXXXX Whore: 0 ` 0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX|H# XXXXXXAharlot;acourtesan;aconcubine;aprostitute.T  s# s# #XXXX XXH# XXXXXX Whoredom: 0 ` #XXXX XX}I# XXXXXX1.0 ` s#` s#Lewdness;fornication;practiceofunlawfulcommercewiththeothersex.It 0  isappliedtoeithersex,andtoanykindofillicitcommerce.s  s# s# Ѐ0  0` s#s#2.0 ` s#` s#InScripture,idolatry;thedesertionoftheworshipofthetrueGod,forthe _  worshipofidols.K  s# s#  Whoremonger: 0 #XXXX XXI# XXXXXXThesameaswhoremaster.#XXXX XXK# XXXXXXOnewhopracticeslewdness.(Notefromthe # author:thisisappliedtoamanwhousesandconsortswithwhores. s# s#  Wife: 0  0` s#s#0 ` s#` s##XXXX XX5L# XXXXXXThelawfulconsortofman;awomanwhoisunitedtomaninthelawfulbonds  ofwedlock;thecorrelativeofhusband.Thehusbandofonewife.1Tim3.  Leteveryoneofyouinparticular,solovehiswifeevenashimself,andletthe t wifeSeethatshereverenceherhusband.Eph5.#XXXX XXXM#` s# s#  _+ $' Ї  JFp,BooksAndCommentaries