To the Reader: I have written this article in response to our lax views of divorce and remarriage. And I must say I would rather be writing about our common faith and salvation we have in Christ Jesus. However, I felt compelled to expose this sin which has crept into our churches today. Because if we become like those of this world, what good are we? For Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out to be trampled under foot by men.” (Matthew 5:13 LSB)

Therefore, it is my hope that we as faithful Christians can put away this sin from among us. And let’s not forget that Jesus also said to love our neighbor as ourselves. So then, we should want to see a couple’s marriage flourish. Therefore men, if you marry a divorce woman, you could permanently destroy her chance to be reunited to her husband. And this is also true for all you divorced women. Shouldn’t you remain single and be pleading with God to restore your marriage? For by running off and marrying another man, you could destroy any chance of reconciliation. Therefore, true love should always be seeking to reunite one’s marriage, not to further divide it. For we must take heed to what Jesus said: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV) Amen.

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” (Matthew 19:3)

In that passage above, the Pharisees confronted Jesus on his view of divorce. So: “He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6 ESV) But not being content with the answer: “They said to Him, Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away? He said to them, Because of your hard-heartedness Moses allowed you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:7-9 MKJV)

So, according to Jesus, the standard for marriage should be “until death do us part.” However, because of their hard hearts, Moses allowed them to put away their wives. Therefore, God gave them over to their own corruption. We see this also to be true where Paul the apostle said: “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28 ESV) However, God sent his Son Jesus Christ to set things back to their proper standard by saying: “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

So, to sum up what was mentioned above, a man who puts away an innocent wife and marries another commits adultery. Also, a divorced woman who marries another man commits adultery with him. And as long as they’re in this adulterous relationship, they are committing sin.

Below are a few more verses on this topic:

• But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery. (Matthew 5:32 DBY
• And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11-12 ESV)
• Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery. (Luke 16:18 ESV)

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.” (1 Corinthians 5:1)

Here above, we read of a man who is having sex with his father’s wife. Now, I personally believe that this is not his biological mother but his father’s second wife or concubine as we see happening in Genesis 35:22. Now, we do not have the details of their sexual misconduct. However, we do see the Greek word for “fornication” being used to describe this sinful act. So, shouldn’t the husband of this woman have the right to divorce his unfaithful wife? For Jesus did say “except for fornication” in Matthew 19:9, which should include any unlawful sexual act that happens before, during or even after one’s marriage.

Now, the reason I’m bringing this up is because there are some who claim that the word “fornication” can only refer to a wrongful sexual act that happened before the marriage. In other words, the husband discovers on his wedding night that his wife wasn’t a virgin. So, those who claim this are trying to make marriage so binding that a man can’t divorce his wife for any wrongful sexual act that happens during their entire marriage relationship. However, I firmly believe that a husband should be able to put away his unfaithful wife anytime during their entire marriage. For even Strong’s Definitions concerning fornication says: “porneia; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry: —fornication.” So, we see that the word “fornication” can include not only adultery, but all sexual sins.

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:3-5)

Okay, there may be some who would argue saying that any sexual misconduct was dealt with by stoning, not divorce. And even though that was generally true, we see that there were exceptions both in the Old Testament as well as the New. For didn’t God spare David and Bathsheba the death penalty for their unlawful sexual misconduct? (2 Samuel 11) And let’s remember that Jesus did show mercy to the woman who was caught “in the very act” of adultery in John 8:3-11. And of course, we have Joseph showing mercy to Mary when he found out she was pregnant. For even though he assumed she conceived through fornication, he still didn’t want to expose her publicly. So, even though these cases were normally dealt with by stoning, we see mercy and forgiveness being shown instead. For throughout the bible we can see God’s grace being displayed.

The disciples by the leading of the Holy Spirit gave their instruction to the gentile church. For they said: “Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19-20) Now, please notice that it doesn’t mention the word adultery, but only fornication. So, couldn’t we conclude that the word fornication can include the act of adultery as well?

Below are more passages that only use the word “fornication” to describe all sexual sins, which of course would include adultery:

• Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)
• But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:3-4
• Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (Colossians 3:5-7)
• For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6)
• And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. (Revelation 9:20-21)

“For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.” (Romans 7:2 NKJV)

Throughout the scriptures, we can only see that the man has the right to divorce. For even in the Old Testament, Moses, because of their hard hearts said: “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” (Deuteronomy 24:1) And in the New Testament, we already read that Jesus only allowed men to put away their unfaithful wives for the cause of “fornication.” But concerning a wife he said: “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Mark 10:12) This is the only passage that mentions a woman divorcing her husband, yet there is never any exception clause that gives her the right to do this.

Now, there may be times that a wife may need to get away from an abusive husband. This would be true for both her safety and any children she may have. For we read: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11) However, even in this case here, she still isn’t allowed to divorce and remarry someone else. For she should be praying for her husband and hoping that things would get better so that they can be reunited together again.

So, from everything mentioned so far, we can see that this exception clause is only given to men. Now, this would be true even if there was another woman involved in his relationship. For after the fall, there were godly men who had more than one wife. This included Abraham, Jacob, and King David to name a few. However, their wives never had the legal right to divorce them. And let’s also remember what God said to David: “And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” (2 Samuel 12:8 ESV) So, after King Saul’s death, God gave to David all Saul’s wives to be his. This I believe God wouldn’t do if this was considered adultery? For the prophet Habakkuk said concerning God: “You are too just to tolerate evil; you are unable to condone wrongdoing.” (Habakkuk 1:13 NET)

That being said, I’m in no way encouraging any man to build himself a harem. For I’m just showing that according to both the Old and New Testament, there is no exception clause that gives a wife the right to divorce. So, please read on to see what an ideal marriage should look like.

“And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate’.” (Matthew 19:4-6 NKJV)

So, Paul said to refuse a leadership position to anyone who has more than one wife. So, the question is, why must these men be restricted to only one wife?” Well, having more than one wife could interfere with one’s roles in the church. For it’s hard enough to keep up with one honey-do-list, let alone having them come from multiple wives. Also, we read that there was much contention for those men who had more than one wife. And let’s keep in mind that God only brought one wife to Adam. For even Jesus himself said “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?” (Matthew 19:5 NKJV) Therefore, leaders and deacons in the church should set an example of what an ideal marriage should look like for all. And again, wouldn’t that be “one wife for life?”

And most importantly, let’s not forget what happened to King Solomon who had many wives. “But king Solomon loved many foreign women, besides the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, Hittites; of the nations of which Jehovah had said to the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in to you; they would certainly turn away your heart after their gods: to these Solomon was attached in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.” (1 Kings 11:1-3 DBY)

So, we read that God warned that “they would certainly turn away your heart after their gods.” And unfortunately, that happened. “And it came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God, as the heart of David his father. And Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of Jehovah, and followed not fully Jehovah, as David his father.” (1 Kings 11:4-6 DBY) So, what did God do? Well, sense there is much to read on this, you must open your bible and read it for yourself in 1 Kings. But I will say that it’s didn’t go well for Salomon. So again, let’s just stick to “one wife for life.” Amen.

Below are some other issues that occurred because of men having multiple wife’s:

• Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bare him no children: and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, Jehovah hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her handmaid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I gave my handmaid into they bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: Jehovah judge between me and thee. (Genesis 16:1-5 ASV)
• In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son's mandrakes.” But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” Rachel said, “Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” (Genesis 30:14-15 ESV)
• Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite: and he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. And this man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice unto Jehovah of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests unto Jehovah, were there. ... And her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because Jehovah had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of Jehovah, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. (1 Samuel 1:1-3, 6-7 ASV)

“But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15 ESV)

Now, we have read earlier that only a man can put away his wife for fornication. Therefore, would this passage above be giving some “exception clause” for a woman to divorce and remarry? For notice that Paul uses the Greek word which means to be “enslaved,” instead of the word “bound,” which means to tie the knot. Therefore, isn’t marriage a mutual commitment that binds two people together? But on the other hand, bondage (enslavement) is something that makes your life miserable. And this could be the case if you are married to an unbeliever? And remember that in verses 12 through 17, Paul is only giving his advice for their current situation. For he admits that he DID NOT receive this from God. For he says: “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:12).

Therefore, Paul is not giving any “deserted” woman the right to divorce, let alone to remarry. For that would be a contradiction not only to what Jesus said in the gospels, but what Paul said as well. For as we read before, Paul says a few verses latter in this same chapter: “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39 ESV) Now, I also believe that a man shouldn’t divorce his wife if she is separated from him and yet refrains from having sex with other men.

So, do not believe the false notion that an act of desertion by an unbeliever allows a man and woman to divorce and remarry. And wouldn’t it be an act of desertion as well in Jesus’ statement in Matthew chapter 5 as well as 19? For Jesus didn’t make any distinction concerning the persons religious stance, nor does he give any details of the couple’s separation. Therefore, this passagein verse 7:15 is only allowing the unbeliever to leave in order for a Christian spouse to live at peace? However, a Christian man or woman should be praying for their unbelieving spouse to come to know Christ. This of course would not only be for their salvation, but in order for their marriage to be restored as well.

“Because of the present distress, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. However, if you do get married, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you. (1 Corinthians 7:26-28 CSB)

Now, this is another passage that’s being used to find some exception clause. But how can that be? For we must first take notice that verses 26, 27 and the first part of 28 are speaking of a man who is ether “bound” or “released” from a woman. And we know that a man can only be released from marriage if his wife has committed fornication, has died, or he never got married in the first place. Therefore, if he does remarry, he has not committed any sin. However, in the middle of these same verses, Paul makes it clear that a virgin woman (not one who is divorced) who marries has not sinned. For again, Paul is not giving any divorced (or abandoned) woman the right to marry. (Please people, look and study the Greek)

Now, as said before, there may be times that a woman would flee from her husband for safety reasons. However: “But if she shall depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:11 WEB) So, Paul is saying here, “let her remain unmarried” which should clearly show that he is not allowing a divorce woman to remarry. Therefore, if a man is married to a divorced woman whose first husband is still alive, both the man and the woman are living in adultery, no exceptions.

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

In that passage above, we read that a man and woman will become one flesh. Jesus reaffirmed this when he said: “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh: so that they are no more two, but one flesh.” (Mark 10:7-8) So, what does it mean to be “one flesh” in those passages above? Well, I have learned that this is not some metaphor, but a fact. For studies have shown that a woman literally becomes one flesh with every man she has sex with. For one study even mentions the components of a man’s semen being detected in a woman’s bloodstream after a few hours of her receiving it. Also, studies have shown that male DNA is retained within the bodies of these same women. This would make “the two shall become on flesh” more understandable and literally true.

So, all this should make it clear why women who played the whore were harshly dealt with. For they pollute their bodies by become “one flesh” with every man they have sex with. Paul the apostle himself said: “Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh’.” (1 Corinthians 6:16 ESV). Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn’t we only become “one flesh” with that one person whom we want to spend the rest of our lives with?

Below are a few articles that show a woman literally becomes "one flesh" with every man she had sex with. Very sobering and true al well.

• Women receive and retain male DNA through sex - Article 1
• Women receive and retain male DNA through sex - Article
• Women receive and retain male DNA through sex - Video 1 

“They say, if a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, will he return unto her again? will not that land be greatly polluted? But thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith Jehovah.” (Jeremiah 3:1 ASV)

In that passage above, we see an illustration of Israel who has backslid from God and turned to foreign gods. Yet, use an illustration of a marriage, God is pleading for her to put away her sin of harlotry and return to him. This is true even though he gave her a certificate of divorcement. For God still said: “I’m married to you” in verses 13-14. So, isn’t this illustration showing us that a divorced woman still belongs to the man she first married? Also, wouldn’t God only use an illustration that reflects a true marriage situation?Therefore, if a previously married woman remains is in the arms of another, they both are committing adultery. For scripture does say the only exception would be if her former husband has died as mentioned before.

Now, does God allow a divorced woman who marred another man return to her first husband? Well, even though this second marriage was not one which “God has joined together,” we do read: “And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, who took her to be his wife; her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before Jehovah: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 24:3 ASV) So, Moses said: “that is abomination before Jehovah.”

Now that being said, this passage mentioned above was the latter portion of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. And according to Mathew 19:8-9, Jesus eliminated the first half of it. For he said it was Moses (not God) who gave that commandment. So, wouldn’t this eliminate the latter portion as well? Personally, I would say yes it does. But for you the reader, you need to decide this on your own. So, my advice for all you women who are put away, stay single and pray that God would restore your marriage. This would be true whether you are the guilty party or not. For with God, it doesn’t make no difference as we read earlier. Because if you do remarry another man, you are both committing adultery according to God’s word. So, please follow what Jesus said instead of what some deceived pastor would tell you. For it may be true that if they spoke the truth, half the church would be cleared out.

Below are a few scriptures to consider:

• And I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement, yet treacherous Judah her sister feared not; but she also went and played the harlot. … Return, O backsliding children, saith Jehovah; for I am a husband unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion. (Jeremiah 3:8, 14 ASV)
• And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now. ... Therefore, behold, I will lure her and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her. And I will give her vineyards to her from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope. And she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. (Hosea 2:7, 14-15)
• Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. (Hosea 2:14-15 NIV)

Now, please consider what’s being said in this passage here: “Ye have heard that it has been said, Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you, that everyone who looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. But if thy right eye be a snare to thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand be a snare to thee, cut it off and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. It has been said too, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a letter of divorce. But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:27-32)

Okay, did you notice above that the words: “cut if off and cast it from thee” are sandwiched between the two acts of adultery described by Jesus? So, he in a metaphoric way is saying that one must put away their sin of adultery? This would be true whether you’re looking to steal another man’s wife or you have married one that’s been divorced. And let’s remember what the children of Israel did when they were exposed of their wrongful marriages. For we read: “And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.” (Ezra 10:2-3 ASV)

So, we read that the children of Israel separated themselves from their wrongful marriage relationships. And wouldn’t this be an act of true repentance my fellow Christians? For just saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t mean you have the right to continue in your sin. For true repentance mean to put away your sins from you.

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18 ESV)

Now, there may be some of you who declare that two wrongs don’t make a right. And I agree that this is true. For the first wrong would be for a man to marry a divorced woman who still has a living husband. And the second wrong is to remain in that relationship which God has not joined together? For as quoted earlier, God does not tolerate or condone evil. (Habakkuk 1:13) And let’s remember what John the Baptist said when he confronted Herod who married his brother Philip’s wife. “For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her,” in which he lost his head for speaking the truth. (Matthew 14:4) Again, John said this because they were not in a relationship which God has joined together. This would be true whether she was divorced or not.

So again, shouldn’t such couples be separating themselves from each other? Yes, I know that this is a hard thing to do. For even Jesus’ disciples said: “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10) However, Jesus did say: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30 ESV) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ. If you’re in an adulterous situation, you need to get out of it. For didn’t Jesus made it clear when he said: “whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery,” as well as: “Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery”? (Luke 16:18 ASV)

Therefore, just saying “I’m sorry” to God doesn’t give you a license to remain in your sinful state. And let me ask you this; if you stole someone’s wallet, can you keep it if you felt sorry and repented before God? No, of course not. So, true repentance should cause you to return the wallet you stole? We can see this to be true when Jesus confronted Zacchaeus. For after spending time with Jesus, Zacchaeus must have felt convicted. For he said: “‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham’.” (Luke 19:8-9 ESV) Yes, Jesus said: “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9) So, this is something to seriously consider and be praying about fellow Christians.

“Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7 NKJV)

Now, if we as a church allows couples to remain in an adulterous relationship, wouldn’t others be influenced to do the same? Because the reasoning would be, “if they can get away with it, we can do the same.” Therefore, if these same couples remain together, it could cause sin to multiply within that fellowship. So, let’s take heed to what Paul the apostle said: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)

Also, we must be aware of the warning in Sirach 23:22-28 (which was a part of the original King James bible for around two hundred years before it was wrongfully removed) where we read: “Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, and bringeth in an heir by another. For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man. She shall be brought out into the congregation, and inquisition shall be made of her children. Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit. She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out. And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord. It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life.” (Sirach 23:22-28 found in the Original KJV)

That’s a heavy passage above for those women who have left their husbands for another. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, we shouldn’t be asking, “what does it hurt to stay together.” And let’s remember what Jesus said to the adulterous women whom he saved from stoning, for his said: “go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Jesus said the same thing to the lame man whom he made whole. For Jesus said to him: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” (John 5:14)

Consider some other passages below:

• Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:7-10 ESV)
• We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. (1 John 5:18 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

So, there is hope for all of you who are caught in the mess of adultery. I say this because the Lord Jesus Christ took our sins upon himself. So, shouldn’t you be taking the next step and repent by putting away your sin. For how can you have true peace when you know you’re in an adulterous relationship. You must remember that God loves you and doesn’t want you to die in your sins. And as said before, true love does no harm to one’s neighbor: “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10)

Therefore, my brothers and sister in Christ, please consider what was mentioned here. Read and study God’s word for yourselves to test what I said. And let’s remember that God always gives us the strength to put away your sins, no matter how deep we’re caught up in them. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:18-20 ASV) Amen.

• Divorce & Remarriage – Dr. Mike Gorrie
• Divorce & Remarriage – Joseph Web
• Putting Away an Adulterous Marriage

Below are those versions used other than the King James Bible:

• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017, 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
• NKJV = New King James Version, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
• ASV = New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• LSB = Copyright ©2021 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org
• DBY = In 1867, John Nelson Darby translated the New Testament from Greek into English. Further revisions were done in 1872 and 1884. Darby’s work was first published as The Holy Scriptures: A New Translation from the Original Languages by J. N. Darby. After Darby’s death in 1882, some of his students worked together to produce the complete Darby Bible based on the Masoretic Hebrew text, Darby’s German (Elberfelder), and the French (Pau) translations. In 1890, the first complete Darby Bible was published in English. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain
• WEB = The Webster Bible was translated by Noah Webster in 1833 in order to bring the language of the bible up to date. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.
• MKJV = 1962-1998 by J. P. Green, Sr. All rights reserved, used with permission.

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To the Reader: I have written this article my fellow Christians concerning the lax view of divorce and remarriage within our churches today. But why are we allowing this to happen? Because let’s face; if we become like those of this world, what good are we? For Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out to be trampled under foot by men.” (Matthew 5:13 LSB) Therefore, we should do everything we can to get this sin out of our churches and our lives as well.

Therefore, it is my hope that we as Christians can come to a sound biblical agreement concerning divorce and remarriage. And let’s not forget that Jesus also said to love our neighbor as ourselves. So then, we should want to see all marriage’s flourish and not fall apart. Therefore men, if you marry a divorce woman, you could permanently destroy her chance to be reunited to her husband. And this is also true for all you divorced women. Shouldn’t you remain single and be pleading with God to restore your marriage? For by running off and marrying another man, you could destroy any chance of reconciliation. Therefore, true love should always be seeking to reunite one’s marriage, not to further divide it. For we must take heed to what Jesus said: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

My love be to you all. Amen.

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” (Matthew 19:3 KJV)

In that passage above, the Pharisees confronted Jesus concerning his view of divorce. So: “He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate”.” (Matthew 19:4-6 ESV) But not being content with the answer: “They said to Him, Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away? He said to them, Because of your hard-heartedness Moses allowed you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:7-9 MKJV)

So, according to Jesus, the standard for marriage should be “until death do us part.” However, because of their hard hearts, Moses allowed them to put away their wives. Therefore, God gave them over to their own corruption. We see this also to be true where Paul the apostle said: “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28 ESV) However, God sent his Son Jesus Christ to set things back to their proper standard by saying: “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

Now, to sum up what was mentioned above, a man who puts away an innocent wife and marries another commits adultery. Also, a divorced woman who marries another man commits adultery with him. So, as long as they’re in this adulterous relationship, wouldn’t they be committing sin? This is something we must consider and take seriously my brothers and sisters in Christ. As for me, I would do everything I could to end an adulterous relationship .

Below are a few more verses on this topic:

• “But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:32 DBY)
• “And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery”.” (Mark 10:11-12 ESV)
• “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18 ESV)

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.” (1 Corinthians 5:1 KJV)

Here above, we read of a man who is having sex with his father’s wife. Now, I personally believe that this is not his biological mother but his father’s second wife or concubine. Now, we do not have the details of their sexual misconduct. However, we do see the Greek word for “fornication” being used to describe this sinful act. So, shouldn’t the husband of this woman have the right to divorce his unfaithful wife? For Jesus did say “except for fornication” in Matthew 19:9, which I believe includes any unlawful sexual act that happens before, during or even after one’s marriage.

Now, the reason I’m bringing this up is because there are some who claim that the word “fornication” can only refer to a wrongful sexual act that happened before the marriage. In other words, the husband discovers on his wedding night that his wife wasn’t a virgin. So, those who claim this are saying that this is the only time a man can divorce his wife. This view make marriage so binding that a man can’t divorce his wife for any wrongful sexual act that happens latter on in their marriage. However, I firmly believe that this view is wrong. For a husband should be able to put away his unfaithful wife throughout their entire marriage. For even Strong’s Definitions concerning fornication says: “porneia; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry: —fornication.” So, according to Strong’s view, the word “fornication” can include not only adultery, but all sexual sins.

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:3-5 KJV)

Okay, there may be some who would argue saying that any sexual misconduct was dealt with by stoning, not divorce. And even though that was generally true, we see that there were exceptions both in the Old Testament as well as the New. For didn’t God spare David and Bathsheba the death penalty for their unlawful sexual misconduct? (2 Samuel 11) And let’s remember that Jesus did show mercy to the woman who was caught “in the very act” of adultery mentioned above. And of course, we have Joseph showing mercy to Mary when he found out she was pregnant. For even though he assumed she conceived through fornication, he still didn’t want to expose her publicly. So, even though these cases were normally dealt with by stoning, we see God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness being shown instead.

Now, the disciples by the leading of the Holy Spirit gave their instruction to the gentile church. For they said: “Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19-20 KJV) Now, please notice that it doesn’t mention the word adultery, but only fornication. So, should we come to the conclusion that adultery is okay? No, of course not. Therefore, as we already read in Strong’s Definitions, we should all come to the conclusion that the word fornication can include not only adultery, but all sexual sins that happen before, during or after one’s marriage.

Below are more passages that only use the word “fornication” which should include all sexual sins:

• “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV)
• “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 KJV)
• “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.” (Colossians 3:5-7 KJV)
• “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 KJV)
• “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20-21 KJV)

“For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.” (Romans 7:2 NKJV)

Know, what I am about to say may be controversial to some of you. However, I must stand on God’s word even if it may offend some of you out there. For I do see throughout the bible that only a man has the legal right to divorce. For even in the Old Testament, Moses said: “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” (Deuteronomy 24:1 KJV) And in the New Testament, we already read that Jesus only allowed men to put away their unfaithful wives for the cause of “fornication.” But concerning a wife he said: “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Mark 10:12 KJV) This is the only passage that mentions a woman divorcing her husband. However, there is never any exception clause that gives her the right to do this.

Now, there may be times that a wife may need to get away from an abusive husband. This would be true for both her safety and any children she may have. For we read: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11) However, even in this case here, she still isn’t allowed to divorce and remarry someone else. Instead, she should be praying and hoping that things would get better so that they can be reunited together again. This is what true love should look like my brothers and sisters in Christ.

So, from everything mentioned so far, can’t we agree that this exception clause is only given to men. And wouldn’t this be true even if there was another woman involved in his relationship? For after the fall, there were godly men who had more than one wife. This included Abraham, Jacob, and King David to name a few. However, their wives never had the legal right to divorce them. And let’s also remember what God said to David: “And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” (2 Samuel 12:8 ESV) So, after King Saul’s death, God gave to David all Saul’s wives to be his. This I believe God wouldn’t do if this was considered adultery? For the prophet Habakkuk said concerning God: “You are too just to tolerate evil; you are unable to condone wrongdoing.” (Habakkuk 1:13 NET)

Now that being said, I’m in no way encouraging any married man to commit fornication nor to multiply wives to himself. For I’m just showing that according to both the Old and New Testament, there is no exception clause that gives a wife the right to divorce. So, please read on to see what I believe an ideal marriage should look like.

“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:2-3 ESV)

So, Paul said to refuse a leadership position to anyone who has more than one wife. This would include deacons as well, for we read: “Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.” (1 Timothy 3:12 ESV) So, the question is, why must these men be restricted to only one wife?” Well, having more than one wife could interfere with one’s roles in the church. For it’s hard enough to keep up with one honey-do-list, let alone having them come from multiple wives. Also, we read in the Old Testament that there was much contention for those men who had more than one wife. But most importantly, let’s keep in mind that God only brought one wife to Adam. For even Jesus himself said “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?” (Matthew 19:5 NKJV) Therefore, leaders and deacons in the church should set an example of what an ideal marriage should look like for all. And wouldn’t that be “one wife for life?”

Now, I do need to add one more thing to what was just mentioned above. For I do believe that this one wife restriction for Elders and Deacons would include those who have a divorced wife. For according to scripture, a woman if bound to her husband for life. So, even if she is divorced and remarried, she still belongs to her first husband. However, both her and the man she is with are committing adultery as mentioned before. But again, a man who has a living divorced wife should not be in any leadership position within the church. Wouldn’t you agree?

Below are some other issues that occurred because of men having multiple wife’s:

• “Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee. (Genesis 16:1-5 KJV)
• “In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son's mandrakes.” But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” Rachel said, “Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes”.” (Genesis 30:14-15 ESV)
• “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. ... And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. (1 Samuel 1:1-3, 6-7 KJV).
• “But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.” (1 Kings 11:1-3 KJV)

“But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15 ESV)

Now, does this passage above give a man or woman some “exception clause” to remarry after an unbeliever ends their marriage? I ask this because some claim that this is act of “desertion” which gives a man or woman the right to remarry. But, is it really saying that? For the Greek word used for separate above (which some wrongfully call desertion) is the same word used for “separate” in Matthew 19:6 where Jesus said: “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV) Also, let’s take not that this same Greek word is used again as “depart” where we read: “Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:10-11 NKJV)

So again, let’s not believe the lie that says you can remarry if an unbeliever initiates the divorce. And yes, being married to an unbeliever could make your life miserable. And yes again, you may finally have some peace if they do leave. However, that doesn’t give you the right to remarry if an unbelieve ends your relationship. For that would be a contradiction not only to what Jesus said in the gospels, but what Paul said as well. For he says a few verses latter in this same chapter: “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39 ESV) So on the contrary, a Christian man or woman should be praying for their departed spouse to come to know Christ. This of course would not only be for their salvation, but in order for their marriage to be restored as well.

“Because of the present distress, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. However, if you do get married, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.” (1 Corinthians 7:26-28 CSB)

Now, this is another passage that’s being used to find some exception clause. But how can that be? For we must first take notice that verses 26, 27 and the first part of 28 are speaking of a man who is ether “bound” or “released” from a woman. And we know that a man can only be released from marriage if his wife has committed fornication or she died. Therefore, if he does remarry, he is not committing any sin. However, in the middle of these same verses, Paul makes it clear that a virgin woman (not one who is divorced) who marries has not sinned. So again, Paul is not giving any divorced “or abandoned” woman the right to marry.

Now, as said before, there may be times that a woman would flee from her husband for safety reasons. “But if she shall depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:11 WEB) So, the woman is to remain unmarried or return back to her husband. Also, her husband doesn’t have the right to divorce her if she keeps herself from fornication while she is gone. Any violation to this rule would be adultery.

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24 KJV)

In that passage above, Jesus said that a man and woman will become one flesh. So, what does it mean to be “one flesh” in that passage above? Well, I have learned that this may not be some metaphor, but a actual fact. For studies have shown that it’s possible for a woman to literally become one flesh with every man she had sex with. For one study even mentions the components of a man’s semen being detected in a woman’s bloodstream after a few hours of her receiving it. Also, studies have shown that male DNA was found within the bodies of women. This would make “the two shall become on flesh” more understandable and literally true.

So, this would make it clear why women who played the whore were harshly dealt with. For they could be polluting their bodies by become “one flesh” with every man they have sex with. Paul the apostle himself said: “Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh’.” (1 Corinthians 6:16 ESV). Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn’t we only become “one flesh” with that one person whom we want to spend the rest of our lives with? I do believe so.

Below are a few articles showing that a woman could literally becomes "one flesh" with every man she had sex with:

• Women receive and retain male DNA through sex - Article 1
• Women receive and retain male DNA through sex - Article 2
• Women receive and retain male DNA through sex - Video 1 

“They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 3:1 KJV)

In that passage above, we see a marriage illustration of Israel who has backslid from God and turned to foreign gods. Yet, God is pleading for her to put away her sin of harlotry and return to him. This is true even though it says that he gave her a certificate of divorcement in verse 8 of this same chapter. For God still said: “I’m married to you” in verses 13-14. So, isn’t this illustration showing us that a divorced woman still belongs to the man she first married? Therefore, if a previously married woman remains is in the arms of another, wouldn’t they both be committing adultery? For in the New Testament, it does say that the only exception would be if her former husband has died as mentioned before.

Now, does God allow a divorced woman who marred another man return to her first husband? Well, even though this second marriage was not one which “God has joined together,” we do read: “And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 24:3-4 KJV) So, Moses said: “for that is abomination before the LORD.”

However, that all being said, this passage mentioned above was the latter portion of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. And according to Mathew 19:8-9, Jesus eliminated the first half of it. For he said it was Moses (not God) who gave that commandment. So, wouldn’t this eliminate the latter portion as well? Personally, I would say yes it does. But for you the reader, you need to decide this on your own. So, my advice for all you women who are put away, stay single and pray that God would restore your marriage. This would be true whether you are the guilty party or not. For with God, it doesn’t make no difference as we read earlier. Because if you do remarry another man, you are both committing adultery according to God’s word. So, please follow what Jesus said instead of the watered-down teachings of some. For it may be true that if all this was spoke in our churches today, half the churches would be cleared out.

Below are a few scriptures to consider:

• “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. ... Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:” (Jeremiah 3:8, 14 KJV)
• “And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now. ... Therefore, behold, I will lure her and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her. And I will give her vineyards to her from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope. And she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.” (Hosea 2:7, 14-15)
• “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.” (Hosea 2:14-15 NIV)

“Ye have heard that it has been said, Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you, that everyone who looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. But if thy right eye be a snare to thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand be a snare to thee, cut it off and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. It has been said too, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a letter of divorce. But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:27-32 KJV)

Okay, did you notice above that the words: “cut if off and cast it from thee” are sandwiched between the two acts of adultery described by Jesus? So, wouldn’t he in a metaphoric way be saying that one must put away their sin of adultery? And wouldn’t this be true whether you’re looking to steal another man’s wife or you have married one that’s been divorced? And let’s remember what the children of Israel did when they were exposed of their wrongful marriages. For we read: “And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.” (Ezra 10:2-3 ASV)

So, we read that the men of Israel separated themselves from their wrongful marriage relationships. This they did even with those who bore children to them. And wouldn’t this be an act of true repentance my fellow Christians? So, just saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t mean you have the right to continue in your sin. For even though God’s grace forgives us of our sins, we still need to put away our sins far from us. For only then can we see true repentance taking place.

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18 ESV)

Now, there may be some of you who declare that two wrongs don’t make a right. And I do agree that this is true. For the first wrong would be for a man and woman to commit adultery. And the second wrong would be to remain in a relationship which God has not joined together? For as quoted earlier, God does not tolerate or condone evil. (Habakkuk 1:13) And let’s remember what John the Baptist said when he confronted Herod who married his brother Philip’s wife. “For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her,” in which he lost his head for speaking the truth. (Matthew 14:4 KJV) John said this because they were not in a relationship which God has joined together.

So again, shouldn’t such couples be separating themselves from each other? Yes, I know that this is a hard thing to do. For even Jesus’ disciples said: “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10) However, Jesus did say: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30 ESV) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ. If you’re in an adulterous situation, shouldn’t you be doing all you can to get out of it. For didn’t Jesus made it clear when he said: “whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery,” as well as: “Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery”? (Luke 16:18 ASV)

So again, just saying “I’m sorry” to God doesn’t give you a license to remain in your sinful state. And let me ask you this; if you stole someone’s wallet, can you keep it if you felt sorry and repented before God? No, of course not. So, true repentance should cause you to return the wallet you stole? We can see this to be true when Jesus confronted Zacchaeus. For after spending time with Jesus, Zacchaeus must have felt convicted. For he said: “‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham’.” (Luke 19:8-9 ESV) Yes, Jesus said: “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” So, this is something to seriously consider and be praying about my fellow Christians.

“Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7 NKJV)

Now, if we as a church allows couples to remain in an adulterous relationship, wouldn’t others be influenced to do the same? Because the reasoning would be, “if they can get away with it, we can do the same.” Therefore, if these same couples remain together, it could cause sin to multiply within that fellowship. So, let’s take heed to what Paul the apostle said: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)

Also, we must be aware of the warning in Sirach 23:22-28 (which was a part of the original King James bible for around two hundred years before it was wrongfully removed) where we read: “Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, and bringeth in an heir by another. For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man. She shall be brought out into the congregation, and inquisition shall be made of her children. Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit. She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out. And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord. It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life.” (Sirach 23:22-28 found in the Original KJV)

That’s a heavy passage above for those women who have left their husbands for another. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, we shouldn’t be asking, “what does it hurt to stay together.” And let’s remember what Jesus said to the adulterous women whom he saved from stoning, for his said: “go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11 KJV) Jesus said the same thing to the lame man whom he made whole. For Jesus said to him: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” (John 5:14 KJV)

Consider some other passages below:

• “Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:7-10 ESV)
• “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” (1 John 5:18 ESV)
   

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)

So, there is hope for all of you who are caught in the mess of adultery. I say this because the Lord Jesus Christ took our sins upon himself. So, shouldn’t you be taking the next step and repent by putting away your sin. For how can you have true peace when you know you’re in an adulterous relationship. You must remember that God loves you and doesn’t want you to die in your sins. And as said before, true love does not do wrong to one’s neighbor: “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10 KJV)

Therefore, my brothers and sister in Christ, please consider what was mentioned here. Read and study God’s word for yourselves to test what I said. And let’s remember that God always gives us the strength to put away your sins, no matter how deep we’re caught up in them. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:18-20 KJV) Amen. 

• Divorce & Remarriage – Dr. Mike Gorrie
• Divorce & Remarriage – Joseph Webb
• Putting Away an Adulterous Marriage

Below are all the versions used in this article:

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017, 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
• NKJV = New King James Version, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
• ASV = New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• LSB = Copyright ©2021 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org
• DBY = In 1867, John Nelson Darby translated the New Testament from Greek into English. Further revisions were done in 1872 and 1884. Darby’s work was first published as The Holy Scriptures: A New Translation from the Original Languages by J. N. Darby. After Darby’s death in 1882, some of his students worked together to produce the complete Darby Bible based on the Masoretic Hebrew text, Darby’s German (Elberfelder), and the French (Pau) translations. In 1890, the first complete Darby Bible was published in English. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.
• WEB = The Webster Bible was translated by Noah Webster in 1833 in order to bring the language of the bible up to date. This version of the Bible is in the public domai
• MKJV = 1962-1998 by J. P. Green, Sr. All rights reserved, used with permission. 

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