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Some
time ago, I read an article by a preacher who lives in northwest Arkansas. In that
article he said:
Yet, I recognize that it is most unpopular to set
forth simply what Jesus says about the matter: whosoever puts away his wife and
marries another, commits adultery, and the one he marries is committing
adultery (Mt 19:9). That passage is as plain and emphatic as any other of God's
directions, but it is amazing as to all the maneuvering that is done to get
around the force of that passage. The difficulty, I maintain, is NOT in
understanding it; the difficulty is in accepting and complying with it! That,
of course is true regarding many passages. The way of the sinner - one who
transgresses God's rule - is hard, we are told, and so when we have missed the
mark, the consequences are painful! “Good understanding giveth favour: but the
way of transgressors is hard” (Prov13:15).
First,
what is popular or not popular is not a consideration, as far as I'm concerned.
What is true, factual and right is all that concerns me.
The
author talks about how plain and empathic Matthew 19:9 is, yet he and many
others who make such assertions will not debate what the passage actually says
and does not say. What the passage says is indeed plain if one understands the surrounding circumstances and the terms used
in it.
The
author of the above paragraph then talks about how amazing it is that people
seek to get around the force of the passage. "The difficulty, I maintain,
is NOT in understanding it; the difficulty is in accepting and complying with
it!"
The
difficult thing for preachers today is not in continuing to uphold the
"plain and emphatic" statement of Jesus, because what is plain to
some is plainly error to others. The real challenge is for preachers to restudy
divorce and remarriage like it was for the first time and to do it with an
intense determination to learn the truth. But before that will happen one must
have resolved in his mind that he is going to find the truth and will teach it
and practice it regardless of whether other preachers like it or not.
Finally,
the author seeks to justify his practice of breaking up marriages and imposing
celibacy by an Old Testament passage: "The way of the transgressor is hard." This passage has reference to such matters as stealing, lying,
murder and promiscuity. Those who do such things will, unless they repent, have
a difficult and unhappy life; i.e., it will be "hard." The passage
does not lend support to the idea that one must be punished with celibacy
because of their sin or because their spouse divorces him/her. Such must be the
case because an inspired apostle tells us that "forbidding to marry"
is "doctrines of devils" (1 Thes 4:1-3), that all men and women are
permitted to have a spouse "to avoid fornication" (1 Cor 7:2), and those
who would object are to "let them marry" for it is not a sin for them
to so do (1 Cor. 7:8, 9; 27, 28; 36).
Conclusion
The
divorce and remarriage issue is complex and difficult to study, mainly because
of the error that has been taught. Many, on the divorce and remarriage issue,
have been too quick to draw a conclusion, or just jumped right on the
traditional bandwagon. They then participate in a practice that results in
lives being adversely affected: 1) people's homes are busted up; 2) people turn
away from obeying the gospel; 3) people turn from Christ because of what is
being imposed upon them; 4) people, not allowed to marry, indulge in
fornication (Catholic priests are a perfect example); and 5) friends are
alienated and churches are split. Breaking up marriages and imposing celibacy
is something that the Scriptures teach against in a "clear and
emphatic" manner (1 Tm 4:1-3; 1 Cor 7). Yet it has become apparent that
some are trying to oversimplify the issue by asserting that the teaching of
Jesus (as they see it) is clear and settles the matter. Even though their
conclusion cannot be reached without breaking numerous rules of hermeneutics,
and even though there are many scriptures and principles that contradict their
doctrine, many of these preachers continually declare others with whom they
differ to be false teachers.
One
should not draw a conclusion on a major biblical subject based solely upon one
passage that, at first glance, appears to be "clear." First, seek all
other evidence that might contradict your first impression or original
interpretation. [Or, as the case may be, test those who taught you as you
"search the scriptures," (1 Jn 4:1; Acts 17:11)]. Then, seek to find
the answer that allows for harmony of all Scriptures you have studied. When you
do that you will be able to reach a conclusion that you can be certain is right
and that you can defend.
It
is extremely important that we properly study a subject that we might truly
have the truth. |
