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People who want to go to heaven are hearing it taught
from the pulpit, books, tracts and on web sites that divorced persons
must remain celibate. Therefore, people are asking their preachers
questions about divorce and remarriage. They, particularly those who
have been divorced, want to know what the Bible says about the matter.
Many have asked but they have been deceived. John wrote (1John 4:1):
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they
are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
The apostle Peter made a statement regarding questions that should cause anyone who claims to know the truth to have
great fear as to how he responds.
1Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a
reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear;"
Regarding the above passage Albert Barnes wrote:
"And fear. Marg., reverence. The sense seems to be, 'in
the fear of God; with a serious and reverent spirit; as in the presence
of Him who sees and hears all things.' It evidently does not mean with
the fear or dread of those who propose the question, but with that
serious and reverent frame of mind which is produced by a deep
impression of the importance of the subject, and a conscious sense of
the presence of God."
Below is a question that was answered by one who
frequently receives such questions due to people finding his web site:
"I just want to ask regarding your stand on Matthew 5:32
because I'll be marrying a divorced woman, do you think I'm committing
adultery?"
The reply was as follows:
"All any one can do is refer you to Matthew 5: 32 and
19: 9. The innocent mate, not guilty of adultery and did not cause it,
is allowed to divorce the guilty mate for their adultery. The innocent
mate, then, is free to remarry."
Except for referring the man to his web site the above
was the entire answer. The man was first told, "All anyone can do...."
Is this true? Is there nothing more to say than to refer one to Matthew
5:32 and 19:9? Evidently, the writer did not even believe what he said
because he proceeded to tell the person what he thinks the passage
teaches. He stated that the "innocent" mate may marry with the
implication that if one was divorced he may not marry.
There is much more that can be done when someone wants
to know if a divorced person has a right to marry. TELL HIM or HER THE
TRUTH. How can the answer that was given possibly be the truth since
the writer ignored various plain scriptures and set forth a position
that is based upon assumption and arguments that have unsolvable
problems?
First, the Law (Deut. 24:1-4) allowed divorced persons
to marry and Jesus said (Mt 5:17): "Think not that I am come to destroy
the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one
tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Thus, Jesus made it clear that he was not going to say
anything that should be interpreted to mean that he was changing what
was in the Law of Moses. Thus, to interpret Jesus' teaching in such a
way as to have him contradicting the Law is to violate proper
hermeneutics. Do some love their tradition so much that it has become
more important to maintain and promote than the doctrine of Jesus'
sinless life? You cannot maintain and promote both.
Second, the apostle Paul not only taught that divorced
persons may marry but he also had some strong words for those who teach
and/or demand otherwise. In I Timothy 4:1-3, Paul makes a prophecy
("latter times") that many understand to refer to what we know as the
Catholic Church. The apostate church would be guilty of "forbidding to
marry." Many think of their evil as being limited to their forbidding
nuns and priests to marry. However, the fact is they ALSO forbid
divorce, which, in essence, is "forbidding to marry." Even if a
marriage is dead divorce is forbidden, and it matters not whether there
has been abuse, unfaithfulness and/or abandonment-there can be no
divorce. Thus, persons without a marriage are forbidden to have one,
which is the same thing people in various denominations are teaching
and practicing.
In addition, Paul clearly teaches that those who have no
marriage, the "unmarried," which includes the divorced, are to be
allowed to marry. Note 1 Corinthians 7:2; 8, 9; 27, 28.
Why do some feel the need to lie, such as in the answer
to the man's question, and to intentionally leave out the above
relevant passages, and tell people all anyone can do (in answering such
questions) is present Matthew 5:32 and 19:9? What is the difference in
the answer that was given and that of a preacher saying to one asking
what to do to be saved, "All anyone can do is refer you to John 3:16,"
and then giving his idea of what it means, while deliberately failing
to mention Acts 2:38, and other clear passages that are essential to an
understanding of the subject? I tell you, there is not any difference.
In BOTH cases, the man wanting to know God's will is being deceived and
the preacher will give an account to God for his deeds.
Did the preacher answer the question that he was asked
in a manner consistent with the responsibilities God places upon any
who would purport to be a teacher of God's word? It seems apparent that
some, in their answers to questions on MDR, know people will reject
their teaching if they do not lie to them and withhold clear teachings.
Nevertheless, I am sure they are able to justify themselves in their
own minds.
Those who ask questions and those who answer questions
can benefit from a short article that was written by Ron Halbrook, as
quoted below:
"Be willing to hear both sides of the issues involved
and be wary of excuses offered for closing the door to open discussion.
'Try,' test, or examine the teachers in this controversy - no matter
who they are - and do it by comparing what they say with Scripture (I
Jn. 4:1,6). Do not be timid about approaching the men involved to ask
for the Bible basis of their conduct and teaching. Pay close attention
to whether they actually give you Bible passages or whether they merely
talk around the subject. Notice whether they seem tense, resentful, and
angry when you question them, or whether they seem to truly welcome and
appreciate your questions. Those who stand on the truth find that it
gives them a confidence which creates calmness and patience in
discussing the questions of honest people. Those who cannot give
Scripture for their position suffer from arrogance, impatience, and
frustration which create bitter resentment against those who dare to
question them. Something is wrong if the man you question does not seem
glad for the opportunity to fulfill I Peter 3:15 ('be ready always to
give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that
is in you')."
Indeed, many are "ready always to give an answer" but it
is apparent that some do not fear God and are not considering the
consequences of their actions in failing to tell the truth.
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