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NASB | Matthew 5:32 but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:32 but I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on grounds of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who has been divorced commits adultery. [Deut 24:1-4; Luke 16:18] |
Bible Question: According to Matt. 5:31-32 As a believer in Jesus Christ and still single, am I free (have the "liberty") to marry a divorced woman who also professes to be Saved by God's grace? |
Bible Answer: Dear BigJim My intial response to you may have been too dogmatic and legalistic. Radioman sent me a reply that has altered my stance on this issue. This is a portion of what Radioman sent me. "'God's utter hatred of divorce is very clear in Scripture. 'Nonetheless, there are two extraordinary cases in which Scripture teaches that God does permit divorced people to remarry. 'First, note that Jesus Himself included this exception clause: "Whosoever shall put away his wife, *except it be for fornication*, and shall marry another, committeth adultery" (Matt. 19:9, King James Version, emphasis added). He allows an exception in this one case, only "because of the hardness of your hearts" (Matt. 19:8). Clearly, Jesus is treating divorce as a last resort, only to be sought in the case of hard-hearted adultery." I was using Matthew 19:9 Mt 19:9 which states; And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. This verse to me was proof that remmriage for divorced individuals was wrong. The problem was, I didn't notice the "except" in this verse. So now I see where in the case of ones who becomes divorced due to forinication (unfaithfulness) of their spouse, is permitted to remarry. Nevertheless God does hate divorce. Sorry if I caused you any undue grief. Blessing to you May God give you guidance and His peace as you seek proper answers. I highly respect you for seeking God's counsel in this matter. And while this question of yours caused some debate, it provided answers as well. I pray that God's would continue to guide and lead you Love New Creature |