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NASB | 1 Corinthians 7:11 (but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 7:11 (but even if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to her husband) and that the husband should not leave his wife. |
Bible Question:
I have something I would like you to help me with. I have lived and breathed this for over two years-countless discussions, though before I never gave it much thought. I must get it right in my head before I can move on. I am just not sure how to put this, so if it does not come out right, please forgive. It has to do with the sin of adultery. I have read the biblical references over and over-and still cannot (or will not) grasp the true meaning. In Matthew 5:32 in The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery. And Luke 16: 16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law." 18"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery." and, in Mark chapter 10: 11 He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." All these passages were directly from Jesus. Now, I believe that the scripture is the divinely inspired word of God. This is what I need to know. As I read this, it is telling me that unless you are "scripturally divorced" -- that is with the grounds that Jesus laid out-if you remarry, you commit adultery and the person that you marry does the same. This has me gravely confused. I do not want to be one of those people who continues to read it as I would like it to be, and not how it is. Jesus was asked directly and gave His answer. Even if we ask for repentance- does it not mean that we still should, as is in John 8: "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." Doesn't that say that even though we can repent of the adultery and seek forgivness; we cannot longer continue the adultery. Let me put it in real life terms, though Phil committed adultery, his first wife did not; therefore, is he not still spiritually married to her-and forever will be. That would be he could not be married again without committing adultery, and causing his new wife to do the same? I am so confused. I would appreciate any and all guidance in this matter. It is so important to know the Truth. |
Bible Answer: First, let me address the part "even if we ask for repentance..." - historically, and I think scripture backs it - divorce is the total disolving of the marriage. If one divorces on scriptural grounds, it is gone. You can remarry. Second, this does not give a free ride - but if you are a Christian, and your first marriage was before you were a Christian, you may not be bound by the same standards. We are held to higher standards than the world. I'm not really clear on what you are asking otherwise. Let me tell you this, if you are seeking His will, and are honest about it, He will show you what to do, in His timing. Also neither adultery nor divorce are unforgivable sins. Many people do it wrong. Marry wrong. Divorce wrong. Many people stay in marriages that they could get out of. Pray, read His word (it appears you are doing that), and honestly seek His will. Whatever you need revealed, will be revealed. |