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NASB | 1 Corinthians 7:15 Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbelieving partner leaves, let him leave. In such cases the [remaining] brother or sister is not [spiritually or morally] bound. But God has called us to peace. |
Bible Question: Are you saying that a Christian man who abandons his wife is an unbeliever? Please site the scripture you use to come to that conclusion. |
Bible Answer: Dear JuanMas, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I did not come to THAT conclusion. I was answering the question regarding this particular Scripture (I Corinthians 7:15), which is clearly speaking of the relationship between a believer and an unbelieving (unsaved) spouse. As to a Christian man that abandons his wife, he may still be saved, but his actions are certainly not pleasing to God. My friend, I have read some of your other posts on this issue, and it seems that you are battling with a neighbor that takes a rather severe stance on the issue of divorce. I, personally, trust that "once-saved, always-saved," with VERY few exceptions. (otherwise, few would be saved!) However, you did make one statement that is a bit disconcerting: "They've made all kinds of excuses why this passage should not apply to their lives and divorce and remarry, with the blessings of the Church, to their hearts content." I suppose if you mean heart as "a spiritual man, led by the Spirit of God, and in submission to a responsible shepherd of the church, " I might lean toward agreement. But if you mean heart as "a man led by his emotions, angry and impatient with his Christian wife, unwilling to submit to pastoral counsel," then that's not right. Another possibility regarding this matter is, who is abandoning whom? If a spouse has abused the marriage, has been unfaithful to the responsibilities of marriage as outlined in Scripture, is recalitrant toward the partner, the church, and the pastor shepherding them, then it would lead one to question their commitment to marriage, and even the validity of their walk with Christ. Of course, only the Lord knows the absolute answer to this question, but merely making a "public confession of Christ" does not necessarily confirm salvation. Bearing the fruit of repentence, and showing forth the fruit of the Spirit are important ways to manifest a salvific experience. In any case, the idea that divorce negates salvation is hard to support in the light of the grace of God. It is more probably based on the traditions of a denominational stance. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |