Divorce is a Sin!

Jesus plainly taught that divorce only happens...
 “because of the hardness of your hearts” (Matthew 19:8).

"For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away..." —Malachi 2:16

"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." —Matthew 19:6

Depth, Memories, and Roots (or, Why divorce is such a horrible sin!)

       Divorce is a sin! Perhaps you may think that marriage is the “old fashioned” way. If that is your thought on marriage, then let me also say that marriage is the “right way” as well. It does not matter what has changed over time, marriage will always be the right way within the sacred boundaries of God's Law. Marriage is right between a man and a woman!

A Christian is not a martyrer because they die for Jesus Christ; they die for Jesus Christ because they are a martyrer. Every married person ought to have the spirit of a martyrer, i.e., I'm not going to quit no matter what! Fight for your marriage! Fight for your husband! Fight for your wife! Don't listen to the serpent Eve!

MARRIAGE AND THE SPIRIT OF A MARTYRER (MP3 sermon by Pastor Jeff Owens. Real Audio)

There is no perfect marriage. There are no perfect families. Every marriage hits some potholes in the road, and for some, an occasional open manhole cover. Love may be blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener. It is unrealistic to believe that you can live with another human being for any length of time without having relationship problems. There is the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and then the suffering. Sadly, feminism has taught women these days to become intolerant toward their husbands. The Bible teaches one to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32).

A marriage should be based upon unconditional love for one another. Worldly so-called “love” is synthetic, demanding, selfish and conditional. But God's love is unconditional. One ought to love their spouse, not because of who they are; but rather, because of who you are. God unconditionally loves us because of Who He is. Amen. This is why we read in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Unfortunately, many marriages today are based upon economics, a hasty decision or an unexpected pregnancy. If you are in such a marriage, it is still a legitimate marriage in the eyes of God. Perhaps you married for the wrong reasons, many people do. That is ok, you just make the best of your marriage and don't let other people interfere. Two wrongs never equal a right. Wrong is wrong! If you feel you married the wrong person, then you need to ask God to humble you. Anyone can live with anybody if they can learn to be a nobody. 

This whole idea of finding the perfect mate is an illusion. Remember, Romans 3:23 declares, “For all have sinned...” I don't care who you marry, they're a sinner too. We all have faults, and commit sins. Leaving one spouse for another will just bring more problems. If you feel that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, then plant more grass on your side of the fence. If you feel that you need to separate for a time due to problems in your marriage, then do so; but never consider a divorce. Divorce is quitting!

God's Power Can Save Your Marriage

Most people who file for divorce attempt to claim that Jesus allows for divorce in situations of adultery; but that is not what Jesus taught. What about all the other sins that one's spouse may commit? Does that provide a grounds for divorce? No, not according to the Lord. Jesus taught in Matthew 18:22 to forgive, 70 times 7. Divorce is the sin of hate, unforgiveness and hypocrisy. So many people are woefully ignorant of the Scriptures, just as Jesus said:

Matthew 22:29, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

God's power can save your marriage, if you will trust God and not quit.

A CHRISTIAN HOME (by Dr. John R. Rice — Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6)
 

No Scriptural Grounds for Divorce!

In Mark 10:9 Jesus states, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” No one is to ever break apart a marriage. I wouldn't want to be a judge who grants divorces. I wouldn't want to be the lawmaker who allows for all sorts of unscriptural grounds for divorce. And by the way, there are NO SCRIPTURAL GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE. In Matthew 5:32, Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” 

Taken by itself, this Scripture can be interpreted numerous ways. However, Jesus plainly stated in Matthew 19:8 that God never permits divorce, and that divorce is only caused by a hard heart, “He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” Jesus clearly taught forgiveness in Matthew 18:22, not 7-times, but 70 times 7. Divorce is rooted in self-righteousness and an unwillingness to forgive. Notice carefully that Jesus addresses whether remarriage is adultery or not; but He never addresses the issue of divorce itself, because divorce is a sin, period.

To divorce one's spouse is a sin. If committing adultery is grounds for divorce, then Matthew 5:28 gives every wife Biblical grounds to divorce, because EVERY man has lusted. Jesus said that lust is equivalent to adultery.

Let me also say, If Jesus was willing to be despised and rejected of men, beaten to a pulp, mistreated, scorned, assaulted, spit upon, and crucified to death ... FOR US ... then we should follow Christ's example. A husband who loves his wife will not quit. Please understand that I am not condoning abuse, not at all, God forbid. I'm simply saying that divorce is not the Biblical solution to one's marriage problems. You made a promise to God and your spouse on your wedding day. We are living in a wicked and adulterous generation, that are quick to throw in the towel and quit.

Jesus was willing to die for you and me. So why are professed “Christians” so quick to divorce their spouse? I don't recall any disclaimer in the marriage vows that gives a spouse the right to divorce under ANY circumstances. What ever happened to “ 'Til death do us part?” I'm not hesitant to inform you that “irreconcilable differences” is NOT found in the Bible as grounds for a divorce. There are NO Biblical grounds for divorce!!!

Adam and Eve were doing fine until the serpent came along. Revelation 20:2 tells us that the serpent is Satan. Eve listened to the snake and took the bad advice. She ate of the forbidden fruit and destroyed her family's happiness. May I say, watch out for the snakes in your life. The BeeGees, although a worldly group, had it right in their song, HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE... “We're living in a world of fools, breaking us down, when they all should let us be, we belong to you and me.” Yet, professed Christians are sinfully crying out divorce, divorce, divorce!
 

Divorce is a sin for numerous reasons:

1. Because you are breaking your marriage vows..."'til death do us part!" When you say your wedding vows, you are making a lifetime commitment. I don't care if you get married at city hall or a church, God still holds you accountable for your wedding vows. A promise is a promise! 
2. Because God said not to divorce! "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:6)
3. Because divorce is quitting! (1st Corinthians 7:10-11)
4. Because divorce is unwillingness to forgive! "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22)

God hates divorce! It is only because of sinful pride and selfishness that people end up divorced in the first place. It is so typical to hear a divorced wife, or husband, talking about how much they gave but never received anything in return. Listen friend, marriage is not a 50/50 deal as most people think. Marriage is a 100% deal. We are supposed to give 100% to our spouse, even if they only return 10%. But you say, “That's not fair!” You're right ... life's not fair! We are a spoiled bunch in America! 

It's sickening to know that over 50% of all marriages in America are now ending in divorce. In California it's 75.54%! It's our pride! Anything can be justified. The truth is that people don't do what they do for any particular reason, they do what they want to do and then look for reasons to justify it.

Mrs. John Rice says that when a couple has trouble, it's 90% the wife's fault. One time I asked her, "Why?"

She said, "The husband's job is outside the home, but the wife's job is the home. The husband's main duty in life is to work somewhere outside the home, but the wife's job is the home."

SOURCE: Pastor Jack Hyles, The Candle of the Lord — by Pastor Jack Hyles

God created Adam, and then gave him a job to do. However, God created Eve with one sole purpose—Adam! We read in 1st Peter 3:6 that Abraham's wife, Sara, called him “lord” (sir) and obeyed Abraham. This is so rare nowadays.

Did you know that the Bible teaches mutual submission between husband and wife? Ephesians 5:21, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” One to another! Biblical Christianity is a husband and wife willingly submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord, sharing in the gift of life; but the Bible teaches for a wife to submit to her husband first and foremost.

We are not to give up on our spouse. God NEVER gives up on us... Hebrews 13:5... NEVER! If we are to be Christ-like, then we must stand faithful by our mate... “for better, for worse.” You made a vow on your wedding day. People nowadays are quick to file for divorce. It is apostasy and sin.

            

"And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery." —Mark 1:1-12

In Mark 1:1 the Pharisees asked Jesus if divorce is lawful? Carefully notice that Jesus DIDN'T answer, “yes” to their question. Clearly, divorce is not lawful. Jesus directed them to the law of Moses. The Pharisees stated that Moses allowed divorce. Jesus COUNTERS their excuse by telling them that Moses reluctantly permitted divorce, only allowing it because of the wicked HARDNESS of their hearts. It couldn't be any clearer that Jesus was completely against divorce. So in answer to the Pharisee's question, of whether divorce is “lawful” or not, we have already made 3 observations:

1. Jesus DIDN'T permit divorce.
2. Moses DIDN'T want to permit divorce either, but the people gave him no choice.
3. Divorce only happens because of people's rebellion against God.

Don't Divorce, Please!

God is willing to forgive us an infinite number of times. Surely we can learn to forgive each other. Don't allow the pressures of this crazy world destroy your marriage. Set some priorities. Turn off the phone. Tell your friends your going to be busy spending time with your family. Love your spouse. Go places together. Forget the overtime. Don't work midnight shift. Go to the park together. Do some different things. A marriage can only be destroyed from within.

Just as Eve was weak and vulnerable to demonic influence, so are many women today susceptible to snake tongues and self-righteous hypocrites who are busybodies in other men's matters (1st Timothy 5:13). A fool-headed wife is rottenness to her husband's bones. Proverb:12:4, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”

Don't be stupid like so many people, by throwing away your marriage. I'd hate to think you simply don't care anymore. If that's you, then you need to get right with God! If your job is stressing you out, then take a break; but don't divorce. Go on Family Medical Leave (FMLA) for stress. Go to your doctor and tell him your stressed out. Hand him the FMLA form. You're protected by congress, and you can't get fired. You can take 90-days off from work. If you can't afford to miss work, then use “intermittent FMLA,” so you can miss work whenever you need to. Take a break. 

I sincerely believe many marriages are failing because of the monotony and stress of the workplace. The economy is deteriorating, good jobs are becoming scarce, insurance premiums are skyrocketing, insurance coverage is decreasing, spending power is declining, perversion is all around us, feminism and homosexuality are corrupting society, our government is run amuck, society is becoming very cold and paranoid—it all amounts to increased tension on American families. It has become hell to raise a family in the United States. Society's answer for everything is divorce, drugs and death. Satan comes only to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).

Employees mean absolutely nothing to companies these days. These are difficult times to be married and live the American dream—of owning your own home, of saving enough money to put your kids through college someday, of living in a decent neighborhood, of having a meaningful and happy marriage, et cetera. The criminal banking cartel have bought off our corrupt leaders who have sold us into economic slavery, looted us and bankrupted our nation. Consequently, there's 19,000 homeless citizens now living on the streets of Detroit, Michigan (and it's just the beginning of the coming massive economic depression). One in Eight Americans Needs Emergency Food Assistance.

To make matters much worse, with all the financial pressures on families, CPS is just waiting to steal your kids away for any reason whatsoever. Jesus foretold that it would be woeful times for parents in the Last Days (Matthew 24:19). We are certainly living in the End Times.

If you understand what is happening to America and the world, then guard your marriage. The New World Order is here. Stay out of debt. Don't buy a big home that you can't afford. Don't go into debt on your wedding day. Guard against outside snakes who will poison your mind in times of marital trouble. Women file for divorce at TWICE the rate of men because of a Communist government funded agenda to break apart marriages, defining everything as domestic abuse. Men are portrayed as abusers, women as victims and children become property of the State. Hell will be hot enough!

Life is what happens to you while you're making big plans. Most people place their marriage at the bottom of their list of priorities. Your marriage should come first, friends and family down on the list. By the way, church should come down on the list too. Nothing should be any higher on your list of priorities than your spouse. Only God comes higher, and God wants you to love each other above all else. If you don't, then nothing else really matters. 

If you love your spouse, then you'll put up with him/her.

If you love your spouse, then you'll put up with him/her.

If you love your spouse, then you'll put up with him/her.

If you love your spouse, then you'll put up with him/her.

If you love your spouse, then you'll put up with him/her.

It's really as simple as that. If you love someone, then you'll put up with them just as God puts up with us! 

People don't “fall” into sin. They choose to go into sin. They choose to hold onto sinful pride. People choose not to love their spouse with God's unconditional love. People choose to divorce. 

I always marvel that a couple can get married in a boat, on a mountain, in a church, underwater, on a roller-coaster, in a park, or even at the south pole; BUT, you can only be divorced IN A COURT OF LAW!

There's no such thing as the saying, “We used to love each other.” The Bible clearly teaches that “charity (love) never faileth” (1st Corinthians 13:8). Either you loved your spouse then and still do now, or else you don't love your spouse now and never did at all. True love is NOT conditional; but rather, unconditional. You hang in there and be strong while your spouse is weak, for that is what God does for us.
 

God Hates Divorce!
You know, why is it that many people who want a divorce go around quoting Jesus' statement on adultery; but I never hear these people quote Malachi 2:16 where God say he HATES divorce, “For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away.” “Putting away” is the Old Testament term used for divorce, which is an interesting phrase. The term “putting away” comes from the Hebrew word shalach, and literally means “to forsake, to cast or push away.” When you divorce your spouse, you are literally shoving them away from you, forsaking them, and God HATES IT.
I heard a divorced woman quote Malachi 2:14 concerning husbands who deal “treacherously” with their wives; but the context of the Scripture passage is strictly divorce. That is, a husband who divorces his wife is dealing treacherously with her, especially if they've been married for a long time. God HATES divorce! Why don't I ever heard women quoting Jeremiah 3:20... “Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.” It is divorce that is treacherous. 

“So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress...” —Romans 7:3

Who's to Blame?

Please understand that I don't condemn anyone, for the Bible condemns all of us as guilty, dirty, rotten, hell-deserving sinners. My salvation solely rests in Christ's righteousness, because of the precious blood that He gave for our sins. My intention is not to be unkind; but rather, to expose the sin of divorce. If you have divorced, I certainly don't condemn you, for we are all sinners in God's eyes.

The intent of my article is to prevent divorce, not to make people feel bad who have already made that mistake in their life. Any sin is forgivable through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 10:43). However, you will have to give account for the perpetuating sin of divorce and the life you destroyed. Divorce is like trying to separate plywood, you cannot without ripping it apart.

Glued Together at Marriage for Life

I realize that in some situations, a spouse may run off with someone else in adultery. The abandoned spouse is often helpless to recover their former mate. I did not write this article to condemn anyone, especially not the victim of a divorce. A gentlemen recently wrote me, saying that his wife had run off with another man and remarried. So tragic!

The man was obviously very sad. In such a situation, even though the husband may have contributed to his wife's decision to leave; he is NOT guilty of committing divorce (as he did not file or agree to the divorce). When a couple promises to stay with each another “for better, for worse; 'til death do us part,” that is what God expects. 

If you are the victim of a divorce (i.e., your spouse abandoned you), then you have my deepest sympathies. Don't let people use your past to discourage you. Those hypocrites who go digging and searching for other people's sins are evil, rotten and malicious. I realize that all the sympathy in the world won't make anything better; but, Jesus Christ can make things better if you'll lose yourself in the Lord's work of soulwinning.

I cannot tell you what to do, for only you can make the decisions that guide your life; BUT if your spouse has left you and is not remarried yet, I would suggest that you call her/him and attempt to make things right. I would also suggest that you ask your pastor if he'll go with you to visit your spouse. Only sinful pride causes divorce. There have been many instances of divorced couples actually getting remarried. 

I realize that there are many different situations, and everyone feels that they are the victim in a divorce; but, God knows everyone's heart and WILL judge the guilty. I simply wrote this article in hopes of possibly saving a few marriages. You don't have to divorce your spouse! Divorce is a personal choice that no one MAKES you do.

It is NEVER right for you to leave and then remarry (because you are the guilty party for leaving). Whoever FILES for divorce is the guilty party (as far as the divorce itself). If a spouse was abusive, leading to a divorce; then God will judge that person for their abusive words and actions; BUT, that certainly does NOT justify a divorce!!! God KNOWS your every thought and intention, so no matter how much you attempt to rationalize and lie to yourself, God WILL hold you fully accountable for your words and actions on judgment day (Matthew 12:37). 

I'm simply saying that there are two sides to every story, and then there's the TRUTH—and God will judge each divorced couple according to the TRUTH; and not according their own side of the story. It is clearly adultery for any married person to run off and marry another. If you are truly a victim of divorce (i.e., your spouse abandoned you), then God knows your situation and I believe you are free to remarry after a few years. However, the wife who departs from her husband is commanded not to remarry (1st Corinthians 7:10). To remarry is the sin of adultery (Matthew 5:32).

America is in the mess it's in today because of lukewarm preachers who no longer preach against sin! Carefully notice that 1st Corinthians 5:1 reads, “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you...” You see, sin had spread into the church, and was growing like a weed. Paul wasn't looking and searching for anyone's sins, he had simply heard about it. Sadly, divorce is reported commonly in America's churches today.

In closing, divorce is a sin and should never be considered an option in any marriage. The divorce rate in America is skyrocketing because of sinful pride. It is the same sinful pride that fuels abortion, murder, homosexuality, witchcraft, gambling, pornography, and every other sin imaginable. As believers, let us follow in the steps of our wonderful Savior, Who promised that He would NEVER leave us, nor forsake us in Hebrews 13:5.

“...Let not the wife depart from her husband... and let not the husband put away his wife.” —1st Corinthians 7:10,11