Matthew 5

Intransient · Not So Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2006 Posts: 5

I wasn't sure where to put this, but please feel free to move it if you need to. I'm not trying to step on toes here.

I found this verse and I'd like to know the meaning behind Matthew 5: 31-32.
My version offers an "out" to the adultery clause by stating "unless the marriage is unlawful"....does anyone know what constitutes an "unlawful" marriage? Are they speaking about the laws of men or the laws of God?
Is there somewhere else in the Bible I could look for clarification on lawful and unlawful marriages?

Thanks for your help.

lone-traveler · Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 6:58 pm Post subject:

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fornication
in every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law ( Lev 21:9; 19:29; Deu 22:20,21,23-29; 23:18; Exd 22:16). ( See ADULTERY T0000109.)

But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols ( Isa 1:2; Jer 2:20; Eze 16; Hsa 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer 3:8,9).

Peace
Lone
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RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 6901 Location: USA

First off, the whole issue of divorce is widely debated, most 'by the letter' believers take those scriptures for exactly what they say.

Christ however, gave us a different view of the law. It is my opinion that scriptures concerning divorce are very cultural in their origination, but spiritually applicable in our day and time.

Does divorce and remarriage make you an adulteror? Why did you get divorced? Was he unloving? unfaithful? abusive? How does that qualify as a lawful marriage?

Marriage between a man and a woman is compared to Christ and His bride (the Church). Man is supposed to be to his wife as Christ was and is to the church; loving, faithful, supportive, responsive, patient, kind, etc. etc, etc.

If your husband cheated on you, he violated his oath as your husband, if he beat you (physically or emotionally) he violated his oath as your husband. In my mind such violation constitutes an unlawful marriage.

Ephesians 5:22-33 AMP Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord. (23) For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body. (24) As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. (25) Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (26) So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, (27) That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. (28) Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. (29) For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, (30) Because we are members (parts) of His body. (31) For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. [Gen. 2:24.] (32) This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church. (33) However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. [I Pet. 3:2.]
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Zathrus · Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:03 am Post subject: Re: Matthew 5

Evee · Moderator Joined: 13 Sep 2005 Posts: 642

That's an interesting take on it, RevJP. A lot of people say that divorce is only ok in the case of adultery. That every other kind of reason for divorce is a sin & therefore, you are committing adultery by remarrying.
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Don't get caught in the trap of thinking you know everything God has to say b/c you've read the Bible. Remember, God is STILL speaking. And surprisingly, through people we DON'T expect.

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 6901 Location: USA

You're right Evee, a lot of people do say that. A lot of people also ignore what Jesus told us about adultery, and murder, etc.

Does a man who looks upon another woman with lust in his heart committ adultery? Jesus says he does. So just how literal - how strict to the letter are we supposed to view the idea of marriage and divorce, scripturally?
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Thunderone · Tadpole Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 24

If you want to take it literally, Read the verse again.
It says nothing about a women divorcing a man, but a man divorcing a woman.

Jesus only addressed a man divrocing his wife, and the only acceptable reason was if the woman committed adultery and if another marries her commits adultery.

But Paul addresses the issue of marriage.
According to the scriptures, If a man or a woman divorces for any reason other than adultery. They are to not remarry or have sexual relations with another. It is sin to do otherwise.

Society today has it acceptable to divorce and remarry, live together, or just date and have sex.

Jesus said Moses gave a certificate of Divorce because of the nature of man, but it was not always so.
God created marriage, and Jesus clarified the rules by which a man and a women are to marry and the one rule allowed by God for divorce.
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Thunderone
Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4

zadok17 · Show Poodle Joined: 14 Oct 2006 Posts: 253

Luvnlife · Lion King Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 1200 Location: US

zadok17 wrote:

atoz · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: Matthew 5