SEMESTER 5
274 – Biblical Permission for Divorce
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY V LESSON # 74
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE #3)
BIBLICAL PERMISSION FOR DIVORCE
Read: Mat. 5:27-32
and 19:1-12
INTRODUCTION:
1. I have previously dealt, first, with the definition of Bible terms relevant to the subject.
2. And secondly, with the why for divorce (both the act and the legal allowance).
3. In this lesson, I want to address the subject of biblical permission for divorce.
4. We have established that God (through Moses) suffered them to do it.
5. We have established that it was not approval, but “suffering.” (From the beginning not so.)
I. THIS IS PERMISSION NOT APPROVAL
1. We conceded that God suffered them to put away, and commanded men to give a writing of divorcement.
2. This was different from the traditional concept of the Pharisees. (Mat. 19:3 and 7)
3. It was their choice to put away. (Deut. 24:1) She found “no favor” in his eyes.
4. Remember, Christ said He suffered them, to put away. (Mat. 19:8)
5. So today, where natural fornication exists, they are permitted to forgive and continue.
6. It seems to become the option of the offended party. (Mat. 5:32)
II. PERMISSION IS BECAUSE OF FORNICATION NOT MERELY ADULTERY
1. This fornication includes any sexual gratification of inordinate or unclean nature.
2. In our day, I would divide them into two categories.
i. That which responds to natural temptation.
ii. That which is perversion. (Rom. 1:25-28)
3. I would say the first is infinitely, more likely to be repented of:
i. Because they have not “left the natural use of the woman.”
ii. Because the second is the result of reprobation. (Rom. 1:26-28)
III. WHY IS ADULTERY NOT INCLUDED UNDER THIS PERMISSION
1. Because adultery may only include inordinate affections toward another.
III:The woman who said, “I wish I had met someone like you, before I met my husband.”
2. Adultery can be committed by simply “Making a pass.”
3. Adultery can be committed by looking to lust, or tempting another to look. (Mat. 5:28)
III:By: “It makes me feel good to know that other women’s husbands want me.”
4. All of these sins come short of the physical defilement of fornication.
IV. DOES THIS PERMISSION ALSO PERMIT REMARRIAGE
1. Perhaps the most controversial question is, “Do Matthew 5:32, and Matthew 19:9 cover remarriage?”
2. Many feel they cover divorce, but not remarriage. The problems with this theory are as follow:
i. The sin of adultery is not committed in the divorce, but in the re-marriage. (Mat. 5:32)
ii. The forcing of the woman to commit adultery in forcing her into cohabitation with another.
iii. The exception of Matthew 19:9, covers all that is involved in the sin, i.e., both.
3. Let us diligently seek God’s Word so as not to make it say more or less.