Teaching of Jesus on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Some have argued of Jesus’s teachings on

Some have argued of Jesus’s teachings on

MDR, He was merely…

MDR, He was merely…

“A Jew teaching Jews how to

“A Jew teaching Jews how to

be good Jews.”

be good Jews.”

3

3

“One Covenant”

“One Covenant”

Theories

Theories

Summary

Summary

1.

1.

From Adam to Christ a consistent universal

From Adam to Christ a consistent universal

moral law has been in place (Rom. 5:12-14).

moral law has been in place (Rom. 5:12-14).

a.

a.

Some speak of this as an oral revelation, while

Some speak of this as an oral revelation, while

others speak of it as “instinctual” (Rom. 2:14-

others speak of it as “instinctual” (Rom. 2:14-

15).

15).

b. Some believe this extends to the present in the

b. Some believe this extends to the present in the

moral principles taught in the Gospel.

moral principles taught in the Gospel.

Summary

Summary

2.

2.

Mosaic Law prohibited divorce except for

Mosaic Law prohibited divorce except for

fornication (Deut. 24:1-4).

fornication (Deut. 24:1-4).

a.

a.

Advocates equate “some uncleanness” with

Advocates equate “some uncleanness” with

adultery, arguing that all divorce under Mosaic

adultery, arguing that all divorce under Mosaic

Law was sin.

Law was sin.

Summary

Summary

3.

3.

Although there were unique “ceremonial

Although there were unique “ceremonial

laws,” the moral teachings were the same

laws,” the moral teachings were the same

as the universal moral law in place from the

as the universal moral law in place from the

beginning.

beginning.

Summary

Summary

4.

4.

In the Gospels, Jesus is commenting on the Jews’

In the Gospels, Jesus is commenting on the Jews’

faulty interpretation of Mosaic Law (Matt. 19:1-9).

faulty interpretation of Mosaic Law (Matt. 19:1-9).

a.

a.

He was not laying down new law, but reinforcing Mosaic

He was not laying down new law, but reinforcing Mosaic

Law, which they argue conformed to universal moral law.

Law, which they argue conformed to universal moral law.

b.

b.

“Hardness of your hearts” referred to unwillingness to

“Hardness of your hearts” referred to unwillingness to

forgive a woman who committed adultery, not hardness

forgive a woman who committed adultery, not hardness

toward God or towards marriage in general (Deut. 22:13-

toward God or towards marriage in general (Deut. 22:13-

19).

19).

Summary

Summary

5.

5.

Properly, the fullness of gospel teaching on MDR is

Properly, the fullness of gospel teaching on MDR is

found in 1 Corinthians 7.

found in 1 Corinthians 7.

a.

a.

It is not new, but rather reinforces universal moral law

It is not new, but rather reinforces universal moral law

(which has been in place from the beginning).

(which has been in place from the beginning).

b.

b.

Advocates argue that, while it is always sin to divorce (1

Advocates argue that, while it is always sin to divorce (1

Cor. 7:10-11), Paul’s teaching that, “It is better to marry

Cor. 7:10-11), Paul’s teaching that, “It is better to marry

than to burn” (1 Cor. 7:9), allows marriage under any

than to burn” (1 Cor. 7:9), allows marriage under any

circumstances.

circumstances.

Summary

Summary

5.

5.

Properly, the fullness of gospel teaching on MDR is

Properly, the fullness of gospel teaching on MDR is

found in 1 Corinthians 7.

found in 1 Corinthians 7.

c.

c.

Paul’s teaching “Let each one remain in the calling in

Paul’s teaching “Let each one remain in the calling in

which he was called” (1 Cor. 7:20), allows one to stay in

which he was called” (1 Cor. 7:20), allows one to stay in

any marriage regardless of the circumstances.

any marriage regardless of the circumstances.

Summary

Summary

6.

6.

Since Paul taught that forbidding marriage is

Since Paul taught that forbidding marriage is

among “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1-3), and

among “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1-3), and

Mosaic Law considered reconciliation to a first

Mosaic Law considered reconciliation to a first

husband an “abomination before the LORD” (Deut.

husband an “abomination before the LORD” (Deut.

24:4), those of us who teach that one unscripturally

24:4), those of us who teach that one unscripturally

divorced must be reconciled to a first mate, and is

divorced must be reconciled to a first mate, and is

not free to remarry are actually teaching a doctrine

not free to remarry are actually teaching a doctrine

of demons which is an abomination before God.

of demons which is an abomination before God.

“One Covenant Doctrine”

“One Covenant Doctrine”

Not the same as “Covenant Theology”

Not the same as “Covenant Theology”

A denominational theology embraced in

A denominational theology embraced in

Reformed Protestant circles

Reformed Protestant circles

In contrast to dispensationalism

In contrast to dispensationalism

A. Universal Moral Law

A. Universal Moral Law

There has always been Divine law (Rom. 5:12-14)

There has always been Divine law (Rom. 5:12-14)

“Sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Rom.

“Sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Rom.

5:13)—“where there is no law there is no

5:13)—“where there is no law there is no

transgression” (Rom. 4:15)

transgression” (Rom. 4:15)

What was the nature of this law?

What was the nature of this law?

4

4

Answers

Answers

A. Universal Moral Law

A. Universal Moral Law

Moral consciousness (Gen. 3:22)

Moral consciousness (Gen. 3:22)

Not instinct—“O LORD, I know the way of man is

Not instinct—“O LORD, I know the way of man is

not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct

not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct

his own steps” (Jer. 10:23)

his own steps” (Jer. 10:23)

A. Universal Moral Law

A. Universal Moral Law

Accountability before God (Rom. 1:18-32)

Accountability before God (Rom. 1:18-32)

God has “shown (

God has “shown (

phaneroō

phaneroō

)”—“to make manifest

)”—“to make manifest

or visible or known what has been hidden or

or visible or known what has been hidden or

unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or

unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or

deeds, or in any other way” (Thayer)—to the world

deeds, or in any other way” (Thayer)—to the world

what may be known of God (Rom. 1:19)

what may be known of God (Rom. 1:19)

A. Universal Moral Law

A. Universal Moral Law

 “His eternal power and Godhead” from the

 “His eternal power and Godhead” from the

“things that are made” (Rom. 1:20)

“things that are made” (Rom. 1:20)

But also—“knew God” (Rom. 1:21), yet “changed

But also—“knew God” (Rom. 1:21), yet “changed

the glory of the incorruptible God into an image

the glory of the incorruptible God into an image

made like corruptible man—and birds and four-

made like corruptible man—and birds and four-

footed animals and creeping things” (Rom. 1:23)

footed animals and creeping things” (Rom. 1:23)

A. Universal Moral Law

A. Universal Moral Law

 “Exchanged the truth of God for the lie” (Rom. 1:25).

 “Exchanged the truth of God for the lie” (Rom. 1:25).

Jesus said, “your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Jesus said, “your word is truth” (John 17:17).

They chose not, “to retain God in their knowledge”

They chose not, “to retain God in their knowledge”

(Rom. 1:28).

(Rom. 1:28).

Knowing “the righteous judgment of God, that those

Knowing “the righteous judgment of God, that those

who practice such things are deserving of death”

who practice such things are deserving of death”

(Rom. 1:32)

(Rom. 1:32)

A. Universal Moral Law

A. Universal Moral Law

 Clearly, God spoke to those in the past about His will,

 Clearly, God spoke to those in the past about His will,

yet mankind chose to reject this knowledge.

yet mankind chose to reject this knowledge.

God “at various times and in various ways spoke in

God “at various times and in various ways spoke in

time past to the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1).

time past to the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1).

B. Marriage Law

B. Marriage Law

Some principles seem common through all periods, but

Some principles seem common through all periods, but

“moral” concepts pertaining to MDR (and other things)

“moral” concepts pertaining to MDR (and other things)

have clearly changed during different periods.

have clearly changed during different periods.

This side of the cross, all morality is determined by the

This side of the cross, all morality is determined by the

teaching of Christ (John 12:47-48).

teaching of Christ (John 12:47-48).

There is no separate moral law to which the world is

There is no separate moral law to which the world is

accountable prior to baptism.

accountable prior to baptism.

B. Marriage Law

B. Marriage Law

If divorce was always sinful, God commanded sin.

If divorce was always sinful, God commanded sin.

Abraham (Gen. 21:10-13; Gal. 4:30)

Abraham (Gen. 21:10-13; Gal. 4:30)

Mosaic Law (Exod. 21:11; Matt. 19:9; Deut. 24:1)

Mosaic Law (Exod. 21:11; Matt. 19:9; Deut. 24:1)

Ezra (9-10; Deut. 7:3-4; 1 Cor. 7:12-15)

Ezra (9-10; Deut. 7:3-4; 1 Cor. 7:12-15)

B. Marriage Law

B. Marriage Law

Specific marriage Laws “from the beginning” have

Specific marriage Laws “from the beginning” have

not been revealed

not been revealed

Premarital sex “disgraceful thing” which “ought

Premarital sex “disgraceful thing” which “ought

not to be done” (Gen. 34:7)—Adultery “sin against

not to be done” (Gen. 34:7)—Adultery “sin against

God” (Gen. 39:9), but polygamy and concubinage

God” (Gen. 39:9), but polygamy and concubinage

are not spoken of in the same way.

are not spoken of in the same way.

B. Marriage Law

B. Marriage Law

Jesus’s teaching restores the original design

Jesus’s teaching restores the original design

intended at creation (Matt. 19:8).

intended at creation (Matt. 19:8).

Mosaic Law—gave controlled provisions for MDR

Mosaic Law—gave controlled provisions for MDR

and polygamy, to curb abuses and protect women.

and polygamy, to curb abuses and protect women.

To equate all laws in all periods ignores details and

To equate all laws in all periods ignores details and

differences revealed about these periods.

differences revealed about these periods.

B. Marriage Law

B. Marriage Law

“What God has joined together, let not man

“What God has joined together, let not man

separate” (Matt. 19:6b; Mark 10:9).

separate” (Matt. 19:6b; Mark 10:9).

In  lawful marriage, God acts as “witness” to the

In  lawful marriage, God acts as “witness” to the

“covenant” (Mal. 2:14) made between a man and a

“covenant” (Mal. 2:14) made between a man and a

woman in order to “make them one” (Mal. 2:15).

woman in order to “make them one” (Mal. 2:15).

God does not 

God does not 

join 

join 

or 

or 

make one

make one

 unlawful marriage.

 unlawful marriage.

B. Marriage Law

B. Marriage Law

If God has not “joined” people, it is not “forbidding

If God has not “joined” people, it is not “forbidding

marriage” to urge the end of unlawful marriage.

marriage” to urge the end of unlawful marriage.

Ezra—“make confession…do His will; separate

Ezra—“make confession…do His will; separate

yourselves from…the pagan wives” (Ezra 10:11)

yourselves from…the pagan wives” (Ezra 10:11)

John the Baptist—“It is not lawful for you to have

John the Baptist—“It is not lawful for you to have

her” (Matt. 14:4)

her” (Matt. 14:4)

C. New Law

C. New Law

Jesus was to be a “lawgiver” (Gen. 49:10).

Jesus was to be a “lawgiver” (Gen. 49:10).

The New Covenant would proclaim “laws” written

The New Covenant would proclaim “laws” written

on the heart  (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10).

on the heart  (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10).

Mosaic Law, not merely the debt of sin, ended at

Mosaic Law, not merely the debt of sin, ended at

the cross (Col. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:7-8; Rom. 10:4).

the cross (Col. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:7-8; Rom. 10:4).

C. New Law

C. New Law

Israel was commanded to “hear” the promised

Israel was commanded to “hear” the promised

messianic Prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:15).

messianic Prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:15).

Jesus’s teaching—“But I say to you” (Matt. 5:22, 28,

Jesus’s teaching—“But I say to you” (Matt. 5:22, 28,

32, 34, 44, et. al.)—asserted distinct authority.

32, 34, 44, et. al.)—asserted distinct authority.

He was teaching “the kingdom”—“And Jesus went

He was teaching “the kingdom”—“And Jesus went

about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,

about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,

preaching the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23

preaching the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23

).

).

C. New Law

C. New Law

Error of Judaizing teachers was teaching disciples to

Error of Judaizing teachers was teaching disciples to

“keep the Law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).

“keep the Law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).

If there is only one law why would this be wrong?

If there is only one law why would this be wrong?

If there was no new Law, Christ could not be High

If there was no new Law, Christ could not be High

Priest (Heb. 7:12).

Priest (Heb. 7:12).

Clearly, Jesus brought a new standard of law to which

Clearly, Jesus brought a new standard of law to which

all are now accountable (1 Cor. 9:21).

all are now accountable (1 Cor. 9:21).

C. New Law

C. New Law

“Moral” vs. “ceremonial law”—artificial distinction

“Moral” vs. “ceremonial law”—artificial distinction

God expects obedience to all aspects of His word

God expects obedience to all aspects of His word

whatever the time or terms required.

whatever the time or terms required.

“Man lives by every word that proceeds from the

“Man lives by every word that proceeds from the

mouth of the LORD” (Deut. 8:3; cf. Matt. 4:4).

mouth of the LORD” (Deut. 8:3; cf. Matt. 4:4).

“Every commandment which I command you today

“Every commandment which I command you today

you must be careful to observe” (Deut. 8:1a).

you must be careful to observe” (Deut. 8:1a).

C. New Law

C. New Law

Mosaic and Patriarchal Law didn’t teach baptism and

Mosaic and Patriarchal Law didn’t teach baptism and

the Lord’s Supper nor were its terms regarding MDR

the Lord’s Supper nor were its terms regarding MDR

the same as the Law of Christ.

the same as the Law of Christ.

Doesn’t make God a “respecter of persons”

Doesn’t make God a “respecter of persons”

God, “at various times and in various ways spoke in

God, “at various times and in various ways spoke in

time past to the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1).

time past to the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1).

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

Odd argumentation—1 Corinthians 7 → Christians;

Odd argumentation—1 Corinthians 7 → Christians;

Jesus → Jews (on Mosaic Law)

Jesus → Jews (on Mosaic Law)

If Patriarchal Law = Mosaic Law = the Law of Christ on

If Patriarchal Law = Mosaic Law = the Law of Christ on

MDR wouldn’t they all apply equally to any audience?

MDR wouldn’t they all apply equally to any audience?

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7 is irreconcilable with Mosaic Law

1 Corinthians 7 is irreconcilable with Mosaic Law

Unqualified encouragement to post-divorce

Unqualified encouragement to post-divorce

reconciliation (1 Cor. 7:11; cf. Deut. 24:1-4).

reconciliation (1 Cor. 7:11; cf. Deut. 24:1-4).

Marriage to unbeliever (1 Cor. 7:12-15; cf. Deut. 7:3-4).

Marriage to unbeliever (1 Cor. 7:12-15; cf. Deut. 7:3-4).

A life-long bond to a husband (1 Cor. 7:39; cf. Deut.

A life-long bond to a husband (1 Cor. 7:39; cf. Deut.

24:1-4; Rom. 7:1-3).

24:1-4; Rom. 7:1-3).

These are not the same law!

These are not the same law!

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

Paul’s teachings were Christ’s teachings.

Paul’s teachings were Christ’s teachings.

“…The things which I write to you are the

“…The things which I write to you are the

commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37b)

commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37b)

Holy Spirit to apostles (John 16:12-15).

Holy Spirit to apostles (John 16:12-15).

“Apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) = “doctrine of Christ”

“Apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) = “doctrine of Christ”

(2 John 9), but not Mosaic Law (Acts 13:39; John 1:17)

(2 John 9), but not Mosaic Law (Acts 13:39; John 1:17)

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

Fuller explanation of Jesus’s teaching while on earth and

Fuller explanation of Jesus’s teaching while on earth and

inspired revelation of the Law of Christ on MDR

inspired revelation of the Law of Christ on MDR

“Not I, but the Lord” section (1 Cor. 7:10-11)—

“Not I, but the Lord” section (1 Cor. 7:10-11)—

ramifications of teaching in Gospels for the married.

ramifications of teaching in Gospels for the married.

“I, not the Lord” section (1 Cor. 7:12-40)—issues not

“I, not the Lord” section (1 Cor. 7:12-40)—issues not

addressed by Jesus while on earth—marriage to

addressed by Jesus while on earth—marriage to

unbelievers (7:12-24), marriage during times of “distress”

unbelievers (7:12-24), marriage during times of “distress”

(7:25-38), and widows (7:39-40).

(7:25-38), and widows (7:39-40).

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

“It is better to marry than to burn” (7:9)

“It is better to marry than to burn” (7:9)

“Let each one remain in the calling in

“Let each one remain in the calling in

which he was called” (7:20)

which he was called” (7:20)

Do these allow one to remain in (or seek) marriage

Do these allow one to remain in (or seek) marriage

regardless of their prior marital conditions?

regardless of their prior marital conditions?

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

“It is better to marry than to burn” (7:9)

“It is better to marry than to burn” (7:9)

In Paul’s discussion of sexual responsibilities within

In Paul’s discussion of sexual responsibilities within

marriage (7:1-5), but his personal wish his readers

marriage (7:1-5), but his personal wish his readers

could abstain from marriage as he did (7:6-8)

could abstain from marriage as he did (7:6-8)

Similar point in 7:36-37 concerning virgins

Similar point in 7:36-37 concerning virgins

Not saying any marriage is better than burning with

Not saying any marriage is better than burning with

passion—he’s discussing those free to marry.

passion—he’s discussing those free to marry.

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

“Let each one remain in the calling in

“Let each one remain in the calling in

which he was called” (7:20)

which he was called” (7:20)

The one married to an unbeliever, “let him not divorce

The one married to an unbeliever, “let him not divorce

her” (7:12)—“let her not divorce him” (7:13)

her” (7:12)—“let her not divorce him” (7:13)

Compares conditions unfavorable but not sinful—

Compares conditions unfavorable but not sinful—

circumcised or uncircumcised (7:18-19) slave or free (7:21-

circumcised or uncircumcised (7:18-19) slave or free (7:21-

23)—not unlawful marriages

23)—not unlawful marriages

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

D. Force of 1 Corinthians 7

If this doctrine is correct, how could we oppose

If this doctrine is correct, how could we oppose

homosexual marriage?

homosexual marriage?

We would have to look outside of 1 Corinthians 7.

We would have to look outside of 1 Corinthians 7.

If other Scriptures must define what marriages are

If other Scriptures must define what marriages are

lawful and unlawful, how can we not recognize

lawful and unlawful, how can we not recognize

Jesus’s teaching in the Gospels as also defining

Jesus’s teaching in the Gospels as also defining

what marriages are lawful and unlawful?

what marriages are lawful and unlawful?