The adulterous Israel as we see throughout scripture,
was and will be forgiven (see:
did God divorce Israel?). How then can
any man who claims to be a disciple of Christ be any
less than this divine principle of forgiveness, mercy, reconciliation
and taking back an wayward spouse. These are Divine characteristics and
the Divine example, so how can man do any less?
As one would expect, the words of Paul support these principles for he
exhorts against even separating from an unbelieving partner. However, if
separation does occur Paul writes:
"If she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her
husband: and let not the husband put away his wife" (I Corinthians
7:11).
Whilst separation is of course a different matter
than divorce, non-the-less separation is the only possible outcome.
However, separation is only intended to be a temporary
answer to difficulties in relationships, because Paul commands a move towards reconciliation, even with unbelieving partners.
There is no sanction for any separation to continue and certainly no
support for a formal divorce to take place. Jesus as we have already seen
states quite specifically, that divorce and then a subsequent sexual relationship with
another partner is adultery (Matthew 5:32).
Finally, looking at the context of the passages where the
word "porneia" is used, may be helpful in establishing a context for its
usage. Now, for example, in the passage below "porneia” is translated as
'fornication':
"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications (porneia), thefts, false witness, blasphemies” Matthew
15:19 NKJV (sexual immorality NIV whoredoms YLT)
And
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts,
adulteries, fornications (porneia), murders, thefts, covetousness,
wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride,
foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Mark 7:21-22 NKJV (sexual immorality NIV whoredoms YLT most use
fornication)
The first thing we note is that both words ‘porneia’ (fornication) and
‘moicheia’ (adulteries) are used together. It is thus clear from these
quotes that porneia does not mean adultery, because it would make the
inclusion of the word pointless and redundant. Scripture is always concise and so
its inclusion is obviously signifying something quite different from
adultery.
It is clear that there are many things that will
exclude any man or woman from the Kingdom of God unless such sins are
forsaken. God is merciful and willing to forgive sin.
However, that forgiveness and mercy is dependant upon sincere
repentance.
Most people would accept the principle that if a
murderer continues killing, or a thief continued stealing it would be
clear that they had not repented of doing wrong. It would be clearly
seen that actions spoke louder than words. There was no real remorse and their actions
clearly demonstrated a repeated intent to commit crimes.
Why then is
divorce and remarriage to another any different? It has been seen from
scripture that any such liaison is defined as adultery. If the
adulterous relationship continues, then there is clearly no real remorse
and the adultery continues.
Can God then be expected to forgive
continued sin?
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