• From the beginning, God made marriage to be permanent (Gen. 2:24)− “Leave” = no return envisioned = permanent− “Cleave” = no “un-cleaving” envisioned = permanent− “One flesh” = no division envisioned = permanent

• In the first century, Jesus affirmed marriage to be permanent (Matt. 19:3-6)− He taught man was not to end marriage “for any cause”− He taught man was “no longer” to be single upon marriage− He taught man was not to “separate what God joined”

• In His Divine will, God designed marriage to last until death− Marriage is a lifelong commitment and relationship− Marriage is for “as long as [the spouse] lives” (Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39)

• Divorce is an expected part of marriage today− More than 50% of marriages end in divorce− Growing numbers of marrying couples sign a prenuptial agreement− All 50 states offer some version of no-fault divorce

• Divorce was never included or intended in God’s plan for marriage− “What God has joined together” = not to be disjoined (Matt. 19:6)− “Let not man separate” = not to be divided (Matt. 19:6)− “As long as [the spouse] lives” = not to end before death (Rom. 7:2)− “A wife is not to depart from her husband” (1 Cor. 7:10)− “A husband is not to divorce His wife” (1 Cor. 7:11)− “God hates divorce” (Mal. 2:16)

• Divorce is not regulated by civil or “church law” but by God’s law− Just because civil law (or “church law”) joins two people together does

not mean God joins them together (Mark 6:17-18)− Just because civil law (or “church law”) disjoins two people does not

mean that God disjoins them (Matt. 19:3)

• God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward− One is bound to his/her spouse as long as the spouse lives

(Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39)− “Whoever divorces and marries another continually commits

adultery” (Mark 10:11-12)− One who “marries another” while his/her spouse lives is an

“adulterer” (Rom. 7:3)− By definition, “adultery” in these passages indicates still being

bound to first marriage in God’s eyes− If one’s spouse “does depart,” then “remain unmarried or be

reconciled” (1 Cor. 7:10-11)

• God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward• God’s exception to His rule for marriage is singular

− Divorce & remarriage is not acceptable to God for every cause− God has not given man carte blanche to end/begin marriages − God has given only one exception to His general rule (Mt. 19:9)

• It allows one party in a marriage to divorce & remarry (if desired)• If one’s spouse is guilty of fornication, God permits the innocent spouse

to divorce his/her spouse and marry another without entering an adulterous union

− There is not any other acceptable cause of divorce and remarriage for anyone

− Divorce & remarriage for any other cause than fornication creates an adulterous union

• God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward• God’s exception to His rule for marriage is singular• God’s marriage laws are strict

− The disciples recognized it (Matt. 19:10)− We must recognize it (and accept it)!− God’s design is for:

• One man + One woman One life (with one exception) − There are only three persons who have a right to get married:

• One who has never married (1 Cor. 7:28)• One who is a widow/widower (1 Cor. 7:39)• One who is an innocent party of a spouse who has been unfaithful

(Matt. 19:9)

• Believe that Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31• Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 3:19• Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10• Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27

− God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 22:16− God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47− God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23

• Be faithful to Christ unto death – Revelation 2:10