How does Luke 16:18 define the sanctity of marriage in today's society? Luke 16:18—Jesus’ Clear Standard “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Marriage as a Covenant, Not a Contract • Genesis 2:24—“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” • Matthew 19:4-6—Jesus reaffirms that what God joins, humanity must not separate. • Covenant language points to permanence, exclusivity, and divine witness. Why Jesus Calls Remarriage after Divorce “Adultery” • Divorce does not dissolve the one-flesh bond in God’s eyes; remarriage intrudes on that bond. • Malachi 2:16—God hates divorce because it “covers one’s garment with violence,” wounding the trust He designed. • Romans 7:2-3—Marriage binds “as long as he lives,” underscoring lifelong obligation. The Sanctity of Marriage in Today’s Culture • Upholds monogamy amid cultural pressures for serial relationships. • Counters no-fault divorce by declaring moral consequences. • Protects families by preserving stability for children (Ephesians 6:1-4). • Elevates marriage as a witness to Christ’s faithful love for the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Practical Commitments for Believers • Honor wedding vows publicly and privately; resist casual talk of separation. • Seek biblical counseling before contemplating divorce (Matthew 18:15-17, Galatians 6:1-2). • Guard hearts against adultery of mind and body (Matthew 5:27-28). • Model reconciliation, forgiveness, and lifelong devotion in community life. Grace for the Broken • 1 John 1:9—Confession brings cleansing for any past failure. • John 8:11—“Go and sin no more” offers restoration without minimizing sin. • The gospel empowers new obedience, enabling couples to rebuild on Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). A Call to Uphold and Celebrate Marriage • Hebrews 13:4—“Marriage should be honored by all.” • Churches champion sanctity by teaching, mentoring, and supporting marriages. • Faithful marriages become living testimonies that Christ’s word still stands, even in a shifting society. |
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