How does Romans 7:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on marriage in Matthew 19? The Covenant Framework in Romans 7:3 “So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress, even if she marries another man.” • Marriage is presented as a binding legal and spiritual covenant—operative “while her husband is still alive.” • Death alone dissolves the covenant; only then is remarriage morally legitimate. • Paul employs this truth as an analogy for release from the Mosaic Law, yet the moral statement about marriage stands on its own, rooted in God’s unchanging order. Jesus’ Voice on Marriage in Matthew 19:3-9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (v. 6) “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (v. 9) • Jesus anchors marriage in Genesis 2:24—one flesh, lifelong, God-ordained. • Human certificates of divorce cannot nullify what God joined; apart from porneia, remarriage equals adultery. • He confronts the Pharisees’ laxity by restoring the original creation design. Shared Ground between Romans 7 and Matthew 19 1. Lifelong Bond – Both passages assume marriage endures as long as both spouses live. – Violation of that bond while a spouse lives is labeled “adultery.” 2. Divine Origin – Matthew 19: “God has joined.” – Romans 7 alludes to “the law” of God that defines and protects marriage. 3. Release Only through Death (or exceptional moral breach) – Romans 7:3: death ends the covenant. – Matthew 19:9: sexual immorality may fracture it, but God never intended casual dissolution. 4. Moral Clarity – Adultery is not merely cultural wrongdoing; it is rebellion against God’s covenant order, whether stated by Jesus or by Paul. Complementary Purposes • Jesus restores the heart of God’s design, rebutting misuse of Deuteronomy 24. • Paul uses that same design to illustrate our transfer from the jurisdiction of Law to the risen Christ (Romans 7:4), reinforcing its continued moral authority. • Together they present a seamless biblical ethic: covenant loyalty in marriage mirrors covenant loyalty to Christ. Supporting Scripture Chain • Genesis 2:24 – foundational “one flesh” union. • Malachi 2:14-16 – God hates divorce; covenant faithlessness is treachery. • 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 – the Lord commands: a wife is not to leave her husband; if she does, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled. • Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage must be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled.” Living It Out • Honor the lifelong covenant—view marriage vows as God-witnessed promises, not mere social contracts. • Uphold marital faithfulness as a testimony to Christ’s own unfailing covenant love. • Offer compassionate restoration to those who have failed, yet never dilute the standard Scripture sets. |
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