Topical Encyclopedia In the teachings of Jesus Christ, divorce is addressed with a clear emphasis on the sanctity and permanence of marriage. The Gospels record Christ's teachings on this subject, highlighting the divine intention for marriage and the limited grounds upon which divorce is permissible.Biblical Foundation The foundational text for understanding Christ's teaching on divorce is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 19:3-9 , the Pharisees approach Jesus with a question about the legality of divorce: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?" Jesus responds by referring to the creation narrative, emphasizing that marriage is a divine institution: "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Jesus further clarifies the conditions under which divorce is permissible, stating in Matthew 19:9 , "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." This passage underscores that the only exception to the prohibition of divorce is "sexual immorality," often understood as adultery. Contextual Understanding The context of Jesus' teaching is crucial for understanding its implications. In the first-century Jewish context, divorce was relatively common and could be initiated by a husband for various reasons. Jesus' teaching challenges this practice by reaffirming the original intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant. By restricting the grounds for divorce to cases of sexual immorality, Jesus elevates the standard of marital fidelity and underscores the seriousness of the marriage bond. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Christ's teaching on divorce reflects the covenantal nature of marriage. Marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred covenant that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:31-32 echoes this sentiment: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." The allowance for divorce in the case of adultery acknowledges the severe breach of trust and covenant that sexual immorality represents. However, even in such cases, the emphasis remains on reconciliation and forgiveness, reflecting the redemptive nature of Christ's ministry. Pastoral Considerations In pastoral care, the teachings of Christ on divorce call for a compassionate and discerning approach. While upholding the sanctity of marriage, pastors and church leaders are called to support individuals and couples in navigating the complexities of marital relationships. The church is tasked with providing guidance, counseling, and support to those affected by marital breakdown, always pointing towards healing and restoration. Conclusion Christ's teaching on divorce, as recorded in the Gospels, presents a high view of marriage as a divine institution intended to be lifelong and exclusive. By allowing divorce only in cases of adultery, Jesus underscores the seriousness of the marriage covenant and calls His followers to a standard of fidelity and commitment that reflects the love and faithfulness of God Himself. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:32But I say to you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:9 Library On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ... Whether the New Law Fulfils the Old? The Sermon on the Mount. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel V. ... Index of Subjects. The Domestic Relation. The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Formula Concordi??. Post-Nicene Mothers Resources Is remarriage after divorce always adultery? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say that abandonment is a valid reason for divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about remarriage if a divorce occurred before salvation? | GotQuestions.org Divorce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divorce of Captives, Regulated by Law Divorce of Servants, Regulated by Law Divorce: Disobedience of the Wife to the Husband, a Sufficient Cause For, in the Persian Empire Divorce: Forbidden by Christ Except for Adultery Divorce: Forced on Those Who had Idolatrous Wives Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Illustrative of God's Casting off of the Jewish Church Divorce: Jews Condemned for Love of Divorce: Law of Marriage Against Divorce: Not Allowed to Those Who Falsely Accused Their Wives Divorce: Often Sought by the Jews Divorce: Permitted by the Mosaic Law Divorce: Permitted: On Account of Hardness of Heart Divorce: Priests not to Marry Women After Divorce: Prohibition of, offended the Jews Divorce: Sought on Slight Grounds Divorce: Women: Could Marry After Divorce: Women: Married After, Could not Return to First Husband Divorce: Women: Responsible for Vows After Related Terms Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
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