InstaStudy

A Study on Divorce: God's Covenant and Human Responsibility

An in-depth Bible study exploring the sacred institution of marriage, God's original design, and the teachings on divorce and remarriage from both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the permanence of the covenant and the call to faithfulness.

1. God's Original Design for Marriage

1.1 The Genesis Account of Creation and Union

Verses: Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:21-24
  • God created male and female in His image, for companionship and procreation.
  • Marriage is a divine institution where two become 'one flesh,' signifying an inseparable union.
  • This union reflects the very nature of the one God who is faithful and unchanging.

1.2 The Mosaic Law and the Certificate of Divorce

Verses: Deuteronomy 24:1-4
  • Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of human hearts, not as God's ideal.
  • This was a concession to regulate an existing practice, not an endorsement of divorce.
  • God's original intent for marriage was lifelong and unbreakable.

1.3 Prophetic Condemnation of Unjust Divorce

Verses: Malachi 2:14-16
  • God hates divorce, especially when it involves treachery against one's covenant partner.
  • Marriage is a sacred covenant made before God, requiring faithfulness.
  • Believers are called to guard their spirit and remain loyal to their spouse.

2. Jesus' Restoration of the Marriage Covenant

2.1 Jesus' Affirmation of Genesis

Verses: Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9
  • Jesus refers back to creation, emphasizing God's original design for marriage.
  • He declares that what God has joined together, no human should separate.
  • Marriage is intended by God to be a lifelong and indissoluble covenant.

2.2 The 'Except for Sexual Immorality' Clause

Verses: Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:7-9
  • Jesus clarifies Moses' allowance, stating that divorce, except for 'porneia' (unlawful sexual unions), leads to adultery.
  • This 'porneia' refers to unions that were never legitimate in God's eyes, such as incest or pre-marital unfaithfulness discovered after betrothal.
  • It does not provide a general allowance for divorce based on post-marital adultery, but rather addresses unions that violate divine law from the outset.

2.3 The Gravity of Remarriage After Unjust Divorce

Verses: Luke 16:18; Mark 10:11-12
  • Jesus teaches that remarriage after an unbiblical divorce is considered adultery.
  • He raises the standard back to God's original intent for the sanctity of the marriage bond.
  • The covenant of marriage is a profound reflection of God's own faithfulness.

3. Apostolic Guidance on Marriage and Separation

3.1 Paul's Counsel to Believers

Verses: 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
  • A wife should not separate from her husband, and a husband should not divorce his wife.
  • If separation occurs, the individual should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation.
  • The emphasis is on preserving the marriage covenant whenever possible.

3.2 The 'Unbelieving Spouse' Clause

Verses: 1 Corinthians 7:12-16
  • If an unbelieving spouse chooses to depart, the believing spouse is not under bondage.
  • The believer should not initiate divorce from an unbelieving spouse who is willing to stay.
  • God has called us to peace, and the departure of an unbeliever does not obligate the believer to remain bound.

3.3 Remaining in the State You Were Called

Verses: 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 7:20; 1 Corinthians 7:24
  • Believers are generally encouraged to remain in the marital state they were in when called by God.
  • God's calling is paramount, and one should seek to honor Him in their current circumstances.
  • This principle emphasizes contentment and faithfulness within one's existing marital status.

4. The Nature of God and the Permanence of Marriage

4.1 God's Oneness and Covenant Faithfulness

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Malachi 3:6
  • The Lord our God is one Lord, demonstrating His unchanging and unified nature.
  • God is faithful to His covenants, and marriage, as a covenant, reflects this divine attribute.
  • The permanence of marriage is rooted in the steadfastness of the one true God.

4.2 Christ as the Example of Unwavering Commitment

Verses: Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 13:8
  • Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, setting the ultimate example for husbands.
  • Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, embodying unchanging commitment.
  • His unwavering nature undergirds the sanctity and permanence of sacred vows.

4.3 The Call to Holiness and Reconciliation

Verses: Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18
  • Believers are called to pursue peace with all people and to live a life of holiness.
  • If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all, including in marital relationships.
  • God's desire is for reconciliation and restoration, reflecting His mercy and grace.