Marriage And Divorce

"Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?" (1)

"Among the Jews a man was permitted to put away his wife for the most trivial offenses, and the woman was then at liberty to marry again. This practice led to great wretchedness and sin. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared plainly that there could be no dissolution of the marriage tie, except for unfaithfulness to the marriage vow. 'I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.' (2)...

"Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty. In both the Old and the New Testament the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people, the redeemed ones whom He has purchased at the cost of Calvary. 'Do not fear,' He says; 'for your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.' (3) 'Return,, O backsliding children,' says the Lord; 'for I am married to you.' (4)

"The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this [marriage] institution what God designed it should be - an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent the family of heaven...

"For those who have found bitterness and disappointment where they had hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a solace. The patience and gentleness which His Spirit can impart will sweeten the bitter lot. The heart in which Christ dwells will be so filled, so satisfied, with His love that it will not be consumed with longing to attract sympathy and attention to itself. And through the surrender of the soul to God, His wisdom can accomplish what human wisdom fails to do. Through the revelation of His grace, hearts that were once indifferent or estranged may be united in bonds that are firmer and more enduring than those of earth - the golden bonds of a love that will bear the test of trial." (5)

1. Matthew 19:3, see also Matthew 5:31, 32; 19:3-10.
2. Matthew 5:32.
3. Isaiah 54:4, 5.
4. Jeremiah 3:14.
5. Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, pp., 63-65.