A Hard Subject and a Kind Saviour
Divorce touches nearly every family in some way. Some who read this are fighting to save a marriage. Some were left. Some did the leaving and wish they could undo it. Some are grown children who still feel their parents' divorce. Each of them deserves a straight answer and a gentle voice, and Jesus gives both.
Here is where we stand. God designed marriage to last for life. He hates what divorce does. Christians are to stay married, and we should pursue reconciliation wherever biblically appropriate and safely possible. Scripture also names cases in which a marriage bond is broken and the faithful spouse is free. And divorce is not the unpardonable sin. The blood of Christ reaches every sin there, on every side.
You are not a second-class Christian, and you are not reading this to be scolded. Keep reading to the end. If you are in danger at home, stop here and read Hurting Homes first.
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For Deeper Study
- The Divorce Dilemma: God's Last Word on Lasting CommitmentAmazon John MacArthurA brief, clear statement of the two-grounds view. MacArthur is Reformed in his view of election, where we differ.
- Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Critical Questions and AnswersAmazon Jim NewheiserPlain answers to the questions pastors and couples actually ask, from a biblical counselor. Reformed.
- Divorce and Remarriage: Four Christian ViewsAmazon H. Wayne House, ed.Four evangelical authors, including J. Carl Laney, set out their views and answer one another.
- Remarriage after Divorce in Today's Church: Three ViewsAmazon Mark L. Strauss, ed.Three scholars debate remarriage, for readers who want the exegetical details. Evangelical.
- What the Bible Says about Divorce and RemarriageAmazon Wayne GrudemA short case for wider grounds, including abuse. We hold to two grounds, and it is worth reading for its care for the vulnerable.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
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God's Design for Marriage
Marriage is God's own design: a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, made before Him, that joins two people as one flesh and pictures Christ and His church.
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