Download - Marriage Divorce Marriage

By Dan BillingslyBy Dan Billingsly 1104/19/2304/19/23

New Testament Doctrine New Testament Doctrine OnOnMarriage, Divorce, Marriage, Divorce, Marriage…Marriage…

• What did the Old Testament Law Of Moses What did the Old Testament Law Of Moses teach in the Old Testament age?teach in the Old Testament age?

• What does the New Testament of Christ What does the New Testament of Christ teach today?teach today?

04/19/2304/19/23 By Dan BillingslyBy Dan Billingsly 22

God’s Universal Law For God’s Universal Law For Marriage…Marriage…

• God’s original and universal law for God’s original and universal law for marriage was first revealed in Genesis 2.marriage was first revealed in Genesis 2.

• This non- covenant law has reigned over This non- covenant law has reigned over all men in all nations since Adam & Eve.all men in all nations since Adam & Eve.

• This law has been repeated in all This law has been repeated in all covenant laws revealed in the – covenant laws revealed in the – Patriarchal, Mosaical and New Covenant Patriarchal, Mosaical and New Covenant ages.ages.


God’s Original And Universal God’s Original And Universal Law For Marriage Had No Law For Marriage Had No Divorce Law…Divorce Law…• Contained no law for divorce in the Contained no law for divorce in the

Patriarchal age of Genesis 2.Patriarchal age of Genesis 2.

• First covenant law for divorce was given First covenant law for divorce was given by Moses to Israel in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.by Moses to Israel in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.

• This Old Testament Mosaical law for This Old Testament Mosaical law for divorce was not given to any other people. divorce was not given to any other people. It was for Old Testament It was for Old Testament Israel only!Israel only!


What did the Old Testament What did the Old Testament Law of Moses teach on Law of Moses teach on

divorce?divorce?Deuteronomy 24:1:Deuteronomy 24:1:

““When a man hath taken a wife, and When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some found some uncleannessuncleanness in her: then in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give give itit in her hand, and send her out in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2And when she is departed of his house. 2And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be out of his house, she may go and be another man’s another man’s wifewife.” .”


What was “uncleanness”?What was “uncleanness”?

• Strong’s definition:Strong’s definition:• H6172H6172• ערוהערוה• ‛‛ervahervah• er-vaw'er-vaw'• From H6168; From H6168; nuditynudity, literally (especially the , literally (especially the

pudenda: pudenda: external female sex organ, vulvaexternal female sex organ, vulva) or ) or figuratively (figuratively (disgracedisgrace, , blemishblemish): - nakedness, ): - nakedness, shame, shame, sexualsexual unclean (-ness). unclean (-ness).

• (Expanded definition from other language (Expanded definition from other language authorities.)authorities.)


•Matthew 19:9 “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

•“Uncleanness” – “fornication” – both words mean/include “sexual immorality.”

Moses And Christ Taught SameMoses And Christ Taught SameOld Testament Doctrine On Old Testament Doctrine On MDM…MDM…


What is “fornication”?What is “fornication”?• Strong’s definition:Strong’s definition:

• G4202G4202

• πορνειαπορνεια

• porneiaporneia

• por-ni'-ahpor-ni'-ah

• From G4203; From G4203; harlotryharlotry (including (including adulteryadultery and and incestincest); figuratively ); figuratively idolatry:idolatry: - - fornication.fornication.

• WebsterWebster: “any unlawful intercourse…”: “any unlawful intercourse…”


Difference between Difference between “fornication”“fornication”

and “adultery”…and “adultery”…• ““Fornication”Fornication” -- sexual intercourse -- sexual intercourse

between unmarried persons.between unmarried persons.

• Or…sexual intercourse between one Or…sexual intercourse between one unmarried person and one married.unmarried person and one married.

• Unmarried people commit Unmarried people commit “fornication.”“fornication.”

• Married people commit “adultery.”Married people commit “adultery.”


Difference between Difference between “fornication” “fornication”

and “adultery”…and “adultery”…• ““Adultery” is a sin against one’s own Adultery” is a sin against one’s own

marriage covenant/vows or spouse.marriage covenant/vows or spouse.• ““Adultery” – unlawful sexual Adultery” – unlawful sexual

intercourse by a married person with intercourse by a married person with another person –married or unmarried. another person –married or unmarried. When one sexually “adulterates” his When one sexually “adulterates” his own marriage covenant.own marriage covenant.

• ““Adultery” can only be committed by a Adultery” can only be committed by a married person.married person.


Why Matthew 19 Belongs To TheWhy Matthew 19 Belongs To TheOld Testament Law Of Moses…Old Testament Law Of Moses…

• Because Jesus – the Jewish Messiah -- was promised only to Because Jesus – the Jewish Messiah -- was promised only to Old Testament Israel (Isaiah 9:6).Old Testament Israel (Isaiah 9:6).

• Because Jesus was sent – in the flesh – to teach only the Old Because Jesus was sent – in the flesh – to teach only the Old Testament nation of Israel (Matt. 15:24).Testament nation of Israel (Matt. 15:24).

• Because Christ was “born under” the Old Testament law of Because Christ was “born under” the Old Testament law of

MosesMoses (Gal. 4:4).(Gal. 4:4).

• Because Christ lived his whole life (33 years) under the Old Because Christ lived his whole life (33 years) under the Old Testament law of Moses.Testament law of Moses.

• Because everything he taught was under and a part of the Because everything he taught was under and a part of the Old Testament law of Moses.Old Testament law of Moses.

• Because during his lifetime he “fulfilled” all of the Old Because during his lifetime he “fulfilled” all of the Old Testament law of Moses (Matt. 5:17-18; Luke 24:44-45).Testament law of Moses (Matt. 5:17-18; Luke 24:44-45).


Why Matthew 19 Belongs To TheWhy Matthew 19 Belongs To TheOld Testament Law Of Moses…Old Testament Law Of Moses…

• Because Jesus declared 14 times in MMLJ/BC that he was teaching Because Jesus declared 14 times in MMLJ/BC that he was teaching the Old Testament law of Moses – not the New Testament the Old Testament law of Moses – not the New Testament “gospel.”“gospel.”

• Because more than 100 times in MMLJ/BC Jesus declared that he Because more than 100 times in MMLJ/BC Jesus declared that he was teaching the Old Testament law of Moses.was teaching the Old Testament law of Moses.

• No once, in MMLJ/BC, while Jesus often “prophesied” of the coming No once, in MMLJ/BC, while Jesus often “prophesied” of the coming of the New Testament age, he declared he was teaching the Old of the New Testament age, he declared he was teaching the Old Testament law of Moses, henever stated that he was teaching Testament law of Moses, henever stated that he was teaching New Testament doctrine.New Testament doctrine.

• In MMLJ/BC, Jesus was an Old Testament “prophet” – and Old In MMLJ/BC, Jesus was an Old Testament “prophet” – and Old Testament “Israelite” – he was a member of the Old Testament Testament “Israelite” – he was a member of the Old Testament kingdom of Israel, for at that time, because the New Testament kingdom of Israel, for at that time, because the New Testament kingdom had not yet been established on earth, he was not a kingdom had not yet been established on earth, he was not a member of the New Covenant kingdom – or church of Christ.member of the New Covenant kingdom – or church of Christ.

• During the time of MMLJ/BC, Jesus was not a New Testament During the time of MMLJ/BC, Jesus was not a New Testament Christian,” he never used the word “Christian.” He was not a New Christian,” he never used the word “Christian.” He was not a New Testament “evangelist,” he never preached the New Testament Testament “evangelist,” he never preached the New Testament “gospel,” he never produced one Christian before the cross – for “gospel,” he never produced one Christian before the cross – for the New Testament age had not yet begun.the New Testament age had not yet begun.


Matthew 19:3-12 like 19:16-22 Matthew 19:3-12 like 19:16-22 is Old Testament teaching of is Old Testament teaching of

the law of Moses!the law of Moses!• Matthew 19:3 Matthew 19:3 “Is it lawful…”“Is it lawful…” according according

to the Old Testament law of Moses.to the Old Testament law of Moses.

• The question: “…for every cause taught The question: “…for every cause taught by the rabbis…”by the rabbis…”

• 19:17 “…keep the commandments…”19:17 “…keep the commandments…”

• Every word of Matthew 19 is speaking Every word of Matthew 19 is speaking about the Old Testament law of Moses!about the Old Testament law of Moses!


Christ’s New Testament law for Christ’s New Testament law for Marriage, Divorce, Marriage…Marriage, Divorce, Marriage…

• 1 Corinthians 7:27-28 – after the cross -- 1 Corinthians 7:27-28 – after the cross -- is simple and easy to understand…if it is is simple and easy to understand…if it is not first confused by his Old Testament not first confused by his Old Testament teaching – before the cross -- in Matthew teaching – before the cross -- in Matthew 19. And…19. And…

• If it is not complicated by our 15 false If it is not complicated by our 15 false brotherhood doctrinal “traditions” on brotherhood doctrinal “traditions” on MDM generated over the past 100 years.MDM generated over the past 100 years.


Moses And Christ Taught The Same Moses And Christ Taught The Same Old Testament Law or Doctrine On Old Testament Law or Doctrine On Marriage, Divorce And Marriage…Marriage, Divorce And Marriage…

• Moses’ original law on divorce and Moses’ original law on divorce and marriage in Deuteronomy 24:1-2.marriage in Deuteronomy 24:1-2.

• Rabbi’s false interpretations and Rabbi’s false interpretations and “traditions” corrupted Moses law between “traditions” corrupted Moses law between 580BC and time of Christ in 33AD.580BC and time of Christ in 33AD.

• Christ defends Moses’ original law on Christ defends Moses’ original law on divorce in Matthew 19 in answering the divorce in Matthew 19 in answering the Pharisee’s questions about divorce and Pharisee’s questions about divorce and marriage under the law of Moses.marriage under the law of Moses.


What Jesus declared about his What Jesus declared about his teaching in MMLJ/BC…teaching in MMLJ/BC…

• Jesus testified that his teaching in Jesus testified that his teaching in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – before the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – before the cross – was not his revelation of New cross – was not his revelation of New Testament doctrine…but the continued Testament doctrine…but the continued revelation of his Fathers’ Old Testament revelation of his Fathers’ Old Testament doctrine of the law of Moses. doctrine of the law of Moses.

• John 7:John 7:16 “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.”


Christ continued to teach that Christ continued to teach that MMLJ/BC is not New Testament MMLJ/BC is not New Testament doctrine…doctrine…• John 4:34 “My meat is to do the will of John 4:34 “My meat is to do the will of

him that sent me, and to finish his him that sent me, and to finish his work.”work.”

• John 6:38 John 6:38 38For “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

• John 17:4 “I have glorified thee on John 17:4 “I have glorified thee on earth: I have finished the work which earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”thou gavest me to do.”


Difference Between…Difference Between…Old Testament “limited” commission…Old Testament “limited” commission…New Testament “great” commission…New Testament “great” commission…

• O.T. “limited” commission given only to O.T. “limited” commission given only to O.T. Israel…”O.T. Israel…”

•Matthew 10:5 “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

• This command applied only to O.T. This command applied only to O.T. IsraelIsrael!!


Christ’s Old Testament Mission – Christ’s Old Testament Mission – Before The Cross In The Old Testament Before The Cross In The Old Testament Age Of MMLJ/BC -- To Only Old Age Of MMLJ/BC -- To Only Old Testament Israel…Testament Israel…• Matthew 15:24Matthew 15:24 “I am sent only to the lost sheep “I am sent only to the lost sheep

of the house of Israel”.of the house of Israel”.

• Christ came to “fulfill” (Matthew 5:17), “end” Christ came to “fulfill” (Matthew 5:17), “end” (Romans 10:4 and “abolish” the Old Testament (Romans 10:4 and “abolish” the Old Testament law of Moses; Ephesians 2:12-15).law of Moses; Ephesians 2:12-15).

• Christ “nailed” the Old Testament law of Moses Christ “nailed” the Old Testament law of Moses to his cross (Colossians 2:14). to his cross (Colossians 2:14). The Old The Old Testament law of Moses “ended” -- not Testament law of Moses “ended” -- not when Christ was born – but when he died when Christ was born – but when he died on the cross!on the cross!


When Did The Old Testament Age When Did The Old Testament Age And Law Of Moses End?And Law Of Moses End?

• Romans 7:4Romans 7:4 “ “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ…”

•Romans 10:4 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth…”

By Dan BillingslyBy Dan Billingsly 202004/19/2304/19/23

When Did The Old Testament When Did The Old Testament Age And Law Of Moses End?Age And Law Of Moses End?

•Law was “done away”- “abolished” by Law was “done away”- “abolished” by Christ – Christ – •2 Cor. 3:7, 13-14:2 Cor. 3:7, 13-14: “ “7But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious…for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away… 13And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.”



• No justification by the law of Moses No justification by the law of Moses today!today!

Galatians 2:16Galatians 2:16 “ “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”



• Any New Testament “Christian” today who Any New Testament “Christian” today who seeks to keep any part of the Old Testament seeks to keep any part of the Old Testament “law of Moses” “law of Moses” falls from New Testament falls from New Testament gracegrace..

Galatians 5:4Galatians 5:4 “ “3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”



• By or at the cross, Christ abolished all By or at the cross, Christ abolished all parts of the Old Testament law of Moses.parts of the Old Testament law of Moses.

• Ephesians 2:15Ephesians 2:15 “ “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace…”



• At Christ’s death, he “nailed” the Old At Christ’s death, he “nailed” the Old Testament law of Moses -- to the cross.Testament law of Moses -- to the cross.

Colossians 2:14Colossians 2:14 “ “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross…” When Christ died…the law died! Christ was the “end” of the law of Moses!



• New Covenant of Christ in Acts 2 through Revelation New Covenant of Christ in Acts 2 through Revelation 22 is a “better covenant”!22 is a “better covenant”!

Hebrews 8:6-8Hebrews 8:6-8 “ “6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah…”



• New Covenant could not be revealed or New Covenant could not be revealed or begin until after the death of Christ!begin until after the death of Christ!

Hebrews 9:16-17Hebrews 9:16-17 “ “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” More More proof that MMLJ/BC was not and is not proof that MMLJ/BC was not and is not New Testament doctrine!New Testament doctrine!



• At the cross Christ took away the old At the cross Christ took away the old covenant of the law of Moses, and at Acts 2 covenant of the law of Moses, and at Acts 2 he established the New Covenant with the he established the New Covenant with the church of Christ.church of Christ.

Hebrews 10:9-10Hebrews 10:9-10 “ “9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.


Matthew 19 “Ended” – When Matthew 19 “Ended” – When The O.T. Law Of Moses The O.T. Law Of Moses

“Ended”“Ended”• Christ’s teaching of the Old Christ’s teaching of the Old

Testament law of Moses for Testament law of Moses for marriage, divorce and marriage in marriage, divorce and marriage in Matthew 19 “ended” -- was Matthew 19 “ended” -- was “abolished” -- when Christ died on “abolished” -- when Christ died on the cross.the cross.

• Nothing could be clearer from the Nothing could be clearer from the teaching of the Scriptures! teaching of the Scriptures!


Matthew 19 has always been a Matthew 19 has always been a part of the Old Testament law part of the Old Testament law of Moses!of Moses!• Matthew 19, along with Christ’s teaching of Matthew 19, along with Christ’s teaching of

the Old Testament law of Moses in MMLJ/BC, the Old Testament law of Moses in MMLJ/BC, and all of the fifteen “traditional” doctrines and all of the fifteen “traditional” doctrines on marriage, divorce and marriage on marriage, divorce and marriage originating in Roman Catholicism, churches originating in Roman Catholicism, churches of Christ and other religious denominations -- of Christ and other religious denominations -- has never been a part of the New Testament!has never been a part of the New Testament!

• It is a sin to teach Matthew 19 and sectarian It is a sin to teach Matthew 19 and sectarian “traditions” as New Covenant doctrine! “traditions” as New Covenant doctrine!


What Does The New Testament What Does The New Testament Teach On Marriage, Divorce, Teach On Marriage, Divorce,

Marriage?Marriage?• There are only two verses of Scripture in There are only two verses of Scripture in

the New Testament that deal with MDM.the New Testament that deal with MDM.

1 Corinthians 7:27-281 Corinthians 7:27-28 “ “Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned.”


What Does The New Testament What Does The New Testament Teach On Marriage, Divorce, Teach On Marriage, Divorce,

Marriage?Marriage?• New Covenant law for marriage and New Covenant law for marriage and

divorce, like all other New doctrine -- divorce, like all other New doctrine -- applies only to New Testament Christians, it applies only to New Testament Christians, it does not apply to aliens/non-Christians.does not apply to aliens/non-Christians.

• 1 Corinthians 7:26 revealed the social 1 Corinthians 7:26 revealed the social upheaval that made all that leads to upheaval that made all that leads to marriage/divorce difficult.marriage/divorce difficult.

• 1 Corinthians 7:27-28 shows that once 1 Corinthians 7:27-28 shows that once divorce occurs (for what ever reason), there divorce occurs (for what ever reason), there is no sin by either party in the divorce. is no sin by either party in the divorce. Christ says: “…they (neither husband nor Christ says: “…they (neither husband nor wife) have not sinned…”wife) have not sinned…”


What Does The New Testament What Does The New Testament Teach On Marriage, Divorce, Teach On Marriage, Divorce, Marriage?Marriage?• Christians that are “loosed” or “divorced” Christians that are “loosed” or “divorced”

from their previous marriage -- without from their previous marriage -- without regard to the “reason” or “cause” -- are regard to the “reason” or “cause” -- are free to marry again…free to marry again…WITHOUT SIN!WITHOUT SIN!

• There is no “reason” or “cause” (such as There is no “reason” or “cause” (such as “fornication”) required for a divorce “fornication”) required for a divorce between Christians in this New Testament between Christians in this New Testament age.age.

• This means that second marriages are as This means that second marriages are as acceptable to God as first marriage. Second acceptable to God as first marriage. Second marriages are as sinless as first marriages!marriages are as sinless as first marriages!


Words And Doctrines Not Words And Doctrines Not Found In The New Testament…Found In The New Testament…Words And Doctrines Not Words And Doctrines Not Found In The New Testament…Found In The New Testament…

• There are more than 30 words and phrases There are more than 30 words and phrases used by “traditionalists” among churches of used by “traditionalists” among churches of Christ to define their teaching on marriage, Christ to define their teaching on marriage, divorce and marriage…divorce and marriage… but these wordsbut these words ARE NOT FOUND IN THE NEW TESTAMENT!ARE NOT FOUND IN THE NEW TESTAMENT!

• ““Living in adultery, adulterous marriages, Living in adultery, adulterous marriages, innocent party, guilty party,” etc.,innocent party, guilty party,” etc., are are words not found in the New Testament…words not found in the New Testament…therefore these words and phrases cannot therefore these words and phrases cannot possibly be the basis for New Testament possibly be the basis for New Testament doctrine! doctrine!


Our Biggest Doctrinal Our Biggest Doctrinal Mistake…Mistake…• Following the Roman Catholic heresy of the middle Following the Roman Catholic heresy of the middle

ages and Protestant error, many churches of Christ ages and Protestant error, many churches of Christ have adopted the same false doctrine that one must have adopted the same false doctrine that one must have “fornication” as the only reason for divorce. have “fornication” as the only reason for divorce.

• This doctrine was wrong then and it is wrong now!This doctrine was wrong then and it is wrong now!• While Christ seeks to keep Christian marriages While Christ seeks to keep Christian marriages

together, in a failed marriage, he requires no together, in a failed marriage, he requires no specific “cause” or “reason” for divorce in a failed specific “cause” or “reason” for divorce in a failed marriage.marriage.

• Churches of Christ must follow the teaching of the Churches of Christ must follow the teaching of the New Testament in Acts 2 through Revelation 22 – New Testament in Acts 2 through Revelation 22 – not the false teaching erroneous practice of not the false teaching erroneous practice of sectarian churches. sectarian churches. This is and continues to be -- This is and continues to be -- wrong, wrong, wrong! wrong, wrong, wrong!


Christ’s New Testament Christ’s New Testament Conclusion:Conclusion:• Christ encourages husbands and wives to Christ encourages husbands and wives to

remain married and bless the family and remain married and bless the family and society (Ephesians 5:20-33; Hebrews 13:4).society (Ephesians 5:20-33; Hebrews 13:4).

• New Testament teaching on MDM applies only New Testament teaching on MDM applies only to “Christians” in the Lord’s new covenant to “Christians” in the Lord’s new covenant “church” – it does not apply to alien sinners “church” – it does not apply to alien sinners (non-Christians).(non-Christians).

• Christ does not prohibit divorce or force failed Christ does not prohibit divorce or force failed marriages to remain intact.marriages to remain intact.

• New Testament does not require a necessary New Testament does not require a necessary “cause” for divorce.“cause” for divorce.

• Christ knows that not all marriages will Christ knows that not all marriages will succeed and provides forgiveness in all succeed and provides forgiveness in all divorces.divorces.


Christ’s New Testament Christ’s New Testament Conclusion:Conclusion:

• Again, when divorce occurs among Again, when divorce occurs among Christians – for what ever reason, Christ Christians – for what ever reason, Christ and the apostle Paul teach that the then and the apostle Paul teach that the then divorced -- but unmarried Christians divorced -- but unmarried Christians may marry again without sin (1 may marry again without sin (1 Corinthians 7:26-28).Corinthians 7:26-28).

• Thus, second marriages are as sinless Thus, second marriages are as sinless and acceptable to God as first and acceptable to God as first marriages.marriages.

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