Due to the problems that often arise and the false teachings on the subject of divorce, I offer this brief article for what it may be worth. I realize that many denominational preachers are "soft" on this subject, and I have learned "indirectly" that some few gospel preachers are | prone to "butter-up" I and to labor to justify I an unscriptural marriage in some cases.

Some Bible Truths on This Subject

1. In God's sight there are only two things that can break a marriage tie: First, the sin of fornication (Matt. 19:9); Secondly, when death comes to a companion (Rom. 7:1-3).

2. A man who puts away a wife for some other cause than fornication (and marries another) finds himself in adultery (Matt. 19:9; Mark 10:11).

3. If a man dies in adultery (Christians included), he will spend eternity in hell (Gal. 5: 19-21).

4. A person who marries one that is put away finds himself in adultery (Matt. 5:3132; 19:9)

5. The man that is put away should not marry. If he does, he is in adultery and the one who marries him is also adulterous (Matt. 5:32; 19:9).

6. The way of a transgressor is hard (Prov. 13:15; Prov. 14:2). Even though it may seem right to "a man," sometimes it may become necessary to live alone (sexually) the rest of one's life in order to be free of adultery (Mark 10:9-10: I Cor. 7-11).

7. There is a difference between "putting away" and being "put away." There is also a difference between putting away "for the cause" of fornication and putting away "for some other cause" (Matt. 19: 3-9).

8. If a party innocent of fornication puts away a companion who is guilty of fornication, the innocent party may marry again. He would not be in adultery. But the marriageable person must steer clear of the one guilty of fornication because the one who marries her or him is in adultery (Matt. 19:9). Language could not be plainer, and only "the blind" and leader of "the blind" would fail to see that. For the past 18 or 20 years of preaching, I have never performed a marriage where there was a "living mate," but have turned down thirty-five (35) such cases. Brethren, let us stand together on the scriptures and never allow friendship with the world (or blood relations) to cause us to "officiate" at an unscriptural marriage and bring about the displeasure of almighty God (Gal. 1:10: John 12 42).

Truth Magazine VII: 5, pp. 9, 24
February 1963