The Bible is a marvelous book that reveals to us God's will in all things "pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). The "gospel of the grace of God" and "the kingdom of God" is all the "counsel of God" (Acts 20:24-27). The gospel message is a message that will ultimately make our lives happy. Contained in this message is God's will pertaining to our homes and our marriages. Obedience is always blessed (Deuteronomy 10:13), but sin brings hardship and never privileges (Proverbs 13:15).
In the society in which we live, marriage problems are a reality. However, God's will on marriage, as revealed in the New Testament, is as applicable now as it was during the first century. We've all been touched, in one way or another, by the sorrow associated with marriage problems, divorce, and remarriage. As this problem increases in society, it also grows as a problem among God's people. We must, however, be firm to "speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent." (Cf. 1 Peter 4:11)
God's marriage rule is simple--one man, for one woman, for life. In Genesis 2:24, God said, "therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Cf. Matthew 19:5,6; Ephesians 5:31). Notice, it says a man, and his wife (singular). This simple rule demands that, in marriage, there be one man for one woman (Cf. Hebrews 13:4). This original rule of God excludes all immorality. This "one flesh" relationship between a man and his wife forbids fornication, adultery, polygamy, concubines, homosexuality, and bestiality. These things would desecrate the union, and Jesus gave them as grounds for one who is innocent to put away (divorce) another who is guilty (Matthew 19:9). One who is guilty of any of these sins could in no way profit from his sin by desecrating one relationship and forming another. Therefore, the put-away fornicator is excluded from marrying another.
Man has not always followed God's pattern for the marriage relationship.
- In Genesis 4:19, we read of the first case of bigamy.
- Later, in Genesis 12:10-20, we read of one who offered his wife to another.
- Further on, in Genesis 16:1-3, a man had a child by a household maid.
- In Genesis 25:1-6, we read of men taking concubines.
- Moses even made a concession regulating Jewish men who were divorcing their wives (Deuteronomy 24:1-4).
However, as Jesus explained God's original marriage law, he said, "but from the beginning it hath not been so." That's plain enough! Jesus ended the Mosaic concession and commanded: "what God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:6) The only exception given is "fornication." Jesus allowed the innocent mate to put away a guilty companion and "marry another." In every case except this one, Jesus said the one who marries another commits adultery.
We are now being told that 1 Corinthians 7:20-24 teaches that those involved in polygamous marriages may keep their wives (plural). Note the following:
"There is absolutely no evidence that those who practiced polygamy had to divorce all but their first wife before they could become Christians."
"If polygamy is marriage in Scripture, it seems that God would not want a polygamous marriage to break up any more than He would a marriage that is monogamous. Therefore, it seems that when we preach the gospel to members of a society that still practices polygamy, before we teach them that, in order to become Christians, they must end their polygamous marriages, we need to be certain that this is God's will. We are certain of one thing, and that is that God wants monogamy. However, it is also certain that God condoned polygamy as a marriage relationship. If God changed his mind about this, he never revealed it to us." (MARRIAGE & DIVORCE by John L. Edwards, p.83)
Paul taught the Corinthians not to seek to change the outward conditions or circumstances of life that God had given to them. The principle of remaining in one's lawful marital status permeates the entire chapter.
- Concerning the unmarried and widows, Paul said "it is good for them if they remain even as I." (vs. 8)
- Concerning the married, Paul said "let not the wife depart... and let not the husband send away his wife." They were to remain married (vs. 10-11).
- Concerning mixed marriages, the believer was not to initiate a separation (vs. 12-13).
- Concerning virgins, "It is good for a man to remain as he is." (vs. 25-26)
- Concerning widows, "she is happier if she remains as she is." (vs. 40)
Paul illustrated this principle with circumcision (vs. 18-19) and slavery (vs. 21-23). Whether, then it is one's marital status, or nationality, or social status, Paul urged them to remain in the lawful situation wherein they were at the time they were called to Christ. Applying the principle of "remaining" to those who are involved in adulterous or polygamous marriages is major abuse of the text. Paul was only considering situations, all of which were not sinful, "assigned" by God (vs. 17 NASV). Paul did not suggest remaining in any sinful relationship, whether it is adulterous, incestuous, homosexual, or polygamous.
Let us respect God's simple rule--one man, for one woman, for life. Certainly, when we submit to God's rule, we prepare for happiness in this life, and we will share in the ultimate blessing of eternal life.