Preaching On Marriage

by Micky Galloway

The Bible is a marvelous book that reveals God’s will to us in all things “pertaining to life and godliness” (II 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 the will of God pertaining to our homes and our marriages. Obedience is always blessed (Deuteronomy 10:13), but sin brings hardship and never privileges. “Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard” (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 in first century times. Without doubt all of us have been touched by the sorrow of marriage problems, divorce, and remarriage in one way or another. As this problem increases in society it will grow as a problem among God’s people. We must however, be content to “speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent” (cf. I Peter 4:11).

God’s rule for marriage 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.” This is repeated several times in the New Testament. This rule requires one man for one woman. Notice “a man” and “his wife.” This original rule of God excludes all immorality. This “one flesh” relationship between “a man” and “his wife” would forbid fornication, adultery, polygamy, concubines, homosexuality, and bestiality. These things would desecrate the union and Jesus says this is grounds for one who is innocent to put away the guilty (Matthew 19:9). One who is guilty 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 ideal 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 offering his wife to another. Further, in Genesis 16:1-3 one had a child by a household maid. In Genesis 25:1-6 we read of man taking concubines. Moses even made a concession regulating Jews who were divorcing their wives (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). However, as Jesus explains God’s original marriage law he said, “but from the beginning it hath not been so.” Jesus ended the Mosaic concession and commanded that “what God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6). The only exception that Jesus gave is “for fornication.” Jesus allows one who is innocent to put away their guilty companion and “marry another.” In every other case except this one case Jesus said if one marries another it is adultery.

We are now being told that I Corinthians 7:20-24 teaches that those involved with polygamous marriages may keep their multiple wives. 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 to break a polygamist marriage any more than he would want to break up a monogamist marriage. Therefore, it seems that when we preach the gospel to a society who still practice polygamy, before we demand that they break up their polygamist marriages, before they become Christians, let’s make sure 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, page 83).

Paul tells them not to seek a change in their outward conditions or circumstances of life that God has given to them. Concerning the unmarried and widows, Paul said “it is good for them if they remain even as I” (verse 8). Concerning the married, Paul said “let not the wife depart …and let not the husband send away his wife.” They are to remain married (verses 10-11). Concerning mixed marriages, the believer is not to initiate a separation (verses 12-13). Concerning virgins, “It is good for a man to remain as he is” (verses 25-26). Concerning widows, “she is happier if she remains as she is” (verse 40). Paul illustrates this principle with circumcision (verses 18-19) and slavery (verses 21-23). Whether then it be one’s marital status, or nationality, or social status, Paul urges them to remain in that situation they were in when they were called to Christ. To apply this principle of “remaining” to those who are involved in an adulterous or polygamous marriage is major abuse of the text. Paul is only considering situations that God “assigns” (verse 17 - NASV) to each, all of which are not sinful conditions. Paul is not suggesting one may remain in any sinful relationship, whether it be adulterous, incestuous, homosexual, or polygamous.

Let us have respect for God’s simple rule. One man for one woman for life. Certainly, when we submit to God’s rule for our lives we are preparing for happiness in this life and we can share in the ultimate blessing of eternal life.