First of all, any view of divorce, it is important to remember the Bible’s words in Malachi 2: 16a: “For I hate divorce, saith the LORD God of Israel.” According to the Bible, God’s will for marriage is a life-long commitment. “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what has been united to God, must not be divorced “(Matthew 19: 6).
According to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, divorce was not biblical but if his wife insists on it, he could consider it as an option. “Christians should not have a divorce, it shouldn’t be, but you see, that doesn’t mean a Christian may not take the step. They may do it, but that doesn’t make it right,” Pastor Chris said.
However, God realizes that because of marriage involving two sinful people, divorce will occur.
In the Old Testament, God set some laws to protect the rights of divorced people, especially women (Deuteronomy 24: 1-4). Jesus emphasized that these laws were given because of the firmness of the human heart, not by the plan of God (Matthew 19: 8).
The controversy over whether divorce and marriage were again permitted by the Bible refers to the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:32 and 19: 9. The phrase “except for adultery,” is the only reason in Scripture where God gives permission for divorce and marriage again.
Many Bible interpreters who understand this “exception clause” refer only to “adultery” that occurred during the “engagement.” In Jewish traditions, men and women are considered to be married even though they are still “engaged.” This mistreatment in the “engagement” the only reason for someone to divorce.
However, the Greek translates as “adultery” may refer to various forms of fornication. This word can mean adultery, prostitution and sexual malpractice.
Jesus may mean saying that divorce is permissible in the case of adultery. Sexual relations are an integral part of the bonding of bondage, “both into one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19: 5; Ephesians 5:31). Therefore, breaking the bond by sex outside marriage can be the reason for divorce.
If so, in this verse, Jesus also highlighted the re-wedding. The phrase “marrying another woman” (Matthew 19: 9) indicates that divorce and marriage are again permitted within the framework of the “exclusion clause”, however it is interpreted.
It is important to note that only innocent couples are allowed to remarry. Although not mentioned in the verse, permission to remarry after divorce is the mercy of God to the innocent couple, not to the adulterous couple.
There may be instances where the “guilty party” is allowed to remarry, but the concept is not addressed in this verse.
Some people understand 1 Corinthians 7:15 as other “exception clauses”, where marriage is again allowed if the unbelieving couple divorces the believer. However, the context of this verse does not refer to marriage again and simply says that believers are not bound to marry if the unbelieving couple will be divorced.
Other opinions claim that arbitrary treatment, against spouses or against children, is a legitimate reason for divorce, even though the Bible does not include that.
Although this makes sense logically, it is not proper to guess the Word of God.
Sometimes, the thing that is forgotten in the debate about this “exception clause” is about the fact that any kind of malpractice in marriage, it is merely a permit to divorce; not necessarily for divorce.
Even when adultery, because of God’s grace, the betrayed couples can forgive and rebuild their marriage. God has forgiven many of our sins first. We can certainly follow His example and forgive the sin of adultery (Ephesians 4:32).
However, in many cases, the guilty couple does not repent and continues to live in fornication. This is where the possibility of Matthew 19: 9 can be applied.
However, many are too soon to marry back after a divorce, though God may require them to remain single. Sometimes, God sets someone apart so their attention will not be divided (1 Corinthians 7: 32-35).
Married back after a divorce may be an option under certain circumstances, but not necessarily the only option.
It is sad that the level of divorce among those who claim to be Christians is almost as high as those who do not believe. The Bible is very clear that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), so forgiveness and reconciliation should be a sign of the believer’s life (Luke 11: 4; Ephesians 4:32).
God knows that divorce can occur, even among His children. Believers who divorce and marry again should not feel less loved by God.
Even if divorce and remarriage are not covered by the definition of “exclusion clause” in Matthew 19: 9.Allah often uses Christian disobedience to accomplish the good.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome said there was a difference between being a preacher and Man of God and he is not a preacher but a man of God.