Marriage and Divorce.

Brother Branham starts this message by explaining there are two schools of thought. These are Legalism, and Calvinism and that both are wrong. Most churches are strong on the legal aspect, but it must be remembered that there is a grace aspect.

While seeking the Lord for this message in the hills above Tucson, the Pillar of Fire was seen going up and down above where he was praying. The school children were let out of school to watch this spectacle.

See The Acts of the Prophet - Chapter 13 - God is Light.

Download   Marriage and Divorce

What ends a marriage?.

David Shearer.

Firstly, we are not interested in what the laws of any country may say about these subjects, only what the Bible says.

There are two things that end a marriage in the eyes of God.

The first is obvious:
the death of a partner.

The second is divorce.

Matthew 5:31-32, (English King James Version),

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

From this we can see that divorce was happening, but there was “trivial” reasons for it (similar to what happens in our society today). It is because of these trivial reasons, that Jesus said she commits adultery, and the person marrying her commits adultery.

Matthew 19:7, and Mark 10:4 records a similar conversation, that Jesus had with the Pharisees, but not the exception.

Jesus only gives one reason for a divorce - fornication.

The word ‘fornication’ in many other Bible versions is interpreted as “sexual immorality”.

This has a broader meaning than just ‘fornication’ which mainly refers to sex among single people. It also includes adultery, bestiality, incest, and homosexuality.

Any of these things can end a marriage in God’s sight.

Definition of the Greek word - porneia

G4202 πορνεία porneia (por-nei'-ah).
1. prostitution (including adultery, incest, and porn)
2. (by extension) unwedded stimulation or fulfillment of sexual desire
3. (figuratively) idolatry

KJV: fornication
[Greek dictionary - Mickelson]

In the example of a man who commits adultery against his wife, she may decide to “forgive” him. They may be “reconciled”. In this case the marriage does not end.

She may decide to “leave” for a period, especially if there is violence in the relationship. However, she must remain single. 1 Corinthians 7:11. Violence itself, is not a (scriptural) reason for divorce.

Re-marriage.
Can a woman get married again?.

Writing of Divorcement.

In the Old Testament, the woman was given a writing of divorcement, Deuteronomy 24:1-2. which allowed her to get married again, and not be considered an immoral woman. However, she couldn’t marry her “Ex-husband” again. Deuteronomy 24:4.

A woman can marry again after divorce.
This was the reason a writing of divorcement was given.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:31-32