Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Prima Facie is Latin for "on its face" (at first appearance). Without substantial evidence, the case presented is considered true (shifting the burden of proof). Only the man was permitted to initiate a divorce in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 24:1). Only the woman was bound to the law of her husband (Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:39). Only the loosed man was given permission to marry (1 Corinthians 7:27). Only women were commanded to remain unmarried or reconcile when separated (1 Corinthians 7:11). Only the widow (not widower) asked permission to remarry (1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Timothy 5:9). Men and women had different roles in marriage. It was designed that way from our Creator. Man was not created for woman, but woman for man (1 Corinthians 11:9). Marriage was designed to be permanent ("till death do us part"). Jesus confirmed this when He said, "from the beginning [divorce] was not so" (Matthew 19:8). Moses gave man permission to put away a wife for uncleanness (Matthew 19:9). He did this because of the weakness of man's heart. Men abused this permission and put away their wife for just any reason (Matthew 19:3). Jesus corrected this application; however, believers are divorcing for irreconcilable differences. This book looks at contracts and covenants to get a better understanding what Jesus really meant about marriage, divorce, and remarriage in the Bible.