Marriage, Divorce, & Remarriage #3 In previous lessons we’ve considered: “Irreconcilable Differences” “Alien Sinners” “Other Causes” “Mental Divorce” And in this lesson:

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” First, what is it?First, what is it? “Mental Divorce” is a relatively new concept, or at least a new name for an old one. If I understand it, the idea is that a “mental divorce” may take place later for the scriptural reason after an earlier unscriptural civil divorce has already taken place. In which case, the one who then “mentally puts away” for adultery their mate who previously put them away civilly (for whatever reason), can scripturally marry another mate.

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” Second, let’s review the principles involved:Second, let’s review the principles involved: “Marriage” is and was from the beginning One man and one woman joined by God for life, Matt.19:3-5. Divorce for “any cause” is forbidden, Matt.19:3,9. Divorce may only be “for immorality” Matt.19:9. In this case only, the innocent party may marry another mate without committing adultery, Matt.19:9; Matt.5:32. These laws of marriage apply to everyone, Matt.19:9. There are no “other” scriptural reasons for divorce and remarriage given.

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” Thirdly, let’s introduce some new thoughts for consideration:Thirdly, let’s introduce some new thoughts for consideration: Remember that when God has “bound together” man should not separate, Matt.19:6 > 1Cor.7:10. Also understand that man can and does “separate” despite God’s binding, 1Cor.7:11. But though man may divorce his mate civilly, this does not release him from God’s spiritual binding. Why not? You can be “married” (legally) to one person and “bound” spiritually to another! Mk. 6:17-18 & Rom.7:2-3 (see also Mt.5:32 in this connection)

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” What does all this mean relative to “Mental Divorce”?What does all this mean relative to “Mental Divorce”? What’s the only scriptural reason for divorce? “Sexual immorality.” Divorce for any other reason is sinful. Matt.19:9 Therefore, a civil divorce for unscriptural reasons does not dissolve the spiritual binding God has placed upon the union. Thus, the only options are to be reconciled or remain unmarried, 1Cor.7:11. This does not make the civil divorce right, it just prevents additional sin, Mt.5:32.

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” Time for some conclusions:Time for some conclusions: It’s wrong (sinful) to divorce for any reason other than “sexual immorality”. This includes civil divorce for whatever reason while we “wait” for our mate to commit adultery! Jesus said the adultery came before the “putting away” in Matt.19:9, not after! The “waiting game” seems to be exactly what Jesus had in mind in Matt.5:32 when He said, “makes her commit adultery”. cf.1Cor.7:1ff I cannot see any biblical justification for the practice of “Mental Divorce”.

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” Additionally, think about this:Additionally, think about this: This doctrine seeks to make a distinction between physical and mental aspects of divorce. Questions: Can such be done unless the same distinctions exist in the forming of the marriage? So then... Is marriage formed by just a mental act (or mental commitment)? Or is it formed by just the physical act of becoming “one flesh”? Does sexual union make marriage? Surely not!

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” So if we understand that marriage involves both a mental agreement to be married as well as a physical commitment to one another in marriage,So if we understand that marriage involves both a mental agreement to be married as well as a physical commitment to one another in marriage, Then how can we say that it can be dissolved by the separate removal of these constituent elements one at a time? I cannot. “Mental Divorce” seems to be a loophole allowance to “fix” what otherwise can’t be biblically fixed the way we want it.

MDR #3- “Mental Divorce” “But what about the ‘Pauline Privilege” of 1Cor.7:15?”“But what about the ‘Pauline Privilege” of 1Cor.7:15?” We will deal with that passage in our next lesson.