1. 2 Corinthians 11:1-5 We Can Understand Christ’s Marriage Law

2. Emailer: “I’ve been wrestling lately with this question: I’m wondering why the bible is so unclear on topics that are supposed to be so important (ie Divorce – I know the exception clause, but OK to remarry? Have a church position post-divorce; Duration of Hell – is punishment eternal leading to annihilation or is it eternal punishment?; Baptism – essential to salvation? Pick a topic – the list goes on).” “Is the Bible Unclear? A Guide for the Perplexed” Roger E. Olson 2

3. Can We Understand the Doctrine of Christ? 3 MDR? Baptism? … Yes! Read to understand, Ephesians 3:3-4; 5:17 Be diligent to use accurately, 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:16-18 Scriptures equip us, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Fellowship with God at stake, 2 John 9

4. Confusion Does Not Mean Understanding Is Impossible 4 Baptism: “Probably no issue has contributed to more confusion, contention, and divisions in Christendom than baptism…To remedy this confusion, it is necessary to examine what the Scriptures teach about baptism.” Don Samdahl www.doctrine.org/baptism

5. Confusion Does Not Mean Understanding Is Impossible 5 MDR: “There is no way that anyone can be honest and true to the scriptures and sustain a position that the subject of marriage, divorce and remarriage is just as simple as the subject of baptism.” -Ben Puterbaugh Black Diamond WA Feb. 23, 1997

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7. WHAT? B APTISM MDR 7 Burial, Romans 6:4 Water, Acts 8:36 Into Christ… Into His death… With Christ into death (to sin), Romans 6:3-4 Put on Christ, Galatians 3:27 Saves, 1 Peter 3:21 Marriage: Joined by God for life, Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4 Do not sunder Honor purity Divorce: God hates Send away, Matthew 19:3; 1 Cor. 7:10-11 Remarriage: One cause, Matthew 19:9

8. WHO? (Subjects) B APTISM MDR 8 All nations, Matt. 28: 19; Mk. 16:15-16 Hear Believe Repent Confess faith Be baptized Acts 2:37-38; 8:36-37; 18:8; 22:16 All humans, Matthew 19:4-5; Hebrews 13:4 Who can marry? Never married Widow / Widower, 1 Cor. 7:27-28 Put away your mate for cause of fornication, Matthew 19:9

9. WHY? B APTISM MDR 9 To be saved, Mk. 16:16 Remission of sins, Acts 2:38 Wash away sins, calling on His name, Acts 22:16 Saves us, 1 Peter 3:21 Marriage Obligation for life, Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39 Divorce End the marriage, Matthew 5:31-32 Remarriage Cause of fornication, Matthew 19:9 -W/o cause it is adultery

10. HOW? B APTISM MDR 10 Definition: Immerse, plunge, submerge Much water, Jno. 3:23 Into and out of water, Acts 8:38 Buried with Christ in baptism, Col. 2:12 Marriage: Joined by God, Matthew 19:6 Divorce: Ruled over by God and loosed by God, Matt. 19:6; Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:27, 39 Remarriage: Applications Married, 1 Cor. 7:10-11 Specific class of married, 1 Cor. 12-15 (27)

11. WHEN? B APTISM MDR 11 After hearing and believing, Acts 2:37; Romans 10:9-10 After repenting, Acts 2:38; 22:16 After confessing faith, Acts 8:36-37 Marriage Ready for lifelong vow and free to marry Divorce Do not sunder; One exception, Matt. 19:9 Remarriage Unbound before God, Matt. 19:9; 1 Cor. 7:27

12. Can We Understand the Doctrine of Christ? 12 We do not need a creed to determine soundness; Bible does that, 2 Timothy 1:13; Galatians 1:6-9 Devote ourselves to careful Bible study, and carefully follow it, 2 Timothy 3:10 Uphold purity of marriage in practice and in teaching