2. From the beginning, God made marriage to be permanent (Gen. 2:24) From the beginning, God made marriage to be permanent (Gen. 2:24) −“Leave” = no return envisioned = permanent −“Cleave” = no “un-cleaving” envisioned = permanent −“One flesh” = no division envisioned = permanent In the first century, Jesus affirmed marriage to be permanent (Matt. 19:3-6) In the first century, Jesus affirmed marriage to be permanent (Matt. 19:3-6) −He taught man was not to end marriage “for any cause” −He taught man was “no longer” to be single upon marriage −He taught man was not to “separate what God joined” In His Divine will, God designed marriage to last until death In His Divine will, God designed marriage to last until death −Marriage is a lifelong commitment and relationship −Marriage is for “as long as [the spouse] lives” (Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39)

3. Divorce is an expected part of marriage today Divorce is an expected part of marriage today −More than 50% of marriages end in divorce −Growing numbers of marrying couples sign a prenuptial agreement −All 50 states offer some version of no-fault divorce Divorce was never included or intended in God’s plan for marriage Divorce was never included or intended in God’s plan for marriage −“What God has joined together” = not to be disjoined (Matt. 19:6) −“Let not man separate” = not to be divided (Matt. 19:6) −“As long as [the spouse] lives” = not to end before death (Rom. 7:2) −“A wife is not to depart from her husband” (1 Cor. 7:10) −“A husband is not to divorce His wife” (1 Cor. 7:11) −“God hates divorce” (Mal. 2:16) Divorce is not regulated by civil or “church law” but by God’s law Divorce is not regulated by civil or “church law” but by God’s law −Just because civil law (or “church law”) joins two people together does not mean God joins them together (Mark 6:17-18) −Just because civil law (or “church law”) disjoins two people does not mean that God disjoins them (Matt. 19:3)

4. God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward −One is bound to his/her spouse as long as the spouse lives (Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39) −“Whoever divorces and marries another continually commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12) −One who “marries another” while his/her spouse lives is an “adulterer” (Rom. 7:3) −By definition, “adultery” in these passages indicates still being bound to first marriage in God’s eyes −If one’s spouse “does depart,” then “remain unmarried or be reconciled” (1 Cor. 7:10-11)

5. God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward God’s exception to His rule for marriage is singular God’s exception to His rule for marriage is singular −Divorce & remarriage is not acceptable to God for every cause −God has not given man carte blanche to end/begin marriages −God has given only one exception to His general rule (Mt. 19:9) It allows one party in a marriage to divorce & remarry (if desired) It allows one party in a marriage to divorce & remarry (if desired) If one’s spouse is guilty of fornication, God permits the innocent spouse to divorce his/her spouse and marry another without entering an adulterous union If one’s spouse is guilty of fornication, God permits the innocent spouse to divorce his/her spouse and marry another without entering an adulterous union −There is not any other acceptable cause of divorce and remarriage for anyone −Divorce & remarriage for any other cause than fornication creates an adulterous union

6. God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward God’s general rule for marriage is straightforward God’s exception to His rule for marriage is singular God’s exception to His rule for marriage is singular God’s marriage laws are strict God’s marriage laws are strict −The disciples recognized it (Matt. 19:10) −We must recognize it (and accept it)! −God’s design is for: One man + One woman  One life (with one exception) One man + One woman  One life (with one exception) −There are only three persons who have a right to get married: One who has never married (1 Cor. 7:28) One who has never married (1 Cor. 7:28) One who is a widow/widower (1 Cor. 7:39) One who is a widow/widower (1 Cor. 7:39) One who is an innocent party of a spouse who has been unfaithful (Matt. 19:9) One who is an innocent party of a spouse who has been unfaithful (Matt. 19:9)

7. Believe that Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31 Believe that Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31 Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 3:19 Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 3:19 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10 Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27 Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27 −God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 22:16 −God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47 −God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Be faithful to Christ unto death – Revelation 2:10 Be faithful to Christ unto death – Revelation 2:10