(This is not a personal letter.)

RESTORATION

     "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Mt. 28:19, 20).

     However, on the other hand, He said to the scribes and Pharisees of Jerusalem, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" (Mt. 15:3) Although God is willing that every person repent of his or her sins (2 Pet. 3:9), and to come unto the knowledge of the truth, and to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4), he deals in this life with those who sin. People should fear God, and not sin--the Bible tells me that God says, "Vengeance is mine" (Rom. 12:9). God will judge whoremongers and adulterers (Heb. 13:4).

     God has earthly ministers to administer vengeance upon those who do evil. Until the legal administration conceives the appropriate direction, and the appropriate direction can only come from the Holy Proceeds--the Holy Bible; until the legislative officials, the legal ministers of this nation concede to God's word; only then, may the ungodliness and oppression and abuse which results from unlawful sexual activity, adultery, be dealt with appropriately from a legal standpoint. Every person will have to stand before God someday and give an account of himself (Rom. 14:11), and those who have been unfaithful will suffer the vengeance of eternal judgment. (See) Heb. 6:2; Jude, v. 7.

      However, politics or legal administrators can not cure a social disease such as sin. The church must lift up God's standards as a spokesman and witness for the Lord. Society must be reached by God's word and redeeming power. God is calling people everywhere to revere him and to walk in love, caring for one another. There is no substitute for God's word or his prophetic ministers (the church). Religion, politics, education and economic prosperity will only end in futility without the restoring power of God.

     The United States claims to be a nation under God; therefore, it should seek instruction by God's commandments, for it is written: "Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgements, which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord" (Lv. 18:5). Of course, man can not be justified by works of the law, but rather only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the O.T. laws were not man-made cultural refinements; they are a genuine guideline. Thus, concerning the marriage law according to the Bible, it should be a national goal to preserve unity in marriage: "So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man" (Rom. 7:3). The only way a woman may marry more than one time is that she become a widow before the second marriage. I will discuss to some degree later what Biblically constitutes marriage; but for a more clear understanding, see my paper "Illusion."

     Sadly though, the marital principle has not been adhered to by the public nor the government. I can remember years ago when Hollywood stars and people of power, such as military personnel (of course these were not the only ones), were permitted to divorce and remarry even though adultery was illegal and looked down upon generally by society. The Anglo Saxon people had a strong voice in the US at that time and had formerly made a great stand for life-long monogamy, especially in relative respect to false religion such as Islam; however, to mention one reason, due to the increase of sexual corruption of their own people and nation their honor decreased. A nation can't be ruled for any great length of time by a people who don't possess and promote self-rule. Jesus would have us to conduct harmless, undefiled lives and provide honestly for our families.

     Even though our primary objectives should not be political, our manifest, spiritual weaknesses show up in politics and other governmental business. (In ancient days, Jesus himself was not excluded from those that received tribute (Mt. 17:24-27). Ironically, now minorities and immigrants avoid, if not evade, paying taxes, and spend our tax money in this country. They even have better economic opportunities than the native heirs in some instances.) In retrospect from a political view, if the government would have sanctioned years ago government employment benefits such as job training for better skills, or an opportunity for a higher position to only those that complied with Biblical chastity laws, then there would have been an economic incentive for people to live clean lives. This would have diminished the opportunity of the wicked to have wealth and power and it also would have put pressure on politicians to remember to honor sexual morality. Since the government, having been influenced formerly to a great extent by Christianity but not completely overcoming the error of Herod the king, became lax and did not encourage and promote sexual morality nor did it clamp down on the breaking of moral law, the opportunity for Godliness to spread throughout the country was less restrained. (Now our future lies in how well we govern our own lives in an immoral, apostate and violent, internationally bonded economic nation.)

     Man is subject to both God's law and civil law; however, in case of a conflict between God and government, every person should trust and obey God (Eph. 6:12). Risking his life for God's sake, John the Baptist disputed with King Herod. Because this great prophet did not compromise God's word with the politically influential Herodias, her sin of adultery was exposed; and God's kingdom regulations were exalted above all earthly authority. No person, regardless of his, or her, power or position, is excluded from the accountability to obey the laws of the sovereign God.

     There is also a conflict between God's law and church law at times. Paul admonished the church of Corinth concerning impurity that a little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Cor. 5:6). He told them to put away that man who was living with his father's wife from their presence (1 Cor. 5:13). The church must not lower its standards from the teachings of the Bible to the influence and teachings of men, and especially not to the lusts of men! If people in the church are allowed to do just what they desire, rather than abide in Christ, where will the conviction of sin come from? Members of the church should exemplify the light of God. When the church suffers from disobedience to God, to whom do the people of the world have to look unto for a example? It is the duty of the church to invite sinners to repentance and belief in Jesus Christ, but not to condone the sin of one who walks in error so as to encourage such a one to keep his or her membership (without conviction of sin, remorse and repentance); hence, an adulteress continuing in her sin must be removed from the assembly. See my paper "Excommunication."

     If there happens to be a case where the woman has committed adultery and she repents: she must put away her second man, and live without any more men--including her husband (Dt. 24:4). Note that Jesus encouraged the precept of unity; however, he did teach one exception to the rule--"except for fornication" (Mt. 5:32). The concentricity of sexual morality according to the Scriptures is a perfect and excellent guide to interpretation; that is, if a verse is taken in its context, it will not deviate to the contrary with another verse also taken in its context. Afterward, in the above situation, a defiled wife would have to be directed to live a single life. Nevertheless, when a woman marries, it is for a lifetime, and only the death of her husband shall annul the spiritual accountability and responsibility so as to allow her to marry (regardless of the husband's circumstances).

     However, if you will notice, many churches today are more like the Pharisees who transgressed God's commandments. The transgression is sexual immorality and adultery in our time and country. Sexual abuse of children, necking, seduction and rejection of marriage among teenagers, and divorce and remarriage have been a problem long before Roe v. Wade. The sale of contraceptives and the rise of homosexuality has been a part of the American culture for decades. Fetal abortion in its late stages is no longer a shocking occurrence.

     If we really love someone, the best way to help them is by following the Bible. We all have relatives and friends who need guidance. We are not cruel (as some may say to their own absence of righteous judgment) because we should want to obey God's commandments. Following Jesus without turning to the right or the left is the only way that will please God. The Lord demands total surrender--no compromise whatsoever. Only faithful works are acceptable: not those which are presumptuous or cognizant of error--any substitute method will end in defeat and loss. We should show love unto others as God has shown love unto us; therefore, we should give them a godly example of obedience to God and the Scriptures in word and deed. We should not partake in the deception of people who make excuses and try to justify themselves in contradiction to Biblical teaching. "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Mt. 5:18).

     Holy men of Israel in the Old Testament had several wives. A study in the light of the history of David, king of Israel, reveals that David was a blessed and great man having several wives and concubines. David married Michal, the daughter of Saul (I Sa. 18:27). Abigail became the wife of David (I Sa. 25:42). David took Ahinoam of Jezreel for his wife also (I Sa. 25:43).

     David was thirty years old when he began to reign (II Sa. 5:4). He had three wives at this time, except Saul had given Michal, David's first wife, to Phalti, the son of Laish, who was of Gallim (I Sa. 25:44).

     "And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him" (II Sa. 5:10). God did not have any contempt toward David for having more than one wife--the Lord God of hosts was with him. David "perceived" that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for His people Israel's sake. David knew that the Lord was making him great (II Sa. 5:12). God was with David, and David took more wives yet, and concubines (II Sa. 5:13). And David enquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?" And the Lord said unto David, "Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand" (II Sa. 5:19). We may correctly infer that David had fellowship and favor of the Lord while simultaneously having several wives and concubines.

     Polygamy was permitted in the Old Testament (Ex. 21:10); that is, the males were permitted several wives--not the wives were permitted several husbands. Although, such as the marriage laws may have been previously, monogamy was instituted according to the teachings of the New Testament. There was at most one wife among the New Testament church leaders; and in some cases, such as the Apostle Paul's--none! (I Tim. 3:2, 12; 5:9; Tit. 1:6)

     God ordained marriage. The first woman, Eve, was made from the flesh, from the "rib" of the first man, Adam. When God took the rib out of Adam, he took it out of the inner part of Adam's flesh. The origin of Woman is due to God's creative work upon Adam's rib. Adam related to Eve as "bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh" (Gn. 2:23).

     Therefore, by general trend before marriage occurs, first of all, a man shall "leave" his father and mother . When a man is old enough to date and support himself, he does not want to stay with his mother and father all the time as a child does; rather, he has less need of the support of his parents so he becomes more independent--enough so that if he chooses to take a wife--he leaves his parents. When he unites with his wife, the couple becomes one flesh (Gn. 2:24).

     "Unite" means in this instance for a man to remain attached unto his wife. Eve was flesh of Adam's flesh, so when a woman marries a man, she becomes flesh of the husband's flesh. She may not have been made out of the rib of her husband as Eve had been, but there is a spiritual bond--being attached, being part of one another's lives mentally, physically, emotionally, an ordained unity--one flesh.

     When marriage takes place, there is an end to the separate life of the male and the separate life of the female. The single quality of life bonds into a marital unity: "they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh " (Mk. 10:8). God's plan of regeneration is of purity, from one entity, as it was with Adam and Eve.

     God is the one who ordained marriage. He has established the marital law: these laws concern a male lying with a virgin female (Ex. 22:16, Dt. 22:13-20, 28, 29). Thus marriage of a virgin female occurs in one of three ways: choice, seduction and rape. (The only other type of sanctified marriage that may occur is due to the death of a spouse, concerning a person as distinguished above, as is referred to in Rom. 7:3. The death of a spouse does not desecrate an opportunity to marry; fornication does and devastates.) When a couple enters into marital unity according to God's specified marital establishment, then it is God who has joined them together. The Lord warns that no one should separate this marital yoke (Mk. 10:9). Therefore, concerning a case of choice, it is very important that a man and woman soberly cherish one another as a prospective future mate and perhaps offer prayer before ever completing the sexual act which constitutes marriage. (It is a blessing to the soul for a person to establish the practice of reading, praying and fasting before his or her pre-marital years.)

     Now let's consider a less mutual happy case. For instance, in a case of seduction of a virgin female who is not betrothed (pledged to some man by the father of the female), the issues of virginity and non-betrothal, and bride price are essentials according to Ex. 22:16. Even if the father refuses to give his daughter to the man (the father has the authority to finalize the decision), the bride price is still due from the seducer and hypothetically, the daughter would be directed to live a single life as a bride separated from her husband (Ex. 22:17).

     By the way, the ancient, but good and healthy tradition of betrothal needs to be learned, practiced to some extent and revived in our apostate era. It would be wise for a father to anticipate a bride price for his daughter. Suggestively, for instance, a father before giving his daughter in marriage so that he could have some assurance that she will be taken care of by a faithful man with a good Biblical foundation could demand first that a prospective son-in-law read the New Testament in Greek. Imagine what a difference this would make! Ignorance of this custom and coming short of its principles has caused family leadership and unity to deteriorate, and unchastity to abound. Esau caused his parents to have grief when he married (Gn. 26:34, 35). Today many parents bring grief to their children by not caring and preparing them for marriage. Rules alone will not work; there must be parental love and example. It is almost rare today if you find men and women knowledgeable and firm enough to train their young women according to the standards set forth in Tit. 2:2-4. However, even though most people, including many Christians, have not been well acquainted nor properly understood this custom, at least, always remember female virginity is an essential factor in marriage and virgin female chastity is prerequisite to an opportunity for marriage. Look unto the Bible for spiritual direction; do not be misled by the leaders of our time. Many of the people today who are esteemed great in religion have been irreligious, and social prosperity has been neglected and trampled upon in this area. Furthermore, modern law courts have added to overlook consistently the issues concerning the Biblical institutions of marriage.

     Having discussed briefly choice and seduction, let's see what the Bible says concerning the institution of marriage due to rape. Society has been influenced through the law courts and media that this is a crime, rather than a marital institution or both. However, if the female is a virgin and she is not pledged to a man, she is considered a wife in God's sight. The man can not divorce her ever (Dt. 22:28, 29).

     The Biblical precept of marriage is a physical sexual act between a virgin female and a male (Ex. 22:16; Dt. 22:13-21, 28, 29): not a mere contract--once again I recommend that you see my paper "Illusion." Sexual fornication is a physical sex act which results in unchastity whereas marriage does not; and adultery is a species of fornication. A woman was condemned to death in the O.T. for an unchaste act such as promiscuity while still living in her father's house (Dt. 22:21); and both offenders were condemned to death for adultery (Dt. 22:22). These strict laws were designed by God to purge the evil from the land. The Lord wanted to free the people from sexual uncleanliness. These laws are still useful today (I Tim. 1:8-11).

     However, condemnation to death did not continue in the early church; although, righteousness, inheritance, vengeance and the eternal judgment of God was preached. Before David became king of Israel he had enemies among God's people and those that were not God's people against him. Pressure was upon him, and great numbers tried to prevent him from inheriting the good things that he did (I Sa. 26:19). Beware, the wicked try to destroy the good inheritance of the righteous, the innocent and those that would come unto God. Paul warned that there were some men troubling the church and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Then he gave his judgment: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:7, 8). Take heed: "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom? Be not deceived: neither [fornicators] ... nor [adulterers]"--people who live in sexual immorality are not able to be saved except they should repent (I Cor. 6:9).

     In Ezra's day there was a terrible sin among God's people. They had married foreign wives against the law of God. Today, there is a similar sin in the church against God's marital establishment and covenant: Sexual uncleanliness is widespread [In reference to non-divorce after the female physically fornicates with another man, or legalized adultery (remarriage), not miscegenation]. Many of the popular leaders called "Christian" condone and promote this abomination among those that call upon God.

     The consequences when a woman commits adultery are severe. The defilement of her marital relationship is irreparable. She can not be restored to her former family because of uncleanliness (Dt. 24:4). Through ignorance of God's marital principles and desiring not to abide alone, many such women have complicated matters through remarriage. I wish men and women would realize how serious the sanctity of a marital relationship is. It is essential to family unity, especially when raising children. When the sanctity of a marital relationship is broken, it afflicts everyone in the family. When a woman cheats on her husband to the degree of physical defilement, the premise for divorce is precipitated. Then the only remedy is to put away the adulteress. It is very difficult for children to live without their mother; but nevertheless, it is much better for the children to live with one parent than to have to live in an unclean house wherein the adulterous woman is imposing her disgrace upon the whole family.

     Those among the church that are willing to separate themselves from this ungodly group and do the will of God will be lights among this perverse and crooked generation. The Bible encourages us to be strong in doctrine. We need to study the word of God in order that we may withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, and have victory over the wicked one.

     We need to respond similarly as Ezra and the people who feared God's word and gathered around him. We need to tremble at God's word, pray, confess, weep, and throw ourselves down before the mercy of God. We need to be honest and forward as Shecaniah, admit our sin and resolve it in a godly manner (Ezra 10:2). Perhaps, all hope will not be lost. A penitent woman who has committed this sin may repent, confess and be forgiven, live a separated and single life never to remarry, and even join the church. See my paper "Official Business."

     Children may be sanctified through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ; they are not responsible for their parent's sins. The mother of Jeph'tha-e was a harlot. However, he is noted one of the great faith men in the book of Heb., ch. 11. That proves to you children of unclean parents can not only be clean, but precious to the Lord, and great helpers to God's people and the world. (By the way, every woman in these terrible times should know that God wants to bless every unborn child regardless of the sins of the mother. Thus, no abortion should ever take place.)

     Now let's take a look at the book of I Corinthians. The Apostle Paul asserts to the Christian disciples that the body is not to be used for unlawful sexual activity, but that the body is for the Lord; and the Lord for the body (I Cor. 6:13). God designed sexual activity as a marital blessing; it is pure. Christians should be purposeful in example, and training their young not to be defiled. People should put their faith in Jesus Christ and consciously abstain from having sex until the day marriage is desired.

     The Corinthians had previously written a letter to the Apostle Paul, "Now concerning the things where of ye wrote unto me ... " (I Cor. 7:1). In reply, the apostle began expounding by suggesting celibacy. See I Cor. 7:7, 32-38. By nature, people are susceptible to sexual attraction of the opposite sex. Due to this, every person should have a helpmate rather than to abuse one's body committing fornication ( I Cor. 7:2). (Note) I Cor. 7:8, 9.

     Paul emphasizes unto the married woman that it is the Lord who commands her not to depart from her husband (I Cor. 7:10). However, the woman who departs from her husband has two choices: (1) she may remain single, never to marry another man while her husband is living, or (2) she may be reconciled to her husband. Paul also emphasizes to the married man that it is the Lord who commands him not to put away (leave) his wife (I Cor. 7:11). Of course, this applies to a chaste wife (Dt. 24:4). (Note) the contrast of the speakers in I Cor. 7:12.

     Fundamentally, from a synoptical viewpoint, there are two distinct acts, the one subsequent to the other, which constitute adultery. The first act is a sin of "putting away" because the Scripture says the husband "shall cleave to his wife" (Gn. 2:24); and also, that no one should separate what God has yoked together (Mk. 10:9)--"one flesh" (Gn. 2:24). The second sinful act, "marry another," is subsequent to the first. It also contradicts I Cor. 7:10, 11. Whenever a man puts away a woman, he separates a unified entity which God has joined together. This act in itself does not constitute adultery. However, afterward, if he should marry, he commits adultery against her (Mk. 10:11, Lk. 16:18). Also, if a woman should put away her husband and marry another man, she commits adultery ( Mk. 10:12). Any man who marries her that is put away from her husband commits adultery (Lk. 16:18).

     Every married man has a responsibility to keep his wife under every circumstance, except one: if his wife is unchaste, that is, if his wife has partaken in a sexual act with someone else--this is fornication. Then, and only then, is the husband lawfully (according to the Bible) to put away his wife, and to give her a bill of divorcement. Logically, if a woman, has committed a sin of fornication with someone, a bill of divorcement does not induce her to become unchaste--she has already committed the act which defiled her. If a man puts away his wife for any reason other than fornication, he causes her to commit adultery (Mt. 5:32). Such an act would also violate I Cor. 7:10, 11.

     As I mentioned before, the king of Israel, David, one of God's great men of the Old Testament, was a holy man, preciously beloved of the Lord. He had several wives: this was a common characteristic among some of the spiritual leaders of the Old Testament. The spiritual leaders of the New Testament had one wife at most, and those, such as the Apostle Paul, chose to live single lives.

     The Lord was with David and blessed him in the days of his innocence (even as a polygamist); but when the valiant, young leader committed adultery (lying with another's wife) with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, it was accounted as sin unto him. David had despised the commandment of the Lord and had done evil in His sight. The prophet of the Lord said,

     "Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon." (II Sa. 12:7-9)
 

     The Lord brought judgment upon David for his wickedness; he and his posterity suffered, "Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house" (II Sa. 12:10). God brought troubles upon David within his own house and his immediate surroundings (II Sa. 12:11). The Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare to David, and the child died (II Sa. 12:18). David's daughter, Tamar, was raped (II Sa. 13:14). Absalom killed Ammon, his brother, for the outrageous act he committed against his sister (II Sa. 13: 28, 29). Absalom was eventually killed (II Sa. 18:9). All this heartache came upon David because he did not follow God's commandment--"Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14).

     David repented of the sin, and his fellowship was restored with God. Of course, he could not bring Uriah back to life and restore his victim's marriage, but he was sorry for what he had done and recognized his error. He did not deny his mistake and try to cover up his actions afterward nor did he just give up; he was ready to try again (Ps. 51). God had used Nathan the prophet to turn the king's direction back to Himself. Since Bathsheba's husband was no longer alive, she was no longer bound to him as a wife; (note) I Cor. 7:39, and David was lawfully permitted to keep her as a wife. Afterward, he continued to live the precious, obedient life that he once lived but his life was not the same that it had been before.

     God faithfully fulfilled his promises of good still to David, but nevertheless, David's life suffered severe affliction. Even though God had freely given him many good things, he paid a tremendous price for his sin. Eventually, Israel and Judah began to war against one another. The sins of people bring God's judgment. Adultery is a plague to an individual and nation, murder is a plague to an individual and nation, and sin is a plague to an individual and nation.

     There is only one righteous way of dissolving a sinful sexual relationship--repentance! Repentance means making a "change" from sin unto obeying God, making a change by doing things God's way, by listening to God's direction, by listening to God's word--the Holy Bible. I hope there is not anything in your life preventing you from carrying out the great commission or delighting in the will of the Lord with joy. God desires that you have the very best in life--which only comes through recognition of God's commandments, followed with obedience.

     Now in closing, with hope concerning the future of our children that they may be instructed righteously and prevail the deception of our time, I will discuss briefly a study concerning virgins. The Apostle Paul answering the letter of the Corinthians begins expounding concerning male virgins. The discourse is directed toward the male (I Cor. 7:25); (see) v. 28 . Paul, knowing the difficulties of marriage, and the problems people were having, thought it was a good thing for a man to remain a virgin (I Cor. 7:26). Some time had passed before Paul received the letter of the Corinthians. He accounted for the time which had passed before the Corinthians would receive his answer to their letter. So he asks a question, "Art you bound unto a wife?" (I Cor. 7:27) I believe what he meant simply in so many words is, "Have you married since I left?" Then he makes an imperative statement, "Seek not to be loosed." By this statement Paul means that if the male virgin is married now, then he should remain married and not seek a divorce. Then Paul asks, "Art you loosed from a wife?" Considering the possibility of the marriage of the male virgin, he also took consideration of the possibility of divorce. Then he makes another imperative statement, "Seek not a wife." Once having been divorced, Paul disallows a second marriage. Paul considered two possibilities which could have happened while he was away, and he gave his judgment according to each possibility; however, due to his absence, he did not know definitely who had married or divorced.

     The Greek distinguishes clearly what sex he is speaking to: Paul is speaking directly to the male virgin, "But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned"; and he is speaking indirectly concerning the female virgin, " ... and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned" (I Cor. 7:28). He said that the ones who marry shall have tribulation in the flesh. Marriage involves more problems in the flesh, but Paul would allow them to marry if they desired to do so. Many people today seem to overlook that Paul commended celibacy. A virgin has the advantage of less difficulties than a married person, and besides, if by chance in the future, he or she decides to marry, it is permitted.

Br. Ken

P.S.

If you like, fax or mail a copy to a friend.

Your Comments

Back to beginning Other Literature About the Learn NT. Greek Visit Morality Hall

Bulletin Board Working together The Nordish Crisis

Law against Miscegenation Marriage

Hyperlinked Version (Links and explanations)