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Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-5

We Can Understand Christ's Marriage Law

 

Intro.

1.  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.  Can we understand the doctrine of Christ on baptism? MDR? Yes!

  a.  Read to understand, Eph. 3:3-4; 5:17.

  b.  Diligent, accurate use of God’s word, 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:16-18.

  c.  Scriptures equip us for every good work, therefore, understandable, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

  d.  Fellowship with God is at stake, 2 Jno. 9.

3.  Baptism and MDR:

  a.  Baptism: Some Evangelicals say baptism is “more difficult” and “less clear” than other topics:

“Probably no issue has contributed to more confusion, contention, and divisions in Christendom than baptism. Some churches teach baptism is a sacrament, some that it is necessary for salvation. Some teach infants are to be baptized while others limit baptism to adults. Some teach immersion, some pouring, some sprinkling. Apart from baptism, some churches do not consider you a Christian and some will not let you join the church or teach in the church. What one believes about baptism has a large influence in determining one’s church or denomination. To try and remedy this confusion, it is necessary to examine what the Scriptures teach about baptism.” (Don Samdahl, doctrine.org/baptism)

  b.  MDR: Some brethren say MDR is “more difficult” and “less clear.”  Agree to disagree (Rom. 14).

4.  Warned against corruption of the “simplicity” (soundness) that is in Christ, 2 Cor. 11:3-4.

 

BAPTISM

 

MDR

Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet. 3:21

-A burial with Christ, Rom. 6:4

-Into Christ...His death...with Christ into death to sin, Rom. 6:3-4

-Put on Christ, Gal. 3:27

-Saves us, answer of a good conscience

  1 Pet. 3:21

 

 

 

 

WHAT?

Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:10-11; Heb. 13:4

Marriage: Joined by God, life obligation

  -Not to sunder, 19:6; 1 Cor. 7:10-11

  -Honor with purity, Heb. 13:4

Divorce: “Put away,” Matt. 19:3; 1 Cor. 7:10-11

  -God hates divorce, Mal. 2:16

Remarriage: After putting away,

  Matt. 19:9

Matt. 28:18-19; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:37-38;

8:36-37; 18:8

-All the nations, all the world, 28:19; 16:15-16

-H-B-R-C-B

 

 

WHO?

(Subjects)

Gen. 2:18, 24; Matt. 19:4-5, 9; Heb. 13:4

-All humans, Matt. 19:4-5; Heb. 13:4

-Who can marry?

  -Never married; Widow/Widower,

     1 Cor. 7:27-28

  -Put away mate for cause of fornication,

    Matt. 19:9

-Applies universally, Matt. 19:4-6, 9

Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21

 

-Shall be saved, Mk. 16:16

-Remission of sins, Acts 2:38

-Wash away sins, calling on name of Lord, Acts 22:16

-Saves us, 1 Pet. 3:21

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY?

Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:27, 39

Matt. 19:9; 5:31-32

Marriage:

  -Law obligates for life, Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39

  -Bound as long as spouse lives, 1 Cor. 7:39

Divorce (put away): Matt. 5:31-32

Remarriage:

  -Cause of fornication, Matt. 19:9

  -Why remarriage w/o cause is adultery,

      Rom. 7:2-3; 5:32

  -Unbound (loosed) may marry, 7:27, 39

John 3:23; Acts 8:38; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12

-Definition: Immerse, plunge, submerge

-Much water, Jno. 3:23

-Went into / out of water, Acts 8:38

-Buried with Him in baptism, Col. 2:12

 

 

HOW?

Matt. 19:6, 9; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:10-15

Marriage: Joined by God, Matt. 19:6

Divorce: Ruled over by God and loosed by God, Matt. 19:6; Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:27, 39

Remarriage: Applications, 1 Cor. 7:10-11, 12-15 (27)

Acts 2:37-38, 40; 8:36-37; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 22:16

-Hear and believe, Acts 2:37; Rom. 10:9-10

-Repent, Acts 2:38; 22:16

-Confess faith, Acts 8:36-37

 

 

 

WHEN?

Matt. 19:9; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:25-28

Marriage: Ready for a lifelong commitment;

  Free to marry

Divorce: Do not sunder; One cause to put away, Matt. 19:6, 9

Remarriage: Unbound before God, Matt. 19:9;

  1 Cor. 7:27

 

Conclusion

1.  We do not need a creed to determine soundness; The Bible is enough, 2 Tim. 1:13; Gal. 1:6-9.

2.  Must devote ourselves to the careful study of God’s word, then carefully follow it, 2 Tim. 3:10.

3.  Repent of every sinful marriage; repudiate every false doctrine.

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: June 4, 2016