Is divorce an option if one’s husband or wife has a severe mental decline? Dr. Brown looks at this statement by Pat Robertson and other news today on the Line of Fire!
Hour 1:
Dr. Brown’s Bottom Line: It’s one thing to criticize Pat Robertson for his ill-advised words; it’s another thing for us to step higher ourselves. It’s another thing for us to live as faithful husbands and wives, before the days of Alzheimers hits some couples. How are we living now, when it’s easy? That’s the great question.
Hour 2:
Dr. Brown’s Bottom Line: This is an excellent time for those of us who are married to go back to the cross and back to our marriage vows, back to the picture of Jesus and the church, and say, “Lord, how can I model this in Your sight, and for the world to see? How can I show the world what it really means to be joined together in unity, by life or by death?”
Featured Resources:
Spiritual Warfare [mp3 series] and Angels, Demons, and Deliverance [mp3 series]
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Other Resources:
Revolution: The Call to Holy War: This book is not a call for the violent overthrow of the government, nor is it a call to take up arms, nor is it a call to political activism in and of itself. It is a call to something far more extreme, a call to live out the gospel…
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It’s Time to Rock the Boat [MP3 series]: Our compromised message has produced a compromised generation of believers, and only a return to the New Testament gospel, preached in the power of the Spirit, can turn the tide. This course will open your eyes and set your hearts ablaze for Jesus!
I understand the fact that statements made by Pat Robertson can pack a punch..although he’s a man of God..we must remember he’s not God..I myself follow Christ.and know that’s not the way the Lord would have answered that question..just goes to show ya man will let us down …yes even great men of God..
but the Lord Jesus Christ will never let us down…hence I follow him.. not Pat Robertson…. p.s. I still love my brother pat Robertson 🙂
I wish that Pat Robertson had expanded on what he said because I do feel it was taken out of context..well, that he really needed to add more to the statement. I am a supporter of the 700 Club and Pat Robertson. I hope that very soon he does take the time to explain in detail his comments. I do not agree with the statement but I just feel he did not have sufficient time to explain what he was saying.
In my family – 3 separate scenarios come to mind -my niece’s husband had lung cancer – she cared for him from the moment they found out he had cancer until his death 5 short months later. During that time she delivered their first child.
My father was diagnosed with Dementia and I watched his wife care for him for two years before his death.
AND LAST BUT CLOSEST TO MY HEART…My 22 year old daughter…I watched for 8 months as she sit by the bed of her dear, sweet husband…he had a car accident after dropping her off after lunch together on her 22nd birthday. He suffered a rare event – fatty embolism. So many times, people tried to tell her to turn him over to the state and simply divorce and walk away. SHE NEVER DID. He passed away after a very couragous fight and in the time since his death GOD has not only given her peace but has brought blessings that truly surpass what anyone could imagine. It is still hard to be without him but she followed her vows out of love and I truly feel that is what needs to be emphasized here.
I think it is “mean” to do a thing like leave your spouse if they had Alzheimer. Even though the Alzheimer patience may not know who you are anymore, but you need to stick it out. The patience may not know who you are or what you are doing for them, but the Lord knows and sees all. Live for the Lord not for yourself.
Here we have an answer from Pat Robertson that is “the flesh” vs “the spirit”. WE are suppose to live by the spirit, die to our flesh.
Help us all Lord.
correction… change the spelling “patience” to “patient”. Sorry folks.
There is no biblical excuse for divorce after covenant and consummation.
Shalom
And remarriage is adultery. And adulterers and adulteresses do not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
1 Corinthians 6
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Hebrews 13
4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
James 4
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
If the leaders of the Christian community can’t get it right, what will become of the followers?
Jeremiah 5
31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
Are we not in the midst of the mystery of iniquity/lawlessness? Is not the love of many growing cold because of the preaching of a grace that negates YHWH’s Torah?
Matthew 24
11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
2 Thessalonians 2
3 ¶ Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,
10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,
12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
We are deceived because we want to believe lies. We do not really love truth. We would rather go for the flashy signs and wonders and an entertaining worship “serve us” than to become faithful to obey YHWH’s instructions on marriage or Sabbath or women teaching or etc.
Matthew 7
15 ¶ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
21 ¶ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
False prophets only fool those that want to have their ears tickled and those that actually have their belly as their god.(Covetousness) It is time to wake up before sudden destruction. Stop listening to the false grace that preaches “Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” Stop letting pastors and tele-evangelists heal your hurt slightly…making you feel good when you are in rebellion. Go to Y’shua and do real repentance. Let Him give you real rest for your souls. Return to the old paths.
Jeremiah 6
13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
We are not ashamed of our adulterous marriages. We are not ashamed of our law breaking. We still refuse to ask for the old paths of YHWH’s perfect law. We blatantly refuse to walk therein. We are deceived. We ignore the warning of the watchmen. How shall we escape?
1 Thessalonians 5
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Shalom
Bo,
I believe that remarriage is not adultery — I believe He says that to marry a woman who was unlawfully divorced (for any reason other than marital infidelity — adultery) is both committing adultery, and causing her and the one she marries to commit adultery.
Daniel,
It does not say marital infidelity. It says fornication, which considering the context, means unfaithfulness during the betrothal period. If the infidelity happens after the two are one flesh, the only option for the man is to have her stoned along with the man that was found with her. There is no option for divorce in the case of adultery. This teaching is upheld in Law and Prophets and the NT. I am not sure why you take issue with this as you do not accept Matthew and the other synoptics as scripture.
I will post a brief discussion about the intricacies of remarriage in a few minutes for your reading enjoyment.
Shalom
Remarriage?
Betrothed, but not taken.
Deuteronomy 20
7 And what man is there that hath
and hath
let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
Taken, but not married or gone in unto.
Genesis 20
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the
for she is a man’s wife.
Going/coming in unto and lying with are the same thing.
Genesis 19
31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to
after the manner of all the earth:
32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and
that we may preserve seed of our father.
Going in unto/lying with and being married are not the same thing.
Deuteronomy 21
13 and turned aside the raiment of her captivity from off her, and hath dwelt in thy house, and bewailed her father and her mother a month of days, and afterwards thou dost
and hast
and she hath been to thee for a wife:
Deuteronomy 22
22 If a man be found
then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.
The background.
Deuteronomy 22
13 If any man take a wife,
and hate her,
14 And
and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her,
15 Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel’s virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate:
16 And the damsel’s father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;
17 And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech against her, saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter’s virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city.
18 And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;
19 And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife;
all his days.
20 But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:
21 Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall
because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to
so shalt thou put evil away from among you.
If the husband goes in unto his virgin bride and then wants out some time later, he may not put her away. If the husband goes in unto a woman that has been a harlot in her father’s house, he can have her stoned to death. It does not say that he may divorce her.
If the woman was found with another man while she was betrothed, she was to be stoned to death along with the man she was found with, except in the case of rape. (Deut.22:22-27) If she was found with a man before she was betrothed, she was to be married to him and, once again, there is no divorce allowed. (Deut. 22:28-29)
To be continued below.
Continued from above.
When can a Husband divorce his wife?
Deuteronomy 24
1 When a man hath taken a wife,
and it come to pass that she find
because he hath
then let him
and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
2 And when she is departed out of his house,
The man may give the woman a bill of divorcement if he finds “uncleanness” in her when he marries her.. The word for “uncleanness” is the word used in Leviticus 18 and 20 for incest. If the man can not bring himself to accept her (she find no grace/mercy/favor in his sight) once her condition is known, he may dissolve the marriage…before it is consummated.
If the man finds that his bride has been defiled, he may divorce her even if the marriage has taken place, as long as it is before he goes in unto her. The only option he has after he goes in unto her is to have her stoned to death if he wants out.
Summing up the Torah instructions.
From the above, we find that in all cases but one the defiled woman must die if the husband wants out of the relationship. The only case that is different is the one where the marriage is not consummated. The man and woman never became one flesh. There is no divorce allowed in any instance when there is a marriage and he has gone in unto her…even when the going in unto came before the marriage.
Did Y’shua say anything different?
Matthew 19
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him,
for a man to put away his wife for
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife,
and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves
He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
Y’shua says that it is not lawful to divorce a wife “except it be for fornication.” “Fornication” is used in the specific sense here. He could have said “except if be for adultery” but chose to use the word that means unchastity outside of wedlock. (Adultery is grounds for stoning not divorce.) The woman, once she is betrothed, is in a state of wedlock. So Y’shua is stating emphatically that the term “uncleanness” in Deuteronomy 24 is limited only to defilement before wedlock. He is also restating that once the couple has been joined by YHWH, via covenant and consummation, there is no option for divorce. Man may not put this one flesh relationship asunder.
Y’shua carries this to its logical conclusion by saying that the only way to gain the kingdom of heaven, if a man has divorced his wife after they were one flesh and married another or his first wife has married another, is to remain celibate; because to continue to go in unto the subsequent spouse would cause him to be in a continual state of adultery. And we know that no adulterer can inherit the kingdom of heaven. (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21)
There is no difference between the full teaching of Torah and Y’shua’s summary. Messiah answered the temptation of the Pharisees with precision and accuracy. His stance is more stringent than the oral law, but exactly what Torah stipulates.
The second man.
Deuteronomy 24
3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which
to be his wife;
4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
In light of all the discussion above, we are reading into the text to assume that the second husband in Deuteronomy 24 can give a legitimate divorce certificate if he has become one flesh with the woman…and there is no indication, either that he has or hasn’t. We only know that YHWH considers it an abomination for the legitimately divorced wife, once she has entered wedlock with another man, to return to the man that divorced her.
There are some more nuances to this discussion that could still be hashed out, I’m sure, but for sake of brevity and cohesiveness, this should answer most of the bigger and more necessary questions.
Shalom
Sorry for the length of the above post. It was supposed to be done in two segments.
Shalom
I was watching the 700 club with my wife the day mr.Robertson made the statement that it would be ok to divorce your spouse if they had alzhiemers.
Unfortunatly my wife is not saved.My wife struggled and worked very hard to keep our marriage together during the years before my salvation.It was very important to her to keep our marriage intact.Then to hear Mr. Robertson make that statement troubled her.Though she is not a christian [I pray that changes one day]she believes stongly in her marriage vales and commitment to it.I thank God for it.
Then for her to hear Mr.Robertson make that statement,was just another reason for her to question christans and our believes.
Mr.Robertson does alot of good in his ministry and I respect him but I do not always agree with him and he should really thank hard on what he says before he says it.It could do alot of harm.He is well liked and respected by alot of people and they listen to him and take it to heart.
I think Scripture is clear on this subject and it would be wrong[sin] to divorce your spouse because of mental illness.
I think God my wife never left me and kept our family together during a time when it would have been easy for her to have done so,before I found the Lord and he accepted me.Thank God for his loving kindness.
Maybe Pat is having some arteries harden as age creeps ahead. As an intern in his first station, I recall how most were in awe of the man (they used to speak in tongues on the air back then, and proclaim this or that as about to occur). This started an era of Christian broadcasters building empires, like Robertson, Baker, Roberts, etc. It used to be audiences and young staff hung on every word. Then, slowly, it dawned on others, that “all know Him from the least to the greatest” (speaking of the Lord), and Pat rebadged himself as an Evangelical, not a Charismatic, over time.
Back then it was the leadership which created flocks and followings, currents and movements. Now it is a given that reasoning together and working to understand the meaning of the sayings of Jesus and the Apostle’s is each believer’s right and responsibility.
This statement reminds me of what Jesus said about Moses, and divorce being permitted by Him because of hardening of hearts. We’ve gotton to be the ultimate consumer society, where if Ma or Pa become duh, go on to another experience??? Unfortunately, not only does Robertson pale by the remark as to the focus of truth and grace leading to the Agape’ Way of Jesus, the values upheld orient to consumerism, not longsuffering, care, and commitment.
Can one make a case for attachment or detachment in such cases as when the person is no longer present in the body??? I think of Henry Nowen’s decision to serve a totally paralyzed brother out of compassion–with everyday menial service for functioning which that brother could not do–as a radical contrast to what was declared. Our culture has so compartmentalized personal presence, property, and looks, that this statement’s origins embue the studio lights moments of timed program segments.
It is good it alarmed many, and led others to think about the pros and cons of divorce under such assumption as the cold heart insultated from hot studio lights. In the year of the internship face to face with the Man, the moment a cut was made to a brief message or station identification, the Man could instantly command all production staff present to do this or that to gain a different angle, or emphasis–just by the lead talent, Robertson, giving that service staff instant commands and orders. The media wasn’t the message, the devotion to a delivery of editorial and commentary movement with a little mystery always was present to hook the viewer.
Now, it seems, the insulation from everyday suffering promoted by all those lights and cameras have displaced the literal day by day interaction of the heart linked to the heart of the one flesh bond, regardless of its foundation lain.
literal corrections: gotten, Henry Nouwen.
Adultery, murder, hatred, jealousy, gluttony etc all are sin. but stoning someone to death is not something Jesus would endorse. He came to reconcile us to God and never told anyone to kill anyone, ever. The law was established so we would know our wretchedness and need for a Holy Savior. Not so we could judge anyone by stoning them to death. If anyone take up the sword, let them die by the sword (or stone) choose your weapon. Let him cast the first stone, that man who has no sin. I do think Pat was wrong in saying what he said but he is no more perfect than you or I.
Dr Brown, I’m confused about this statement; “Y’shua carries this to its logical conclusion by saying that the only way to gain the kingdom of heaven, if a man has divorced his wife after they were one flesh and married another or his first wife has married another, is to remain celibate; because to continue to go in unto the subsequent spouse would cause him to be in a continual state of adultery. And we know that no adulterer can inherit the kingdom of heaven. (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21” … are you saying scripture is telling me, that i should remain celibate in this my second marriage, since i was divorced prior to ? I can’t imagine telling my husband (whose 1st wife divorced him, as i did my 1st spouse, i’m ashamed to say), … that we should remain celibate now … so we don’t commit adultery. But … if that mean’t not entering the Kingdom of God … of course that would be a small thing. Please, let me know if i’m understanding this correctly or no. Thanks ~
I beleive the comments from Bo (yes long but you went to great strides to show God’s word on this subject…thank you) are true and correct and while if I could go back and change things in my past I would (aka the woman at the well), but I can’t. So much to my amazement God showed up! He looked at me in all my shame and adultress lifestyle I’ve had, married 3 times and in the midst of a seperation(again) and guess what? He loves ME! He sees in me what noone else can! He loves me unconditionally and He forgave me of ALL my sins and continues to do so daily. I strive to live a life that will make Him proud of me and see where I was and where I am and how I now live my life for Him! and yes, what the word says is true and that’s the way it “should” be, and the word give us a road map to the Kingdom of God and the road that we should take to live a life pleasing to God, but we are not perfect and He knows that so while yes, you are correct in what you posted, all of you, the ones that have fallin short of the glory of God, the ones like me, the chief sinner of my time, the one who struggles to understand how God can forgive someone with my past, who can love me after all I’ve done (and being married 3 times is just the tip of the iceberg to what I’ve done in my life). But guess what…He has and His glory and mercy is new every day for those of us who didn’t live the perfect life you described. He died for us because of our sin, not because we followed His lead to the enth, but because we had a sin nature that would never be able to come into the presence of the Father, and the Father wanted us to fellowship with us so much that He gave the ultimate sacrifice for us, His son, Jesus Christ. Live for Him, Love Him follow Him, come just as you are full of bad habits, scars, wounds, a horrible past, sins no one else will forgive you, no one else will associate with you, you make them so sick they cant stand o look at you…yes you! Jesus is right there, turn around, His arms are opened just for you, nothing you’ve done is to awefull that He wont let you in! He’ll wash you white as snow, he’ll love you silly, He’ll give you joy, peace love all the things that we are humans cant do. He’s a big God and He made you just for Himself so He can love on you.
As far as what Pat said, I cant say what he was thinking or why he said it but I do wonder about the fact that hes been on the air for who knows how long and probably doesn’t get this much attention for ALL the things hes shared that were right on, and I beleive he loves God and we are all capable of making errors, infallible. I pray this was a mistake but people put the stones away!!! God bless you all and may God bring peace and Love and Joy to all your lives. Here, there or in the air…until we meet!
So according to the Bible and BO’s short teaching on divorce a few comments earlier than this one,allot of men will not be entering the Kingdom Heaven because statistcally they cheat more and their wife leaves them and they end up remarrying 3 and 4 times after that. Heaven will be full of a lot of women I guess:/ wonder why this isn’t taught and it’s so rampant and accepted in Christan circles ( I think I just answered my own Q)??? As for the Roberston debacle my reply is this”In sickness and in Health till death do us part” emphasis on the Sickness part.
I personally was shocked at Pat’s statement. Where is there any scripture to back what he said? My mom in her early 40’s became sick with alzheimers, no name back then. My dad was a truck driver and Eventually had to put my mom in a nursing home after several caregivers did not work out a few years later. I was in like 7th grade. I am thankful that even though he was not a Christian then, he stuck by my mom. Pat though has made a bunch of mistakes in things he has said. He really needs to keep his comments to himself if they do not line up with the word of God. I personally was shocked and hurt by him saying what he did. Again what about “In sickness & in health till death do us part”? This is a human we are speaking of. Just throw them away?? Then go get you another woman or man?? My spouse and I have been married 33 years. Our 5 grown children would flip if I got sick like that and he divorced me etc.. But my husband is a true man of God and could never do that. Today so many think it is ok to ignore what scripture says, like it is not important. I feel for any person in this position. But Scripture is still alive and we have to chose to live it or not. Yes, it’s lonely , yes, it is hard. But for me!! Well For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain. Life is not about us! But about the Jesus we live for and serve! Rewards in heaven are so much more than what we have now. We have to forgive Pat for his remarks. But it is sad to think he would think that way. I think it may have something to do with his age, At least I hope that is it!
There’s not much that can be added to what Dr. Brown said that there are only two reasons for divorce:
1) adultery
2) unbelieving spouse demands to leave
Perhaps, from secular point of view one may try to justify what Robertson said. But then, from the same secular (read selfish) view abortions and adultery and fornications and divorces are always were permitted… anyways. hence dilemma. No Scriptural basis for Robertson’s remark on one hand, and pseudo-pitiful secular remark is no good either… I personally, think Robertson needs to be corrected, and perhaps will apologize for this mistake 😉
Adultery is not a reason or just cause for divorce. Neither is abandonment by the unbelieving spouse. The believer is to let the unbeliever leave. There is no remarriage allowed after this, for the two are one flesh and man may not put this asunder.
Messiah says that there can be a legal divorce for “fornication.” Fornication comes before the one flesh relationship is established. Messiah was very precise about this. Adultery is grounds for being stoned to death if there are at least 2 eye witnesses willing to testify. Our society, and the church that has been corrupted by it, is full of people that need to become eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. Remarriage is almost always living in adultery.
1 Corinthians 7
10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife…
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
The wife is bound by the law to the husband as long as he lives. If he is not dead by natural causes or via the Biblical death penalty, there is not option for the wife to remarry. A man may not marry again if he leaves his wife.
Beside all of the above, a man may not get out of any vow, this includes the vow of, “till death do us part.” The woman can get out of this vow or any other if her father or husband cancels it on the day that he hears of it.(Numbers 30)
Matthew 12
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Most of us have no possibility for remarriage. By the words of our mouth we are justified or condemned. If we are in big trouble for our idle words, what about our solemn vows? Repent! for the kingdom of heaven is at stake.
Shalom
after listening to calls, I was also wondered if sex change of a spouse is another good reason.
Whatever the case, this is very humiliating, and changing church to ‘gay’ church was in my opinion not helpful at all. In a sense it was almost and act of approval…
Bo, I agree with your statement on unbelieving spouse. I did not express myself clear enough.
However, when it comes to adultery, I don’t see where does your view that it is not a reasonable cause for divorce coming from.
To put things in perspective, adultery stains a lot of things and if message is not clear that it is a good reason for divorce, perhaps it will be practiced and the offended party will be “required” to forgive, and if fails to do so will be seen as “less spiritual”.
@Bo, “Adultery is grounds for being stoned to death”
true enough, with one exception that Christians are not to kill people.
Perhaps if I were not believer I would agree 100%.
I had a question to Dr. Brown, but anyone can jump into discussion as it is related.
Can a person who remarried being Christian be in leadership position? 1 Tim. 3:2 mentions “the husband of one wife”.
what about the person who was married few times before becoming a Christian?
Bo,
1. In that case, we all should be killed for idolatry, since EVERY sin IS idolatry, at its root (therefore, 1 John simply tells the spiritual ‘children’ [immature] to keep themselves from ‘idols’).
Of course, that is a completely illegitimate stance.
2. Did God stone King David when he committed adultery? You gotta get your story together before you come on here, posting this stuff you post.
Not only did David commit adultery but he married again n had many wives. Doesnt this all boil down to forgiveness n repentence. living n the adultry/fornication life style all ur life n getting forgiveness n repenting for the same n my opinion does not keep u out of heaven. Doesnt God wipe our slates clean n remove our sin as far as the east is from the west?
Dan1el,
My stuff is quite together. Check this out:
http://av1611.com/kjbp/articles/jones-pericope.html
It is from the book of John, so you will at least think that it is scripture.
David did not have 2 eye witnesses testify against him and Bathsheba. He and she could not be stoned without the witnesses. That we know of, there were no witnesses.
This is the case with any death penalty, according to scripture. If there are not two witnesses that are willing to cast the first stone, it cannot be carried out. If there is no authority willing or able to hear the case, it will obviously will not be carried out either.
What we deserve and what we get in this life are sometimes two different things, but we can be sure that we will be judged righteously for the things we do in this body.
1 Timothy 5
24 Some men‘s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
2 Corinthians 5
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Romans 2
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
Revelation 22
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Shalom
Bo,
The Eyes of Gd are running throughout the Earth, and all creation saw it, and will testify (I call Heaven and Earth as witnesses) — in this case, the testimonies of these were revealed to a Prophet (Nathan), who confronted David. What greater witness do you need than the CREATOR to establish a fact? He does NOT need another witness to establish His Testimony as True.
You truly do not have your story together..
Bo,
If you really want to get technical (since David wasn’t executed), remember that the Laws were to be done “IN ISRAEL”, so, if you wanted to stone someone for the offense of adultery, you’d have to be IN ISRAEL — or else, you would be doing something which is not permitted.
Dan1el,
I am guessing that you did not read the link I posted above. Many on this forum have appreciated the wisdom and truth of Floyd Nolan Jones’ article about the woman caught in adultery. You would do well to heed his teaching on this subject.
YHWH set up the rules for mankind. He did not say that heaven or earth or even He Himself were valid witnesses in an earthy trial. Heaven, Earth and all of it’s inhabitants will be allowed to witness in the eternal court. It is by the hand of man that the blood of man is supposed to be shed for shedding of an innocent man’s blood.
YHWH can judge as He sees fit anytime He wants by simply removing our breath.
Yes in Israel, which is a people, it is also a land,…the statutes of YHWH concerning stoning were performed before the people ever got to the land. But stoning could never take place without two valid human witnesses.
And yes YHWH’s testimony is true and needs no validation. But even He sent two witnesses to Sodom before pouring out His righteous judgment.
For those that have ears to hear and eyes to see, it is obvious that I have my story together. It is consistent with all of scripture.
The bone that you have to pick is with Scripture…not me.
As far as getting technical, every nation has the authority to perform the death penalty. They will be accountable for how they enforce it. They will be accountable for how they do not enforce it. As for Messiah’s kingdom that is yet to be established physically on earth, it will be enforced at that time.
As Y’shua’s kingdom is not of this world at the present, His assembly does not have the authority to perform the death penalty, but does have the right and responsibility of excommunication. It is accountable to reject adulterers and such from fellowship. The leaven is leavening the whole lump at this point. The call to come out of the corrupted church is being proclaimed. If we continue to partake of her sins, we will not escape her plagues.
Revelation 18
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Shalom
Konstantin,
You wrote,
Christians are not to “murder” people. As far as the authority of a county to righteously kill those that deserve death, a christian who finds himself in the place of carrying out such a judgment is not wrong. As far as a christian seeking such a position that would require this sort of thing…I would counsel against it. A believer being drafted into the military is different than one that joins voluntarily. We are to remain as free as possible so that we can serve as YHWH’s bond slaves. But I digress.
Matthew 19
3 ¶ The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
When Y’shua answered his tempters, he made a very precise delineation between adultery and fornication. He did not say that adultery is grounds for divorce. He did say that the statute in Deut. 24, which is what the Pharisees are referencing, has one specific interpretation. A man may not divorce his wife for any cause. He may for fornication only. Adultery is not included in the term fornication here, as can be seen by Messiah’s teaching about one flesh relationships not being dissoluble by man…even a man that has a wife that commits adultery. A writing of divorcement is/was a legal document that releases the woman to be married to another man. This cannot be done after YHWH has joined her as one flesh with a man. During the betrothal period, before they have become one flesh, if the man finds that she is not a virgin, (This happened to Joseph.) he can release her. This strict meaning of Messiah’s usage of the word rendered “fornication” is the meaning of the word for “uncleanness” in Deut. 24. Also note the usage of the same word in Leviticus 18, rendered “nakedness” concerning incest. Do you see my point now?
The husband of one wife seems to mean: Not ever having been married to any other woman other than to the current one. Note that for widows to be worthy, they must not have had more than one husband.
1 Timothy 5
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
I also think that it would be incorrect to have a man that is not married fill the office of a bishop. He must be a husband of one wife. There are other positions that do not require the man to be married. Paul was an apostle, and was evidently single. A bishop must have proven himself in his own family. There are also restrictions on the ministry positions that a woman can hold. She certainly cannot be the husband of one wife. The scripture does not promote the idea of equality of purpose or function for men and women, though they are equal as coheirs and as members of the body. Men and women are to play their respective parts in the mystery of Messiah and His bride. It just doesn’t fit that Messiah’s bride be his teacher. Thus Paul rejects the idea of women teaching men or doctrine. He commands that OLDER women teach the younger WOMEN how to love and submit to their husbands, etc. But I digress again.
Shalom
Bo,
#1 He said “in the LAND” — not “in Israel” that these Laws would be carried out.
#2 There is definitely a time when judgment is taken to God — when the spirit of jealousy comes on a man, and has no proof, he can take the matter to the priest, who follows the precripted works, and the woman is attested (by God’s Eyewitness Testimony & Power) as to whether she did commit adultery, or not. This doesn’t result in death, but He did involve Himself in the legal matter — legal, because it does concern the Law of Moses.
#3 The point is that you’re trying to put people back under the Law — and your errors are thoroughly refuted by Dr. Brown and the Apostles. No one gets stoned today, or else Jesus would’ve stoned the entire earth, instead of dying for it.
The question remains unaddressed, considering the Lord’s and the Apostles’ teaching on this matter, why did Jesus excuse Moses’ permitting divorce, and place it as excused, even though citing what was established “from the beginning”???
@Bo,
we’re getting off topic, but just for the sake of stating my position I will reply to your following:
I am aware of standard contemporary American evangelical view on the subject. I cannot speak with certainty on it as it is tough subject. However, my view on this is pretty straight forward pacifist. While it may look superficial on the outset, earliest Christian history was – to the best of my knowledge – pacifist. That’s why in the NT [New Testament] it is said when they persecute you – to flee, not to take shovels and sticks and swords and to exercise righteous judgment, and freedom of religion.
Of course, relative to various governments and laws, status of legality of Christian practice varies. In US people are free to buy and use arms under certain circumstances. I am also aware that Paul would use Roman citizenship to his benefit, when needed. Hence, I said that question is tough.
Furthermore, not all Evangelical, or even pentecostal traditions are endorsing use of arms. For example, in Soviet countries baptists and Pentecostals (which were of course a minor group) would not take arms under any circumstances. Since military draft were obligatory, those believers faced disciplinary actions of various sorts.
Interestingly enough, military service were viewed as having two challenges: (a) taking arms, and (b) taking oaths.
For instance there’s a book called “Peace to War: Shifting Allegiances in the Assemblies of God” by Paul Alexander (which I own, but have not yet read) which documents transition in American Pentecostalism.
Whatever the case, of course one can attempt to argue that comparison of Soviet Evangelical Christians with American is not legitimate due to the fact that the first were living in Communist country and thus by joining military force would therefore contribute to the advance of that power, while American are living in a country founded and upheld by Christian virtues and ideas. Whatever the case, and however it may be viewed, the core objection as it is known to me had to do with the two points I mentioned above.
setting history aside…
If I were to take as a fact that
(a) God “not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
and (b) “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” Eph. 5:1
and (c) “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” Heb. 9:27
it seems to me then, (d) it should be in my best interest to want none to perish but to let people repent while they can.
Thus, (e) “righteously kill”ing then is basically shortening – I am sorry – taking away the possibility to repent…
This view was even more reinforced when I listened to Robert Gagnon talking about Homosexuality, and mentioning adulterous woman in John 8. (Of course, I do not know Gagnon’s views on ‘just war’ theory and such, and not aware of his stand on wars and Christian involvement in them).
I am sorry we got off topic. But, I am trying to explain the conceptual/theological/philosophical context from which my views on divorce or even homosexuality are coming from.
In Rom. 12:19 we read: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
To add to this, in Matt. 10:16 we also read “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. …” How innocent is it to kill people, taking away their opportunity to repent?
I know it may be endless debate and all, as I know there are plethora of books written against such seemingly naive view. But I’m just saying, perhaps divorce is relatively merciful as compared to stoning. Which brings us to Matt. 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
By the way, I misunderstood a little your view on remarriage. I personally think innocent party is not obligated to stay single.
Dan1el,
Did you read the link I posted?
Shalom
Bo,
The author of that article seems to miss the clearly stated reason for His refusing to stone the woman:
“whoever among you has no sin, cast the first stone”.
When no one could say they had not sinned (and, thus, were equally guilty as the woman, and also deserved to be stoned — I might add, much like you or I, today [though, not on Judgment Day, since Jesus will have destroyed all in us that is not as He is]) the stoning ended.
The fact that they (the eldest, having more experience and wisdom, first) had done crimes worthy of death (realizing that their stoning of the woman would necessitate the “justice” of their own stoning, as well) stopped the stoning of the woman. Probably the Lord gave them revelation into their sins against the Law at that particular time — we know He walked in grace; and grace, as John’s Gospel says, would convict us of sin.
Finally, the only One in the crowd Who WAS qualified to cast a stone, because He WAS “without sin” — Jesus — exonerated the woman, because He knew that (as the Apostle Paul said) “…WE WERE WITHOUT STRENGTH…”; and had compassion on us, even as a man whose sheep fell into a pit.
Jesus was sent to SAVE, and to impart STRENGTH and GRACE; that is the difference between Moses’s Law, and Jesus’s:
“Think not that I accuse you before the Father: you have ONE who accuses you — even Moses upon whom you have set your hopes…”
As far as addressing Pat Robertson’s remarks, I didn’t have time to write at work during the day, so I will add my two cents now…
Lately, I was listening to audio excerpts from John Chrysostom of 4th century. It is amazing how wide is the divide between emphases of our times and their. Sure, it is understood that their period and the John himself would advocate more ascetic lifestyle. But, the emphasis on virtuous live were so much greater. A believer painted by him would look so much different from the worldly person. He would constantly emphasize that good deeds, and acts of mercy are essential.
Contrast it to what Robertson managed to say. His statement, sent a message that it is about you and when you have an opportunity to pursue your interests and romances, it is fine to let that baggage which keeps you captive, go. This is a display of selfishness in action.
Is it not a Christian virtue to bear needs, illnesses, and shortcomings of others ? How in the world an elderly pursuit of relationship(s) can be viewed as an exempt from responsibility, compassion, and exercise of ones spiritual gifts and fruits on the person in need??
Sure, such desire can be understood, as such life may be pretty unpleasant. But, if a person comes to such weakness as to express such a thought, shouldn’t Robertson encourage an elderly man to contend for righteousness, and pursue virtuous (holy) behavior.
On the other hand, letting such statement slip from one lips, gives enemies of the Gospel wide grounds to criticize Christians.
Another comparison. In many countries and cultures Christians took and take strong view on importance of marriage, and Christians (especially women) who have unbelieving spouses endure very harsh treatments…
I am aware, that typical American evangelical attitude to any abusive spousal relationship guarantees a range of actions – from leaving a person to putting him/her in jail, and other possible actions.
However, not all Christians around the world have such potential. In many parts, Christians submit and bear not simply discomfort, but violence from their spouses.
I am just giving a perspective here. Compare that to the situation to which Robertson gave his recommendation.
Again, I am not downplaying the seriousness of illness. Perhaps, having such an individual in one’s home could lead to rewards in Heaven, an opportunity to show unbelievers good example, and develop own characters and virtues… but instead, it was viewed as baggage that simply drags person down from happiness.
Ironically, traditionally (from antiquity) happiness was characterized by virtues and character – not feelings.
this is my two cents on the story. take it or leave it
Amen to that, Konstantin. I shudder to think my husband would desert me in my old age and with an illness that robs one of their dignity. This Abraham would not have done to Sarah and neither does the Lord forsake us. Very sad, Robertson’s take on that. When you put yourself in line with the things of the world you need to wear your Spiritual armour every single day (actually we should all be clothed in it daily) otherwise you will become a target for our enemy and he will take full advantage of it. Perhaps Mr. Robertson will be restored to basics and that is my prayer for him. I haven’t watched his show at all in years and years, just not my cup of tea, so when I saw it after so long I can see how far away from it’s beginning it’s moved. Let’s pray for our brother in the Lord that the hardness of his heart is restored to righteous judgment. Sometimes it takes a serious slip-up that forces us to take stock of ourselves and who it is we represent and serve.
1Cr 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
1Cr 13:5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [fn]
1Cr 13:6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
1Cr 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1Cr 13:8 Love never ends.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Hey folks, just a reminder to everyone to stay on topic in case any of you have strayed. Thanks!
Dr. Brown,
It is kind of hard when you have a Bo whose entire theology hinges upon that same Dual-Covenant Fallacy — resulting in his assertion that we should stone adulterers — but I apologize, and will keep it in the correct lane. Thx
Hi,
I’m learning here, but I believe in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
Can I please get some advice on what Gods word tells us respecting my marital situation?
I’ve been married twice. The first time I was married by a civil servant in my locat municipal office. I got a legal Canadian divorce. The second time, I became muslim and married the traditional islamic way. We later separated. I realize that islam takes away the importance of Jesus, so I began reading and learning more about both Islam and Christianity. I asked Jesus to forgive me and come into my heart and guide me. I try to follow the ten commandments, although I feel I always fall short.
I never married in a christian church or assembly nor in a jewish synagogue.
Am I considered married according to God?
Thanks you for time and assistance.
Peace be with you.
Tripicysco
Woops!
Sorry Dr. Brown, .. I didn’t read all of the postings and just now realize your note to stay on topic – really sorry!
Peace
Dan1el,
You miss the point once again. The author of the article does not miss the point at all…he correctly understands the situation and the meaning of and behind the statements.
Messiah was calling for the witnesses to testify. The witnesses were supposed to be the first of lay hands on accused if they were convicted and be the first to cast the stones. The Hebrew idiom of casting the first stone had come to mean for the witnesses to give their testimony. They refused to testify because they would have to implicate the man also, since it takes two to commit adultery and both must be testified against and killed. For them to be “without sin” in the matter at hand, they would have to implicate the man. If they refused to do so, in a lawful court, they would be stoned to death, as they would be false witnesses and would have the same punishment that they were trying to have enforced upon the falsely accused. Messiah upheld the Torah in this and every instance perfectly. If He taught differently, He would be a false prophet. If He failed to keep every aspect of it, He would not be a perfect sacrifice and we would still be dead in our sins.
No dual covenant fallacy here. We have been grafted into Israel or we are bastards.(Rom. 11; Eph. 2; Isa. 56)
Shalom
Konstantin,
There is a difference between letting someone persecute you and enforcing a lawful death penalty. The death penalty is supposed to cause the accused to repent before he dies. It is supposed to cause those that would commit the same evil to repent also. So it is a help in bringing all men to repentance. YHWH has His hand in the destroying of nations and such. Of course, we will be judged for how we are used to meet out judgment. The prophets speak of these things. We are not to ever take judgment into our own hands. This is what scripture is relating when it says to judge not. We are to judge unrighteousness in the congregation. We are to preach and uphold the righteous standard of YHWH to the world. We are not to inflict punishment without YHWH ordained authority behind us. YHWH has ordained the nations and their rulers.
Innocence or guilt in a one flesh covenant does not dissolve the entity that YHWH has made to be one. Death does. The death penalty does. Divorce does not. There is no remarriage once one flesh has been established without the death of one of the parties.
Shalom
BTY–I was answering to Konstatin’s post number 37. I hadn’t read any of the others before I commented. Still haven’t read many.
Bo,
We are NOT to stone adulterers under the New Covenant. There are differences between the Old Covenant and this New Covenant we are in. That is the quintessential problem with your argument: you are holding to the dual-covenant fallacy.
However, the host has asked us too many times not to discuss it — and I’ve already discussed it, somewhat (sorry).
If you want, we can correspond through e-mail, or YouTube. My name is a link for my YouTube.
Dan1el,
Messiah said that not one of the smallest marks of the law will change and that those that keep it and teach others to keep it will be great in the kingdom of heaven. Messiah is the greatest. He kept and taught men to keep every commandment of YHHW. As far a s the Assembly of Y’shua is concerned we have no earthly governmental authority to punish anyone for any crime. We have the mandate to excommunicate adulterers and the like. It is not an option. It is a command. We are to remove the leaven from the assembly.
The death penalty still stands as the correct judgement for adultery, and the powers that be that do not carry it out will be judged for their unjust laws. So will the Church for allowing sin to remain in the camp. Remarriage is almost always adultery. If the people involved will not repent, they will not inherit the kingdom. If the Church does not teach this, the blood will be on their hands. If we do not come out of the modern apostate Babalonian harlot church system we will receive of her plagues/judgement also.
Pat Robertson and the other deceived teachers will receive a “greater condemnation” for their “deceiving and being deceived.”
I have no dual covenant theology. I have consistent Biblical theology that does not elevate one truth over another. We are to live by every word of YHWH, emphasis on every. We are supposed to be grafted in to Israel and we are no longer strangers and gentiles. We have been adopted into the family of YHWH and are now partakers of the covenants, plural, of promise.
The reason that Robertson and others come up with false doctrine is because they do not truly receive the whole scripture as YHWH’s word. Matthew is scripture, even if you or Pat do not think so. He would not have made such a statement, and error for that matter, if he was truly committed to living by every word of YHWH. Since he thinks that the apostolic writings take precedence over the Law and the Prophets, and because he does not understand the Apostles teaching in light of the foundational scripture that Paul and the others got their doctrine and instruction in righteousness from, he will continue to err.
Shalom
Bo,
Can you contact me through YouTube, since there really isn’t a thread on this site to communicate on concerning the dual-covenant fallacy?
1. BTW, Jesus “became a curse” to remove the curse from the adulterer, to the end that he might be saved — and, if you’re not cursed, you can’t be punished: we have fled to Him from the wrath to come.
2. Remember that the Law was typing and shadowing things to come — the correct procedure, for instance, with someone who sleeps with his mother, would be to stone them both; but, in the New Covenant, Apostle Paul said it would be to “remove the wicked man” (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) and “hand him over to satan for the destruction of his flesh” — but that even the punishment is redemptive in attitude/aim: it is done for the salvation of his “spirit in the Day of Jesus Christ”.
Here, we have a clear instance where death-by-stoning would’ve been called for under the Old Covenant, but where the Mew Covenant called for something other than what the Law of Moses called for.
The two Covenants cannot be practiced simultaneously (the son of the slave cannot inherit together with the son of promise/faith).
Therefore, the sentence for adulterers are NOT.
Hebrews 4:16
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
If Pat R. asks the Lord to forgive him, he will be forgiven. The Lord tells us to come to His throne of GRACE. Not the throne of the LAW. The LAW can not forgive you, but Jesus can. Praise Him!!!
Mercy triumphs over judgement.
Sorry for any unintended (grammatical or otherwise) mistakes — I didn’t get to finish editing the message: a friend walked in and told me “Shana Tov”, and invited me to a Feast they were preparing for Rosh HaShana, and I pressed the submit comment button, because I sort of got lost on what I was doing! I will re-post if necessary.