Church of God of Prophecy rethinks position against divorce, re...

[David]

Sally you are not to blame for anything you had no control what your parents seen fit to do and if your being judged for them then the person or persons need to learn what Jesus said about casting the first stone

[Sammy]

Vernon Caruthers wrote:

It is so easy to be critical of those who have been married more than once. Those of us who have been blessed with faithful companions have no idea of the load someone carries when their spouse has been unfaithful. Jesus allowed divorce and remarriage when there was fornication involved. We have been given a ministry as the church to reach out to hurting people. I beleive God is merciful and forgiven. Remarriage is NOT THE UNPARDONABLE SIN. As a pastor in the Church of God of Prophecy I cannot feel comfortable in judging someone who says they are saved and they bear fruit that is evident of a saved life. I have members in my local church that have been in more than one marriage due to the fault of their spouse that left them for another woman or man, whichever the case may be. Jesus said that if we are guilty of one point of the law then we are guilty of the whole. I think we all should throw down our stones of judgment and walk away praying for these precious people who have been judged and hurt enough in the past! I belive this would be pleasing to Jesus

Pastor Vernon,

I agree with what you are saying here and it is definitely wrong to legislate and build doctrines of man around this discussion. A person who goes through divorce isn't "less saved" because a spouse has walked away. I think we have wrongly classified this as a salvation issue.

Another perspective is to teach individuals how to navigate through marraige difficulties. How to communicate, how to be in unity, How to build an affair proof marriage, How to have financial success, How to build a dynamic and compelling marriage, etc.

We have long said "we are against..." I am glad that Jesus never said "I am against"...to the woman caught in the act of adultery. Rather he said "He who is without sin, cast the first stone"...His allegiance to her allowed her receive the change in her life that was needed.

So I challenge all who are so grieved by the changes to provide evidence that the book of acts church operated by our prior standards.

Peter and John extended a right hand of fellowship much different than our church has done to the man at the gate called Beautiful... they did not say "will you sincerely promise..." they said "such as I have, give I thee..." Giving Jesus changes everything.

How many marraiges have been loved and supported into a position of health?

Let's be willing to think...differently about our understanding of scripture or lack thereof in our approach to people. Putting our arms around folks doesn't contaminate us if we love them with the love of Jesus.

[Sammy]

Harry wrote:

Jesus clearly states in Luke 16:18, Mat 5:32, Mat 19:9 that to marry one who is put away from a marriage commits adultry! What is sooooo hard about it?(you know, it is all about keeping tithing members, not obeying the Word)
<quoted text>

This is a bit harsh on your part to state that our ministry to people is based on money. We aren't capable of being financially solvent unless we change the rules. Is this what you are saying?

Let's poll the pastor and his church who knows the individuals involved in the nightmare of rejection from the church and see if those who have opened their doors have doubled their tithe intake in the last 5 years. This must be the explanation for why our churches are so prosperous, healthy, and giving to those around them.

I think you will find that the motive for changing our positions is not financially based at all. It is rather a realization that we are rather incomplete in our understanding of dealing with people in comparison to Biblical standards.

Membership by our definition is not contained in the book of Acts. Can you provide evidence that the early church operated using the same system of church you grew up in?

When you deal with humanity you deal with all of its problems. You can't pick and choose who to minister to. However, you can be faithful to minister to all of humanity. This can be done without compromising the Word of God and hopefully without giving the impression that we are doing this for money.

[JRL]

Part 2 - Matthew’s Exception - Matthew 19:3-10

Are we trying to be more attractive to attract more business? When ministers, pastors and church officials stand behind a pulpit and look out into a congregation are they looking at numbers or souls? What really are our true intentions and motives that determine our biblical stands? It’s about the truth; it’s all about the truth. Erasmus' postulation is gladly accepted by most denominations and ministers today, but not all. Look at these verses and see if God condones divorce and remarriage and if there are any exceptions that allow us to break the marriage contract. Turn to Romans 7:2-3: "For the woman which hath an husband is BOUND BY THE LAW [OF GOD, NOT MAN] to her husband SO LONG AS HE LIVETH; but IF her husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 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." Anyone who is married a SECOND TIME (or more) while there is a LIVING PARTNER is STILL BOUND BY GOD'S LAW TO THE FIRST PARTNER. The laws of the land may say that a woman is no longer bound to her first partner, but GOD says that she is and it is God's Word that counts. Although God can and does forgive the adulterers and adulteresses (if they ask Him to do so), God says that they are still BOUND BY THE LAW until death parts them. In conjunction with this is I Corinthians 7:39: "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 ONLY EXCEPTION listed here is when a partner dies. Then, AND ONLY THEN, is a person allowed to remarry and this person is commanded to be remarried to another Christian. This passage also states that if a woman marries another man while her first partner is still living, she is an adulteress. This, of course, also goes for the man who remarries and we are told numerous places in God's Word that those who commit adultery cannot enter heaven in an unforgiven condition (Galatians 5:19-21; I Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4; Malachi 3:5; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21).

[JRL]

Part 3 - Matthew’s Exception - Matthew 19:3-10

Now, let's turn back to Mark 10:2-12. The Pharisees came to Jesus and asked Him if it were lawful to put away one's wife. They told Jesus that Moses allowed a "bill of divorcement." What did Jesus answer? "For the HARDNESS OF YOUR HEART he [Moses] wrote you this precept, BUT FROM THE BEGINNING of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother; and cleave to his wife; And they twain SHALL BE ONE FLESH: so then they are no longer twain, but one flesh.... And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she COMMITTETH ADULTERY." Here we see that even though Moses did permit people to write bills of divorcement, FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION it WAS NOT God's intention and precept. Moses allowed the bills of divorcement, not because God said it was okay, but because of the REBELLIOUSNESS of the people. God NEVER intended for this to be. Jesus states in Matthew 5:31-32: "It Hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: BUT I SAY unto you [NOTICE: Jesus is saying this!], That WHOSOEVER shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and WHOSOEVER shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." Matthew 5:31-32 and Matthew 19:9 give us what is called the "exception clause"--"saving for the cause of fornication." In Matthew 19:9 Jesus says: "And I say unto you, WHOSOEVER shall put away his wife, EXCEPT it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whose marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." This is the verse that many people TRY to use to condone what is referred to as "the innocent party" divorce and remarriage. However, this IS NOT the "exception clause" that many would like it to be. This "exception" is only written in the book of Matthew. There is a VERY GOOD and IMPORTANT reason for this. You see, the book of Matthew was written to the Jews and the Jewish custom was different from some other customs. When Mark writes about this same situation he DOES NOT mention this so-called "exception clause." First of all, we must understand that there is a DIFFERENCE between "adultery" and "fornication." "Adultery" is sexual relations between two MARRIED people (other than husband and wife). "Fornication" is sexual relations between two UNMARRIED people. If a married man has relations with an unmarried woman then the man has committed "adultery," but the woman has committed "fornication." Now, notice what Jesus says in Matthew: "And I say unto you, WHOSOEVER shall put away his WIFE, EXCEPT it be for FORNICATION ..." If "fornication" is relations between unmarried people then why does Matthew mention "wife" and "fornication" together? Simply because the Jewish people had a special custom.(This custom is still practiced in some Eastern places today!) The wedding actually had a TWO-PART ceremony. When a boyfriend and girlfriend decided that they were for each other, the FIRST STAGE of the "wedding" (or the engagement) was held. The
friends and relatives were called together for an engagement ceremony that was witnessed just like a wedding ceremony. Everyone knew that from this time on, this boy and girl were meant for each other, but they were to still remain pure UNTIL they had gone through the SECOND PHASE of the wedding. If, DURING THIS "ENGAGEMENT" TIME, either one found out that the other one had been unfaithful (committed fornication), a "bill of divorcement" was allowed to be written.

[JRL]

Final Part 4 - Matthew’s Exception - Matthew 19:3-10

To help prove this we find that Matthew (who was writing to the Jews) stated this about Joseph and Mary: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was ESPOUSED [engaged] to Joseph, BEFORE THEY CAME TOGETHER [before they were married and had relations], she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph HER HUSBAND, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily [write a "bill of divorcement"]. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy WIFE: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him HIS WIFE: And knew her not [did not have any relations with her] till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name JESUS" (Matthew 1:18-25). The Greek word for "espoused" is "mnesteuo" and means "to be promised in marriage" or "to be betrothed" so we can see that Mary and Joseph were only ENGAGED and yet under the Jewish custom they were considered as HUSBAND and WIFE even BEFORE they had any relations. This type of situation is what is referred to in Matthew 19. If during the engagement period the man or the woman found out that his or her partner had been unfaithful to him, that man or woman could have a "bill of divorcement" written and would then be free to marry another person. This "bill of divorcement," however, was only to be written BEFORE the SECOND PHASE of the wedding ceremony took place. This verse in Matthew CANNOT possibly be an "exception" for a divorce and remarriage situation simply because once ANYONE is married, any relations outside of their marriage is considered ADULTERY since both parties are married. Matthew SPECIFICALLY stated that this "bill of divorcement" could ONLY be for the cause of "fornication" and "fornication" can only be committed before a person marries for the first time. If we understood more of the Jewish laws and customs we would have less controversy in the church today. Moses permitted divorce, presumably because he knew it would occur even though it displeases God. The Apostle Paul makes a similar statement knowing that people will divorce. Unlike Moses, who presumably permitted remarriage since that is what the Rabbi's taught, Paul does not permit remarriage. See Romans 7:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. It could be argued that Jesus is on the side of Shammai (remarriage is only permitted for adultery). If so, then that would mean that the disciples comment means that they were on the side of Hillel. That leaves the door open for divorce and remarriage only for adultery, or divorce is acceptable for adultery but remarriage is not, depending on how a person, church or an organization chooses to interpret verse 9. I do not feel that this is correct because Paul does not take that view that remarriage is permitted for adultery, and neither is it consistent with the rest of the Bible's teaching on divorce and remarriage. My name is not important. I am a former minister and I have been divorced since 1990. Though I wish there was away around the above issues, there is not. If there was a way I would have found it, however there isn’t so we must go with what God has provided or be damned. It is not about our circumstances, it’s all about the truth.

[Beloved of Messiah]

Shouldn't we listen to G-d rather than men. WOW Cogop finally see they are wrong.. imagine that and even though they allow for the except they still do not have the whole meaning right. Organized religion is for the worship of idols. It is time to go back to the Creator through His son the Messiah and get the truth even if it means sacrificing doctrines of men to do so. I grew up in the "cultish" organization and how dare they think they are greater than G-d!

[Beloved of Messiah]

http://www.missiontoisrael.org/m-d-remar.php

Great article exposing the truth on marriage, divorce and remarriage according to scripture and not man! Please check it out and allow the Spirit of our Creator to guide and direct and reveal truth to you.

[RAY]

David wrote:

I believe that we have to let individuals decided if it is right or wrong for them the Church has changed so much since i was born 40 some yrs ago that is for sure women wouldnt wear pants to church now they do rings wasnt worn now they are and now u can divorce and stay a pastor of the church and remarry and be a pastor I do belive that they will also allow Gays to join in the next 10 yrs wait andsee

DAVID, I HAVE TO TELL YOU,YOU ARE WRONG.THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY IS MAKING CHANGES AS THEY ARE LED BY GOD.I AM A MEMBER OF THIS CHURCH,AND ALSO A PASTOR,THIS CHURCH WILL NEVER OPENLY ACCEPT GAYS OR LESBIANS,UNLESS THEY HAVE REPENTED OF THEIR SIN AND TURNED FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS,PERIOD.THE SCRIPTURE IS VERY CLEAR ON GAYS AND LESBIANS,GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE,NOT ADAM AND STEVE.NOW WITH THE DIVORCED AND THE REMARRIED,JESUS GAVE AN EXCEPTION,THAT IS FORNICATION-SEXUAL SINS OUTSIDE A MARRIAGE.IF YOUR WIFE CHEATS ON YOU,FIRST YOU NEED TO FORGIVE HER AND TAKE HER BACK,IF SHE WILL NOT COME BACK,AND YOU HAVE HONESTLY TRIED TO RECONCILE THINGS THEN YOU CAN DIVORCE HER AND BE REMARRIED,ONLY IN THE LORD-FIND A GOOD CHRISTIAN LADY.SCRIPTURELY YOUR FIRST WIFE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO REMARRY,UNLESS YOU WERE STILL SINGLE AFTER SHE WAS CONVERTED,AND YOU TOOK HER BACK.WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE ALOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THE TRUTH(THE BIBLE),THE BIBLE SAYS TO HIM THAT KNOWETH TO DO GOOD AND DOETH IT NOT TO HIM IT IS A SIN.ALOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE IS WRONG,WHEN YOU DO IT FOR NO REASON,SO AS THE CHURCH OF GOD OUR DUTY IS TO TEACH THEM,RIGHT FROM WRONG.THERE MUST BE A STARTING POINT FOR THESE PEOPLE IN CHRIST JESUS.SHOW THEM HEY YOU DID THIS OR THAT GOD SAYS ITS WRONG YOU CAN'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN,NEXT TIME YOU DO IT,IT WILL BE SIN TO YOU BECAUSE YOU KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG.OUR CHURCH IS STILL A GOD LED CHURCH,WE STILL HAVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A HEART FOR GOD.I WILL NEVER BE A PART OF A CHURCH THAT ACCEPTS GAYS AND LESBIANS,UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN SAVED AND HAVE FORSAKEN THEIR SIN.THIS CHURCH IS NOT DOING THIS,I WOULD BE AFRAID TO EVER MAKE A STATEMENT LIKE YOU JUST MADE ABOUT GODS CHURCH,GOD KNOWS OUR HEARTS WE ARE JUST WANTING TO REACH THE LOST.

[Brigid]

This is to the Church of God in Georgetown where this article originated. I know that a member of your church was told to divorce "the devil" and marry "the angel" by your minister during a church service. Correct me if I'm wrong, but what right do we have to judge others. I thought only God could judge you for your sins and whether you've truly repented. Also as a minister isn't it your sworn duty to put aside your personal feelings and put God first above all others including your wife and children? If divorce is wrong then shouldn't you do everything you can to try and help a couple to resolve their issues and stay married? Whatever happen to peace and love; all you ever get from most churches is hell fire and brimstone. Has everyone forgotten the Golden Rule, DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE DONE TO YOU. I think that would even apply to people who are gay. People can't choose their sexual orientation, some people just learn to suppress it. I'd take a gay person anyday over a pediphile or rapist.

[bad news]

what i really like are the ones who have already been married more than once or have lived with someone for several years still have big weddings and they still want lots of nice gifts.

[jennbo]

I am honestly astounded that in this day and age, where women AND men can be verbally abused and belittled by their spouses, divorce is still looked down upon by churches all over Cleveland. What next? Dancing? Going to see movies?

People think that by shunning others and nitpicking their so-called "sins", they are doing what is biblical in the eyes of God.

Well I tell you this now: you are not doing what is CHRIST-LIKE. Christ said "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone." The uppity denominations around here are continuously casting stones left and right towards anyone who might dare to do something as wretched as leave a marriage where they are being degraded by their spouse. And it sickens me that the only thing that people care about is judging others.

I hope that the Church of God of Prophecy decides to treat people like human beings saved by the grace of God rather than sinners that only they can atone.

[Don from Georgia]

Like many of you, I grew up in the COGOP. My parents and brothers are still members. There are many wonderful people in this church, and I still maintain some of the relationships that I established many years ago. The divorce/remarriage issue has always bothered me. One of my brothers went off to Vietnam, and when he returned, his wife had decided that she didn't want to be married anymore and had run off with another man. He tried to get her back for years and years, but it never happened. They were both raised in the COGOP. He waited for 15 years before remarrying - against the wishes the family, etc. My question about this teaching (which has been thankfully corrected) has always been based on his experience. Some feel that he is living in sin even though he is one of the most Godly men I know. Just a thought.

[nyntche]

I really don't think that anyone should stay single forever because they have been divorced. naturally this is impossible because having been married and then divorce, a person already knows the feelings that went along in a marriage. Didn't the Bible say that it was better to marry than to burn? what was he refering to?

[dkp]

CARRIE wrote:

I HOPE YOU HAVE A HAPPY MARRIAGE AND I ALSO BELIEVE YOU WILL GO TO HEAVEN. PEOPLE ARE TAKING ONE OR TWO SCRIPTURES OUT OF CONTEXT. IF YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR HEART TO GOD, ASK YOUR SINS TO BE FORGIVEN YOU WILL GO TO HEAVEN. ITS THAT SIMPLE FOLKS!
<quoted text>

I agree. Most of these people act like God will not forgive you if you have fallen. Divorce and Remarriage in no greater sin than any other. The Bible says that when God forgives you, Old things are washed away, and all become new. To me that means a new start. God does not hold your past against you if you have asked forgiveness. If that were so, everyone would be doomed.

[Joe]

What about people who are in a second marriage, and then get saved? I don't believe that all marriages are of God!

[Lynn]

I too have grew up COGOP. I think we should rely on what the bible says, rather than relying on what the pastor says.I think we should read, pray and ask GOD for the way. People think it I don't read it, then I won't be held accountable. All these people who are so upset that is what satan wants. Have you heard the saying " A house divided cannot stand"? That is what he wants and he sure doing a bang- up job, beacuse we are letting him. What if his people prayed?

[Fred]

As a christian, I feel that the bible talks against doing acts with others while married is wrong. god help us,

http://youtube.com/watch...

[beckrl]

Well, for me it's all about true repentance.
One has to repentance of any sin and then forsake
that sin(s). And it is clear that what Jesus said in Matt:19 1-9 that who marries another's wife
comment adultry. In John 8:11 Jesus tell the woman
"Neither do I condem thee: go,and sin no more"
Forgiven,but also Forsaking.

The reason this question came to Jesus in Matt. was the Jews was giving divorces for any reasons, and asked Jesus to see what his answer would be.
Not unlike today for we still give dirorces for any reason.
What was his answer? The ONLY reason to divorce one's wife would be for fornication. That was by the old testament law for Premarital sex. For example one married a virgin but found that not to be true than one can divorce by law not by God.
By the way Adultry is the seventh commandment.

Read more about DM in the church at
www.holyleaven.org

[beckrl]

Well, for me it's all about true repentance.
One has to repentance of any sin and then forsake
that sin(s). And it is clear that what Jesus said in Matt:19 1-9 that who marries another's wife
comment adultry. In John 8:11 Jesus tell the woman
"Neither do I condem thee: go,and sin no more"
Forgiven,but also Forsaking.

The reason this question came to Jesus in Matt. was the Jews was giving divorces for any reasons, and asked Jesus to see what his answer would be.
Not unlike today for we still give dirorces for any reason.
What was his answer? The ONLY reason to divorce one's wife would be for fornication. That was by the old testament law for Premarital sex. For example one married a virgin but found that not to be true than one can divorce by law not by God.
By the way Adultry is the seventh commandment.

For the Church to welcome adultry into membership is telling them it's ok. It's not.

Read more about DM in the church at
www.holyleaven.org