BIBLE STUDIES

MARRIAGE

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(Subjects in this Section)

1-INTRODUCTION
2-IS MARRIAGE OF GOD OR OF MAN?

A.

A MAN FINDS THE WOMAN HE WANTS TO MARRY
 

B.

THE MAN INVITES OR ASKS THE WOMAN TO BE HIS WIFE

C.

SHE MAY SAY YES OR NO

D.

IF A DOWRY IS TO BE PAID FOR THE WOMAN, IT'S ONE TIME, IN FULL

E.

THEY ARE ENGAGED, NOT MARRIED

F.

THE WEDDING AND MARRIAGE SUPPER

G.

THE WOMAN TAKES THE MAN'S NAME

H.

THERE IS NOW A COVENANT OR WRITING OF MARRIAGE (A DOCUMENT)

I.

THE MARRIAGE HAS TAKEN PLACE: THEY NOW LEAVE THE MAN'S FATHER AND MOTHER AND SET UP HOUSEKEEPING ON THEIR OWN

J.

THERE SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE ALLOWED IN THE
MARRIAGE

K.

HUSBANDS ARE TO LOVE THEIR WIVES

L

WOMEN ARE TO HELP THEIR HUSBANDS
3-SUMMARY OF THE EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY MARRIAGE
4-QUESTIONS CONCERNING MARRIAGE, SALVATION, PLUS COMMENTS

FORNICATION AND ADULTERY

5-SEX OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE: FORNICATION AND ADULTERY
6-WHAT TO DO
7-IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO BE LIVING IN FORNICATION AND BE WALKING WITH GOD
8-REGARDING "FORNICATION," IT IS WRITTEN
9-MANY ATTEND CHURCHES WHERE THE MINISTER IS LIVING IN FORNICATION; THUS HE
    CANNOT BE WALKING WITH GOD

MARRIAGE—MISC. INFORMATION

10-ONE WIFE
11-SEEKING A WIFE OR HUSBAND
12-SINGLENESS AND MARRIAGE
13-FORNICATION AND ADULTERY

1-INTRODUCTION

    The marriage supper and marriage of the bride to Jesus will take place soon. This needs to be covered, as it is part of Bible prophecy that has not yet occurred.
  
THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY: BUT I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH-Eph 5:32.
  
The relationship of Christ to the church portrays the relationship of a husband to his wife. This "mystery" reveals Christ asking us to be His wife. We have the freedom of choice to say yes or no. Should we say yes, this mystery includes how the engagement is initiated and rules we are to follow during this engagement. These rules even include how we are to wait for our husband to come and take us away. It involves the marriage itself and the celebration, including the marriage supper. It involves how we are to set up housekeeping, including the man leaving his parents. All aspects of our marriage to Christ are covered in the Bible. All aspects of an earthly marriage are covered in the Bible.
  
Why then do some nations of the world deviate so much from the biblical concept of marriage as laid down by God Himself? The answer is clear. It is the deceiver. By Satan causing certain nations to follow very unbiblical traditions, it causes the people that Jesus calls to have a much more difficult time understanding the Christian's relationship to Jesus. Satan is the author of confusion. Many Christian preachers in today's churches, in various countries, hold to some very unbiblical marriage traditions. They are afraid to go against these traditions, which conflict with the teaching of Jesus. They turn away from teaching God's truth, in some areas, because of the persecution they might have to go through.

2-IS MARRIAGE OF GOD OR OF MAN?

    The first question that needs to be asked and answered is this. "IS MARRIAGE OF GOD OR OF MAN?" If marriage is ordained of God, then let us do it God's way. It is written, MARRIAGE IS HONORABLE IN ALL, AND THE BED UNDEFILED: BUT WHOREMONGERS AND ADULTERERS GOD WILL JUDGE-Heb 13:4.
  
A man is permitted one wife. A woman is permitted one husband. It is written, ONE WIFE-1 Tim 3:2; ONE WIFE-1 Tim 3:12; ONE WIFE-Titus 1:6; HER OWN HUSBAND-1 Cor 7:2.

    A.  A man finds the woman he wants to marry. She must be in the Lord. He must also be in the Lord. The man or his parents may choose the woman to be considered. It is written...SHE IS AT LIBERTY TO BE MARRIED TO WHOM SHE WILL; ONLY IN THE LORD-1 Cor 7:39. It is also written, BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS-2 Cor 6:14.
  
In like manner, Jesus finds us. Jesus said, YE HAVE NOT CHOSEN ME, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU-Jn 15:16.

    B.  The man invites or asks the woman to be his wife.
Jesus asks us to become His wife. AND THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT HEARETH SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY-Rev 22:17. COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN-Mt 11:28.

   C.  She may say yes or no. No parent, no relative, no person is to force her to say yes or no. It is written, AND THEY SAID, WE WILL CALL THE DAMSEL, AND INQUIRE AT HER MOUTH. AND THEY CALLED REBEKAH, AND SAID UNTO HER, WILT THOU GO WITH THIS MAN? AND SHE SAID, I WILL GO-Gen 24:57,58. It is also written...SHE IS AT LIBERTY TO BE MARRIED TO WHOM SHE WILL; ONLY IN THE LORD-1 Cor 7:39. Again, we see she has the God-given authority to say yes or no; however, the man she would say yes to, absolutely, is to be IN THE LORD. No saved parent should ever even consider encouraging their born-again son or daughter to marry any person that is not a fruit-bearing, born-again Christian.
  
In the same way, when Jesus invites us to become His wife, we may say, yes or no. It is written, THEN SAID HE UNTO HIM, A CERTAIN MAN MADE A GREAT SUPPER, AND BADE MANY: AND SENT HIS SERVANT AT SUPPER TIME TO SAY TO THEM THAT WERE BIDDEN, COME; FOR ALL THINGS ARE NOW READY. AND THEY ALL WITH ONE CONSENT BEGAN TO MAKE EXCUSE. THE FIRST SAID UNTO HIM, I HAVE BOUGHT A PIECE OF GROUND, AND I MUST NEEDS GO AND SEE IT: I PRAY THEE HAVE ME EXCUSED. AND ANOTHER SAID, I HAVE BOUGHT FIVE YOKE OF OXEN, AND I GO TO PROVE THEM: I PRAY THEE HAVE ME EXCUSED. AND ANOTHER SAID, I HAVE MARRIED A WIFE, AND THEREFORE I CANNOT COME. (Jesus wanted them to marry Him.) AND THE LORD SAID...NONE OF THOSE MEN WHICH WERE BIDDEN SHALL TASTE OF MY SUPPER-Lk 14:16-20,23,24.
  
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A CERTAIN KING, WHICH MADE A MARRIAGE FOR HIS SON, AND SENT FORTH HIS SERVANTS TO CALL THEM THAT WERE BIDDEN TO THE WEDDING: AND THEY WOULD NOT COME-Mt 22:2,3.

    D.  If a dowry is to be paid for the woman (it's one time only and in full). Once it is paid, there can be no further obligation of any kind. No continuing dowry or sacrifice is allowed. It is to be paid—in full—before the marriage can take place, even if the man has to wait seven years or more. No intimate relationship is permitted until they are married in the eyes of God, as this would be fornication (which is sin). This is God's way. It is written, AND JACOB SERVED SEVEN YEARS FOR RACHEL; AND THEY SEEMED UNTO HIM BUT A FEW DAYS, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER. AND JACOB SAID UNTO LABAN, GIVE ME MY WIFE, FOR MY DAYS ARE FULFILLED, THAT I MAY GO IN UNTO HER-Gen 29:20,21.
  
In like manner, Jesus died on the cross one time. He shed His blood for His bride. As it is written, YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE-1 Cor 6:20. He found the price He paid to be very great as He said, FATHER, IF THOU BE WILLING, REMOVE THIS CUP FROM ME: NEVERTHELESS NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE-Lk 22:42. The death of Jesus paid the full price to purchase His bride. There is no biblical warrant for a continuing sacrifice. Those that teach such a doctrine are greatly deceived and are not following the Bible. It is written, BY HIS OWN BLOOD HE ENTERED IN ONCE INTO THE HOLY PLACE, HAVING OBTAINED ETERNAL REDEMPTION FOR US-Heb 9:12. SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY-Heb 9:28. BUT THIS MAN, AFTER HE HAD OFFERED ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS FOR EVER, SAT DOWN ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD-Heb 10:12.

    E.  They are engaged, not married. An engagement ring is given. It is a time that they should get to know each other (but not physically, not sexually). It is a time of testing for the engaged woman to see if she will be faithful, just as the children of Israel were tested as they wandered in the wilderness. There are certain rules she is to follow. The Word of God gives us these guidelines. Should the engaged woman turn aside to another man and not continue to wait faithfully, then she has broken the engagement. She is called an adulteress.
  
Once a person says "yes" to Jesus' invitation, it is a time of testing. Jesus went away to prepare a place for His bride, a honeymoon mansion. The "bride in waiting" gets to know Jesus through His Word and through prayer. Jesus gets to know us, His "bride in waiting." As we go through various situations, He observes how we respond. He helps us. Our trust is in Him. We know He will return to take us. We do not have a physically, intimate relationship with Jesus at this time. Neither is a man and his prospective bride supposed to come together as husband and wife, even though the dowry has been paid, because no marriage has yet taken place. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit as a deposit (engagement ring). We are to occupy till He comes. IN WHOM YE ALSO TRUSTED, AFTER THAT YE HEARD THE WORD OF TRUTH, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION: IN WHOM ALSO AFTER THAT YE BELIEVED, YE WERE SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE, WHICH IS THE EARNEST (or deposit) OF OUR INHERITANCE UNTIL THE REDEMPTION OF THE PURCHASED POSSESSION (or until the redemption of those who are God's possession-NIV), UNTO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY-Eph 1:13,14. The cup of communion is given. She is to remain a faithful virgin, with her light burning, waiting for her man to come and take her-ref Mt 25:1-13.
  
Should a person that has said "yes" to the invitation of Jesus turn aside to another, which is Satan, then that person is called an adulterer. They have broken the engagement and turned aside to another. Their lamps went out. They took no oil with them-ref Mt 25:3,8.
  
There are certain rules that are to be followed as a person waits patiently for Jesus to return to get them. The Bible gives these guidelines.

   F.  The wedding and marriage supper. Many guests are usually invited. Wedding garments are worn. The marriage can be called off-ref 1 Cor 7:32-38.
  
The day is coming when Jesus will return to take His bride. There will be a huge marriage supper. The wise virgins will be taken-ref Mt 25:1-13. As it is written, THE BRIDEGROOM CAME; AND THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE-Mt 25:10.
  
LET US BE GLAD AND REJOICE, AND GIVE HONOR TO HIM: FOR THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB IS COME, AND HIS WIFE HATH MADE HERSELF READY. AND TO HER WAS GRANTED THAT SHE SHOULD BE ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND WHITE: FOR THE FINE LINEN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SAINTS. AND HE SAITH UNTO ME, WRITE, BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE CALLED UNTO THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB-Rev 19:7-9.
  
Wedding garments must be worn. AND WHEN THE KING CAME IN TO SEE THE GUESTS, HE SAW THERE A MAN WHICH HAD NOT ON A WEDDING GARMENT: AND HE SAITH UNTO HIM, FRIEND, HOW CAMEST THOU IN HITHER NOT HAVING A WEDDING GARMENT? AND HE WAS SPEECHLESS. THEN SAID THE KING TO THE SERVANTS, BIND HIM HAND AND FOOT, AND TAKE HIM AWAY, AND CAST HIM INTO OUTER DARKNESS; THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH-Mt 22:11-13.
  
Oftentimes, particularly overseas, the couple getting married may be very poor. A large, expensive wedding is not required.  Just a small ceremony may be held with either a minister or someone authorized to legally officiate a marriage.

    G.  The woman takes the man's name. When a marriage takes place, the woman is to take the man's name. Regarding the male and female, God BLESSED THEM, AND CALLED "THEIR" NAME ADAM-Gen 5:2. AND IN THAT DAY SEVEN WOMEN SHALL TAKE HOLD OF ONE MAN, SAYING, WE WILL EAT OUR OWN BREAD, AND WEAR OUR OWN APPAREL: ONLY LET US BE CALLED BY THY NAME, TO TAKE AWAY OUR REPROACH-Isa 4:1.
  
When we marry Jesus, we receive His name. Jesus said, I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME-Rev 3:12.

    H.  There is now a covenant or writing of marriage (a document). IT HATH BEEN SAID, WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, LET HIM GIVE HER A WRITING OF DIVORCEMENT-Mt 5:31. If there has to be a writing of divorcement, then there should also be a writing of marriage, a marriage document. It is also written, YET IS SHE THY COMPANION, AND THE WIFE OF THY COVENANT-Mal 2:14. In every country, as we understand, there are certain laws that are set up regarding marriages. These should include a marriage certificate, or license, or some sort of legal document. It is written, SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO EVERY ORDINANCE OF MAN FOR THE LORD'S SAKE-1 Pe 2:13. LET EVERY SOUL BE SUBJECT UNTO THE HIGHER POWERS. FOR THERE IS NO POWER BUT OF GOD: THE POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD. WHOSOEVER THEREFORE RESISTETH THE POWER, RESISTETH THE ORDINANCE OF GOD: AND THEY THAT RESIST SHALL RECEIVE TO THEMSELVES DAMNATION-Ro 13:1,2.
  
Marriage is a lifelong commitment. THE WIFE IS BOUND BY THE LAW AS LONG AS HER HUSBAND LIVETH-1 Cor 7:39. FOR THE WOMAN WHICH HATH AN HUSBAND IS BOUND BY THE LAW TO HER HUSBAND SO LONG AS HE LIVETH; BUT IF THE HUSBAND BE DEAD, SHE IS LOOSED FROM THE LAW OF HER HUSBAND-Ro 7:2.
  
Our marriage to Jesus is a forever commitment. The Lord said, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE-Heb 13:5. I SAY, AND WILLING RATHER TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY, AND TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD-2 Cor 5:8. SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD-1 Thes 4:17.
  
If a man has paid the dowry in full (if one was required), and then afterward was married by a minister or authorized official, yet does not have a legal document of marriage, they should make arrangements to get one.

    I.  The marriage has now taken place. They now leave the man's father and mother and set up housekeeping on their own. They are not to remain in the father's house. It is written, AND ADAM SAID, THIS IS NOW BONE OF MY BONES, AND FLESH OF MY FLESH: SHE SHALL BE CALLED WOMAN, BECAUSE SHE WAS TAKEN OUT OF MAN. THEREFORE SHALL A MAN LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER, AND SHALL CLEAVE UNTO HIS WIFE: AND THEY SHALL BE ONE FLESH-Gen 2:23,24. The man no longer cleaves to his father or mother but to his wife. The mother's job has, in many respects, been replaced by the wife. God has put an instinct in the mother to do certain things for her son. The wife has instincts to be a helper for her husband. When children might come along, there would be two mothers and two fathers in the same house. There can be a great clash if this command of God is disobeyed. Many divorces result, because people are stubborn and will not take heed to God's guidelines for a marriage. How can a minister preach on this, if he will not obey it himself? How often our emotions run contrary to God's Word. FOR THIS CAUSE SHALL A MAN LEAVE FATHER AND MOTHER, AND SHALL CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE: AND THEY TWAIN SHALL BE ONE FLESH-Mt 19:5. FOR THIS CAUSE SHALL A MAN LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE-Mk 10:7. God gives us this command in the Old Testament. God gives us this command in two accounts of the Gospel in the New Testament. It is realized that some people are very poor and obeying this command may be difficult. Nevertheless, God's Word should be followed and obeyed. It may be noted that Jesus went away to prepare a place for His future bride. When He has the place prepared, He comes and gets us. It is written, IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS…I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU. AND IF I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME AGAIN AND RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF; THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO-Jn 14:2,3. Sometimes the parents can help the couple that has just gotten married to get a place of their own.
  
Again we may note that the heavenly concept of marriage is in total harmony with God's commands regarding our earthly marriage. Soon the Rapture of the church will come-ref Lk 21:28; 1 Thes 4:17. The saints will go to be with Jesus at the Father's house-Rev 4:1; 5:9. The marriage will take place-ref Mt 25:10. Then Jesus and all the saints will leave the Father's house, and return to the earth and set up housekeeping-ref Mt 24:30; Zech 14:5; Jude 14. WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH-Rev 5:10.

    J.  There should be absolutely no outside interference allowed in the marriage. The marriage is to be between the husband, the wife, and Jesus. It is not to be between the husband, the wife, and a mother, a father, or relatives, or anyone else. Woe to that person that interferes in the marriage ordained of God. It is written, WHAT THEREFORE GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER, LET NOT MAN PUT ASUNDER-Mt 19:6; ref Mk 10:9. There is a covenant given by God regarding the marriage, THE...COVENANT-Mal 2:14. Woe to the person that interferes with two people joined together in marriage under God's covenant.
  
In our walk with Jesus, it is the same. There is to be no outside interference from anyone seeking to turn us from Jesus or from doing the will of God. It is written, IF THERE ARISE AMONG YOU A PROPHET, OR A DREAMER OF DREAMS, AND GIVETH THEE A SIGN OR A WONDER, AND THE SIGN OR THE WONDER COME TO PASS, WHEREOF HE SPAKE UNTO THEE, SAYING, LET US GO AFTER OTHER GODS, WHICH THOU HAST NOT KNOWN, AND LET US SERVE THEM; THOU SHALT NOT HEARKEN UNTO THE WORDS OF THAT PROPHET, OR THAT DREAMER OF DREAMS: FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD PROVETH YOU, TO KNOW WHETHER YE LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL. YE SHALL WALK AFTER THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND FEAR HIM, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND OBEY HIS VOICE, AND YE SHALL SERVE HIM, AND CLEAVE UNTO HIM. AND THAT PROPHET, OR THAT DREAMER OF DREAMS, SHALL BE PUT TO DEATH; BECAUSE HE HATH SPOKEN TO TURN YOU AWAY FROM THE LORD YOUR GOD, WHICH BROUGHT YOU OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND REDEEMED YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE, TO THRUST THEE OUT OF THE WAY WHICH THE LORD THY GOD COMMANDED THEE TO WALK IN. SO SHALT THOU PUT THE EVIL AWAY FROM THE MIDST OF THEE.
  
IF THY BROTHER, THE SON OF THY MOTHER, OR THY SON, OR THY DAUGHTER, OR THE WIFE OF THY BOSOM, OR THY FRIEND, WHICH IS AS THINE OWN SOUL, ENTICE THEE SECRETLY, SAYING, LET US GO AND SERVE OTHER GODS, WHICH THOU HAST NOT KNOWN, THOU, NOR THY FATHERS; NAMELY, OF THE GODS OF THE PEOPLE WHICH ARE ROUND ABOUT YOU, NIGH UNTO THEE, OR FAR OFF FROM THEE, FROM THE ONE END OF THE EARTH EVEN UNTO THE OTHER END OF THE EARTH; THOU SHALT NOT CONSENT UNTO HIM, NOR HEARKEN UNTO HIM; NEITHER SHALL THINE EYE PITY HIM, NEITHER SHALT THOU SPARE, NEITHER SHALT THOU CONCEAL HIM: BUT THOU SHALT SURELY KILL HIM; THINE HAND SHALL BE FIRST UPON HIM TO PUT HIM TO DEATH, AND AFTERWARDS THE HAND OF ALL THE PEOPLE. AND THOU SHALT STONE HIM WITH STONES, THAT HE DIE; BECAUSE HE HATH SOUGHT TO THRUST THEE AWAY FROM THE LORD THY GOD, WHICH BROUGHT THEE OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, FROM THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE-Deut 13:1-10.

    K.  Husbands are to love their wives. It is written, HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, EVEN AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT-Eph 5:25.
  
A husband is not to deal treacherously with his wife. If he does his offerings will not be accepted by God. It is written, ANOTHER THING YOU DO: YOU FLOOD THE LORD'S ALTAR WITH TEARS. YOU WEEP AND WAIL BECAUSE HE NO LONGER PAYS ATTENTION TO YOUR OFFERINGS OR ACCEPTS THEM WITH PLEASURE FROM YOUR HANDS-Mal 2:13 NIV. YET YE SAY, WHEREFORE? BECAUSE THE LORD HATH BEEN WITNESS BETWEEN THEE AND THE WIFE OF THY YOUTH, AGAINST WHOM THOU HAST DEALT TREACHEROUSLY: YET IS SHE THY COMPANION, AND THE WIFE OF THY COVENANT. AND DID NOT HE MAKE ONE? YET HAD HE THE RESIDUE OF THE SPIRIT. AND WHEREFORE ONE? THAT HE MIGHT SEEK A GODLY SEED. THEREFORE TAKE HEED TO YOUR SPIRIT, AND LET NONE DEAL TREACHEROUSLY AGAINST THE WIFE OF HIS YOUTH. FOR THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, SAITH THAT HE HATETH PUTTING AWAY: FOR ONE COVERETH VIOLENCE WITH HIS GARMENT, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS: THEREFORE TAKE HEED TO YOUR SPIRIT, THAT YE DEAL NOT TREACHEROUSLY-Mal 2:14-16.
  
If a husband does not obey God's guidelines as set down here, his prayers can be hindered. It is written, LIKEWISE, YE HUSBANDS, DWELL WITH THEM (your wives) ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE, GIVING HONOR UNTO THE WIFE, AS UNTO THE WEAKER VESSEL, AND AS BEING HEIRS TOGETHER OF THE GRACE OF LIFE; THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED-1 Pe 3:7. Beware. How a person treats their wife or husband, is how they treat Jesus. As it is written, AND THE KING SHALL ANSWER AND SAY UNTO THEM, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, INASMUCH AS YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN, YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME-Mt 25:40.

   L.  Women are to help their husbands. THE LORD GOD SAID, "IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE MAN TO BE ALONE. I WILL MAKE A HELPER SUITABLE FOR HIM"-Gen 2:18 NIV.

3-SUMMARY OF THE EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY MARRIAGE

    The earthly marriage is to be a reflection of the heavenly marriage. Through the biblical teaching of how a marriage is supposed to be on earth, we understand, as a believer, how our relationship is supposed to be with Jesus; this, in turn, teaches us biblically how to relate and deal with our spouse. Through this teaching, we hope to get a deeper understanding of how our relationship with the Lord Jesus and with our spouse should be.

    Today's church. Again, the question is asked, "Why do many ministers of Jesus not speak out against the unbiblical aspects of the marriages that are going on among their people or in their nation?" Are they fearful? Often, yes. By refusing to take a stand for what is right, these "Christian" preachers are hurting their flocks and misleading them. Perhaps they have forgotten the fear of God. Perhaps they just want to "get a long" and not "rock the boat," so to speak. Perhaps they do not want to offend anyone—as the truth often does. Because of this, many "Christian" preachers ignore these things and do not teach the people what is right in the eyes of God regarding these things. Thus, people remain in darkness. A minister of God is to show his flock what is right and wrong in the eyes of a Holy God, not in a few things but in all things.
  
In some countries of the world, it is estimated that nearly eighty percent of the marriages are not really marriages at all, when viewed in light of Scripture. Many of what they call marriages are nothing more than living together or following after certain cultural traditions. These traditions vary from country to country. Most do not even know or understand a biblical marriage, and very, very few "Christian" preachers teach on this subject. Thus, the people remain in darkness.
  
There are many preachers (in certain countries) that call themselves Christians and are living with a woman they are not married to in the eyes of God. They wipe their mouth and say, "I have done no wrong." They will perish and so will those that follow their wicked ways.
  
How can a preacher teach these things to the flock, when he himself, will not obey them? The first way a preacher is to teach is by being an example to the flock. How can a preacher teach the flock to hate every evil way, when he himself does not?
  
And in many other countries of the world it is the same. God's concept of marriage is often ignored.
  
Again, we ask the question. "IS MARRIAGE OF GOD OR OF MAN?" If it is of God, let it be done God's way. Take a stand for what is right in the eyes of God. Do and teach God's Word the way Jesus would, never fearing what man might do. Follow Jesus. 

4-QUESTIONS CONCERNING MARRIAGE, SALVATION, PLUS COMMENTS

    Question: What is the average age of those getting married for the first time? Answer: From their late teenage years until about 30. Question: In like manner, what is the age group of most who come to Jesus? Answer: It is the same. Question: Do people usually get married for the first time at age 50? Answer: Very few. Question: Do many people come to Jesus at age 50? Answer: Very few.
  
In America, there is about a fifty percent divorce rate. Consider this. If a man had to pay a large dowry in America to get a wife, he might be much slower to divorce her. He might be much more willing to try to make the marriage work. In the same respect, if a man had paid a large sum of money to marry the woman, by knowing she was greatly cherished, she might try much harder to make the marriage succeed instead of seeking a divorce. When is the last time you heard an American preacher teach on this concept? You are much more apt to junk a car you paid nothing for, than a car you paid a lot of money for.
  
In America and some other countries, perhaps, because no dowry is paid for the wife, people have a harder time understanding the great price that Jesus paid for His bride. Perhaps, this is one reason so many appear to say yes to Jesus, but a year or two later, there is no evidence of submitting to and following Jesus.
  
As it is written, WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US-1 Jn 4:19. Jesus paid a great price for His church. He gave His life.

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FORNICATION AND ADULTERY
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5-SEX OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE: FORNICATION AND ADULTERY

    Many people in this deceived and sinful world have sex outside of marriage. They need to come to repentance, or they will surely perish.
  
Many are living in fornication. Many do not understand what fornication is. One form of fornication is—when a man and woman move in together. Some may even have the permission of their parents. They may even have paid some money. Sometimes, they may live in the house of one of the parents, yet they have never been married according to God's Word. They say they are married, because their parents, preacher, relatives, and friends approve. They may say, "Many people do this; it is our tradition." They may have children and even grandchildren.
  
People that are living together, but are not married according to the Word of God, ARE LIVING IN FORNICATION. This is one definition of what fornication actually is. They have not repented of ungodly traditions. They are not saved. They may say they believe on Jesus, but they twist and do not believe "His" Word, although they say they do. All their life they have been taught by their parents, relatives, and clergy that what they are doing is O.K. in the eyes of God. But it is not. They have been misled. They have been conforming to traditions. Now, when they study God's Word, they do not see that what they are doing is evil and wrong. They are in blindness and darkness, because of ungodly traditions.
  
Many preachers and even some denominational heads of many churches do this. They refuse to believe the truth of God's Word on this subject. Some even have two or more wives and justify this sin, also. God forbid.
  
It is written, A BISHOP THEN MUST BE BLAMELESS, THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, VIGILANT, SOBER, OF GOOD BEHAVIOUR, GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY, APT TO TEACH-1 Tim 3:2.
  
LET THE DEACONS BE THE HUSBANDS OF ONE WIFE, RULING THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR OWN HOUSES WELL-1 Tim 3:12.
  
IF ANY BE BLAMELESS, THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, HAVING FAITHFUL CHILDREN NOT ACCUSED OF RIOT OR UNRULY-Titus 1:6.
  
Some lesbians and homosexuals live together and even call themselves married. Some claim they are Christians. When they die, they will find themselves in hell and discover that they were very misled, unless they totally repent.

6-WHAT TO DO

    Repent. Immediately, separate. Get married God's way. If a dowry is required, pay it in full first, then get married. A large, expensive wedding is NOT necessary. Get the proper legal paperwork. Be sure you have received Jesus Christ by faith. Get baptized afterward.

7-IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO BE LIVING IN FORNICATION AND BE WALKING WITH GOD

    As stated above, a man and woman might be living together. They may have had permission from their parents. They may even have children. Perhaps, they even paid some money. However, they are not married in the eyes of a Holy God. They are following a country's tradition, but not God's Word. It is not possible for them to be walking with God, no matter how much they teach God's Word. They are blind, yet positive they are not blind, as the Pharisees also were. They are living in fornication. Often, when they are confronted with God's Word on this subject, they are so filled with wrong thoughts, teachings, traditions, fears, and pressures from relatives and their community, that they will not or cannot understand in their heart. They don’t understand they are living in wickedness and sin, and that they are not walking with God (no matter how much they may look like they are walking with God). They will not believe God's Word; they may even argue and strive, saying that God's Word does not mean this or that. They may say, "That is your interpretation," or, "God knows my heart." They do not understand that "without holiness, no man will see the Lord"-ref Heb 12:14. They do not understand that THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?-Jere 17:9.
  
Because they will not believe God's Word on this subject, neither would they believe a missionary, or an angel, or this message, or even Jesus Himself, or anyone sent to them from God to correct them. Their own traditions and sins have blinded them to the truth.
  
They need to repent, to be broken and humbled. They need to cry out for God's mercy and deny themselves. They should separate—then get married God's way. Afterward, they should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. From that point, they should continue walking with God.
  
Again, it needs to be said, because they will not receive correction as a little child, with a childlike, humble, meek attitude, it shows clearly, they are not being led of God. Some are so positive they are saved, yet so blind, even when they are left behind in the Rapture, or when they are at the judgment, they will try to argue with Jesus. Nevertheless, because they would not depart from iniquity, they shall surely perish for eternity.
  
This needs to be understood. Sin is not defined by traditions of a people or country. It is not defined by one's emotions. It is not defined by what you think sin is or is not.
  
Sin is defined by God's Word, and God's Word only. It is God's Word that shall judge you. No matter how positive you, your parents, your friends, your church, and your community may be, or even if your country believes you are right, it is God's Word that will declare whether you are in sin or not.
  
WE ARE OF GOD: HE THAT KNOWETH GOD HEARETH US; HE THAT IS NOT OF GOD HEARETH NOT US. HEREBY KNOW WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR-1 Jn 4:6.
  
IF ANY MAN HAVE EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR-Mk 4:23.
  
Many think they have come to the light. They teach God's Word, they go on missionary trips, they evangelize, but they will not come—in truth—and surrender to God's Word.
  
It is written, AND THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, THAT LIGHT IS COME INTO THE WORLD, AND MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL.
  
FOR EVERY ONE THAT DOETH EVIL HATETH THE LIGHT, NEITHER COMETH TO THE LIGHT, LEST HIS DEEDS SHOULD BE REPROVED (or made known or corrected).
  
BUT HE THAT DOETH TRUTH COMETH TO THE LIGHT, THAT HIS DEEDS MAY BE MADE MANIFEST, THAT THEY ARE WROUGHT IN GOD-Jn 3:19-21.

8-REGARDING "FORNICATION," IT IS WRITTEN

    Acts 15:20-WRITE UNTO THEM, THAT THEY ABSTAIN FROM…FORNICATION (also ref Acts 15:29).
  
Ro 1:29-BEING FILLED WITH ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, FORNICATION, WICKEDNESS, COVETOUSNESS, MALICIOUSNESS; FULL OF ENVY, MURDER, DEBATE, DECEIT, MALIGNITY; WHISPERERS.
  
1 Cor 6:13-NOW THE BODY IS NOT FOR FORNICATION.
  
1 Cor 6:18-20-FLEE FORNICATION. EVERY SIN THAT A MAN DOETH IS WITHOUT THE BODY; BUT HE THAT COMMITTETH FORNICATION SINNETH AGAINST HIS OWN BODY. WHAT? KNOW YE NOT THAT YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS IN YOU, WHICH YE HAVE OF GOD, AND YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN? FOR YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD'S.
  
1 Cor 10:8-NEITHER LET US COMMIT FORNICATION, AS SOME OF THEM COMMITTED, AND FELL IN ONE DAY THREE AND TWENTY THOUSAND.
  
2 Cor 12:21-AND LEST, WHEN I COME AGAIN, MY GOD WILL HUMBLE ME AMONG YOU, AND THAT I SHALL BEWAIL MANY WHICH HAVE SINNED ALREADY, AND HAVE NOT REPENTED OF THE UNCLEANNESS AND FORNICATION AND LASCIVIOUSNESS WHICH THEY HAVE COMMITTED.
  
Eph 5:3-BUT FORNICATION, AND ALL UNCLEANNESS, OR COVETOUSNESS, LET IT NOT BE ONCE NAMED AMONG YOU, AS BECOMETH SAINTS.
  
1 Thes 4:3,4-FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD, EVEN YOUR SANCTIFICATION, THAT YE SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION: THAT EVERY ONE OF YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW TO POSSESS HIS VESSEL IN SANCTIFICATION AND HONOUR.
  
Jude 7-EVEN AS SODOM AND GOMORRHA, AND THE CITIES ABOUT THEM IN LIKE MANNER, GIVING THEMSELVES OVER TO FORNICATION, AND GOING AFTER STRANGE FLESH, ARE SET FORTH FOR AN EXAMPLE, SUFFERING THE VENGEANCE OF ETERNAL FIRE.
  
Rev 9:20,21-AND THE REST OF THE MEN WHICH WERE NOT KILLED BY THESE PLAGUES YET REPENTED NOT OF THE WORKS OF THEIR HANDS…NEITHER REPENTED THEY OF THEIR MURDERS, NOR OF THEIR SORCERIES, NOR OF THEIR FORNICATION, NOR OF THEIR THEFTS.
  
Col 3:5-6-MORTIFY THEREFORE YOUR MEMBERS WHICH ARE UPON THE EARTH; FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, INORDINATE AFFECTION, EVIL CONCUPISCENCE, AND COVETOUSNESS, WHICH IS IDOLATRY: FOR WHICH THINGS' SAKE THE WRATH OF GOD COMETH ON THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE.
  
Gal 5:19,21-NOW THE WORKS OF THE FLESH ARE MANIFEST, WHICH ARE THESE; ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, LASCIVIOUSNESS …I TELL YOU BEFORE, AS I HAVE ALSO TOLD YOU IN TIME PAST, THAT THEY WHICH DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
  
If a person's heart and mind is so corrupt that they cannot understand what "fornication" is, after they have been shown by God's Word, then there is little else that can be said. 

9-MANY ATTEND CHURCHES WHERE THE MINISTER IS LIVING IN FORNICATION;
 THUS, HE CANNOT BE WALKING WITH GOD

    Many are going to churches that have blind leaders of the blind. The preacher, himself, is living with some one to whom he is not married in the eyes of God. A minister that does not understand the biblical meaning of fornication is not a preacher of righteousness.  Does your preacher live in fornication? Then FLEE from that blind preacher.  It is written, IF THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND, BOTH SHALL FALL INTO THE DITCH-Mt 15:14 (both shall perish). In 1 Cor 11:1, Paul wrote, BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST. Note the words, EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST. Allegiance to a church with a minister that does not believe and obey God’s Word can take "you" to hell. Beware. If the preacher of the church you attend is not following Christ, you should not follow Him.

    Friend, may we be very straightforward, but in love? Each day, many may die and perish for eternity, because no one ever took the time to tell them the truth.
  
If you are living with a man or woman, as husband or wife, but you are not married according to God’s Word, then you are living in fornication. If you are living in fornication, it is not possible that you are saved. You must repent. If something happens to you and you die, you will be in hell. What excuse will you give then? You have been clearly shown through God’s Word that you are in fornication and are not saved. The only thing you could probably say for eternity, is, "Yes, the Bible told me that I was wrong, but I refused to believe the truth, so now I am in hell. I chose not to believe the truth. I chose not to repent and do things the right way, according to God’s Word." It is written, Heb 5:8-9-THOUGH HE (Jesus) WERE A SON, YET LEARNED HE OBEDIENCE BY THE THINGS WHICH HE SUFFERED; AND BEING MADE PERFECT, HE (Jesus) BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM. Jesus became the author of eternal salvation to those that obey HIS WORD.

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MARRIAGE—MISC. INFORMATION
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10-ONE WIFE

    1 Tim 3:2-A BISHOP THEN MUST BE BLAMELESS, THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, VIGILANT, SOBER, OF GOOD BEHAVIOUR, GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY, APT TO TEACH.

    1 Tim 3:12-LET THE DEACONS BE THE HUSBANDS OF ONE WIFE, RULING THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR OWN HOUSES WELL.

    Titus 1:6-IF ANY BE BLAMELESS, THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, HAVING FAITHFUL CHILDREN NOT ACCUSED OF RIOT OR UNRULY.

    1 Cor 7:2-NEVERTHELESS, TO AVOID FORNICATION, LET EVERY MAN HAVE HIS OWN WIFE, AND LET EVERY WOMAN HAVE HER OWN HUSBAND.

    Note, it does not say wives (more than one). It is singular. Each man is permitted to have his own wife (one), and each woman is permitted to have her own husband (one). The word "own" denotes ownership or possession. This shows the husband is hers only, or exclusively, and not shared in partnership with other women. Sex—before marriage—is fornication and is wickedness in God’s eyes.

    If a man would be living with more than one woman, but then chooses to repent and come to Jesus, they (the women) must be put away. No professing Christian is allowed to have more than one woman. God will not recognize more than one wife.

    Anything beyond one wife is adultery and no such person can inherit the kingdom of heaven. Trying to claim more than one wife, nullifies the teaching of Jesus and the apostles on adultery in the Scriptures.
  
It has been found that when a person claims to have more than one wife in Africa or other countries, nearly always, they are not married to any of them biblically. We have never known a man that had more than one wife, who had paid the dowries, in full, and had a legal marriage license for each of his wives. This further shows these "so-called marriages" are illegitimate. They are simply living with several women, according to tribal or non-Christian traditions, but not according to God’s Word. This is fornication. No fornicator can inherit the kingdom of heaven. They must be put away. If there are children involved, this can cause problems, but God’s Word applies to all situations.
  
If they try to keep more than one, because they had more than one before repenting, then true repentance is not present. One cannot be saved apart from repentance and doing it God’s way.
  
The way of rebellion is to try to do it some way other than what God has ordained.
  
The way of brokenness, humbleness, obedience, and hating every wrong or evil way—is God’s way.
  
The viewpoint of it being acceptable, for a man to have more than one wife, is very wrong.

11-SEEKING A WIFE OR HUSBAND

    Some have expressed a desire to get married. Is it not written: DO NOT LOOK FOR A WIFE? This is unpopular teaching among many.

    1 Cor 7:27-40 NIV-ARE YOU MARRIED? DO NOT SEEK A DIVORCE. ARE YOU UNMARRIED? DO NOT LOOK FOR A WIFE.
  
28-BUT IF YOU DO MARRY, YOU HAVE NOT SINNED; AND IF A VIRGIN MARRIES, SHE HAS NOT SINNED. BUT THOSE WHO MARRY WILL FACE MANY TROUBLES IN THIS LIFE, AND I WANT TO SPARE YOU THIS.
  
29-WHAT I MEAN, BROTHERS, IS THAT THE TIME IS SHORT. FROM NOW ON THOSE WHO HAVE WIVES SHOULD LIVE AS IF THEY HAD NONE;
  
30-THOSE WHO MOURN, AS IF THEY DID NOT; THOSE WHO ARE HAPPY, AS IF THEY WERE NOT; THOSE WHO BUY SOMETHING, AS IF IT WERE NOT THEIRS TO KEEP;
  
31-THOSE WHO USE THE THINGS OF THE WORLD, AS IF NOT ENGROSSED IN THEM. FOR THIS WORLD IN ITS PRESENT FORM IS PASSING AWAY.
  
32-I WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE FREE FROM CONCERN. AN UNMARRIED MAN IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE LORD'S AFFAIRSHOW HE CAN PLEASE THE LORD.
  
33-BUT A MARRIED MAN IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE AFFAIRS OF THIS WORLD—HOW HE CAN PLEASE HIS WIFE.
  
34-AND HIS INTERESTS ARE DIVIDED. AN UNMARRIED WOMAN OR VIRGIN IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE LORD'S AFFAIRS: HER AIM IS TO BE DEVOTED TO THE LORD IN BOTH BODY AND SPIRIT. BUT A MARRIED WOMAN IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE AFFAIRS OF THIS WORLD—HOW SHE CAN PLEASE HER HUSBAND.
  
35-I AM SAYING THIS FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, NOT TO RESTRICT YOU, BUT THAT YOU MAY LIVE IN A RIGHT WAY IN UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO THE LORD.
  
36-IF ANYONE THINKS HE IS ACTING IMPROPERLY TOWARD THE VIRGIN HE IS ENGAGED TO, AND IF SHE IS GETTING ALONG IN YEARS AND HE FEELS HE OUGHT TO MARRY, HE SHOULD DO AS HE WANTS. HE IS NOT SINNING. THEY SHOULD GET MARRIED.
  
37-BUT THE MAN WHO HAS SETTLED THE MATTER IN HIS OWN MIND, WHO IS UNDER NO COMPULSION BUT HAS CONTROL OVER HIS OWN WILL, AND WHO HAS MADE UP HIS MIND NOT TO MARRY THE VIRGIN—THIS MAN ALSO DOES THE RIGHT THING.
  
38-SO THEN, HE WHO MARRIES THE VIRGIN DOES RIGHT, BUT HE WHO DOES NOT MARRY HER DOES EVEN BETTER.
  
39-A WOMAN IS BOUND TO HER HUSBAND AS LONG AS HE LIVES. BUT IF HER HUSBAND DIES, SHE IS FREE TO MARRY ANYONE SHE WISHES, BUT HE MUST BELONG TO THE LORD.
  
40-IN MY JUDGMENT, SHE IS HAPPIER IF SHE STAYS AS SHE IS—AND I THINK THAT I TOO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

12-SINGLENESS AND MARRIAGE

    It is also written, IT IS NOT GOOD THAT THE MAN SHOULD BE ALONE-Gen 2:18.
  
The Bible, however, does talk about those that have the calling to be single or gift of singleness. The disciples of Jesus said, IF THE CASE OF THE MAN BE SO WITH HIS WIFE, IT IS NOT GOOD TO MARRY. BUT HE (Jesus) SAID UNTO THEM, ALL MEN CANNOT RECEIVE THIS SAYING, SAVE THEY TO WHOM IT IS GIVEN. 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 EUNUCHS FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN’S SAKE. HE THAT IS ABLE TO RECEIVE IT, LET HIM RECEIVE IT-Mt 19:10-12.
  
FOR I WOULD THAT ALL MEN WERE EVEN AS I MYSELF. BUT EVERY MAN HATH HIS PROPER GIFT OF GOD, ONE AFTER THIS MANNER, AND ANOTHER AFTER THAT. I SAY THEREFORE TO THE UNMARRIED AND WIDOWS, IT IS GOOD FOR THEM IF THEY ABIDE EVEN AS I-1 Cor 7:7,8. Paul had no obligation to a wife or children; he was free to serve the Lord without distraction.
  
ART THOU BOUND UNTO A WIFE? SEEK NOT TO BE LOOSED. ART THOU LOOSED FROM A WIFE (or unmarried)? SEEK NOT A WIFE (he should not look for a wife-JNT). BUT AND IF THOU MARRY, THOU HAST NOT SINNED; AND IF A VIRGIN (or a girl) MARRY, SHE HATH NOT SINNED. NEVERTHELESS SUCH SHALL HAVE TROUBLE (or problems of married life) IN THE FLESH: BUT I SPARE YOU. BUT THIS I SAY, BRETHREN, THE TIME IS SHORT (there is not much time left-JNT): IT REMAINETH, THAT BOTH THEY THAT HAVE WIVES BE AS THOUGH THEY HAD NONE (from now on a man with a wife should live as if he had none-JNT). BUT I WOULD HAVE YOU WITHOUT CAREFULNESS (what I want is for you to be free of concern-JNT). HE THAT IS UNMARRIED CARETH (or concerns himself) FOR THE THINGS THAT BELONG TO THE LORD, HOW HE MAY PLEASE THE LORD: BUT HE THAT IS MARRIED CARETH (or concerns himself) FOR THE THINGS THAT ARE OF THE WORLD (the world's affairs), HOW HE MAY PLEASE HIS WIFE-1 Cor 7:27-29,32,33; AND HIS INTERESTS ARE DIVIDED-1 Cor 7:34 NIV.
  
THERE IS DIFFERENCE ALSO BETWEEN A WIFE AND A VIRGIN. THE UNMARRIED WOMAN (or girl who has never been married-JNT) CARETH (or concerns herself) FOR THE THINGS OF THE LORD, THAT SHE MAY BE HOLY BOTH IN BODY AND IN SPIRIT (both physically and spiritually): BUT SHE THAT IS MARRIED (the married woman) CARETH (or concerns herself) FOR THE THINGS OF THE WORLD, HOW SHE MAY PLEASE HER HUSBAND. AND THIS I SPEAK FOR YOUR OWN PROFIT; NOT THAT I MAY CAST A SNARE (or put restrictions) UPON YOU, BUT FOR THAT WHICH IS COMELY (for your own benefit), AND THAT YE MAY (in a proper manner) ATTEND UPON (or serve) THE LORD WITHOUT DISTRACTION (or with undivided devotion)-1 Cor 7:34,35.
  
But know this, if a born-again Christian still chooses to get married, it must be to someone in the Lord. As it is written, IF HER HUSBAND BE DEAD, SHE IS AT LIBERTY TO BE MARRIED TO WHOM SHE WILL; but ONLY IN THE LORD-1 Cor 7:39. BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS?-2 Cor 6:14.

13-FORNICATION AND ADULTERY

    Beware of fornication, for no unrepentant fornicator shall be in heaven. It is written, FORNICATORS...shall not INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD-1 Cor 6:9,10. Fornication is sex between two people that are not joined in a marriage which is recognized by God. A marriage, recognized by God, will be in accordance with God's Word—not according to ungodly traditions that some people, families, tribes, churches, or countries follow.
  
NOW CONCERNING THE THINGS WHEREOF YE WROTE UNTO ME: IT IS GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO TOUCH A WOMAN. NEVERTHELESS, TO AVOID FORNICATION (or we may say, sex outside of a marriage recognized by God), LET EVERY MAN HAVE HIS OWN WIFE, AND LET EVERY WOMAN HAVE HER OWN HUSBAND. BUT IF THEY CANNOT CONTAIN, LET THEM MARRY: FOR IT IS BETTER TO MARRY THAN TO BURN-1 Cor 7:1,2,9.
  
BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, 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-Mt 5:32. 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-Mt 19:9. AND IF A WOMAN SHALL PUT AWAY HER HUSBAND, AND BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER, SHE COMMITTETH ADULTERY-Mk 10:12.

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