Baptists/Christian Divorce

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Expert: - 7/21/2006


Question
If both are Christians, there really is no reason for a divorce, unless there is some hidden sin, and one is not a 'true' Christian?

Answer
If two born again Christians marry it is to be unto death do they part.  If they divorce and remarry they are living in adultery even if they are celibate but especially if the are exercising conjugal rights.  They can divorce but they cannot remarry.  This why the couple needs to be sure that both are saved and that they are marrying because they are positive that God made the match not emotions, lust, desperation (biological clocks) or other circumstances.

I am not sure what you mean by a hidden sin but Christ does not divorce us over open or hidden sin.  If the love of Christ is in you both then all things should be able to be reconciled and forgiven just as Christ forgave both parties of all sins past, present and even future.

Now, if there is substantial proof (that might be VERY hard) that one is not really saved then yes the saved person can remarry IF the lost person leaves and initiates the divorce but the saved cannot leave and is not to provoke the mate to leave.  Instead they are to be as Christ to that person and seek to win them not leave them. If necessary, a separation is allowed in order to work things out especially if there is a fear of violence or in order to cool down to the point where things can be discussed rationally and spiritually.

Marriage is a very serious decision but too many just leap into it and then expect to leap out of it. I actually think contract marriages might work better as our so-called married for love ones only stick 50% of the time in Christian and non-Christian homes alike.  That is a dreadful shame.

The laws have made it easier but that is why part of the ceremony includes the injunction, "What God hath put together let NO man put asunder."  God doesn't adhere to our laws, we are to adhere to His and fashion our like His.  Theren lies our descent into Hell as a culture.

May God richly bless you as you study His Word and seek His will.

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Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

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