Expert: John of AllFaith - 8/12/2007

Question
I read the article you wrote on divorce and believe I understand, but want to ask this question for clarification. I was married when I was younger, and got divorced. I got remarried about 7 years later and lived with my wife for about 7 years. We separated a little over 3 years ago, but did not divorce. I met a woman about that same time (but this is not the reason for the separation) and fell in love for the first time in my life. I got saved about 2 years ago, but still am not divorced. I plan to divorce this year and marry next year. According to what I have read so far, I feel like the scum of the earth and that I will never be able to do anything in a ministerial fashion for God. I do not want to remain single nor do I want to be married to my second wife. I pray that some resolution can be found because I feel God calling me to Service. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Tim,

I sometimes deal with people who demand the Bible be followed exactly and literally in all respects. Such people tend to condemn others who do not observe some minute literal reading in the texts in their opinion. That article (if you are referring to the one I think you are) is intended to point out that no one is perfectly following the Bible in all respects. Its not possible.

The point is clarified by Paul:

Galatians 3
1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Love God and live by Faith. God would never call you into sin. Do as the Savior leads you.

May God bless,

~John of AllFaith