Expert: Onaga Thomas - 12/5/2007

Question
I am currently working on a quesstionnaire for a full-time youth ministry position in the church of Christ.  I am stumped by one of these questions and I need some help.  If you don't mind, could you please provide me with your comments regarding the question below and maybe point me to some scriptures that can support the answer to this question.  

...I have already answered the first part of this question (Under what circumstances may a person remarry after a divorce?).  

...Here is what I am stumped on (continued from question above): Does baptism legitimize an otherwise unscriptural remarriage?  Do Christ's teachings on divorce and remarriage apply to the non-Christian?  

This church is relatively conservative.  I just need some advice on what they might be looking for in response to this question.  

Thank you for your time.

-Chad  

Answer
Thankyou for your questions Chad

1. Baptism does not legitimize an unscriptural marriage, it is solely for the one that is getting baptized (Acts 2:38).  The person is an unscriptural marriage is saved and can stay married to the unbeliever, but the act of baptism is for salvation of each individual person, not for the sake of a marriage or group of people who think one persons baptism will save, or legitimize them all.

2.  Go to Romans 7:2, Paul talks about one partner dying and the other partner is free to marry again if they wish, it would not be adultery if it happened in that circumstance since marriage is bound my death.  Since Chirst teachings (Matt 19:1-12) are the Word of God, I will believe He is addressing Christians when he talks about marriage and divorce. Also check out 1. Corinthians  7:14 for more of Paul's teaching on marriage.

I hope I have been a help to you Chad, God BLess