Acts of the Flesh

To the Reader: Let me make myself clear. I’m in no way trying stir up hatred toward those of the LGBTQ+ community. For they just like everyone else, needs Jesus as their Savior Lord. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24 KJV) Yes, God loves us all and doesn’t want anyone to die in their sins. For we first read: “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV)

Next, he says: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV) This is so true: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17 ESV) So, then my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s always speak the truth in love by exposing the evils among us. For God’s word says to: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11 NIV) 

“Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” (Leviticus 18:22 NIV)

Now, there are some who may claim that they were born with homosexual tendencies and thus seek same sex relationships. And of course, we have those who claim that they were born in the wrong bodies and thus try to change their own gender as well. But does this make it right in the eyes of God? Didn’t Jesus say: “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ “and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5 NKJV) So, just because a person feels they were born a certain way doesn’t give them a license to indulge in sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV) Therefore, we were all born sinners with desires and feeling that are contrary to what is right and good.

So then, are you willing to give up what you’re bound to? I ask this because God’s word says that there are some who will not come to the light because they don’t want to change. For we read: “And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. “But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.” (John 3:19-21 NASB20)

Now, from my own experience, I didn’t want to come to God because I wanted to do my own thing. For I thought I knew better when it came to enjoying life’s pleasures. However, I found out that I was wrong and finally came to realize that God is not some kill joy. For God’s ways will always bring more pleasure and joy to our lives than when we are fallowing our own ways of sins. And this is also true when it comes to sexual intimacy. For the pleasure that can be receive between a (biological) man and woman are far greater than what sinful man can come up with.

Now, there may be some of you who have tried and failed in a normal relationship. And even if that is true, it doesn’t mean that you just give up. For with God, all things are possible. So then, by turning your life over to Jesus Christ, all those things that seemed impossible before are now possible. That’s because God’s Holy Spirit within you will give the strength to do what is right. So, follow God’s plan and design for you. For it’s the only way to be truly happy.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:18-20 KJV)

According to that passage above, we can see that there are those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. This they do even though the truth is reveled to them by God. For in Deuteronomy 22:5 we read: “A woman shall not wear a man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5 NASB20) Now, don’t we see this happening in our culture today? And don’t they know that God views this as something disgusting? Also, we read: “Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:27 NKJV)

Now, please note that it says there’s a penalty for the act of homosexuality. And what could be that penalty that they received because of their error? Well, just visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website to see that the majority of all HIV carriers are homosexual men? So, couldn’t this be part of God’s wrath that’s revealed from heaven against this shameful act? So, for all you LGBTQ+ out there, please repent of your sin and turn your heart to God. And do this not only for your own good, but for the good of others as well. And let’s remember that even though you may escape the HIV virus in this life, you can’t escape the judgment of God that’s appointed after death. For we read: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) And those who do not repent from their wrongful lifestyle well not: “inherit the Kingdom of God.”

• “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB20)

Now, as mentioned above, the LGBTQ lifestyle is a sin that can keep a person from entering the kingdom of Heaven. So, for all who are caught up in this sin, please simply confess from your heart that you have sinned against God. For God’s word says that he will forgive you and wash you clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. For Jesus took the penalty for our sins upon himself through beatings, whippings and being nailed to the cross. Last of all, he spent three days and nights in hell as well suffering the torment that was due to us all. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

Therefore, by repenting and turning your life over to God. And in so doing, you will find the strength to overcome sin in your life. And let us remember: “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:13-14 KJV) So, come to God today seeking him with your whole heart. For Jesus said: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37 KJV) Amen and thank God for that.

Some scripture reference on this topic: Male and Female:

• “Then God said, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV)
• “And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 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. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:22-25 KJV)
• “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:6-9 NIV)

Below are some bible passages that we all should take heed to. For it’s true that God doesn’t want anyone to die in their sins.

• “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” (Leviticus 20:13 NIV)
• “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:26-27 NKJV)
• “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)
• “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were held in custody under the Law, being shut up for the coming faith to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor unto Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:22-27 LSB)
• “But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral and males who have sex with males, for slave traders, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.” (1 Timothy 1:8-11 CSB)
• “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15 KJV) *

Below we have some encouraging passages that show God’s love and mercy toward us.

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 ASV) 
• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 ASV)
• “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24 NET)
• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

Below are the different versions used in this article. This was done to help you in your study of God’s word. Therefore, “Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 WEB)

• KJV = King James Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible
• NET = New English Translation
• NIV = NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Version
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible, 2020 version
• LSB = Legacy Standard Bib
• WEB = Webster Bible 

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To You the Reader: I have written this article my fellow Christians in response to the lax views I see concerning divorce and remarriage. And I must say I would rather be writing about our common faith and salvation we have in Christ Jesus. However, I felt compelled to share what Jesus himself called adultery. Therefore, it is my hope that we as Christians can view this in the same way that he did. For he said we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.

So then, shouldn’t we want to see a couple’s marriage flourish. Therefore men, if you marry a divorce woman, you could permanently destroy her chance to be reunited to her true husband. And this is also true for all you divorced women. Shouldn’t you remain single and be pleading with God to restore your marriage? For by running off and marrying another man, you could destroy any chance of reconciliation as well. Therefore, true love should be seeking to reunite one’s marriage, not to further divide it. For we must take heed to what Jesus said: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” (Matthew 19:3 KJV)

In that passage above, the Pharisees confronted Jesus on his view of divorce. So: “He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate’.” (Matthew 19:4-6 ESV) But not being content with that answer: “They said to Him, ‘Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your hard-heartedness Moses allowed you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery’.” (Matthew 19:7-9 MKJV)

So, according to Jesus, the standard for marriage should be “until death do us part.” However, because of their hard hearts, Moses allowed them to put away their wives. However, God sent his Son Jesus Christ to set things back to their proper standard by saying: “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV) So, if a man divorces an innocent wife and marries another, he commits adultery. Also, if this same woman marries another man, both she and the man she marries are committing adultery as well.

Below are a few more verses on this topic:

• “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14 NKJV)
• “The man who commits adultery with another man's wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:10 NKJV)
• “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul.” (Proverbs 6:32 NKJV)
• “But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:32 DBY)
• “And He said to them, Whoever shall put away his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband and marries to another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11-12 MKJV)
• “Everyone putting away his wife and marrying another commits adultery; and everyone marrying her who is put away from her husband commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18 MKJV)
• “For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.” (Romans 7:2-3 NKJV)
• “having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.” (2 Peter 2:14 NKJV)

“For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.” (Romans 7:2 NKJV)

According to the Old Testament, we can see that it mentions only men being able to divorce their wives. For Moses, because of their hard hearts said: “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” (Deuteronomy 24:1 KJV) And in the New Testament, Jesus only mentions men putting away their unfaithful wives for the cause of “fornication.” But concerning a wife he said: “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Mark 10:12 KJV)

Now, the only other passage that comes close to a woman divorcing reads: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11 KJV) This would especially be true if her husband is abusive to her or the children. However, even in this case, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband as we read above. For she should instead be praying that things would get better so that they can be reunited again.

So, the question: What if there is another woman involved in a man’s relationship? Could a wife divorce and remarry in this case? Well, what about those godly men who had more than one wife, such Abraham, Jacob, and King David to name a few? Did any of their wives have the legal right to divorce them? Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’m in no way encouraging any man to have more than one wife or other women in his relationship. For I’m just showing that according to both the Old and New Testament, I don’t see any exception clause that gives a wife the right to divorce and remarry. So, please read the next section to see what I believe the ideal marriage should look like.

• “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” (2 Samuel 12:7-8 ESV)

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence ... Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” (1 Timothy 3:2-4, 12 NKJV)

In that passage above, we can see what the qualifications for a leader in the church should look like. And wouldn’t this include not only managing their family well, but only having one wife? For we do read: “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. ... Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” (1 Timothy 3:8-9, 12 NKJV) So, leaders in the church should be showing us what an ideal marriage should look like. And again, wouldn’t that be one wife for life?

Below are some issues arising from men of the bible who had more than one woman in their relationship:

• “Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.” (Genesis 16:1-5 KJV)
• “One day during the wheat harvest, Reuben found some mandrakes growing in a field and brought them to his mother, Leah. Rachel begged Leah, “Please give me some of your son's mandrakes." But Leah angrily replied, "Wasn't it enough that you stole my husband? Now will you steal my son's mandrakes, too?” Rachel answered, “I will let Jacob sleep with you tonight if you give me some of the mandrakes.” (Genesis 30:14-15 NLT)
• “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. ... And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat.” (1 Samuel 1:1-3, 6-7 NKJV)

“Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, "You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love.” (1 Kings 11:1-2 ESV)

Now, according to that passage above, King Solomon had many wives that he loved. And we know that God had warned him saying: “Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” However, Solomon sought after them anyway. “For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.” (1 Kings 11:4-8 NKJV)

So, what did God do? Well, I think you should open up your bible and read it for yourself in 1 Kings. But I will say that it didn’t go well for Solomon. Therefore, all you men out there, please be happy with the one wife you’re with.

“But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15 ESV)

Now, there are some who claim that this passage above is about an act of “desertion” by the unbeliever. But is that totally true? For couldn’t it also mean that an unbeliever no longer wants to be married and therefore end up getting a divorce? And even if the unbeliever didn’t bother to get a legal divorce, this doesn’t necessarily give the believer the right to remarry. So on the contrary, wouldn’t this passage only allow the unbeliever to leave (or divorce) so that a Christian spouse can finally live at peace? For being married to an unbeliever could make one’s life miserable.

Also, I like to point out that Paul uses the Greek word that means to be “enslaved,” instead of the word “bound,” which means to tie the knot. Therefore, isn’t marriage a mutual commitment that binds two people together? But on the other hand, bondage (enslavement) is something that could make your life miserable. And this could be the case if you are married to an unbeliever? And let’s also remember that in verses 12 through 17, Paul is only giving his advice for their current situation. For he admits that he did not receive this from God. For he says in 1 Corinthians 7:12, “But to the rest I say, not the Lord.”

So, I don’t believe that Paul would go out on a limb and give a so called “deserted” person the right to divorce, let alone to remarry. For that would be a contradiction not only to what Jesus said in the gospels, but to what Paul himself apostle said as well. For in his letter to those of Rome he said: “For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.” (Romans 7:2-3 NASB95)

“Because of the impending crisis I think it best for you to remain as you are. The one bound to a wife should not seek divorce. The one released from a wife should not seek marriage. But if you marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face difficult circumstances, and I am trying to spare you such problems.” (1 Corinthians 7:26-28 NET)

Now, this passage above is another that’s being used to find some exception clause. But how can this be? For we must first take notice that verse 27 and the first part of 28 are speaking of a man (not a woman) who is ether married or unmarried. So, wouldn’t he only be free to marry if his wife died or was put away for an act of fornication? Therefore, if he does remarry because of this, he has not committed any sin. However, in the middle of verse 28 Paul makes it clear that if an unmarried woman who is a “virgin” marries, she has not sinned. Therefore, Paul is not giving a woman who was ether “abandoned” or divorced the right to remarry.

Now as said before, there may be times that a woman would flee from her husband for safety reasons. However: “But if she shall depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:11 Webster) So, Paul is saying here, “let her remain unmarried” which should clearly show that he is not allowing her to remarry. Therefore, if a man does marry a divorced woman whose first husband is still alive, wouldn’t they both be living in adultery? Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s stop looking for some “exception clause” and instead honor God by standing upon his word.

“Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7 NKJV)

Now, if we don’t speak the truth concerning divorce and remarriage, wouldn’t it start flourishing in our churches? Because the reasoning would be, “if they can get away with it, so can we.” However, let’s instead take heed to what Paul the apostle said: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)

So, it says that adulterers will not enter the kingdom of God. Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn’t we be doing our best to stay away from such a sin? And let’s remember what Jesus said to the adulterous women whom he saved from stoning, for his said: “go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Jesus said the same thing to the lame man whom he made whole. For Jesus said to him: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” (John 5:14 KJV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ... “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:27-28, 31-32 ESV)

In those passages above, we have two forms of adultery being committed. One, is to lust after another man’s wife, and the other is to marry another man’s wife. However, did you notice that a verse was left out that goes between these two passages above. And that verse would be: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30 NKJV) So, isn’t Jesus in a metaphoric way be pointing out the need to put away such sin from among us? Why else would he include it in between these two other verses?

Now, let’s remember what the children of Israel did when they were exposed of their wrongful marriages. For we read: “And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.” (Ezra 10:2-3 ASV)

So, we read that the children of Israel separated themselves from their wrongful marriage relationships. This they did even for those who bore children to them. And wasn't this a true act of repentance on their part? So, what about us today my brothers and sisters in Christ? Does uttering the words “I’m sorry” give a person the right to continue in an act that Jesus called adultery? For such a one must ask themselves: “Am I in a marriage which God has joined together.” And yes, I know that there are those who teach that repentance allows such couples to now stay together. But is that really true in light of what was already mentioned above? This is something to seriously consider and pray about my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)

So, the good news is, there is hope for anyone caught in the mess of adultery. I say this because the Lord Jesus Christ took our sins upon himself. Therefore, shouldn’t you be praying to God for wisdom on what to do next? And as said before, true love does no harm to one’s neighbor: “For the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” (and if there is any other commandment) are summed up in this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10 NET)

Therefore, my brothers and sister in Christ, study God’s word for yourselves to test what’s being said here. Lift up your prayers to God and ask him for wisdom. For in the end, it all comes down to you acting on your own convictions. And let’s remember that God always gives us the strength to do what is right, no matter how difficult it may seem to be. Amen.

• "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." (Isaiah 1:18-20 KJV)

Below are some Videos concerning Divorce & Remarriage:

• Are Divorced & Remarried Christians Living in Sin?
• The Truth about Divorce & Remarriage
• Divorce and Remarriage is Adultery

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

Bible versions that were abbreviated in this article are clearly listed below for your convenience:

• KJV = King James Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible
• NET = New English Translation
• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Version
• LSB = Legacy Standard Bible
• DBY = Darby translation
• MKJV = Modern King James Version
• NLT = New Living Translation
• NASB95 - New American Standard Bible, 1995 edition

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“When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!’” (John 2:9-10 NET)

Drinking wine is one of those topics that has been so misunderstood by sincere brothers and sisters in Christ. For there are some who believe that Jesus made ordinary grape juice at the wedding in Cana. And on the other hand, others say Jesus not only made fermented wine but drank it as well. So, can we really find any truth in all this? Are there any passages in our bibles that can put this debate to rest? Well, let’s dive into God’s word and find out.

So, for starters, let look at John’s gospel above where Jesus saved a wedding that was about to go dry. For part way through awedding that both he andhis mother Mary as well as his disciples were attending; they ended up running out of wine. And when Mary got Jesus involved, he ended up making wine from plain old water. And what happened next? Well, we read above that the head steward said the wine that Jesus made was “good wine.” And not only that, but he admitted that the “good wine” is one that can get the guests drunk as well. I say this because the Greek word for drunk in that passage above is “methyo,” which means “intoxication.”

Now, let’s look at another passage that may help clear up this wine debate. “Now when you come together at the same place, you are not really eating the Lord’s Supper. For when it is time to eat, everyone proceeds with his own supper. One is hungry and another becomes drunk. Do you not have houses so that you can eat and drink? Or are you trying to show contempt for the church of God by shaming those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I will not praise you for this!” (1 Corinthians 11:20-22 NET) So, we can see that they did serve fermented wine during communion because it made some of them drunk. For again, we see the same Greek word “methyo” being used for drunkenness as before.

Therefore, shouldn’t this stop the confusion of whether or not Jesus made fermented wine? Also, this should show that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is not wrong? For not only do we have Jesus himself making fermented wine at a wedding, but we see it being served during communion and at the Passover as well. For we read: “Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”.” (Matthew 26:27-28 NIV)

“And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:” (Ephesians 5:18 CSB)

Now, that being said, we must admit that getting drunk is a sin according to scripture. And if it’s abused to the point of one being a constant drunkard, it can harm that person’s relationship with God and even keep them from entering the Kingdom of Heaven as it says in 1Corinthians 6:10. However, that doesn’t mean that you throw the baby out with the bathwater. Therefore, we shouldn’t demonize something just because there are those that abuse it. Anything can be abused my brothers and sisters in Christ. Sex can be abused. So, does that mean everybody should become celibate? Or, should we stop eating because we may accidentally overeat and thus be viewed as a gluten? No, of course not. So, why should we treat drinking wine differently? For the key to all this is moderation.

So then, enjoying a glass of wine or some other alcoholic beverage is not a sin as long as you refrain from getting intoxicated. And let’s remember that Jesus himself said: “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:18-19 ESV) So, they were falsely accusing Jesus of getting drunk. But that being said, doesn’t this also show us that he did drink fermented wine while hanging out with sinners? For why else would they accuse him of this?

But that all being said, if you’re uncomfortable drinking anything that contains alcohol, then by all means don’t do it. For it’s not worth wounding your conscience over. Or if you one who can’t say no to more than one drink, then please do not drink at all. For there is no alcohol beverage out there that’s worth missing heaven over. Amen.

This all being said, we see that there are those who do drink wine and there are those who refrain from drinking wine. Therefore, those who choose not to drink shouldn’t condemn nor look down on those who do. Also, those who do drink wine shouldn’t pressure anyone to take a drink. And let’s take note to what Paul the apostle said: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” (Romans 14:13-14, 22 NIV)

Below are some Benefits of Wine:

• “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart." (Psalm 104:14-15 ESV)
• “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities." (1 Timothy 5:23 NKJV)

Below are some scriptures pertaining to getting drunk from wine:

• "Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!” (Isaiah 5:11 ESV)
• “Don’t gaze at wine because it is red, because it gleams in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and you will say absurd things. You’ll be like someone sleeping out at sea or lying down on the top of a ship’s mast. “They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I didn’t know it! When will I wake up? I’ll look for another drink.” (Proverbs 23:31-35 CSB)
• But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:48-51 ESV)
• "But if that slave says in his heart, 'My master will take a long time to come,' and he begins to beat the other slaves, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk; then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the unbelievers. (Luke 12:45-46 NASB20)
• When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!" Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee. In this way he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:9-11 NET)
• But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine." But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. (Acts 2:13-15 ESV)
• But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:11 NET)
• Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NASB20)
• When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. (1 Corinthians 11:20-21 ESV)
• And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-21 ESV)
• So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 CSB)
• So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 ESV)

Bible versions used in this article are listed below to assist you in your study of God's Word:

• ESV = English Standard Version
• NKJV = New King James Version
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible
• NET = New English Translation
• NIV = NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

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