Quotes on “MDR”

"MAY THE DIVORCED REMARRY?

The question invariably arises as to whether Jesus has made any definitive statement concerning the "legal right" of a divorced person, whether they be the innocent or guilty party, to remarry. Would God view such a remarriage as sinful, or would it be an acceptable union in His sight?

Although the apostle Paul gives some insight into this matter, as will be discussed in the next chapter, Jesus Himself remains silent. One should note, however, that Jesus does consistently refer to all second unions as marriage, and nothing less. They are never termed "living in sin" or "living in adultery." Such phrases are common among men, but are never uttered by the Lord, nor by any of His inspired writers.

Some theologians theorize that the innocent party may acceptably remarry, but the guilty party may not. Others adamantly declare that neither may remarry. Both state far more than Jesus! God’s Son spoke of both innocent and guilty parties remarrying, and always spoke of those unions in terms which characterized them as legitimate marriages. Jesus neither condemned nor condoned those unions by any direct teaching; He merely acknowledged their reality: A first marriage had been terminated, and a second marriage had been initiated.

The prohibiting of marriage to any or all parties involved in a divorce simply cannot be justified by an appeal to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Such restrictions find their source and support only in the minds of men." [Al Maxey; preacher for the church of Christ in Alamogordo, NM; his book titled “Down, But not Out” on the subject of MDR]