Setting the Record Straight on MDR (2)

By: M. Allen

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000052

Subject: MDR

Preached Originally: 09/03/00 - Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    In this morning's lesson we attempted to answer 4 questions:

1.    What is the proper definition of "fornication" as used in Mt. 5:31-32; 19:9?

2.    What is the proper definition of "adultery" as used in Mt .5:31-32; 19:9

3.    Is adultery merely a "breaking of the marriage vows/covenant?

4.    Is there such thing as "living in adultery" or an "unlawful marriage?"

B.    Tonight's lesson is a continuation of the logical process of thought we discussed this morning.  Basically we will discuss two important questions having to do with the theory of "baptism washing away previous marriages." 

1.    say b/f we begin:  I wish that this false doctrine was true.

2.    Why?  It a most comforting doctrine.  Takes away the hassle of having to separate from unlawful marriage if necessary.

3.    It appeals to emotion - especially if children are involved in new (second) marriage. 

4.    It would make things seemingly easier.

5.    But…. God's standard/God's will is not always an easy thing for man.  Jesus said not all would accept his teaching on this matter. (Mt. 19:11)

C.   This lesson will deal with:

1.    What is repentance?

2.    Are those in unlawful marriages required to repent?

3.    Does baptism "wash it all away?"

4.    What about 1 Cor. 7?

 

I.  What Does Repentance Require?

A.     From this morning's lesson we understand that men and women can marry those whom they are forbidden by God's law to marry.

1.    There is such thing as an "unlawful marriage." 

2.    What of the couple in an "unlawful marriage" who wish to be reconciled to God - what does repentance require of them?

a)     Unless this question is answered biblically - even more sin can result!

B.    It is necessary b/f we go further to understand a fundamental: What is repentance?

1.    Sin = act of rebellion against God's will.  Repentance means that one will submit to God's will.  It is a turning to God and a commitment to live according to His will.

2.    As man's rejection of God is an act of free will - so His return to God must be freely chosen.  Repentance is a central theme in the Bible's message to man.

C.    In the NT - two words xlated repent or repentance. 

1.     Wd. In Mt. 21:29, 32; 27:3 is metamelomai. Vines: (3338) "to care for," … "to regret, to repent oneself," This regret may be issued either in genuine repentance or degenerate into mere remorse.

a)    Strongs:  metamellomai (met-am-el'-lom-ahee); to care afterwards, i.e. regret:

2.     Wd. In Mt. 3:2; Acts 2:38; 17:30 is metanoeo. Vines: (3340) "to perceive afterwards" implying "change," (in the) "the mind, the seat of moral reflection").  It signifies "to change one's mind or purpose," always, in the NT, involving a change for the better, an amendment, and always, of "repentance" from sin.

3.     It can be easily determined that biblical repentance is a change of mind toward sin and God, which is effected by a change of feeling, a feeling of godly sorrow.

D.    But there is more!  Involves a change in behavior!

1.    There must be fruits of repentance.  Mt. 3:8; Acts 26:20. 

a)    good deeds MUST proceed from a penitent mind.

b)    Requires cessation of all sinful behavior and the taking up of all that is good!

2.    Thayer has said:  repentance is to "change ones mind for the better, heartily amend with abhorrence of one's past sins. 

3.    Earnhart:  it is this quality of repentance that has caused many to turn away from the invitation of the gospel.  (Mt. 19:22; Acts 24:25; 26:19-20, 27-28)

4.    Those who repent of sin should no longer continue in hating, lying, stealing, etc.  The Scriptures also teach that they must cease in committing fornication, adultery, homosexuality.

a)    Rom. 6:1-2 - grace will not abound to those who continue in sin!

E.    If one does not stop/cease the sin - then there has been no repentance!

1.    SEE CHART.

2.    Notice Paul's concerns to Corinthian brethren - 2 Cor. 12:20-21.

3.    SEE CHART.

4.    Donnie Rader: the crux of the issue is not "restitution" or "undoing" (as some have argued), but it is "ceasing" the sin!

 

 

II.  Are Those in Unlawful Marriages Required to Repent?

A.    Certainly!  (Lk. 13:3) 

B.    Their adulterous behavior must cease - or they risk losing their soul!  (1 Cor. 6:9)

C.   The Bible deals concretely with the matter of repentance from forbidden marriages.

1.    Ezra 10:10-11.  These had married foreign wives contrary to the will of God!

a)    they were told to separate! 

b)    Some:  "their putting away justified b/c they had been doing something God told them not to do in the first place." 

c)    I submit that those entering into "unlawful marriages" have entered into something that God has forbidden in the first place.  To become lawful - the principle is to separate.

d)    Not pleasant - here's where emotions run high.

2.    Principle carried over in NT.  (Mk. 6:18)  It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. 

a)    how would Herodias' situation b/c lawful?  By getting out of the SINFUL relationship!

D.   I also submit:  "If an act is adultery BEFORE repentance, then that same act is adultery AFTER repentance!"

1.    If not….then the Christian is released from the law of God!

2.    A marriage is either scriptural or unscriptural.

3.    SEE CHART.

4.    If it is unscriptural before repentance/baptism - then being baptized does not change a thing about that marriage.  It is STILL unscriptural.

 

III.  Does Baptism "Wash It All Away?"

A.     Some maintain that sin of adultery is washed away at baptism - and thus the couple can continue in their present marriage w/o further sin.

1.    Understand that baptism indeed washes away sin.  (Acts 2:38; 22:16)

2.    BUT….baptism does NOT change unlawful deed into lawful one.

3.    Whether it is adultery; polygamy; homosexuality; idolatry; or lying - the sinful behavior MUST STOP before baptism will wash away the guilt!

4.    SEE CHART!

 

IV.  But what about 1 Cor. 7?

A.     Passages in this verse are used in an effort to circumvent the truth of the matter: See  7:2, 8-9, 17, 20.  Hmmmmm…….do they have a point here?

B.    Preached sermon in April on 1 Cor. 7.  Go to website or see me for copy of outline!

C.    When one gets the big picture of 1 Cor. 7 - the verses we read that are used to prove that those in unlawful marriages can stay that way - are taken completely out of context!  What is the big picture?

1.    7:1-9 - talking about celibacy. 

a)    it has its advantages - 7:1, 7-8.

b)    Marriage is also a good thing - Gen. 2:18; 7:2-5, 9

c)    Imply:  those who are free to marry!

2.    7:10-16 - Instructions to the married!  We're not talking about adulterous marriages - but those who lawfully married.

a)    Do not consider divorcing - it = a lifelong relationship.

b)    If spouse leaves - remain unmarried or be reconciled (7:11)

c)    7:12-13 - mixed marriages.  (marriage to unbelievers)

d)    question is:  whether the believer (new convert) should leave his/her unbelieving mate.  Answer:  NO!

e)    No hope, promise, mention of REMARRIAGE here!  In fact the context opposes such - (7:11) no mention except to remain unmarried.

f)      remarriage OK of ALL FREE!

D.    But what about v. 17, 20?

1.       IN THE CONTEXT, this reveals the general principle that hus/wife to remain in a mixed marriage upon one's conversion.

2.       Tim Reeves:  to assign this principle of "remaining" to those who are in involved in an adulterous marriage is major abuse.  Paul is only considering situations that God "assigns" to each, all of which are NONSINFUL conditions..

3.       The issue is NOT: "What does God require of an adulterous relationship - may it continue, or must it cease?"

4.       The issue IS:  marriage vs. celibacy and/or remaining married Vs separating.

5.       There is no support found here for any sinful marriage to continue, whether it be adulterous, incestuous, or polygamous.

6.       SEE CHART.

7.       If 1 Cor. 7:20 is talking about adulterous marriages - it also includes polygamy and homosexuality.  In fact, it would include EVERY TYPE OF SIN!

 

Conclusion:

A.    I hope today's discussion on MDR has been beneficial to you. 

B.    These lessons have not been meant to be a personal slam toward anyone here or any personal beliefs one might hold.

1.    An erroneous position on MDR was taught publicly last week.

2.    These lessons have been meant to set the record straight. 

3.    Truth has nothing to fear and we must be open minded to what the Scriptures teach.

C.   What I have taught in these two lessons today is not church of Christ tradition or a matter of opinion. 

D.   This is a doctrinal issue - one where souls are at stake.

1.    How?  1 Cor. 6:9; Rev. 21:8

2.    These matters are not pleasant always.  We might even wish that God's word wasn't so hard in this area.

E.    Close w/Paul Earnhart's writing:

1.    Every person who comes to Christ will face some "hard sayings" depending on where his treasure is.  But we must remember that sin is innately poisonous and that everything that God forbids is for our good. ( 1 Jhn. 3:3) 

2.    There will be pain in repentance, but as our Savior has warned us, it is very far better to give up lesser things than lose one's soul in hell.  (Mt 18:8-9)

3.    Present sufferings "are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. (Rom 8:18)

4.    Momentary heartache will be forgotten in God's everlasting consolation. 

5.    Lk. 18:29-30

F.  I N V I T A T I O N