THIS BOOK SUPPORTS THE LONG-HELD TRADITIONAL AND BIBLICAL POSITION ON MARRIAGE, DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE. Marriage is to be permanent.
A man and a woman become "one flesh" ...for GOOD!
Yet today marriage is widely dishonoured.
Divorce and remarriage are commonplace.
Jesus' teaching is largely misunderstood - or ignored.
Family breakdown is likely greater now than in any other generation in world history. Individuals (particularly those divorced, and their children), communities, and nations suffer.
Despite the bad news, this book offers truly good news.
David Lowe brings a paradigm-shift in understanding one of the most misused verses in the Bible. But there is nothing new under the sun. What is said merely follows what is read on God's way "from the beginning."
MATTHEW 19:9 - A DEADLY EXCEPTION
This 336 page work is based on a recent PhD thesis (Australian College of Theology, 2020) the examiners recommended for publishing. At core, it shows that the current Protestant "majority view" on divorce and remarriage is wrong. Against common assumption, "sexual immorality" (Matt 19:9) does not equate with "a matter of indecency" (Deut 24:1). Jesus offers no easy 'escape clause' from marriage. Here is no trivial offence. By the Law, as written, "sexual immorality" attracts real not metaphorical death. As solemnly promised, we really are
To Love & To Cherish 'Until Death Do Us Part'
This is not to champion the death penalty. Whoever divorces for "sexual immorality" or "for any cause" (Matt 19:3) may prove to be hard-hearted and join the ranks of the "hypocrites" (Matt 23:23) who oppose Jesus. Still, there is good news: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matt 5:7).
God desires mercy, and mercy requires mercy - especially when two imperfect people live together in marriage. Matthew 19:9 is best read in the light of Jesus' words on forgiveness recorded immediately prior. IT'S A GAME CHANGER!
The real purpose of the 'exception clause' is also revealed. Matthew's Gospel has good news: God will save his people; and bad news: God has just grounds to send away ("divorce") unfaithful people. This book is not a quick and easy read, but offers clear teaching and solid hope. It encourages the humble to examine their own hearts, to repent of all unfaithfulness and bitterness, and to know and show God’s mercy.