Matthew 19 records an instance when a group of Pharisees came to Jesus to test Him. They did this on many occasions. This particular time, they asked Him about divorce: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” (Matthew 19:3). Some believed that a man could put away his wife for just any reason. Others believed the only lawful cause for divorce was adultery. They wanted to see which side of the controversy Jesus would take. Incidentally, we see from Jesus’ response in the following verses that when controversy arises, we need to side with the truth, not a particular party or sect. Therefore, we must look at each issue objectively, determining what God’s word teaches before choosing sides.
Jesus, in answering their question, appealed to God’s universal marriage law that was established “from the beginning” (Matthew 19:4). He explained that the design of marriage was one man and one woman for life (Matthew 19:5). When two eligible people enter into this covenant, God would join them together (Matthew 19:6). This made the dissolution of the marriage bond out of man’s hands. It could only be done by God if and when His terms for severing the marriage bond were met.
So “is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” In essence, the answer Jesus gave was “no.” This is not an absolute rule since there was an exception given. But generally speaking, it is not lawful for a man to put away his wife and remarry. So we find a rule established by this truth. Remarriage following a divorce constitutes adultery (Matthew 19:9). This teaching is plain. Man cannot change this divine rule. The only thing that can change this divinely given rule is a divinely given exception. Jesus gave such an exception – “except for immorality [fornication, KJV].” When fornication occurs, the conditions of the exception are met so the rule may be revoked. Again, this is done by God, not man. A divinely given rule can only be negated by a divinely given exception.
When we look at the exception that allows one to remarry following divorce, we see, by way of inference, another divinely given rule. A man may put away his wife for fornication and remarry without committing adultery. Jesus taught this by implication in Matthew 19:9. This rule is established by the exception clause to His divorce law.
As I have stated, God’s rules can only be nullified by an exception He has given. A rule is absolute when an exception is not given. God’s rule that remarriage following divorce constitutes adultery is not absolute since there are exceptions given (Matthew 19:9; Romans 7:2-3). The fact that this law is not absolute does not lessen the weight of it to any degree. If His exceptions are not met, His rule remains firm.
But the rule derived from the exception is different. This rule states that one may put away his/her spouse for fornication and remarry without committing adultery. It is absolute because God has given no exception to it. Again, a divinely given rule can only be negated by a divinely given exception. The innocent spouse may put away his/her mate for fornication and remarry. The Bible gives no exception to this rule. Man should not add any exceptions either.
