Matthew 19:9 - A Deadly Exception

This book supports the long-held traditional and biblical position on marriage, divorce and remarriage.

To Love & To Cherish 'Until Death Do Us Part'.

Marriage is to be permanent. This is not a new - or bad - idea.

Jesus declares that it's God's way "from the beginning."

A man and a woman become "one flesh" ...for GOOD!

"What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." (Matt 19:4-6)

Yet today marriage is widely dishonoured.

Divorce and remarriage are commonplace.

Jesus' teaching is largely misunderstood - or ignored.

Matthew 19:9 is one of the most misused verses in the Bible.

This PhD study (Australian College of Theology) shows why the 'exception clause' is found (twice) in Matthew's Gospel and nowhere else. "Sexual immorality" is no trivial offence and offers no easy escape from marriage. In the context of a legal question, it has a straightforward and deadly meaning. By the Law, as written, it attracts real not metaphorical death! Any man who writes "sexual immorality" on his wife's divorce certificate hands her a death sentence! Does Jesus advocate this for Christians today? No. We must not rush straight to Christian application, but appreciate that Jesus was tested on the Law, and turns the tables on his lawless testers. Whoever divorces for this or "for any cause" (Matt 19:3) may prove to be hard-hearted and join the ranks of the "hypocrites" who oppose Jesus (Matt 23:25). 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!