As we have seen, Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of the people’s hearts. Yet, even in the Old Testament, showed that divorce can be a form of violence that God hates (Malachi 2:16). In the New Testament, Jesus reveals for us the will of God in this matter.
I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. (Matthew 19:9 NIV)
And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery. (Matthew 19:9 ESV)
We are no longer under the Law of Moses. As Colossians 2:14 says about Jesus’ death, God was “canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Jesus brought a New Covenant, so we listen to His words. He empowers us to live by a much higher standard.
Therefore, let us take courage as we strive to follow Christ’s teachings. When two people get married, it is a lifetime commitment. Remember, Lesson Two stressed to choose wisely when you are ready to get married. Your choice involves a life-long commitment. God expects you to live with that person the rest of your life.