The teaching of Jesus is simply :-

"What God has joined together, man must not put asunder." (Matt. 19:6, Mark 10:9)

"Fornication" alone can provide a cause for divorce.

Any other divorce is merely a man-made dissolution of what God has joined together and is forbidden by Jesus.

For those who do divorce and remarry, in forbidden circumstances, the meaning of what Jesus says cannot be mistaken.

(a) A man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery.
(Matt. 19:9, Mark 10:11, Luke 16:18)

(b) A woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery.
(Mark 10:12)

(c) A man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
(Matt. 5:32, Luke 16:18)

(d) A man who divorces his wife is held responsible for her adultery, if she marries another.
(Matt. 5:32)

The meaning of "fornication" has been the subject of controversy throughout the history of the church. Its meaning is discussed elsewhere in this book.

However, it is important that we do not allow that particular controversy to cloud our eyes to the vital issue that, on ALL OTHER GROUNDS, Jesus forbids divorce.

- It is clear that Jesus does not condone divorce for such things as desertion, cruelty, incompatibility, drunkenness, mental illness, mutual consent, etc.

- It is also clear that Jesus regards remarriage of either partner in any of those circumstances as adultery.

In answer to his disciple's questions about marriage, and speaking in the immediate context of his teaching about divorce, Jesus is quite clear that there will be situations in which obedience to the kingdom of heaven will require some men to choose celibacy . (Matt 19:10-12) Clearly, one application of this difficult teaching refers to those who must choose to forsake a relationship which the king defines as adultery.

This teaching by Jesus is far-reaching in its implications.

Jesus left no loopholes for those already divorced and remarried. Anyone hearing his teaching, who had already gone down that road, was left under conviction of adultery.

That is no different to any other sin committed in ignorance.

Light brings responsibility and demands change. The man who is living in adultery is no different to the bank robber or the drunkard or the homosexual. All are called to repentance and the changes in lifestyle that flow on from genuine repentance and new birth and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus.

If the Gospel really is Good News, then for a divorced person to accept God's calling to celibacy, and forsake a relationship which Jesus calls adulterous, must be far better than to continue in it.

It may not be easy to receive that, but real faith in Jesus will make it possible to do whatever is necessary to put things right.