excerpt TRUTH GATHERING, chapter 17: Divorce, pgs. 309-318; ©copyright 2003 Bonita M. Quesinberry, R.C. ~~ 13-1/2 pages
TSaS NOTE: Many women and even a few men will disagree with or even be offended by the contents of this response. Nevertheless, ALL of God's Word is provided and wholly supports the discernments offered. So, if anyone opposes, they do so with Yeshua. Please take great care in reading the scriptures hereinbelow, for it is not healthy to argue with El Shaddai: who hates with a perfect hate the world's smooth words expounded from greedy global pulpits— "Say what the people want to hear and they freely will bring their money, while speaking only God's truth results in our pews and coffers being barren." Ishi's Words are solid as a rock and never change. Since this writer doesn't want anyone's money, I could care less if the pews are empty and their coffers lacking a jingle of coin.
EXCERPT:
Divorce. What is God's opinion of divorcing one's spouse: husband or wife? If we base judgment on mankind's smooth words, there need not be any reason offered by a petitioner in order to gain a decree of divorce: other than one or both parties wish to be no longer married. Man's rules quite often differ greatly with God's expectations and requirements. "Be thou holy as the Father is holy. Be thou perfect as the Father is perfect." Were spiritual perfection impossible, Jesus would not have made these two adamant statements. If it were not possible, then Christ was a liar; and, if He were a liar, then He was not the Messiah. But, we know He was and remains God's Messiah.
Marriage between man and woman was established in the beginning of creation, thus Adam was given specific rules governing the union. Even Jesus cited those rules during His ministry, as did His Apostles. Concerning marriage and divorce, therefore, be careful not to include man's opinion or man's ways. After all, human behavior is darkly colored by Satan's insidious manipulation and temptation: he who is our mortal enemy intent on hindering our walk with God— he who can appear as an angel of light and even his ministers do the same. This exclusion, of necessity and truth, must also include corporate Christendom: they also glorify divorce and adultery by subtle twisting and manipulation of God's Word regarding this issue.
Examine creation of marriage and understand: it was and is to symbolize our relationship with God—that of one flesh, to be one with God the Father both in spirit and manner. If we cannot achieve that in marriage, to one whom we've seen and known intimately, how then will we attain it with the Father: whom we have not seen? It is irrelevant that one party may not act as one with their spouse. The key: at least one partner remains blameless before our Lord, thus the other is sanctified. It will be shown undeniably that woman is held to the greater responsibility. We start with creation, followed by a bit of Moses Law.
ALL CAPS print throughout the following scriptures are to highlight God's marriage requirements, the cores message mirroring what Christ taught in the Gospels as well as preached by His Apostles and disciples. Inappropriate Mosaic divorce laws are not so emphasized. To omit the word wife in any given verse, in order to make it fit either man or woman, is to change God's Word: which is to bring damnation down upon one's self. All passages are taken from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Genesis 2:22-24—And THE RIB, which the Lord God had taken FROM MAN, MADE he a WOMAN, and brought her unto the man [AS A HELPER SUFFICIENT FOR MAN]. And Adam said, This is now BONE OF my BONES, and FLESH OF my FLESH: she shall be CALLED WOMAN, because she was taken out of Man. THEREFORE SHALL A MAN leave his father and his mother, and shall CLEAVE UNTO HIS WIFE: AND THEY SHALL BE ONE FLESH.
Leviticus 21:7,14—They [MAN] SHALL NOT TAKE A WIFE THAT IS A WHORE, OR PROFANE; neither shall they take A WOMAN put away [DIVORCED] from her husband: FOR he [MAN] IS HOLY UNTO HIS GOD. A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but HE SHALL TAKE A VIRGIN of his own people TO WIFE.
Leviticus 22:13—BUT IF the priest's daughter be a widow, or DIVORCED, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, shall eat of her father's meat [food]: but there shall no stranger eat thereof [SHE SHALL NOT MARRY AGAIN].
Deuteronomy 24:1-4—When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
Jeremiah 3:1—They say, IF A MAN PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, AND SHE go from him, and BECOME ANOTHER MAN'S, shall he return unto her again? SHALL NOT THAT LAND BE GREATLY POLLUTED? But thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the Lord.
Proverbs 6:32—But WHOSO COMMITTETH ADULTERY with a woman LACKETH UNDERSTANDING: he that doeth IT DESTROYETH HIS OWN SOUL.
Proverbs 30:18-20,23—There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not [I DO NOT FIND ACCEPTABLE]: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and THE WAY OF A MAN WITH A MAID [VIRGIN]. Such is the way of AN ADULTEROUS WOMAN; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. For AN ODIOUS WOMAN WHEN SHE IS MARRIED; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
Ezekiel 16:32,35,38,43-44,~45—But as A WIFE THAT COMMITTETH ADULTERY, WHICH TAKETH STRANGERS INSTEAD OF HER HUSBAND! Wherefore, O HARLOT, HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD. And I WILL JUDGE thee, [like] as WOMEN THAT BREAK WEDLOCK and [those who] shed blood are judged; AND I WILL GIVE THEE blood in FURY and jealousy. BECAUSE THOU HAST NOT REMEMERED THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH, but hast fretted me in all these things; behold, THEREFORE I also WILL RECOMPENSE THY WAY UPON THINE HEAD, saith the Lord God: and THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT THIS LEWDNESS above all thine abominations. BEHOLD, EVERY ONE that useth proverbs SHALL USE THIS PROVERB AGAINST THEE, saying, AS IS THE MOTHER, SO IS HER DAUGHTER. THOU ART THY MOTHER'S DAUHTER THAT LOATHETH HER HUSBAND.
* * * * * Several of the previous passages reveal Moses Law regarding divorce. However, also shown is that, when disobedient to the Lord in whatsoever way, it is akin to adultery against Yeshua. Committing adultery or fornication in or outside marriage, or any other sin, causes one to commit adultery against also Adonai and His Holy Spirit. Still, what is Christ's opinion on regarding divorce? * * * * *
Matthew 5:31-32—It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: but I SAY UNTO YOU, that WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, saving [EXCEPT] FOR THE CAUSE OF FORNICATION, CAUSETH HER TO COMMIT ADULTERY: AND WHOSOEVER SHALL MARRY HER that is divorced COMMITTETH ADULTERY.
* * * * * The above states that if a man divorces his wife for any reason, other than she having committed adultery, then he causes her to commit adultery. If he puts her aside because of fornication, then she already is guilty of adultery. However, for whatever reason a man divorces his wife, if another man marries her, the second man becomes guilty of adultery as well, as evidenced in Proverbs c.6. A divorced woman is to remain unmarried and celibate; otherwise, she might be the cause of another man's guilt and, quite possibly, another woman if he were married before: of which she will be held accountable. * * * * *
Matthew 19:3-9; mark 10:10-12; Luke 16:18—The Pharisees also came unto him [Jesus], tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause [any reason]? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall A MAN leave father and mother, and SHALL CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE: AND THEY twain SHALL BE ONE FLESH? Wherefore they are no more twain [two], but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder [divide].
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, MOSES BECAUSE OF THE HARNESS OF YOUR HEARTS suffered [ALLOWED] YOU TO PUT AWAY YOUR WIVES: BUT FROM THE BEGINNING IT WAS NOT SO [WITH GOD]. And I say unto you, WHOSOEVER SHALL PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, EXCEPT IT BE FOR FORNICATION, AND SHALL MARRY ANOTHER, COMMITTETH ADULTERY: AND WHOSO MARRIETH HER WHICH IS PUT AWAY DOTH COMMIT ADULTERY.
* * * * * God's word is crystal clear. For whatever reason a man divorces his wife he will be guilty of adultery only if he remarries: unless he divorced her because of her infidelity and he is otherwise innocent of the same sin. The woman, in any case, causes another to commit adultery if she remarries. * * * * *
John 4:6-18—Now Jacob's well was there [in Sychar, Samaria]. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour [noon]. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat [food].)
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him [for a drink], and he would have given thee living water.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, GO, CALL THY HUSBAND, and come hither. THE WOMAN ANSWERED and said, I HAVE NO HUSBAND. JESUS SAID unto her, THOU HAST well SAID [THE TRUTH], I have no husband: FOR THOU HAST HAD FIVE HUSBANDS; AND HE WOM THOU NOW HAST IS NOT THY HUSBAND: IN THAT SAIDST THOU TRULY.
* * * * * The Samaritan woman realized she was speaking with the Lord and, obviously, she had an understanding of God's opinion regarding marriage. Therefore, she readily admitted, according to Adonai, that she currently had no recognizable husband. Jesus in no way implied she was merely living with the man she was currently with, outside the bonds of marriage: as most of Christendom claims. To paraphrase, "You have spoken the truth, for you have married five times. But, I acknowledge only your first husband as your only husband." Thus, with each of her successive four husbands-pursuant-to-mankind she was, in fact, committing fornication thus guilty of adultery: according to Yeshua's Doctrine. * * * * *
John 8:3-5,7,9-11—And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him A WOMAN taken [CAUGHT] IN ADULTERY; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When JESUS had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, HE SAID unto her, WOMAN, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: GO, AND SIN NO MORE.
Romans 7:2-3—For THE WOMAN WHICH HATH AN HUSBAND IS BOUND BY THE LAW TO HER HUSBAND SO LONG AS HE LIVETH; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then IF, WHILE HER HUSBAND LIVETH, SHE BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER, SHE SHALL BE CALLED AN ADULTERESS: BUT IF HER HUSBAND BE DEAD, SHE IS FREE from that law; so that SHE IS NO ADULTERESS, THOUGH SHE BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER MAN.
* * * * * Understand! If a woman marries another man while her first and only recognized husband lives, she is an adulteress. After her husband's death she is released from the law, so long as it is done in accordance with the Lord. The scripture is not saying that if she remarries while her husband lives she is guilty but is set free as soon as he dies. As long as he lives, she is not free to remarry. Refer to John 4:6-18 and 8:3-5,7,9-11 above. * * * * *
I Corinthians 6:13-15,18-20—Meats [food] for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now THE BODY IS NOT FOR FORNICATION, BUT FOR THE LORD; AND THE LORD FOR THE BODY. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that YOUR BODIES ARE THE MEMBERS OF CHRIST? SHALL I then take the members of Christ, and MAKE THEM MEMBERS OF AN HARLOT? GOD FORBID.
FLEE FORNICATION. Every sin that a man doeth is without [outside] the body; but HE THAT COMMITTETH FORNICATION SINNETH AGAINST his own body. What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of THE HOLY GHOST which is in you, which ye have OF GOD, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
I Corinthians 7:1-4—Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: IT IS GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO TOUCH A WOMAN [remain a virgin, celibate]. NEVERTHELESS, TO AVOID FORNICATION, LET EVERY MAN HAVE HIS OWN WIFE, AND LET EVERY WOMAN HAVE HER OWN HUSBAND. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence [kindness, generosity]: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. THE WIFE HATH NOT POWER OF HER OWN BODY, BUT THE HUSBAND: AND likewise also THE HUSBAND HATH NOT POWER OF HIS OWN BODY, BUT THE WIFE.
* * * * * Webster's Dictionary defines fornication the same as adultery, the act of engaging in sex with a person other than one's spouse. However, God's judgment clearly defines fornication as the act of having sexual intercourse with another, whether adulterously or as an unmarried person. Within marriage, fornication reaps the sin of adultery and sin against his/her own body as well as sin against God's Holy Spirit. Outside marriage it causes sin against one's own body thus against the Holy Ghost.
If a person cannot abstain from sex, then the passage advises marriage: to one spouse for life. It does not mean that if divorced and cannot abstain, then its okay to remarry. Such would render previous scriptures a lie. If a divorced person cannot abstain, it is because they have not the Lord. Jesus was without sin, therefore whoever has Christ walks in His footsteps: this is to say, he or she behaves just as Jesus did and therefore cannot sin. Sin is transgression of the Father's Law. * * * * *
I Corinthians 7:10-16,39-40—And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, LET NOT THE WIFE DEPART FROM HER HUSBAND: BUT AND IF SHE DEPART, LET HER REMAIN UNMARRIED, OR BE RECONCILED TO HER HUSBAND: AND LET NOT THE HUSBAND PUT AWAY HIS WIFE.
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath A WIFE THAT BELIEVETH NOT, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath AN HUSBAND THAT BELIEVETH NOT, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For THE UNBELIEVING HUSBAND IS SANCTIFIED BY THE [BELIEVING] WIFE, AND THE UNBELIEVING WIFE IS SANCTIFIED BY THE [BELIEVING] HUSBAND: ELSER WERE YOUR CHILDREN UNCLEAN; BUT NOW ARE THEY HOLY.
But IF THE UNBELIEVING DEPART, let him depart. A brother or a sister is NOT UNDER BONDAGE IN SUCH CASES: but God hath called us to peace. For WHAT KNOWEST THOU, O WIFE, WHETHER THOU SHALT SAVE THY HUSBAND? OR HOW KNOWEST THOU, O MAN, WHETHER THOU SHALT SAVE THY WIFE? THE WIFE IS BOUND BY THE LAW AS LONG AS HER HUSBAND LIVETH; BUT IF her husband be DEAD, SHE IS AT LIBERTY TO BE MARRIED to whom she will; ONLY IN THE LORD. BUT SHE IS HAPPIER IF SHE so ABIDE [SINGLE], after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
* * * * * Marriage is a lifetime commitment, despite any reason claimed to justify divorce. In the case of an unbelieving spouse, Paul cautions: "Who are you to say he or she will not change?" Foremost, how do we determine a spouse as a believer: unless we can discern the heart? God says we cannot discern the heart of another. Caution is advised when a woman thinks her spouse an unbeliever. Actions do not necessarily match the heart—good or bad. Nevertheless, the unbeliever must be the one to go; and, it must not occur because the believer has driven the unbeliever to leave. Otherwise, the believer will be held accountable before Elohim. * * * * *
I Corinthians 11:3,7-9—But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN; and the head of Christ is God. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, FORASMUCH AS HE IS THE IMAGE AND GLORY OF GOD: BUT THE WOMAN IS THE GLORY OF THE MAN. For the man is not of [was not made from] the woman, but the woman of [made from] the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman [created] for the man. FOR THIS cause [REASON] OUGHT THE WOMAN TO HAVE power [A HUSBAND'S RULE] ON HER HEAD BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS.
I Corinthians 14:34—Let your WOMEN keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they ARE COMMANDED TO BE UNDER OBEDIENCE, AS ALSO SAITH THE LAW.
Ephesians 5:22-24,33—WIVES, SUBMIT YOURSELVES UNTO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, AS UNTO THE LORD. FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore AS THE CHURCH IS SUBJECT UNTO CHRIST, SO LET THE WIVES BE TO THEIR OWN HUSBANDS IN EVERY THING. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the WIFE see that she reverence [ADMIRE, RESPECT] HER HUSBAND.
Colossians 3:18—WIVES, SUBMIT YOURSELVES UNTO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, AS IT IS FIT IN THE LORD.
* * * * * Part of woman's salvation is in submitting to her husband as her Lord: under God's Law. Regardless of his behavior, a wife is required to fidelity until he dies. A husband-under-the-law is a never-before married man to whom a virgin woman marries. If her virginity was lost willingly to another man prior to marriage and she has not been washed in the blood of Christ, then she causes her future husband to commit adultery: because of prior fornication. Any husband after a woman's first never will be recognized by God: unless married after death of the first: provided the second man is not guilty of prior adultery. * * * * *
I Timothy 2:9-15—In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness [not painting the face] and sobriety, not with broided hair [fancy hairdos], or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) [array herself instead] with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not [I DO NOT ALLOW] A WOMAN to teach, nor TO USURP AUTHORITY OVER THE MAN, but to be in silence. FOR ADAM WAS FIRST FORMED, THEN EVE. AND ADAM WAS NOT DECEIVED, BUT THE WOMAN BEING DECEIVED WAS [THE ONE] IN THE TRANSGRESSION. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
I Timothy 5:11-12—But the younger widows refuse [into the church]: for when they have begun to wax wanton [shameless] against Christ, they will marry; having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
Titus 2:3-5,11-12—THE AGED WOMEN likewise, that they BE IN BEHAVIOUR AS BECOMETH HOLINESS, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; THAT THEY MAY TEACH THE YOUNG WOMEN to be sober, TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS, TO LOVE THEIR CHILDREN, TO BE discreet [SENSIBLE], CHASTE, KEEPERS AT HOME, GOOD, OBEDIENT TO THEIR OWN HUSBANDS, THAT THE WORD OF GOD BE NOT BLASPHEMED. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
Hebrews 13:4,17— MARRIAGE IS HONOURABLE IN ALL [VIRGINS], AND THE BED UNDEFILED: BUT whoremongers and ADULTERERS GOD WILL JUDGE. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
James 4:4—YE ADULTERERS AND ADULTERESSES, know ye not that the FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD is enmity with God? WHOSOEVER therefore WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD.
I Peter 3:1-2—Likewise, YE WIVES, BE IN SUBJECTION TO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS; THAT, IF ANY [HUSBAND] OBEY NOT THE WORD, they [HE] also MAY WITHOUT THE WORD BE WON by the conversation of the wives; WHILE THEY BEHOLD your [HER] CHASTE CONVERSATION COUPLED WITH [HER] FEAR [OF THE LORD].
II Peter 3:1-2,17—This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you, in both which I STIR UP YOUR pure minds by way of REMEMBRANCE: THAT YE may BE MINDFUL of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and OF THE COMMANDMENT of us the apostles OF THE LORD AND SAVIOUR. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
* * * * * God clearly prohibits divorce in general and there is not one acceptable reason for a woman to obtain one. The ability to divorce, even against an adulterous or abusive husband, simply is not granted females. Under all circumstances, except death of her husband, a woman is subject to her husband in all things and must remain married to him. However, if a woman divorces her husband for any reason, she is to remain unmarried and celibate: at least until his death. If, however, she has fornicated during her married or divorced state, then she may never marry again: IF she desires to enter the kingdom of eternal life.
Society and corporate Christendom disagree, especially concerning abusive husbands. Nevertheless and as above, woman is the one who transgressed in Eden thus losing her equality with man. Therefore, she always will be subject to her husband as long as he lives. Society and corporate Christendom are friends with the world and do not care about our spiritual salvation. By what manner we suffer, as long as we are Christ's we suffer with and for Him. It doesn't matter who inflicts our pain and injuries: be it a stranger or husband or religious community. We ought to obey God instead of mankind: especially considering that this life is temporary at best.
The only acceptable reason for a man to divorce his wife is if she is guilty of adultery and/or fornication (prior or hence). Nonetheless, in all cases of a man divorcing his wife, the divorced wife will become guilty of adultery if she remarries and will cause to commit adultery the man who marries her. Only under the circumstance of spousal death is a woman set free of the law: unless she already is guilty of fornication. In such case, she is never free of the law and may never marry again.
Man is freed of the law only if his wife commits fornication/adultery. There absolutely is no such provision for women provided anywhere in the Bible. Therefore, it behooves a woman to forgive her husband's infidelity: preferring instead to please God thus a wife remaining blameless (Genesis 3:16). In the end, if man divorces his wife for any reason, except adultery, he will answer to God for setting bad spiritual leadership examples: both for his wife and his children. If he remarries under such vague circumstances, then he too becomes guilty of adultery and may never remarry. * * * * *
Luke 22:40,46—And when he was at the place, he said unto them, PRAY THAT YEENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION. And said unto them, Why sleep ye? RISE AND PRAY, LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION.
Matthew 5:48—BE ye therefore PERFECT, even AS YOUR FATHER which is IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT.
I Thessalonians 5:22—ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL.
* * * * * Women are given NO provision for divorce and only one provision for remarrying: if the husband of her virginity dies and she then marries a man of whom God approves.
Since Eve, woman has become careless about being godly by not properly submitting to her husband as her Lord. Women are at ease with society's opinion: women have as much right to sow wild oats as their male counterparts and allowed divorce for whatever reason or none at all, and to remarry at will: heedless of causing yet another Adam to sin while adding to and perpetuating her own sins by the example she sets for her children.
God spoke regarding women's failure to meet His requirements of the weaker vessel: as written in Isaiah. Women are considered the weaker for two reasons: 1) Woman was not created from God but rather from His original creation of man; and 2) Women remain the one tempted and deceived, as was Eve, yet Adam was not. In that weakness we caused Adam to sin. Indeed, Eve did and so have the majority of women since Eve. Gees, Louise! What were you thinking? * * * * *
Isaiah 32:9-12—Rise up, ye WOMEN THAT ARE AT EASE; HEAR MY VOICE, YE CARELESS DAUGHTERS; give ear unto my speech. MANY DAYS AND YEARS SHALL YE BE TROUBLED, YE CARELESS WOMEN: FOR THE VINTAGE SHALL FAIL, THE GATHERING SHALL NOT COME. TREMBLE, YE WOMEN THAT ARE AT EASE; BE TROUBLED, YE CARELESS ONES: STRIP YOU, MAKE YOU BARE, AND GIRD SACKCLOTH UPON YOUR LOINS. They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.
PICK A SPOUSE CAREFULLY. IT'S A LIFETIME COMMITMENT!
Many women may consider unfair El's requirements of her regarding marriage. An unfair God? If we choose to allow His Holy Ghost to convict us of Ancient of Days truths, we will understand clearly how we as women have brought it upon self. Not just Eve, but every woman in each generation since Eve and each genesis has become worse than its last. First, step into a parent's shoes for a moment. How would it feel if a beloved son, who is obedient in all things and content to be so, suddenly were corrupted by the act of one woman?
God created Adam for and holy unto Himself. Eloi was satisfied with Adam, enjoyed walking and talking with him in the Garden. But, Adonai realized Adam was alone with a big job of caring for the garden and animals as well as naming all those things. So, Jehovah took a piece of Adam and formed a sufficient helpmate for him. Is this not symbolic of God taking a piece of Himself to create man and Jesus the man? El Shaddai did not need woman but felt Adam needed the company and help she would afford.
God had one rule in addition to His sanctified Sabbath: Adam and Eve were not to touch or eat of the tree set Eden's midst. This Tree of Knowledge, and its twin Tree of Life, were displayed in a manner to defy confusion as of which tree the Lord spoke. In fact, Eve knew exactly which tree it was. Elohim provided everything and they wanted for nothing and knew not sin or were even aware of their own nakedness.
One day Lucifer suggested to Eve that she would not die if she ate of that tree of knowledge. In fact, he tempted, she would be like God, knowing good and evil. Such enticement to be as God! So, she plucked off a fruit and shared it with Adam. At once they realized their nakedness and immediately hid at the sound of Ishi coming into the Garden.
Satan first deceived Eve by saying she would not die. Of course, he failed to add, not immediately, but die she eventually would. Then Lucifer tempted Eve saying she would become like God. Again, he failed to mention that, while she would come to know good and evil, she would make a huge mess of things in the process.
God created Adam holy unto Himself, and now this—this woman! had not only been seduced by the tempter but she also had caused Adam to sin by making him aware of sin! How angry El must have been with Eve, especially when he had to kick Adam out of Eden. In fact, Eloi may have wished heartily that He had never created Eve.
Consider: Adam never approached either of those trees and neither did the serpent attempt to deceive Adam. We may conclude: Adam was happy with the status quo—God said don't touch them or die, so why do it? After all, Adam had everything he needed. Obviously, Satan knew Eve would be easier to deceive and to seduce with God-like status. After all, she was inferior to Adam, not made of God but rather of Adam.
Just like women! Want more and more, never satisfied with what she has, and such is her downfall: as she drags men right with her. It's even more obvious that Lucifer rightly figured man would more likely be tempted by woman than by Satan's direct tampering: two birds with one stone and likely their little chickies and grandchickies, too.
It is irrelevant that God created Satan and his evil ways in order to afford humanity an opportunity to love God by free will choice. Choice was offered Adam and Eve simply by virtue of those forbidden trees. Adam made his choice by obediently staying away from both. In fact, at no time did Adam even intimate a desire for their fruits. What matters? Until Eve gave in to our tempter, woman was equal with man in the Garden of Eden. Because of her failure to be a trustworthy helpmate to Adam, all women lost this equal status and are further punished with pain in childbirth in order to assure her own salvation. Provided, of course, that she forever remain obedient henceforth.
Women originally weren't to suffer even in childbirth. Man, on the other hand, would no longer have benefit of Eden. After all, Adam did accept his wife's offer; albeit, we have no way of knowing if Adam even knew the fruit she offered came from one of those forbidden trees. In light of being guilty with or without the law, we must assume Adam's guilt: whether knowingly or unknowingly. Therefore, Adam—man—would have to work the land for the rest of his generations in order to live and eat or just to survive.
It is no wonder so much responsibility for righteousness is heaped upon woman. However, our merciful Lord provided a way out for her. If woman obeys Adonai in all things, including responsibility in marriage, in the end we not only regain equal status but a new earth as well: or Garden of Eden, if you will. For many this means remaining unmarried and celibate. Jesus will be her husband, providing a way for us women to live and survive without a man.
How are women guilty today? Say her first husband had been married before and his divorce was classified adultery but she is a virgin. He has caused her to commit adultery, even if she did not know he'd been married. In such a case, she will never have been married to that man, in God's eyes, and will be guilty of adultery at that man's hands. The only solution is divorce by man's laws followed with celibacy. If she marries again, she then causes a second man to commit adultery: who might otherwise have been innocent.
Or, say as a virgin she marries a man who has never married. She is under the law to that man until he dies. It does not matter if he divorces her and marries another, commits adultery against her, abuses her in whatsoever manner—she is under the law to him until he dies. Under no circumstance may she marry another man until he dies. The woman, in all cases, chose to marry the man she first married.
Or, say a woman's recognized husband commits adultery and she divorces him for it: which God makes no provision for women to divorce and she will be called an adulteress by doing so. And, while she's out there single again she takes a bed partner—compounds the sin of adultery by also committing fornication—but never marries the guy. Still, she is under the law to her first husband until he dies; and, she can return to that husband unless she has committed fornication in the interim. After that, she is considered polluted ground and her husband is under no obligation to take her back.
However, if the first husband takes her back in forgiveness, she is blessed: for in any circumstance she is under the law of her first husband until he dies. If he takes her back, despite her prior unholy behavior, He has given her a gift of great fortune: an opportunity to repair a damaged marriage and at last atone for her sins to become a godly wife—as the Lord deems fit. Say she does not commit fornication: in all circumstances she is under the law until her first and only husband dies.
An unfair price to pay for Eve's screw up? In the proper perspective, it's nothing compared to the tariff Christ paid for humanity. Not only a piece of cake but also it includes delicious icing: the promise of restoration in all things in exchange for obedience now.
Careful, husbands and bachelors, not to use this leverage to your own detriment: for Christ does not approve of divorce for any reason! He merely allows divorce to you men IF your wife commits adultery or fornication; but, Jesus in no way said you must divorce her. "Christ calls us to peace." The husband has many responsibilities to God, just as does woman. Once married in the eyes of the Lord, He expects us to remain married. After all, over the millennia humanity has committed adultery against Ishi; yet, He has accepted them back with a pronouncement: sin no more. So say you men to an erring wife and so say you wives to an erring husband. Then sin no more.
A proper perspective? If women truly examine their own behavior, they would find they failed their husbands in some way long before her husband failed his wife. If we are not wholly a godly woman, we've already failed our man before even married to him! It is in man's nature to seek out a righteous wife.
Women were not created for God: we were created for man—who is holy unto God—and so far, we've done a bang up job of destroying our men by pulling them further and further from his Lord. Not only our men, but we've hindered our children in more ways than admitted and certainly will cringe if we look at our own messes. It worsens by the hour. Praise God that salvation is not in feminine hands! We all would be doomed.
Salvation is a personal issue, thus pleasing God is to make wise choices: among which are to please a husband or wife, that we may assure self of heavenly rewards. Life is not about self. It is not about pleasing a spouse. It's not about pleasing friends or society at large. In fact, it is certain this chapter will please very few people with its particular truths! Sadly, this generation is one calling evil good and good evil. LIFE IS ALL ABOUT PLEASING GOD! To better understand what God expects from husbands and wives, read TRUTH GATHERING, chapter 4: Husbands and Wives.
Keep in mind Ecclesiastes 7:26—AND I FIND MORE BITTER THAN DEATH THE WOMAN, WHOSE HEART IS SNARES AND NETS, AND HER HANDS AS BANDS: WHOSO PLEASETH GOD SHALL ESCAPE FROM HER; BUT THE SINNER SHALL BE TAKEN BY HER.
And pray we all remember James 4:8—DRAW NIGHT TO GOD, and he will draw nigh to you. CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, ye sinners; AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, ye double-minded.
More importantly, women, dwell on Proverbs 12:4—A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS A CROWN TO HER HUSBAND: BUT SHE THAT MAKETH ASHAMED IS AS ROTTENNESS IN HIS BONES.
BLESSED ARE THOSE WOMEN WHO OBEY GOD IN ALL THINGS AND ESPECIALLY BLESSED ARE ALL MEN WHO HAVE SUCH WIVES:
Proverbs 31:10-28—Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil [another woman and/or riches]. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat [food] to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet [the best]. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. STRENGTH AND HONOUR ARE HER CLOTHING; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously [well], but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Well presented pieve Bonita and yes in a perfect world it would be as written..but as we know the world is not perfect,nor man nor woman,we can only aspire to it
"Oh, Eve why did mess up? You had everything, and we could have had it, too."