God’s Justice

A Biblical and Philosophical Examination of Matthew 19:9

Introduction

The issue of divorce and remarriage has been a subject of intense theological debate, with proponents of both rigid and flexible interpretations advocating for their respective positions. At the heart of this debate is Matthew 19:9, a passage that has been cited to argue that repentant divorcees and remarried individuals are living in a state of condemnation, labeled as unrepentant adulterers.

According to the rigid interpretation, genuine repentance necessitates the termination of the new marriage. However, a careful examination of the Bible reveals a more nuanced perspective, particularly when we consider the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

This work will explore the biblical and philosophical dimensions of this issue, emphasizing that God’s forgiveness, as exemplified in the case of David, does not always require the dissolution of a new marriage as a condition of repentance. We will draw upon key passages such as Psalms 51 and 32, Romans 4:4–8, and Hebrews 10:17 to argue that when a sinner sincerely repents, God forgives and justifies the penitent without necessitating works of restitution or the termination of a new marriage.

I. David’s Sin and God’s Forgiveness: A Biblical Case Study

A. The Story of David and Bathsheba:

In 2 Samuel 11, we find the account of King David’s grave sins of fornication, adultery, and murder involving Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah. Undoubtedly, David’s actions were in direct violation of God’s commandments.

B. Nathan’s Confrontation and David’s Repentance:

After the prophet Nathan confronts David in 2 Samuel 12, David acknowledges his sin, repents sincerely, and composes Psalms 51 and 32, powerful expressions of his contrition and plea for forgiveness, as well as his praise for God’s mercy.

II. Romans 4:4–8: Salvation by Faith without Works of Restitution

A. Paul’s Introduction to the Doctrine:

In Romans 4:4–8, the apostle Paul introduces the concept of salvation by faith without works of restitution. Paul argues that salvation is not earned through human efforts but is a gift of God’s grace received through faith.

B. Theological Implications:

This doctrine underscores the idea that God’s forgiveness is not contingent upon performing specific works of reparation as the law demands. Rather, it emphasizes that faith in God’s redemptive work through Christ justifies believers apart from their own merits.

III. Hebrews 10:17: “I Will Remember No More”

A. Divine Forgetfulness:

Hebrews 10:17 assures believers that when God forgives, He remembers their sins and lawless deeds no more. This divine forgetfulness emphasizes the completeness of God’s forgiveness.

B. Theological Significance:

This verse reaffirms the idea that God’s forgiveness is not conditional on ongoing works to prove repentance but is a transformative act that erases the guilt of sin from God’s memory. The lesson is that if God forgets it, we must forget it too. That is, we should not be bringing it up over and over again.

IV. The Philosophical Implications

A. Mercy and Justice:

From a philosophical standpoint, the issue of divorce and remarriage must consider the balance between divine mercy and justice. While justice demands accountability for wrongdoing, mercy allows for the possibility of redemption and restoration. This is how the Bible reveals to us what the true character of God is like in relation to the repentant sinner. It is imperative that the church learn this so that it knows how to minister well to its members, the children of God.

B. The Role of Repentance:

Repentance, as a turning away from sin and a turning towards God, is central to the process of forgiveness. Genuine repentance involves a change of heart and a desire to live in accordance with God’s will. God knows the heart that is truly repentant, in the same way that He knew the obedient heart of Abraham when He prevented him from sacrificing his son, taking him as obedient, and providing the sacrifice Himself. This is how God’s mercy works towards those who have faith in Him.

V. Harmonizing God’s Mercy and Justice

A. A Flexible Interpretation:

The story of David’s sin and God’s forgiveness, along with the principles introduced by Paul in Romans 4:4–8 and Hebrews 10:17, suggest that a rigid interpretation of Matthew 19:9, which mandates the termination of a new marriage, may not fully align with the biblical narrative of God’s forgiveness and redemption. God knew Abraham’s heart when He prevented him from sacrificing his son, taking him as obedient, and providing the sacrifice Himself. This is how God’s mercy works towards those who have faith in Him.

B. A Merciful Approach:

A more merciful approach acknowledges that sincere repentance and a transformed life can lead to forgiveness without the necessity of ending a new marriage. This perspective upholds God’s capacity for mercy and His willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely turn to Him.

VI. Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective

In conclusion, the issue of divorce, remarriage, and divine forgiveness requires a balanced perspective as presented here that honors both God’s justice and His boundless mercy. While Matthew 19:9 has been used to argue for a rigid interpretation, a careful examination of the biblical narrative, as seen in David’s case, alongside passages like Romans 4:4–8 and Hebrews 10:17, suggests that God’s forgiveness does not always demand the dissolution of a new marriage.

A flexible interpretation acknowledges the transformative power of repentance and the completeness of God’s forgiveness. It emphasizes that God’s mercy triumphs over judgment, allowing for the possibility of redemption and restoration without imposing insurmountable burdens on those who seek His forgiveness. Ultimately, a balanced perspective aligns with the biblical narrative of a God who forgives, justifies, and remembers sins no more when genuine repentance is present.