The Triumph of Grace…

Romans 4:5-8 and the Challenge to the Rigid Interpretation of Matthew 19:9

Introduction

The tension between law and grace, works and faith, has been a central theme in Christian theology for centuries. One area where this tension is particularly evident is the interpretation of Matthew 19:9, which has been rigidly understood to mean that remarriage after an unbiblical divorce constitutes an ongoing state of adultery.

This perspective implies that repentance requires ending the new marriage. First, it is an idea that does not appear in the Bible, and second, there is neither an example nor a witness to it. What does appear clearly in the Bible is Romans 4:5-8, which introduces a powerful message of grace without works, a core doctrine that poses a significant challenge to the rigid interpretation of Matthew 19:9.

In this article, we will explore how the message of grace in Romans 4:5-8 contradicts the notion of earning forgiveness through works in the context of divorce and remarriage.

I. The Rigid Interpretation of Matthew 19:9

Matthew 19:9 has been traditionally interpreted in mainstream churches within a legalistic framework that suggests that the state of a marriage that follows an unbiblical divorce is adulterous, requiring the dissolution of the new marriage “as an act of repentance”. The verse states, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

This rigid interpretation raises questions about the role of grace and whether forgiveness can be obtained without adhering to strict legalistic burden conditions.

II. Romans 4:5-8: Grace Without Works

Romans 4:5-8 presents a powerful message of grace without works, challenging the legalistic perspective often associated with divorce and remarriage. The passage states:

“But to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.'” It is worth highlighting that these words were spoken by David, whom God allowed to keep an ill-obtained wife called Bathsheba.

Here, the apostle Paul uses David’s words from Psalm 32 to emphasize the importance of faith in God, who justifies the ungodly. Paul’s argument centers on the idea that righteousness is not achieved through human effort or adherence to strict legalistic conditions but through faith in God’s justifying work, not by one’s own merit (Rom. 5:1).

III. The Role of Faith in Forgiveness

Just like David in Psalm 32:1-2, in Romans 4:5-8, Paul underscores that righteousness is imputed to the one who does not work but believes in God. Did God require David to perform any work of reparation for his sins to prove his repentance? From the story itself, we know that He did not. That is exactly the reason why he glorifies God the way he does, and that is an example we have in the Bible.

Don’t we say that we learn from the Bible through commandments, logical inference, and examples? Well, there we have an example. And we can well say that an example trumps an inference, right? Of course!

This concept challenges the notion that forgiveness can only be obtained by ending a new marriage after an unbiblical divorce. Instead, it highlights the primacy of faith in Christ’s redemptive work as the means to obtain righteousness and forgiveness over works of reparation.

Paul’s message echoes other biblical teachings, such as Ephesians 2:8–9, which states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

These passages collectively emphasize that salvation, including forgiveness, is a gift of God received through faith, not a reward for human effort or obedience to legalistic conditions. And no one better than the church, by now, is supposed to already know this. But, when it comes to divorce and remarriage, unfortunately, many churches forget this core doctrine.

IV. The Challenge to Legalism

The message of grace in Romans 4:5-8 challenges legalism, which is the belief that salvation or forgiveness must be earned through strict adherence to rules and regulations. But, what is the difference between general obedience to the word and legalism? Legalism often imposes burdensome requirements on individuals, potentially causing harm and suffering, as obviously seen in the rigid interpretation of Matthew 19:9.

Paul’s message in Romans encourages a shift from legalism to a reliance on God’s grace. It reminds us that God’s forgiveness is not contingent upon our ability to meet specific criteria or perform certain acts of continual penance, like dissolving marriage to adopt a celibate state by imposition for the rest of life. Where does the Bible teach that? Instead, the Bible teaches that it is a free gift received through faith in Christ.

V. Theological and Philosophical Implications

The message of grace in Romans 4:5-8 has several profound theological and philosophical implications for the interpretation of Matthew 19:9 and the issue of divorce and remarriage:

1. God’s Unconditional Love: The message of grace emphasizes God’s unconditional love and His willingness to forgive the repentant heart. It challenges the idea that God would require individuals to end their new marriages as a test or sacrifice for repentance. Instead, it suggests that God’s grace extends even to those who have experienced the pain of divorce and remarriage.
2. Faith as the Path to Forgiveness: Romans 4:5-8 highlights faith as the avenue through which forgiveness and righteousness are obtained. This perspective challenges the rigid interpretation of Matthew 19:9 by asserting that faith in Christ’s redemptive work is the means to receive God’s grace and forgiveness, irrespective of specific legalistic conditions.
3. The Limitations of Legalism: Legalism, as exemplified in the rigid interpretation of Matthew 19:9, can inadvertently place a heavy burden on individuals and families who have experienced divorce and remarriage. It may lead to judgment, condemnation, and unnecessary suffering. The message of grace challenges the validity of such legalistic requirements, emphasizing instead the sufficiency of faith in Christ and his antagonistic redemptive work on the cross.
4. Restoration and Healing: Embracing the message of grace allows the church to be a place of healing and restoration for individuals and families impacted by divorce and remarriage. It promotes a compassionate and grace-centered approach that seeks to support, counsel, and encourage those on a journey of repentance and spiritual growth.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the message of grace without works, as expounded in Romans 4:5-8, presents a compelling challenge to the rigid and merciless interpretation of Matthew 19:9, which insists on the dissolution of remarriages after an unbiblical divorce.

Romans 4:5-8 underscores the centrality of faith in Christ’s redemptive work as the means to obtain righteousness and forgiveness, without any meritorious work on the part of the repentant sinner. This perspective highlights God’s unconditional love, challenges legalistic requirements, and promotes a compassionate and grace-centered approach to divorce and remarriage.

As Christians, we are called to extend the same grace and forgiveness that we have received from God to others, recognizing that salvation and forgiveness are not earned through human effort but received as gifts of grace through faith.

In the context of divorce and remarriage, this means offering support, healing, and restoration to those who have experienced the pain of broken relationships rather than imposing additional burdens or requirements that may not align with the message of grace found in the Scriptures.