Changes

Because divorce is so much a part of today's society, I feel it is necessary to comment extensively on chapter 19. In verses 1-15 [[Jesus]] was questioned about marriage and divorce. The Pharisees had interpreted Deuteronomy 24:1 to mean that a man could divorce his wife for any cause; while others held to a strict interpretation that marriage could be broken only by adultery. [[Jesus]] went beyond both these meanings and reminded the people of the original law of marriage. [[God]] instituted marriage in Eden, long before the Mosaic Law. The [[Bible]] gives at least four reasons, or purposes, for marriage: (1) To continue the race (Genesis 1:25). (2) For companionship and enjoyment (Genesis 2:18). (3) To avoid fornication (I Corinthians 7:1-6). (4) To illustrate the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). [[God]]'s original purpose was that one man should wed one woman and only [[death]] would break that union ([[Romans]] 7:1-3). In marriage, two shall become one flesh. The union of marriage is even stronger than family ties, for a man is to leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife. It is a sacred union, for [[Jesus]] said that [[God]] joins a man and woman together.