by Neil Richey
The scenario is this—a man and a woman marry (both having never been married before). Neither is a Christian. After several years, the same man and woman decide to divorce (fornication is not the cause). They have clearly violated Matthew 5:32. Now suppose that the man marries again, and he is now out of ignorance living in adultery (cf. Matt 19:9). While in this relationship he is taught how to become a Christian. He is therefore baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Question, did his baptism sanctify (make right) his relationship with his new wife?
- Baptism never makes a sinful act a righteous act. If it was adultery before he became a Christian, it remains adultery after he becomes a Christian. I read about a preacher and elder who went to talk to the husband of one of the members about becoming a Christian. After sitting down and studying the Bible together, the man asked the elder and preacher to follow him into the woods. They came upon a moonshine still. The man asked, “Can I continue to operate this still and be a Christian?” When he was told that he could not, he began chopping the still into pieces. He then said, “I am ready to become a Christian.” We know that one cannot be a Christian and continue to operate a moonshine still. But, do we also know that one cannot be a Christian and continue to live in adultery?
- Baptism never sanctifies an unscriptural relationship? Suppose that two men are living together in a homosexual relationship. They hear the gospel and desire to become Christians. Would baptism make their relationship right? Would they then have the right to continue to live in that relationship after being baptized for the forgiveness of sin? We understand that baptism does not sanctify the unscriptural relationship of a homosexual couple (1 Cor. 6:9), but do we also know that baptism does not sanctify a marriage relationship that is adulterous?
In a study such as this, the question arises, “Can one who is in an unscriptural marriage not obtain forgiveness for his sins?” Without question, he can. Anyone who chooses to submit his will to God’s may have God’s pardon. But, without meeting God’s terms there is never pardon, and one of those terms is repentance (Luke 13:3). To repent means “to change one’s mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins” (Thayer). In other words, when one repents, he decides that he will not continue in sin. For instance, he who was making moonshine will no longer make it. He who committed sins of a homosexual nature will not do that anymore. Likewise, he that is living in adultery will not live in adultery any longer.
The article is taken from The Words of Truth. This a work of the 6th Ave. church of Christ in Jasper AL. You can get copies of The Words of Truth by emailing [email protected]. This paper was started by Gus Nichols. I have received it over the years and it is well worth the price even if you have to pay for it.
I will add one thing to this article. The man that is talked about in this article who was married and living in the state of adultery. What would you advise him to do about his marriage? If this article is true and I believe that it is, then he has nothing to fear before God. He must repent, that is turn from the sin and not do it anymore. He must leave his second wife. But is what some are saying, that he could continue in this marriage, then he might not make it into heaven. Would it not be far better to be safe on this earth as far as sin is concerned then try to live in an uncertain relationship? The pleasure of sin is but for a season (Hebrews 11:25).
There are only two choices after this life is over! One is not good and one is great! Do we truly understand how bad hell will be? I think sometimes we don’t think God is really going to place people in hell for eternity. On the other hand, heaven is and will be such a wonderful place that we ought to want to go there at all cost. We sing the song from time to time, Heaven will surely be worth it all; I believe that to be true. How we live and what we do on earth will make all the difference in where we will be for eternity. Eternity is a long, long time. I would rather be safe than live in a questionable relationship. How about you? What would you tell someone?
Love, Keith
