Bible-believing Christians agree that it is essential to act on Jesus' words while the present storm of marital unfaithfulness and divorce swirls around us. Yet there is uncertainty about Jesus' commands concerning divorce and remarriage. Do we truly understand the words of Christ (and Paul)? In Divorce and Remarriage: A Permanence View, the authors explain in detail why they believe that Jesus did not allow divorce for any reason and did not permit remarriage if a former spouse was living. This view proposes that the exception clause given by Jesus must be understood in its ethnic and exegetical context if Christs intent for marriage is to be fully comprehended. The result is a perspective that harmonizes all of what Paul and the Gospels teach about divorce and remarriage. The authors' view is summarized in the following three statements:

1. The one flesh-union created in marriage is permanent until death.
2. Initiating a divorce is never lawful.
3. Remarrying after divorce is an act of adultery if a former spouse is living.

This book was born out of pastoral concern for believers facing difficult marriage issues and for church leaders who desire to express clearly what will happen when members divorce or remarry. Part one of Divorce and Remarriage: A Permanence View presents the biblical foundation of the permanence view. Part two shows how the permanence view works out in the family and in the local church.

Endorsements:

"Divorce and Remarriage: A Permanence View is a clear, concise and Scriptural presentation on the subject of divorce and remarriage. The book reflects careful biblical exegesis wedded with a practical and pastoral concern for the personal lives of people struggling with these issues. In considering the various perspectives on divorce and remarriage, this is a book that careful students of Scripture should not overlook."
J. Carl Laney, Th. D. (Professor of biblical Literature, Western Seminary [Portland], author of The Divorce Myth)

"A Biblical Theology of marriage is viewed as superfluous in our culture and is often ignored and violated in church practice as well. Wingerd, Elliff, Chrisman, and Burchett have written a clear, well-organized and precise work that is embracive and engaging as it establishes the permanence view of marriage. No matter what position one presently holds, this book provides excellent exegetical and theological information and challenge. The authors have developed both cogent and compelling converging lines of evidence in support of their thesis. The book deserves wide distribution and reading in the community of the redeemed. It surely belongs in every library collection and every pastor's study."
James M. Grier, Th.D. (Distinguished Professor of Philosophical Theology at Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary)