18 May 2023
In case it isn't obvious, we are on a tour of the Covenant of Christ, pointing out the covenant boundaries that would constitute New Testament Law. There is nothing speculative here, but merely an examination of what the Scripture says in its own context.
After shattering Western Civilization completely in the first few verses, Paul in Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians goes on to paint a very strong image of how elders can discern the difference between Covenant Law and their implementations of it. An elder should not stretch things too far and claim God requires it. Rather, he must have a clear sense of the boundaries God has established, versus what he must do to paint them brightly enough that nobody can miss them.
The issue Paul addresses is the messy entanglement of folks already married. He personally would rather covenant widows stay single, but it's not required by God. If she cannot live alone that way, then let her be open to community matchmaking. It should be obvious that she does not marry outside the covenant community. That's from God.
But there are plenty of people who are already married outside the Covenant, people who came to Christ later in life. If a spouse does not immediately follow you into faith, that's no justification for divorce. So long as your unbelieving spouse can tolerate your faith, stay with them. This keeps the spouse and children under a measure of spiritual covering. That's from God.
By the same token, if your unbelieving spouse cannot deal with your faith, let them go. There's nothing you can do. Your witness of sacrifice could eventually open their eyes to the truth. That's from God.
Meanwhile, there's a whole bunch of other issues we bring with us into the Covenant life. Gentiles should not seek to convert to Judaism, and Jews need not become Gentiles. Your fleshly identity dies at the foot of the Cross; you should not change it, but ignore it. The same goes for slaves who come to faith. If you can gain freedom, great; if not, just walk in faith as a slave. Learn to serve Christ as your Master, on loan to your earthly master. That's from God.
Paul goes on to mention the bad situation in the Roman Empire in his day as warranting celibacy. He notes this is just his opinion, but a well-informed one. I won't argue with the precise wording of verses 25-28; it's clear the context refers to those who are engaged (betrothed) and whether or not they carry through with a wedding. Paul says make sure your convictions are behind whatever choice you make.
Rather, being aware of how bad things are, be ready to lose everyone close to you. Learn how to face such losses, because the Lord is using tragedy for His own glory. With so much turmoil, you have to be ready to handle anything and everything. He warns that those with families will be tied to caring for them in their various roles, and it will not be easy. The wrath of God on sin can splash onto His people. This is not like the Passover in Egypt, where we can gather into a nation with a distinct identity that human rulers will recognize. God isn't working in that kind of system any more.
In verses 36-38, Paul reiterates the same matter of betrothal for the father of the bride. If keeping an adult daughter is a hardship, marry her off. Just be aware how tough it might be for her. But if you sense a burden to keep her, then call off the wedding. The girl's father gets to choose. And once more, Paul emphasizes that widows in particular should carefully consider staying single.
America isn't Rome. There is some overlap, but our tribulation will be different from what Covenant people faced in the First Century. Keep in mind that we are facing global catastrophes in just a decade or two. Pray and seek the Lord for a clarification of your convictions.
Comments
DarkMirror
I've never heard an interpretation from pastors, except online, that are as nuanced as this. I don't see what's so hard about understanding it. Maybe a lot of pastors can't teach about marriage very effectively anymore.
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