Redefining Marriage

In the last few years there has been much talk about the sanctioning of gay marriages. Conservative Christians perceive this as a redefinition of marriage. In response to certain court decisions and many controversial gay weddings that have already taken place, many of my Christian brothers and sisters have tried to persuade legislatures to define marriage as being a union between one man and woman. What some of my well meaning brothers fail to realize is that marriage has already been redefined.

The formula of 1 man + 1 woman = marriage is seen as the Biblical standard as well as the corner stone of society. Many believe it to be God's definition of marriage. Simply put, this definition is wrong because it lacks a necessary component. The words "for as long as you both shall live" should be added. Consider the words of Jesus, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery" (Mark 10: 11-12 NASB).
It would seem that a plain text reading of this passage would define marriage as being a union between one man and one woman "for as long as you [they] both shall live". Several other passages in the Bible indicate that divorce is wrong. If this is so, then our current laws and cultural climate have already redefined marriage as being between one man and one woman, with no amount of time fixed to the union. Make no mistake about it; this is a redefinition of marriage.

I believe that one can sin through divorce because I have faith in God's word. Also, I have seen first hand the destructive results of divorce. My parents are still married, but I have seen numerous friends and acquaintances suffer the painful affects of their parents divorce(s). Now in my late-twenties, I have friends my own age that are divorced. If Christians are in a spiritual war, then the adversary has used divorce as a staging ground to launch other sinful campaigns. These would include jealousy, bitterness, fornication, rebellion, adultery, rage, and violence just to name a few.