Question
Keith, I agree with your application of Rom.7:2-3 regarding the unscripturally divorced and remarried woman whose previous husband died. This prompts me to note reference to “the law,” verse 1, and that verse 2 specifically states that it is “the woman which hath a husband” who commits adultery if she marries another, verse 3.
Under the law, a wife put away for cause no longer had a husband because she was free to marry another (Deut. 24:1-2). Likewise, Mt.19:9 tells that a wife put away for fornication no longer has a husband because otherwise, the man who put her away would not be free to marry another. Upon what basis, then, is it taught that the wife put away for fornication and marries another, commits adultery? She has no husband.
Answer
Keith Sharp
We must have authority from the Lord Jesus Christ for all we do (Colossians 3:17). The only person with a living former spouse whom the Lord gives permission to marry another is the innocent party who divorced his/her spouse for sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). All others with living former spouses who remarry are committing adultery (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11-12).
