Traditionalist View Error in the MDR Debate

The traditionalist view within many Restorationist churches of Christ teaches that marriage is for life, divorce is only permitted for fornication (Matthew 19:9), and any remarriage following an unscriptural divorce constitutes ongoing adultery. Consequently, they assert that those in unscriptural second marriages must separate and remain celibate to be right with God. However, this reasoning contains a critical error in its interpretation and application of Scripture.

The first and most common error in the traditionalist argument is the assumption that Jesus' words in Matthew 19:9–'commits adultery'–imply a continuous state of sin that requires the dissolution of the second marriage. However, the Greek verb moichatai is in the gnomic present tense, which denotes a general truth rather than a continuous action. Jesus may simply be saying that the act of remarriage itself, after an invalid divorce, is an adulterous breach of the original covenant, not that every sexual act in the new marriage is sin.

Furthermore, there is no biblical command to dissolve second marriages, even when the first was ended unscripturally. In I Corinthians 7, Paul addresses numerous complex marital situations, yet never commands the breakup of a current union. On the contrary, he emphasizes that believers should remain in the situation in which they were called (v. 17, 20, 24).

Another issue is that the traditionalist position leans heavily toward legalism, making separation and lifelong celibacy a condition of repentance and salvation. This conflicts with the overarching New Testament message of grace. For example, Jesus did not require the woman at the well (John 4), who had multiple marriages, to retroactively dissolve relationships as a condition of receiving truth and redemption.

Lastly, the cultural and textual context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19 should not be ignored. Jesus was countering the abuse of divorce for any reason (cf. Deuteronomy 24:1 misapplied by Hillel rabbis), not constructing a new legal system. Applying His words without context risks creating new burdens that go beyond what Scripture demands.

Summary Table of MDR Views in Churches of Christ

In conclusion, the traditionalist view's insistence on forced celibacy and dissolving second marriages lacks explicit biblical command, misreads Greek grammar, and undermines the grace-based framework of New Testament repentance. I Corinthians 7 provides further clarity by honoring one's current marital state and avoiding harmful legalism. Matthew 19:12 confirms that celibacy is a voluntary calling, not a demand imposed on those with complex marital histories.