The Second Marriage

“Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.” Romans 7:1-6 NET

The law functions as a profound guiding framework for those who earnestly strive to uphold its principles and commit themselves to its ethical standards. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge an essential truth: no human being can fully meet the law’s extensive demands; achieving such perfection would require supernatural capabilities beyond our reach.

The law was never intended as a set of achievable benchmarks for humanity; instead, its purpose is to reveal the nature of righteousness that aligns with the character of God. It serves as a mirror reflecting the ideals of justice, morality, and holiness that God embodies—a stark reminder of the vast chasm between divine perfection and human imperfection.

Ultimately, only God, with His infinite wisdom, holiness, and power, can fulfill the entirety of the law’s requirements. Embracing this understanding is vital for grasping the true intent of the law and the nature of our relationship with it, guiding us toward humility and dependence on divine grace.

Paul masterfully utilizes the analogy of marriage to convey the profound and transformative nature of our relationship with Jesus Christ. In this vivid metaphor, a wife is intricately bound by the law of marriage to her husband, signifying a profound and sacred unity—a fusion of lives that creates a bond of one flesh. This connection is not merely emotional; it is a commitment anchored in devotion and mutual responsibility. However, when the husband passes away, she is released from that binding covenant, unexpectedly liberated to explore new possibilities, including the freedom to remarry without societal stigma.

Paul emphasizes the weight of this commitment by noting that if the wife were to engage in a relationship with another man while her husband is still alive, she would be deemed an adulteress. This illustrates the seriousness and sanctity of the marriage bond, underscoring the stringent implications of the law.

The transformative heart of Paul’s message lies in the staggering truth that, through Christ’s sacrificial death, we are emancipated from the oppressive constraints of the law. His death was a monumental act of love that fulfilled the law’s demands, abolishing its authority over us once and for all. This groundbreaking act grants us the freedom to forge a new and intimate relationship with Christ, where we are invited to unite with Him in a profound way. In this new life, we are freed from the burdens of our past, joyfully embracing our identity in Christ, and empowered to live abundantly, reveling in the grace and love that define our renewed existence.

Aren’t we marvelously akin to the bride portrayed in scripture? We joyfully and wholeheartedly embrace our identity as the cherished bride of Christ, fully aware that our lives are secure and enveloped in His unwavering love and care. Jesus is not merely our protector, diligently guarding our hearts; He is the very essence of our existence, infusing each day with purpose, light, and joy.

In His boundless grace, we have willingly shed our former sinful selves, breaking free from the heavy chains of guilt, shame, and despair that once confined us. Now, we flourish in our exhilarating freedom, having risen above the confines of the law—we are vibrantly alive in Christ! This transformation is more than mere liberation; it is the awakening of a renewed spirit within us, one that inspires a passionate desire to live fully for Him.

Embracing this profound truth sparks within us a radiant hope and an eagerness for the journey ahead. We look forward to new adventures filled with divine encounters, deeper connections with others, and an ever-expanding understanding of His unfathomable love as we walk in believing loyalty, united as His beloved.

The question that lingers in my mind is, why did Jesus willingly endure such profound suffering for us? At first glance, it may seem extravagant, unnecessary. Why didn’t God choose a simpler, more straightforward path to draw us into a meaningful relationship with Himself? Yet, I believe that if He had opted for an easier way, it would have stripped the process of its profound significance, failing to leave the lasting emotional and spiritual impact that the crucifixion evokes in our hearts.

Consider the depth of Jesus’ suffering—the betrayal by a close friend, the brutal humiliation He faced, the agonizing nails that pierced His hands and feet, and the suffocating weight of our sins laid upon Him as He hung on the cross. Each moment of His agony serves a critical purpose, illustrating the incredible lengths He would go to for our redemption. We needed to grasp this immensity of His sacrifice to truly appreciate our own worth and the purpose woven into our lives.

Just as Eve was taken from Adam’s side, symbolizing an intricate and intimate connection, we, too, were hidden and taken from our Savior’s side, becoming His cherished bride. This profound act of creation lays bare the depth of our inherent worth and the intimate bond we share with Him. We were meticulously crafted from His divine nature, designed to fulfill this sacred calling as His beloved. Through His unparalleled suffering, we are offered a glimpse into the unfathomable love and sacrifice that define our relationship with Him, illuminating what it truly means to be united in this divine union.

Paul artfully employs the metaphor of marriage to illuminate the profound and transformative relationship between believers and Christ. Just as a husband and wife share an unbreakable bond of love, trust, and mutual commitment, we discover our true identity and purpose nestled within the embrace of Christ, who has known and cherished us since the very foundation of the world. This astonishing reality serves as a testament to the boundless depth of God’s love—a love that transcends the constraints of time and space.

God’s desire is for us to engage in an intimate and dynamic connection with Him, one that invites us to share in His divine glory and participate in His overarching mission as His beloved Bride. In this sacred union, we are called to experience spiritual growth, a sense of purpose, and an irreplaceable belonging that transforms our lives. It is a relationship that not only nourishes our souls but also empowers us to reflect His love and grace in the world around us, fulfilling our roles as co-heirs to His kingdom.

Stephen Barnett