Polygamy

An exception "for". Meaning, in which cases would polygamy be acceptable when it otherwise wouldn't. That is what I thought you were saying and I ranted based on what I thought you said. I think I got your point now, though. Sorry for the confusion.

PS-Oh, and it's a good point, and I agree.

I was thinking about how judgemental some can be when confronted by polygamy. This is what I think people should consider when judging others who have more than one wife.

It is written,

"And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?"
This verse presents the question of what to do when we are confronted with what clearly looks to be sin according to the scriptures. In this example there is little doubt that the woman brought before Jesus was guilty of the sin of adultery. The Pharisees said to Jesus that according to Moses she should be stoned to death and wanted to know His opinion on the matter.
Legally the Pharisees were right according to the Laws of Moses. Since the law was given by God they felt that Jesus would have no choice but to condemn her also. This was not a sincere question because the religious leaders sought to temp the Son of God to go against the scripture. They knew Jesus preached forgiveness of sins and thought to brand Him as ungodly if He forgave this woman contrary to the law. Yet, God manifest in the flesh said to the woman after all her accusers had left ashamed "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

What I wish to point out today is that we should always consider the human being before we condemn them.

Here is a truth,


Take for example the question about polygamy in Africa. I use this example simply because it is a "hot button issue" for many believers who condemn such practices without thought or consideration of the human consequences.

When a Christian believer is confronted with this type of marriage arrangement many times they automatically denounce it as sin. The words that fall from their lips are often unkind or condescending at best. They confidently believe that they have the "right" according to scripture to treat the man so married with utter contempt while regarding the women joined to him with self-righteous pity. Like the Pharisees of the first century they feel justified to condemn these people along with their sin.
Yet, those who so readily condemn these people rarely stop to consider what effect their words have upon those they are directed towards. If the people who are practicing this life style took what they said literally they would put away all but their first wives including whatever children fathered from those "ungodly marriages." Thus conforming to others idea of righteousness they would cause all but the first wives kids to become illegitimate. This, in fact, was mandated by the first missionaries in Africa and is a terrible black mark on our evangelistic efforts there to this very day.

How would you feel as a young child who loved his father and mother if you were told that Jesus said your parents were sinful? What would you think if the missionaries told you that God was loving yet your farther must leave your mother in order to be a good Christian? What about the second or third wife that must now have no husband because of your doctrine? What about the man who loves all his wives and has to choose between them in order to obtain salvation? Do you have so little compassion that you can look such a man in the eye and say that God demands this from him? Would you destroy his family in order for your doctrine to prevail? If Christ spared the woman caught in adultery how can you sit in judgment on such a matter especially realizing that many of the greatest men of God you admire had similar types of families? If you can say yes in your heart to any of these questions then you are legalistic.

To say that God does not accept polygamy as a valid form of marriage costs you nothing but for those whom you demand follow your doctrine it costs them everything. Is our doctrine more important than the human beings you are ministering too? Man was not made for doctrine but rather doctrine was for man. When our beliefs damage those we seek to save we must examine ourselves to see whether or not we truly speak in love and have the heart of God in the matter. Hard sayings were present in many of Emanuel's teachings yet the common people heard Him gladly. Can it be said the same of you?

Moreover, those who so easily cast stones are not more righteous than those they condemn. If the secret sins of the accusers were written, as it were, on the ground before them they would quickly drop their stones and leave in shame.
Here is a truth,


In the Middle Ages during the inquisition people were actually tortured if they would not repent of what the religious leaders thought was heresy. It was considered best to kill the body rather than let their soul go to hell. Thus, they thought, the greater good was served by tortures too terrible to imagine. Read foxes "Book of Martyrs" to learn some of the methods used to encourage this primitive form of normative Christianity.

This same pitiless spirit of legalism still exists in the church today but thankfully it has been moderated by secular laws which prevent such abuses to basic human rights. Today, we still do terrible things to people spiritually by condemning and shunning those we feel do not meet our standards of righteousness and doctrinal purity. The same spirit that could watch a fellow human being burnt to death for the gospels sake is the same spirit that can also watch families be destroyed because they do not fit the western ideal of monogamy. This is the same type of spirit that caused religious Jews to cry "Crucify Him!"

The purpose of this post is not to defend or condemn the practice of polygamy but rather to point out that believers should not be quick to condemn others when it costs them nothing to do so. We must not seek to cast stones for one day we will ask for mercy and understanding from someone even greater.

In conclusion, what sayest thou? Do you condemn those whom you do not understand or do you give them grace even though they do what you consider to be sin? Is your sin such that you should be stoned too? Truly loving people does not mean you put on spiritual gloves to handle them but rather that you stretch forth your hands to touch that which you consider leprous.

Summery do as you want because Jesus didn't condemn the woman. command ---- go and sin no more

Please refer to the foundation you laid this argument on .........................................^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^....go and sin no more, in other words grow up.
Your trying to say Jesus didn't demand she place her foot back to the right path. Grace covered and restored her to a new beginning not to continue on the path she was forgiven from. If she doesn't then yes it may cost her everything. But don't preach that God doesn't desire you be Holy as He is Holy. You fight this piece of truth you end up wearing dippers till your 50 years old. And people grow wearing of changing your dirty pants.

To say that God does not accept polygamy as a valid form of marriage costs you nothing but for those whom you demand follow your doctrine it costs them everything. Is our doctrine more important than the human beings you are ministering too?

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I am simply saying examine yourself before you condemn others. I think this main point is amply confirmed in the scriptures, wouldn't you agree?

Additionally, I would say that the value of a thread like this is that if someone, say from another country where polygamy is common, is feeling condemned by their "brethren" that it might comfort them to know that not all are against them. In fact some of us have researched this doctrine and we have thought it right to lay no other burden on them other than what the gospel states.

I am frankly ashamed of some ministers that come to foreign countries and treat men and women badly about this area.

And I see you edited your post since I posted, This is what I was replying to. Good luck it's clear your intent here is to bolster your opinion with 18 threads started, which for the most part, get critical replies, is the whole world in error Justin? No one on a christian forum has a clue or is it they simply see some thing in you, you can't see yourself.

I am simply saying examine yourself before you condemn others. I think this main point is amply confirmed in the scriptures, wouldn't you agree?

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You just flip flopped, I agree with what you just said. It's not condemnation its correction for her and self evaluation for the others. But for people such as yourself you don't, can't accept correction. You rubber stamp anything critical with your thoughts as condemnation. Why because you refuse to grow up, you would rather reject anything that conflicts with your thoughts or perception. Notice what happened to those that were ready to stone her, they were forced to look at themselves, they seen the same need this woman was receiving. Thats my point with you, I'm simply trying to get you to look at yourself and see a need. All the times I rub your nose in the mess you make of scripture is in hope that you wake up and see a need within yourself. To understand your leaning on your own understanding. But instead you take a verse that applies to you and twist it to condemn anyone that disagrees with you. If we all took that route what would we be? We would be a people that do not seek Justice and to be Righteous, there is no gray area in the truth. Think about it.

I'm not impressed with the way you handle scripture, all that means is you sometimes lack the knowledge needed to keep pace with your zeal or sense of self worth.

bump

Hi Rex,

I like scripture quite a lot but I love God more. I realize that I only have an approximation of the truth and that the one whom I love is the way, the truth, and the life. Really, Rex, I love my Lord and savior and if you are a bible believing person you should love me too. Can you despise me and yet love God? The scriptures say you can’t. Love does not personally attack someone but rather seeks to build them up.


I don't take correction from you because I have not read a correction from you that is true yet. I think that what you say is largely critical of me personally. You simply relay normative theology which I consider to be missing the point. If you had something to say that I believed was correct I would commend you publically and then consider it carefully. You are welcomed to your viewpoints for that is what discussion is all about...sharing personal viewpoints and letting God get the truth out there. I hope that you will find something good to take away from what I write but if you don't that’s ok too. I mainly write for those with ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to this generation.

Justin Mangonel said:

I don't take correction from you because I have not read a correction from you that is true yet. I think that what you say is largely critical of me personally.

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I rest my case,"read my previous post" and take comfort that other brothers and sisters express the same opinion.

If you had something to say that I believed was correct I would commend you publically and then consider it carefully.... I hope that you will find something good to take away from what I write but if you don't that’s ok too. I mainly write for those with ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to this generation.

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Justin, we are listening for the Spirit, but if what you write doesn't agree with the teaching of scriptures, the Spirit will have great difficulty saying 'Amen'. Don't turn that into a personal issue, when it's really a question of how to please God,

The first thing I would have wanted you to say about the situation of the woman taken in adultery, is that there wasn't a person present that day, who didn't know the man was supposed to have been brought for stoning at the same time.


Did you know that?


Do you really think that Jesus Christ didn't know what was in their hearts? Doesn't know what is in your heart, and mine?

Mark 7:21 '... for from within, out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries...' (Adultery, here, is not even singular.)

He knew the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. He knew He would soon have died for the sin of the whole world.

He was looking for a change of attitude towards sin. He has never had sympathy with sin. We know this, because He came for the express purpose of slaying the dragon by Himself, so that the law of God would no longer be an impossible standard, as Rex mentioned.

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us... after the Spirit.

I am reminded of Moses' instructions to the children of Israel at Sinai, to sanctify themselves before observing his meeting with God. Part of those instructions were 'go not at your wives', as well as to wash their clothes. This is only a shadow of what the Holy Spirit brings to us individually through faith in Christ Jesus, that we might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Ephesians 3:19)

And you think it's important to defend polygamy? What? In case people's feelings are hurt by the truth? Again I would point out the OT shadow, in Ezra 10:17 - 44. Separating from inappropriate wives was required by God's ordinance - under the Old Covenant.

Hi DF,

I do think it is important to defend the truth and the truth is that God does not have an issue with polygamy and neither should we. I gave as a proof text Matthew 22:32 which scripturally proves that God accepts polygamists because two of the three people with God at this present time had more than one wife. Nowhere in scripture did either of these men repent for their lifestyle. It is important that we not lay more upon Christians or those who would be Christians more than what God does. James the brother of Jesus understood this principle and applied it the gentiles that Paul was ministering to.

Jesus does not approve of sin for He said, "Go and sin no more." However, He also does not like hypocrisy, i.e. those who judge people who themselves are just as guilty. Plus, DF, Jesus said neither do I judge you. I hope you read what I wrote because I said my purpose was not to defend polygamy as right or wrong but to draw attention to the principle that we should not take up stones (which in our day and age are thankfully words and shunning) against those whom we disagree with without carefully considering what we are doing. That is my point in relationship to polygamy.

Blessings,

Justin

dragonfly said:

Justin, we are listening for the Spirit, but if what you write doesn't agree with the teaching of scriptures, the Spirit will have great difficulty saying 'Amen'. Don't turn that into a personal issue, when it's really a question of how to please God,

The first thing I would have wanted you to say about the situation of the woman taken in adultery, is that there wasn't a person present that day, who didn't know the man was supposed to have been brought for stoning at the same time.


Did you know that?


Do you really think that Jesus Christ didn't know what was in their hearts? Doesn't know what is in your heart, and mine?

Mark 7:21 '... for from within, out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries...' (Adultery, here, is not even singular.)

He knew the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. He knew He would soon have died for the sin of the whole world.

He was looking for a change of attitude towards sin. He has never had sympathy with sin. We know this, because He came for the express purpose of slaying the dragon by Himself, so that the law of God would no longer be an impossible standard, as Rex mentioned.

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us... after the Spirit.

I am reminded of Moses' instructions to the children of Israel at Sinai, to sanctify themselves before observing his meeting with God. Part of those instructions were 'go not at your wives', as well as to wash their clothes. This is only a shadow of what the Holy Spirit brings to us individually through faith in Christ Jesus, that we might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Ephesians 3:19)

And you think it's important to defend polygamy? What? In case people's feelings are hurt by the truth? Again I would point out the OT shadow, in Ezra 10:17 - 44. Separating from inappropriate wives was required by God's ordinance - under the Old Covenant.

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Very good points, df. I am also listening to the Spirit and as yet, do not hear Him blessing polygamy.

One of the main problems with a doctrine like marriage is that we allow our cultural viewpoints and the theology we have been taught to cloud our judgement.

I have given a clear proof text that shows that God accepts men with one wife and men with more than one wife yet none have said, "hey, that's right' even though it is crystal clear. Why is this so? It is because the lense of the erroneous theology they have been taught and the cultural values they hold bends everything to fit their presuppositions. Clear scripture is thus unclear to them because they litterally cannot see straight.

What should be happening is that people should be coming to the realization that the number of wives a person has does not make any difference. This does harmonize all the scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments. What we are dealing with is dogam and culture and not reason.

Axehead said:

Very good points, df. I am also listening to the Spirit and as yet, do not hear Him blessing polygamy.

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IMHO I pointed out on the previous pages that by the letter of the law, this argument is a stalemate
I choose to error if I error on the side of safety and reject the doctrine of polygamy.

The only problem with what you say Rex is that there are millions of such families in the world. While the churches err on the side of safety (which does cost you anything) they are dispised and rejected by a great deal of the normative christian church. Legalism erred on the side of safety too by saying the it is expeident that one man should die so that the whole nation of Israel should not perish.

zebra hug
The truth is you don't understand the difference between grace and obedience.
Romans 6:1-2 I would rather error on the side of safety

1 Samuel 15:22
Psalm 40:6
Hosea 6:6

Grow up it's past time, you should be potty trained by now

Once again...my proof text has not been acknowledged. Why are people so willingly blinded?

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Hi Justin,

Hi DF,

I do think it is important to defend the truth and the truth is that God does not have an issue with polygamy and neither should we.

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Adam disobeyed the only negative commandment God had given him, and for that, he and Eve lost their right to eat of the tree of life. Having cursed the ground for Adam's sake, God didn't 'have an issue' with them? When their descendants filled the earth with evil continually, God sent a flood to destroy all but eight people..... but He didn't 'have an issue' with them? Please start taking all the facts into your considerations. :huh:[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)] [/background]

When Paul says, 'will not inherit the kingdom of God', it is because God still has an issue with sin.[/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)] [/background][/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [/background][/background]

Christians should have no expectation of taking several wives. It is a salvation issue according to Paul, because we have God's law in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit to enable us to overcome temptation and sin.

I gave as a proof text Matthew 22:32 which scripturally proves that God accepts polygamists because two of the three people with God at this present time had more than one wife. Nowhere in scripture did either of these men repent for their lifestyle.

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[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]I acknowledge the text you offered as a 'proof text', which statement was made by Jesus in the context of the Old Covenant. But d[/background]o you realise that not *Abraham, Isaac nor Jacob* lived under the Old Covenant? They were the tenth, eleventh and twelfth generations after the Flood. Noah's sons were still alive. The total destruction of the 'old world' was still fresh in the minds of those who'd experienced it. They understood God's judgment in action. [background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]In other words, you can't use what Jesus said, to justify polygamy amongst God's people. Jesus was reminding his listeners that those *three men* had both believed Him, and, obeyed His voice.[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Regarding repentance, Abraham had sent away Hagar and Ishmael, and, all the sons of his concubines. Wasn't that 'fruit worthy of repentance', as John the Baptist used to put it, [/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]'for' his 'lifestyle'[/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]? Genesis 21:14 [/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Abraham didn't take a second wife until after Sarah had died. I always thought he'd sent his concubines away too, but Genesis 25:6 doesn't say that clearly, and perhaps they were now older - passed child-bearing age - and he had a duty of care to them. Again, Abraham obeyed God's voice. It likely was a difficult thing to do - to send away all but one son.[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws[/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)].[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Interestingly, Jacob, despite his love for the idolatress, Rachel, seems to have known that the blessing of Abraham would come through Judah, who was the last son of his first wife, Leah. Genesis 49:8 - 12.[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]

It is important that we not lay more upon Christians or those who would be Christians more than what God does. James the brother of Jesus understood this principle and applied it the gentiles that Paul was ministering to.

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I agree. But, let it be God who lays His will upon the conscience of the newly-converted polygamist, and not a humanist.

Under the Old Covenant, there were regulations for how to take and how to dispose of a wife. The same laws which acknowledged polygamy, also provided for divorce. Only in one case (that I can remember), was a man not permitted to divorce. Nevertheless anyway, it is not in God's heart to have more than one wife at a time. Had death not been brought into existence on earth, perhaps we would not be having this discussion.[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]There was a cosmic shift in God's dealings with mankind because of the cross, which affects even whether to marry or not:[/background][/background] [/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)] [/background][/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Matthew 19: 11 But he said to them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].[/background][/background]



[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Look at the disciples' reaction when Jesus introduced tighter regulations on divorce:[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Matthew 19:9 And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marries her which is put away does commit adultery. 10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with [his] wife, it is not good to marry.[/background]


[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]

Jesus does not approve of sin for He said, "Go and sin no more." However, He also does not like hypocrisy, i.e. those who judge people who themselves are just as guilty. Plus, DF, Jesus said neither do I judge you. I hope you read what I wrote because I said my purpose was not to defend polygamy as right or wrong but to draw attention to the principle that we should not take up stones (which in our day and age are thankfully words and shunning) against those whom we disagree with without carefully considering what we are doing. That is my point in relationship to polygamy.

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[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]No-one is suggesting that we stone polygamists. Paul said:[/background][/background][/background]



[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 1 Timothy 6:3[/background][/background][/background]










[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]I feel you are taking judging out of context - unless you are making this personal to you again? John 12:48 [/background]

Men who have received the Holy Spirit, who are in Romans 12:1, 2, should find themselves in agreement with Christ about everthing, including adultery. [background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Jesus said 'By their fruits you shall know them'. [/background]



[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]We can be sure that Paul accepts Jesus' definition of adultery when he makes his comments in 1 Corinthians 5 about Christian brethren in sin, and, 1 Corinthians 6 about not inheriting the kingdom of God.[/background]





[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Jesus had defended Moses for permitting divorce, because He knew what was in men's hearts. Divorce was not a salvation issue then, and divorce is not a salvation issue now, although much teaching in today's church would make those who have legitimate grounds for divorce feel as if it is a salvation issue. But, in the context of not lusting after a second wife, [/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]adultery is a salvation issue, just as fornication and the other sins listed, which Christians should resist. There can be no second wife for the married Christian, while he is in wedlock with his first wife.[/background]


[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]I fully understand that in evangelism, polygamy is not the first issue. But [/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]I believe God can lead a new believer to understand how he is to provide for the women with whom he can no longer have sexual relationships. [/background]
[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)] [/background]


[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]If he has entered several marriages through contracts - as Israelites used to do - there is also a way that he can end his marriages with all but one. A man who can afford several wives, can also afford to give them the terms of their contract of marriage with him, upon their divorce. [/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]These decisions must surely be made easier if some of a polygamist's wives become Christians, too; because the Holy Spirit will give grace to those who must leave as much as to the one who must stay.


The point that Rex makes about obedience, is increasing in validity the longer this thread goes on:[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Genesis 22:18b '... because thou hast obeyed my voice.' John 10:1 - 4.[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and also the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to them that obey him.[/background]



[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]What makes us sons, before we have received the Holy Spirit? I think it may be obedience.[/background]


[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Hebrews 12:9b '... shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?[/background]



[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Matthew 21:28 But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. [/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I [go], sir: and went not. [/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]31 Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus said to them, Verily I say to you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Likewise:

Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath [wrath = unbelief], even as others.

Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known [/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]to all nations for the obedience of faith[/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)].[/background]

[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent: 31 Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he has raised him from the dead[/background][background=rgb(255, 255, 255)].[/background]


[background=rgb(255, 255, 255)]1 Corinthians 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them without signification.[/background]






There is only one voice John 10:14 - of the good Shepherd - which can lead us safely into eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:7



Justin, if you are genuinely defending truth, it will line up perfectly with all the words of Jesus Christ. Matt 7:24

The Father sent the Holy Spirit so that we would be able to begin to see His things His way. John 3:3, 5.

If you are honest, you have to admit that a married man who then starts looking at any other woman for the purpose of having a sexual relationship with her, has committed adultery against his spouse. Matt 5:28

Dear DF,

You wrote,

"Adam disobeyed the only negative commandment God had given him, and for that, he and Eve lost their right to eat of the tree of life. Having cursed the ground for Adam's sake, God didn't 'have an issue' with them? When their descendants filled the earth with evil continually, God sent a flood to destroy all but eight people..... but He didn't 'have an issue' with them? Please start taking all the facts into your considerations"

What does this have to do with anything I have said? You erroneously presuppose polygamy is sin without basis. The verse you quote in Galatians has nothing to do with polygamy.

My proof text still stands and your reference to the flood makes no sense whatsoever. Jesus used this verse as proof of the resurrection. What I said about it is also true and proves that God accepts men who are monogamous as well as polygamous...in fact 2 to 1 if you want to get technical about it.

So, DF, are you saying that because Abraham harkened unto the voice of Sara and sent away Hagar and Ishmael that he therefore repented of the error of polygamy? Talk about grasping at straws. Does your logic also hold true for Jacob? Did he repent in such a manor for the sin of polygamy? My word...that is simply reading into the world what you want it to say.

God does not lay upon Christians anything to do with only having one wife. The only scripture, which applies specifically to deacons and bishops, and even that is a stretch, may prohibit them from polygamy. However I believe that is a misreading of the context.

No one is suggesting stones today only because secular laws prohibit it. However, shunning and discrimination for doing something that is biblical is not worthy of reasoned Christian men and women.

How is it possible to lust after a second wife? Lusting is defined as wanting to commit adultery or fornication. One cannot lust after something that is lawful. Sexual attraction is not lust if it is towards a woman that you wish to marry and care for.

Why would a man want to end a marriage to a second wife? That is ridiculous...and for what? This is my point exactly. You speak as though having a second wife is sin and you say that there are ways to put her away... all the while it costs you nothing but the words you speak. Would you wreck a family for your doctrine? A doctrine that is not even remotely true? This is legalism in the extreme and it has no heart of love in it. You do not seek a way for a polygamist to be saved and happy but you only seem to care that they follow the way you interpret scripture.

Yes, I will obey God rather than men because on this issue most men are wrong. People do not research it adequately enough to even begin to understand it and furthermore they condemn it without scriptural proof. I will continue to teach and preach to all those I minister to in Africa that God loves everyone. I will show them from the scripture that God honors a man who loves and cares for more than one wife. I will continue to apologize for the gross misrepresentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ by missionaries who were bound in deep legalism and infected with the arrogance of their generation.

DF, a man who looks upon another woman to marry does not commit adultery any more than a man who looks upon the women he wishes to first marry commits fornication.

In conclusion, what you are saying has nothing to do with the scriptures you quoted. It is merely your philosophy clothed with a few scriptures that you believe lend weight to your theories. That is not biblical exegeses but merely an attempt to legitimize your own preconceptions and cultural biases. You have already made up your mind and you are wresting scripture to try to prove points that simply do not apply to this doctrine. You do not see nor understand the plain scripture that I have laid before you because of a previously determined stand that you consider inviolate. This is the essence of dogma.

Based upon Jesus on words God accepts both types of marriage. There is no higher authority.

Usually, I do not take the time to answer people point by point. However, I believe it is important to draw a clear distinction between allowing scripture to interpret scripture and the process of using scripture to merely lend credence to ones extra biblical phylosphy.

Sincerely,

Justin.