by Deborah Onovae | Feb 23, 2024 | Bible Quiz, Quiz
20 Ten commandments bible questions for quiz youth program with Answers will help to broaden your knowledge about the ten commandments. God gave the ten commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai. The Ten commandments are to serve as a guide to the children of Israel and to strengthen their relationship with God.
The ten commandments is divided into two parts
- Love for God , the first four commandments.
- Love for man, the last six commandments.
Although the quiz questions are meant for youths and children, adults are free to participate.
20 Ten commandments bible questions for quiz youth program
1. God gave the ten commandments to Moses at Mount ______________
2. What is the first commandment?
3. Which commandment instructs us not to make any graven images?
4. Which of the commandments talks about God being the creator?
5. Where did the Israelites keep the Ten Commandments?
6. What is the tenth commandment?
7. What does the sixth commandment forbid?
8. What is the fifth commandment?
9. What is the eighth commandment?
10. What is the third commandment?
11. How long was Moses on the mountain when they made the golden calf?
12. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it __________.”
13. Which of the commandments is the commandment with promise?
14. Which commandment prohibits bearing false witness against your neighbor?
15. According to the fourth commandment, how many days did the Lord create the heaven and the earth?
16. In what form did God appear to Moses when he delivered the Ten Commandments?
17.Complete this sentence from the Ten Commandments: “You shall have______.
18. The Lord gave the ten commandments to Aaron. True or False?
19. The ten commandments are found in the book of exodus and _________.
20. How many commandments were given in the book of Exodus 20?
20 Ten commandments bible questions for quiz youth program
1. Mount Sinai
2. “You shall have no other gods before me.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.”
3. The second commandment . “You shall not make for yourself an idol.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:4-6 (NIV) – “You shall not make for yourself an idol… You shall not bow down to them or worship them.”
4. The fourth commandment. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV) – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… For in six days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth…”
5. They kept it in the Ark of the Covenant – Hebrews 9:4
6. “You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:17 – “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
7. “You shall not murder.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:13 (NIV) – “You shall not murder.”
8. “Honor your father and your mother.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
9. “You shall not steal.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:15 – “You shall not steal.”
10. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:7 – “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.”
11. 40.
12. Holy, Bible Text: Exodus 20:8-11 – “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
13. The 5th commandment, Bible Text: Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
14. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Bible Text: Exodus 20:16 (NIV) – “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
15. 6 days
16. A cloud of smoke and fire Exodus 19:16-19
17. no other gods before me
18. False
19. Deuteronomy
20 . 10
How to teach the 10 commandments in a fun way to kids?
Children can learn fast by incorporating the lessons into songs. Also the commandments can be explained as daily activities are carried out. Children also learn more when visuals and drawing aids are used.
Which commandment goes with a promise?
The 5th commandment, Bible Text: Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
Where can I find the 10 commandments in the Bible?
Exodus 20:2–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21
by Deborah Onovae | Feb 22, 2024 | Bible Quiz, Quiz
30 Solomon Bible Quiz Questions for Youth Programs contains questions that will help to build your knowledge about the famous King Solomon. He was the wisest King known with his great source of knowledge in the book of Proverbs.
Let us dive into the quiz, do well to tell us your scores in the comment section.
Solomon Bible Quiz Questions
1. Who was Solomon’s father?
2. What request did Solomon make to God when offered anything he desired?
3. How did Solomon demonstrate his wisdom in the famous judgment between two women claiming to be the mother of the same baby?
4: What significant construction project is Solomon known for?
5. What produce from Lebanon was used in the building of Solomon’s temple?
6. How many wives did Solomon have?
7. What is the central theme of the book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to Solomon?
8. What Queen visited Solomon to test his wisdom?
9. What grievous sin did Solomon commit towards the end of his life?
10. What book in the Bible is traditionally attributed to Solomon and focuses on romantic love
11. Who was the mother of Solomon?
12. King Solomon reign was that of war. True or False?
13. For how many days did Solomon and the Israelites feast at the dedication of the temple?
14. How did Solomon display his wisdom in the judgment?
15. What was the fate of Solomon’s kingdom after his death?
16. What precious material was abundantly used in Solomon’s temple?
17. Who succeeded Solomon as King after his death?
Solomon Bible Quiz Questions and Answers
1. David Bible Text: 2 Samuel 12:24 – “Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him.”
2. Wisdom Bible Text: 1 Kings 3:9 – “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
3. He suggested cutting the baby in half, and the real mother immediately offered to give up her claim to save the baby’s life. Bible Text: 1 Kings 3:16-28
4. Building the Temple in Jerusalem Bible Text: 1 Kings 6
5. Cedar Wood – 1 Kings 5:6; 1 Kings 4:33 Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.
6. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Bible Text: 1 Kings 11:3 – “He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.”
7. The vanity and meaninglessness of life without God. Bible Text: Ecclesiastes 1:2 – “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
8. The Queen of Sheba Bible Text: 1 Kings 10:1-2 – “When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.”
9.Idolatry – 1 Kings 11:5-7 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
10. Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) Bible Text: Song of Solomon 1:1 – “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.”
11. Bathsheba – 1 Kings 1:11 Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?
12. False
13. 14 days – 1 Kings 8:65 So Solomon observed the festival at that time, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. They celebrated it before the Lord our God for seven days and seven days more, fourteen days in all.
14. He solved a difficult riddle.
15. The kingdom was divided into two, with the northern kingdom being called Israel and the southern kingdom called Judah. Bible Text: 1 Kings 12:16 – “When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: ‘What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse’s son? To your tents, Israel! Look after your own house, David!’ So the Israelites went home.”
16. Gold Bible Text: 1 Kings 6:20-22 – “The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty wide and twenty high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar. Solomon covered the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold.”
17. his son Rehoboam. Bible Text: 1 Kings 11:43 – “So Solomon rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of his father David. And Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.”
How many books did King Solomon write in the bible?
3 books, they are Proverbs, Ecclesiastics, and Songs of Solomon
Who rebuilt Solomon’s temple after it was destroyed?
Cyrus king of Persia Ezra 1vs6
Famous quotes by King Solomon
1. Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
2. Proverbs 14:30: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
3. Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
4. Proverbs 20:7: “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
5. Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
6. Proverbs 24:3-4: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
7. Proverbs 25:28: “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
8. Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
9. Proverbs 28:13: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
10. Proverbs 31:30: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Questions and Answers About King Solomon
by Deborah Onovae | Feb 21, 2024 | Bible Quiz
Baptism of Jesus bible quiz for youth programs contains questions about the baptism of Jesus. How He was baptized and all the stories related with the baptism.
How well do you know the story of the baptism of Jesus? The bible quiz below will help to broaden your knowledge. Do well to share your scores in the comment section. Let us dive into the questions!
Baptism of Jesus Bible Quiz
1. Who baptized Jesus?
a) John the Baptist
b) Peter
c) James
d) Andrew
2. What did John initially protest when Jesus asked to be baptized?
a) Jesus was not worthy
b) John was not worthy
c) Baptism was unnecessary
d) Jesus should baptize him
3. What form did the Holy Spirit take when descending upon Jesus?
a) A dove
b) A cloud
c) Fire
d) A strong wind
4. What did a voice from heaven say after Jesus was baptized?
a) “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
b) “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
c) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
d) “You are the King of Israel.”
5. Where did the baptism of Jesus take place?
a) River Nile
b) Jordan River
c) Red Sea
d) Sea of Galilee
6. What did John say about the sandals of Jesus?
a) “I am not worthy to untie.”
b) “The laces are tied tightly.”
c) “I will carry them for you.”
d) “Your sandals are holy.”
7. Why did Jesus insist on being baptized by John?
a) To set an example for believers
b) To fulfill all righteousness
c) To receive forgiveness of sins
d) To prove His divinity
8. How long did Jesus stay in the wilderness after His baptism?
a) 3 days
b) 7 days
c) 40 days and 40 nights
d) 12 days
9. What did John use for baptizing people? a) water
b) clay
c) Olive oil
d) Wine
10. Who witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit and the voice from heaven during Jesus’ baptism?
a) The Pharisees
b) A crowd of people
c) Only John the Baptist
d) The disciples
11. In which Gospel does the Baptism of Jesus include the phrase “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased”?
a) Matthew
b) Mark
c) Luke
d) John
12. What significant event followed Jesus’ baptism according to the Gospel of Matthew?
a) The Transfiguration
b) The Sermon on the Mount
c) The feeding of the 5,000
d) The calling of the disciples
13. How was Jesus baptized?
a) By fire
b) By affusion
c) By aspersion
d) By immersion
Answers
1. a) John the Baptist Bible Text: Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV) “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.”
2. b) John was not worthy Bible Text: Matthew 3:14 (NIV) “But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?'”
3. a) A dove Bible Text: Matthew 3:16 (NIV) “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.”
4. a) “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Bible Text: Matthew 3:17 (NIV) “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.'”
5. b) Jordan River Bible Text: Matthew 3:13 (NIV) “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.”
6. a) “I am not worthy to untie.” Bible Text: Mark 1:7 (NIV) “And this was his message: ‘After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.'”
7. b) To fulfill all righteousness Bible Text: Matthew 3:15 (NIV) “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.”
8. c) 40 days and 40 nights Bible Text: Matthew 4:1-2 (NIV) “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
9. b) water Bible Text: Mark 1:8 (NIV) “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
10. c) Only John the Baptist Bible Text: John 1:32-34 (NIV) “Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.'”
11. a) Matthew Bible Text: Matthew 3:17 (NIV) “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.'”
12. a) The Transfiguration Bible Text: Matthew 17:1-2 (NIV) “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them.”
13. d) By immersion
by Deborah Onovae | Feb 19, 2024 | Bible Quiz
50 Easter bible quiz questions for youth program will help to increase your knowledge about Easter. How well do you know about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Les us dive into the questions. share with us your scores on firsts attempt. Do well to share with your friend.
30 Easter Bible Quiz Questions
1.What event does Easter primarily commemorate according to the Bible?
2. Who discovered the empty tomb on the morning of the resurrection?
3. How many days did Jesus stay on earth after his resurrection before ascending to heaven?
4. What did Jesus instruct his disciples to do before ascending to heaven?
5. Which disciple initially doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw and touched the wounds? ‘”
6. What did Jesus commission his disciples to do after his resurrection?
7. What did the two disciples on the road to Emmaus realize when Jesus explained the Scriptures to them?
8. After his resurrection, where did Jesus appear to his disciples when they were fishing?
9. What did Jesus eat in front of his disciples to prove he was not a ghost after his resurrection?
10. Who declared “My Lord and my God!” upon seeing the resurrected Jesus?
11. On which day of the week was Jesus crucified?
12. Who sentenced Jesus to be crucified?
13. What did Jesus say while hanging on the cross just before he died?
14. Whose tomb was Jesus buried?
15. Which women were the first to discover the empty tomb?
16. What message did the angel deliver to the women at the tomb?
17. Which disciple betrayed Jesus leading to his arrest?
18. At the crucifixion, what miraculous event occurred, signifying the significance of Jesus’ death?
19. Who were the two men talking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection?
20. What did Jesus tell Thomas when he doubted the resurrection?
21. After his resurrection, where did Jesus instruct his disciples to meet him?
22. How did Jesus reveal himself to his disciples when they were fishing on the Sea of Galilee?
23. What did the soldiers do to Jesus while he was on the cross?
24. What did Jesus do with his disciples during the Last Supper to symbolize his body and blood?
25. Which disciple denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed?
26. Which disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first on the morning of the resurrection?
27. What was the reaction of the women when they found the tomb empty?
28. What did the sign on the cross above Jesus read?
29. Who ran to the tomb with Peter after being informed that Jesus’ body was not in the tomb?
30. How did the disciples initially react when they heard that Jesus had risen?
30 Easter Bible Quiz Answers
1. The resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bible Text: Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV) – “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'”
2. Mary Magdalene. Bible Text: John 20:1 (NIV) – “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.”
3. Forty days. Bible Text: Acts 1:3 (NIV) – “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.”
4. He instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Bible Text: Acts 1:4 (NIV) – “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.'”
5. Thomas. Bible Text: John 20:27 (NIV) – “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.
6. To go and make disciples of all nations. Bible Text: Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
7. They realized that the stranger who accompanied them was Jesus. Bible Text: Luke 24:31-32 (NIV) – “Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?'”
8. By the Sea of Galilee. Bible Text: John 21:1-2 (NIV) – “Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.”
9.Broiled fish and honeycomb. Bible Text: Luke 24:41-43 (NIV) – “And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.”
10. Thomas. Bible Text: John 20:28 (NIV) – “Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!'”
11. Friday. Bible Text: Mark 15:42 (NIV) – “It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached…”
12.Pontius Pilate. Bible Text: Matthew 27:24-26 (NIV) – “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!'”
13. “It is finished.” Bible Text: John 19:30 (NIV) – “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
14. Joseph of Arimathea. Bible Text: Matthew 27:57-60 (NIV) – “As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.”
15. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Bible Text: Matthew 28:1-2 (NIV) – “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”
16. “He is not here; he has risen.” Bible Text: Matthew 28:6 (NIV) – “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
17. Judas Iscariot. Bible Text: Matthew 26:47-50 (NIV) – “While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.”
18. The tearing of the temple curtain. Bible Text: Matthew 27:51 (NIV) – “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.”
19. Cleopas and an unnamed disciple. Bible Text: Luke 24:13-15 (NIV) – “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.”
20 “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Bible Text: John 20:29 (NIV) – “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”
21.Galilee. Bible Text: Matthew 28:10 (NIV) – “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.'”
22. By performing a miraculous catch of fish. Bible Text: John 21:6 (NIV) – “He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”
23. They divided his clothes and cast lots for them. Bible Text: Matthew 27:35 (NIV) – “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
24. He instituted the Lord’s Supper or Communion. Bible Text: Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV) – “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.'”
25. Peter. Bible Text: Matthew 26:74-75 (NIV) – “Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know the man!’ Immediately a rooster crowed.”
26. John. Bible Text: John 20:4 (NIV) – “Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.”
27. They were afraid and filled with joy. Bible Text: Matthew 28:8 (NIV) – “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”
28. “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Bible Text: Matthew 27:37 (NIV) – “Above his head, they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.”
29. John. Bible Text: John 20:3-4 (NIV) – “So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.”
30. They did not believe the women’s report. Bible Text: Luke 24:10-11 (NIV) – “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.”
Take Also: 40 Bible quiz with answers on Jesus’s death and resurrection
by Deborah Onovae | Feb 19, 2024 | world Church
Marriage is an institution that was established by God. It started right from the garden of Eden. In marriage the couple pledge their love, loyalty, and devotion to each other as long as they are both alive.
Ephesians 5:28, 29 says ‘Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church. The marriage covenant is built upon love as seen in the text above.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church have studied the topic of marriage and the issues of divorce and remarriage through various committees, commissions, and councils. the views of the church is sorely from the Bible.
What is God’s plan for marriage?
God Himself performed the first marriage on the sixth day of creation when He brought together Adam and Eve as husband and wife (Gen 2:18-25). In declaring their marital union God said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen 2:24). Christ endorsed the original concept of marriage (Matt 19:3-6). Thus marriage was blessed by God as the closest human relationship.
The Sacred Agreement of Marriage
Mark 10:2-9 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. ‘ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. ‘ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate“. Marriage is a life-long commitment of both partners to each other Paul indicates that the commitment which Christ has for the church is a model of the relationship between husband and wife (Eph 5:31, 32). God intended this relationship to be as permanent as Christ’s relationship with the church.
Paul recognized the husband-wife relationship as the primary relationship in the family (Eph 5:22-33). Marriage takes precedence over all other human relationships, even those between the spouses and their parents (Gen 2:24). No other human relationship should interfere in an inappropriate way with the marriage relationship.
Should Adventists Marry an Unbeliever?
Spiritual compatibility is vital if marriage is to be fully in harmony with God’s plan. Amos 3:3 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?; 2 Cor 6:14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?. God desires that, through their union, husband and wife experience His love, exalt His name, and witness to His power. Throughout Scripture, marriage is used as a figure of the relationship between God and His people (Isa 54:5-7; Hos 2:19, 20; Eph 5:25-28; Rev 21:2).
Marriage as Partnership
Adventists believe husband and wife bear equal responsibility for the success of the marriage (Gen 1:26-28). While their responsibilities may differ, neither is more important than the other and neither is to dominate the other. Their relationship is one of mutuality and companionship (Gen 2:18). As husband and wife mutually submit to one another (Eph 5:21), they seek to encourage and build each other up in love (1 Thess 5:11).
Adventist Views Regarding Divorce and Remarriage
The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s treatment of divorce and remarriage must be divinely guided. In addition to directives and specific examples, the Bible provides broad principles that enable the Church to be faithful to the divine intent and gracious in caring for its members who experience divorce.
Divorce is contrary to God’s original purpose in creating marriage (Matt 19:3-8; Mark 10:2-9), but the Bible is not silent about it. Because divorce occurred as part of the fallen human experience, biblical legislation was given to limit the damage it caused (Deut 24:1-4).
The Bible consistently seeks to elevate marriage and to discourage divorce by describing the joys of married love and faithfulness (Prov 5:18-20; Song of Sol 2:16; 4:9-5:1), by referring to the marriage-like relationship of God with His people (Isa 54:5; Jer 3:1), by focusing on the possibilities of forgiveness and marital renewal (Jer 3:1; Hos 3:1-3; 11:8, 9), and by indicating God’s hatred of divorce and the misery it causes (Mal 2:15, 16; Hos 2; 3). Jesus restored the creation view of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman (Matt 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9). Much biblical instruction affirms marriage and seeks to correct problems which tend to weaken or destroy the marriage covenant (Eph 5:21-33; Heb 13:4; 1 Peter 3:7).
The covenant of marriage rests on principles of love, loyalty, exclusiveness, trust, and support upheld by both partners in obedience to God (Gen 2:24; Matt 19:6; 1 Corinthians 13; Eph 5:21-29; 1 Thess 4:1-7). When these principles are violated, the essence of the marriage covenant is endangered. Scripture acknowledges that tragic circumstances can destroy the marriage covenant.
Reasons That Can Lead to Divorce
- Sexual immorality
- Death
- Unbelieving partner no longer willing to be married
Jesus taught that the marriage covenant may be irreparably broken through sexual immorality (Matt 5:32; 19:9), which includes a range of improper sexual behaviors. Paul indicated that death brings the marriage covenant to an end (Rom 7:2, 3), as does desertion by an unbelieving partner no longer willing to be married (1 Cor 7:15). The above do not exhaust the destructive factors that may lead to brokenness and divorce.
Violence in Marriage
God’s Word condemns violence in personal relationships (Gen 6:11, 13; Ps 11:5; Isa 58:4, 5; Rom 13:10; Gal 5:19-21). It is the spirit of Christ to love and accept, to seek to affirm and build others up, rather than to abuse or demean them (Rom 12:10; 14:19; Eph 4:26; 5:28, 29; Col 3:8-14; 1 Thess 5:11). There is no room among Christ’s followers for tyrannical control and the abuse of power or authority (Matt 20:25-28; Eph 6:4). Violence in the setting of marriage and family is especially abhorrent, destroying the marriage covenant (Mal 2:14-16).
Church Effort
When a couple’s marriage is in danger of breaking down, every effort should be made by the partners and those in the church or family who minister to them to bring about their reconciliation in harmony with divine principles for restoring wounded relationships (Hos 3:1-3; 1 Cor 7:10, 11; 13:4-7; Gal 6:1).
For the brokenness of divorce, divine grace is the only remedy. When marriage fails, despite efforts toward reconciliation, former partners should be encouraged to examine their experience and to embrace the mercy and compassion of God. God is willing to comfort those who have been wounded. God also accepts the repentance of individuals who commit the most destructive sins, even those that carry with them irremediable consequences (2 Samuel 11, 12; Ps 34:18; 86:5; Joel 2:12, 13; John 8:2-11; 1 John 1:9).
Church members are called to forgive and accept those who have failed as God has forgiven them (Isa 54:5-8; Matt 6:14, 15; Eph 4:32). The Bible urges patience, compassion, and forgiveness in the Christian care of those who have erred (Matt 18:10-20; Gal 6:1, 2).
Implicit in God’s forgiving grace and healing is the possibility of a new beginning (Ps 34:22; Jer 3:22; 31:17; Mark 5:1-20; John 8:11; 2 Cor 5:17; 1 John 1:9; see also 2SM 339, 340).
Marriage is an important part of the social fabric of the community of believers and involves responsibilities of the couple to the church and of the church to the couple. In their marriage, the couple bears witness to their Adventist faith and accepts the moral authority of the church (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4). The church, as the body of Christ in which His Spirit dwells, is called upon to affirm, bless, nurture, preserve, and uphold marriage.
The church has the responsibility to provide guidance and the authority to apply the principles of God’s Word in difficult and complex cases of divorce and remarriage (Matt 16:19; 18:18; John 20:22, 23; 1 Cor 5:3-5; 6:1-6). Further, through the exercise of redemptive discipline and pastoral care and nurture, the church has the obligation to help erring members return to discipleship (Matt 18:15-20; Gal 6:1; Heb 12:7-12).
Role of the Church in Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
Because marriage is part of the fabric of the community of believers, the Seventh-day Adventist Church upholds, affirms, and supports this primary human relationship. It recognizes the challenges that characterize marriage in our age and is committed to biblical principles in its ministry to families. The local church is primarily responsible for administering the policies and standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with reference to marriage, divorce and remarriage.
Encouraging Marital Reconciliation
The church encourages individuals in marital crisis to resolve differences and build healthy marriages. It provides appropriate spiritual nurture and support. When violence and abuse are involved, special care is taken to protect the vulnerable, stop the abuse, and hold the abuser accountable for the abuse. In some cases of abuse and violence, reconciliation may not be possible.
Ministering After Marital Breakdown
Despite their own efforts and the pro-active ministry of the Church, some couples fail to sustain their marital relationship. Such breakdown calls for God’s grace to be demonstrated by the church. It fosters a healing ministry which provides divorce recovery for adults and children, referrals for abusers and for victims of abuse and violence, and assistance with everyday needs.
Ministering to Remarried Couples
The church provides specialized premarital guidance for individuals considering remarriage. It also offers marriage enrichment experiences adapted to the unique issues confronting remarried couples and parent education designed for families with children joined together through remarriage.
Maintaining Church Integrity and Discipline
In carrying out its responsibility to reflect to the world the justice and grace of God, the church cares for the well-being of its members and thereby protects its reputation. The behavior of each member affects the entire community. Likewise, the demeanor of the church affects each member. As a worshiping and witnessing body, the church has a responsibility to teach and apply the principles of the Word of God. Thus, it builds up and supports; it comforts, teaches, and corrects. With respect to the individual, the church understands the ultimate purpose of discipline to be the restoration of the person to faithful discipleship and fellowship within the church. Discipline is also an opportunity for the church to reaffirm and demonstrate its commitment to biblical standards.
When Divorce Occurs. In order to protect its members when divorce occurs, the church guards the reputation and privacy of the spouses and all those impacted directly by the divorce. It reaches out to those going through the divorce process, encouraging them to remain within the fellowship of the community of faith. The church also makes the security and welfare of children a priority. It encourages the parents to put their children’s needs above their own interests and desires. It holds parents accountable for their responsibilities to their children, including financial obligations.
Divorced individuals are encouraged to take sufficient time, usually a period of years, to address the reasons for the failure of their marriage, to accept responsibility for their part in the breakdown of the marriage, to work through the process of healing and forgiveness, and to experience a sense of closure. In order to protect the community of faith when divorce occurs, the church endeavors to minimize divisive and disruptive behavior often associated with divorce.
In the interest of pastoral care, the church may decide that those in divorce recovery will not function in leadership roles. If, in the judgment of the church, individuals demonstrate no repentance, make little or no effort to support their families, bring the church into disrepute, or otherwise refuse to accept the above guidelines, the congregation may regretfully discipline them. Such discipline may include a period of removal from church office, censure, or disfellowshipping.
Considerations Regarding Remarriage.
Before individuals become involved in another serious relationship, they should be encouraged to complete the above recovery process. If remarriage is contemplated, the local church offers counsel. It supports their decision when it is in harmony with biblical principles. Those whose remarriage is out of harmony with biblical principles are subject to church discipline.
