"Spiritual Marriages"

[Nina]

Does anyone around here know the Scriptures used to promote "Spiritual Marriages"?

A situation in my town has arisen that concerns this.

Thank You to anyone who can help?

Nina

[TRFrance]

Help us a little here...
How do you define "spiritual marriages" in this context?

[Praxeas]

Does anyone around here know the Scriptures used to promote "Spiritual Marriages"?

A situation in my town has arisen that concerns this.

Thank You to anyone who can help?

Nina
I think that is from the Book of MOrmon

[Cindy]

Does anyone around here know the Scriptures used to promote "Spiritual Marriages"?

A situation in my town has arisen that concerns this.

Thank You to anyone who can help?

Nina

Are you speaking of when you are married you become one?

[Cindy]

I did a search Nina and couldn't find anything that refers to spiritual marriages.

[rgcraig]

Just taking a guess, but I think you are asking about scripture that is not in the Bible, but writings of Joseph Smith the prophet for the Mormons.

[Sister Alvear]

I think I have only heard of that through the Mormons...are there other churches that teach it?

[Nina]

The "Spiritual Marriages" I'm trying to understand are the ones where the man says that he married the wrong woman and that God really meant for him to be married to someone else in a "Spiritual Marriage".

Thanks again for any help,
Nina

[Cindy]

The "Spiritual Marriages" I'm trying to understand are the ones where the man says that he married the wrong woman and that God really meant for him to be married to someone else in a "Spiritual Marriage".

Thanks again for any help,
Nina

I don't think there is scripture to support that.

[Esther]

The "Spiritual Marriages" I'm trying to understand are the ones where the man says that he married the wrong woman and that God really meant for him to be married to someone else in a "Spiritual Marriage".

Thanks again for any help,
Nina

To my knowledge there is no such scripture in the Holy Bible.

[Sister Alvear]

that sounds like rib doctrine to me...

[Sister Alvear]

Branhamite doctrine maybe?

[RevDWW]

False doctrine!

[Sister Alvear]

yes, I agree it is false doctrine...

[Scott Hutchinson]

I knew of a guy that was musician and he married a gal that didn't like picking of course he said he married the wrong woman, but there was nothing spiritual about it.

[Nina]

that sounds like rib doctrine to me...

Sister,
Do they have Scripture that they twist to teach this "rib doctrine"
or is it some kind of "revelation"?

Thanks,
Nina

[jaxfam6]

pardon me but this is a subject that sets me on edge. I know an IDIOT, and yes he is that, who said this very thing. He left his wife and their two beautiful daughters and married a girl that was many years younger than him. They now pastor a church because his pastor at that time would not sanction his actions. I do not know what scriptures, if any, he used to back it up. Personal opinion is that it was not scripturally based but more that he was just wanting a reason to leave his wife.
I have no idea what kind of church he pastors or if there are any that even go to it. They thing that got me most was the girls mother was all for it and excited. He was not even divorced and was already spending time at her house and taking her out because he know she was his Rachel. (not the girls name but a reference to him being married to the wrong woman. His first wife was his Leah. Thought he was some sort of Jacob I think)
Talk about the ignorant. They will justify anything that suits their lifestyle.

[Sam]

that sounds like rib doctrine to me...

I was just going to post that when I saw that you already had.

I hadn't heard of that for a long time.
I think it taught that God intended a certain woman for each man and she was his designated "rib." If a guy was married to a woman and saw someone else and felt attracted to her, she might be his "rib." If his current wife was not his "rib" that meant that God had not actually joined them together so their marriage was not really valid in God's sight. If so, he could leave his wife and marry his "rib" because that was what God intended all along. At least that's how I understood it.

[bkstokes]

The "Spiritual Marriages" I'm trying to understand are the ones where the man says that he married the wrong woman and that God really meant for him to be married to someone else in a "Spiritual Marriage".

Thanks again for any help,
Nina

Bro Markum

Missionary to Portugal

Use to always tell me, if it wasn't the will of God before you married someone, well it became the will of God after you did it.

[TRFrance]

The "Spiritual Marriages" I'm trying to understand are the ones where the man says that he married the wrong woman and that God really meant for him to be married to someone else in a "Spiritual Marriage".

Thanks again for any help,
Nina

Nina...there is ZERO scriptural support for the type of "spiritual marriage" you're referring to.

I don't know this person, but it makes me think someone might be looking for a spiritual justification to get out of their marriage and marry someone else.

[Sister Alvear]

They have no scripture. Brother Epley would be the best to tell you how they teach such a thing...however they believe that everyman has a perfect rib for him out there somewhere and off they go (some of them) looking for the rib..of course the rib must be a virgin!

[pelathais]

The "Spiritual Marriages" I'm trying to understand are the ones where the man says that he married the wrong woman and that God really meant for him to be married to someone else in a "Spiritual Marriage".

Thanks again for any help,
Nina
When Eliezer, Abraham's steward went to find a wife for Isaac he prayed that God would show him signs that he was "on the right track" (Genesis 24:11-15). Some people cite this passage (among others) to show that God has some how "preselected" our mates for us.

The one thing that they seem to miss however, is that in this passage Eleizar was to select a bride for Isaac from among a group of people - not necessarily one specific girl! What Eliezar prayed for in Genesis 24:11 was the ability to fulfill his vow that he had made in Genesis 24:1-9. He was to get a bride from Abraham's kinsmen in Aram - and apparently Eliezer was partial to a girl who would go along willingly - an important consideration for a gentleman! And also important because Isaac was not to go to Aram under any circumstances.

On the subject of "spritual marriages" as you describe, I think it's best if folks are a little more honest with themselves and stopped trying to use God for their own purposes. Moses in the Law allowed for divorce "because of the hardness of your hearts..." I really don't think God would have inspired Moses to make such an allowance if it foiled some sort of divine match making service.

In the New Testament we have 1 Corinthians 7 that deals with marriage, divorce and remarriage. Notice 1 Corinthians 7:39 - the woman in question, "she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord...." The only caveat placed upon her other than "in the Lord (in the Christian faith)" is "whom she will." It's her choice!

When issues like divorce come up in our lives or in the lives of those around us, we are often faced with some very unsettling thoughts and feelings. We begin to doubt ourselves and our ability to discern and find God's favor. And while there is little we can do to keep from questioning ourselves, our faith in God should remain unshakable.

A divorce and remarriage may reveal some shortcomings about ourselves - but there really isn't a "divine matchmaking service" that we failed to hook up with somewhere along the way. To come along after the fact and suddenly "discover" such a "service" reveals that many of the shortcomings that were present to begin with are still there and need to be worked out before a person brings their mess into the life of another.

[Nina]

Thank You everyone.

The Leah/Rachel illustration is a provocative one.


It's sad when men use the polygamy from the Old Testament to condone their lust.

But, is polygamy justified by the OT and NT for the ordinary folk; those not in ministry?

Nina

[Esther]

When Eliezer, Abraham's steward went to find a wife for Isaac he prayed that God would show him signs that he was "on the right track" (Genesis 24:11-15). Some people cite this passage (among others) to show that God has some how "preselected" our mates for us.

The one thing that they seem to miss however, is that in this passage Eleizar was to select a bride for Isaac from among a group of people - not necessarily one specific girl! What Eliezar prayed for in Genesis 24:11 was the ability to fulfill his vow that he had made in Genesis 24:1-9. He was to get a bride from Abraham's kinsmen in Aram - and apparently Eliezer was partial to a girl who would go along willingly - an important consideration for a gentleman! And also important because Isaac was not to go to Aram under any circumstances.

On the subject of "spritual marriages" as you describe, I think it's best if folks are a little more honest with themselves and stopped trying to use God for their own purposes. Moses in the Law allowed for divorce "because of the hardness of your hearts..." I really don't think God would have inspired Moses to make such an allowance if it foiled some sort of divine match making service.

In the New Testament we have 1 Corinthians 7 that deals with marriage, divorce and remarriage. Notice 1 Corinthians 7:39 - the woman in question, "she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord...." The only caveat placed upon her other than "in the Lord (in the Christian faith)" is "whom she will." It's her choice!

When issues like divorce come up in our lives or in the lives of those around us, we are often faced with some very unsettling thoughts and feelings. We begin to doubt ourselves and our ability to discern and find God's favor. And while there is little we can do to keep from questioning ourselves, our faith in God should remain unshakable.

A divorce and remarriage may reveal some shortcomings about ourselves - but there really isn't a "divine matchmaking service" that we failed to hook up with somewhere along the way. To come along after the fact and suddenly "discover" such a "service" reveals that many of the shortcomings that were present to begin with are still there and need to be worked out before a person brings their mess into the life of another.

I'm sorry to disagree with you here on this subject. I believe there is "one" person that God knows would be your ideal mate. And that is why I believe we should pray that God would lead us to that person.

However, IF you don't find that person the first time around doesn't, in my opinion, give you the right to leave that one and go searching again for the right one. But IF for some reason you do not work it out and do go searching again, I believe it would behoove you to do some serious prayinga and soul searching to find that right person.

To indicate that God is not interested in our choice of mates, is extremely short sighted in my opinion.

[Esther]

I have heard someone say they believe you have a "spiritual mate" but that doesn't mean you marry them. Their opinion was they will lead you spiritually.

I have no idea where they came up with this thought.

[pelathais]

I'm sorry to disagree with you here on this subject. I believe there is "one" person that God knows would be your ideal mate. And that is why I believe we should pray that God would lead us to that person.

However, IF you don't find that person the first time around doesn't, in my opinion, give you the right to leave that one and go searching again for the right one. But IF for some reason you do not work it out and do go searching again, I believe it would behoove you to do some serious prayinga and soul searching to find that right person.

To indicate that God is not interested in our choice of mates, is extremely short sighted in my opinion.
I don't know how you got the idea "God is disinterested" from what I said. What I said was the choice was "yours" to make. And God is very interested in the choices we make.

The idea that there is someone "out there" that God has chosen for you but that He will not unerringly lead you to seems wrong to me. It seems like God is playing a game if we look at it from this point of view, IMHO. "Guess who I chose for you... guess incorrectly and you may or may not like what's behind Door Number 3! But you gotta live with it because the Almighty won't tell you which door to select!"

If God does have a single "soul mate" selected for just me, and if I did choose "incorrectly" then I should have every reason in the world (and every reason in heaven!) to dump the one I'm stuck with and hook up with the one that I now feel God had chosen for me all along. Of course with me being a simple and fallible man, you would have to just accept the fact that "God's choices" for me tend to get younger and blonder as I get a little older. Eventually I'll find the "right" one and I'll know she's "right" because her freckles will match up to my liver spots.

Of course, this makes a mockery of your point and is no where near what you intended. But my point is that we are freewill agents. I believe that there are personality types that when matched together create real "soul mates..." but - and this is the good news for those who are looking: there are probably a number of people out there who would qualify. I think you should pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making such an important decision. But what this type of prayer usually ends up doing is to show us own own weaknesses and faults and makes us more aware of ourselves - thus highlightling the role another person would play in our lives. It would hopefully also point out the burdens and weaknesses that we would bring to the relationship.

For two people to start a relationship based upon the premise of "Are you the right one for me?" is selfish and burdens the relationship with silly fairytails that won't come true. Instead, how about, "Am I good enough that anyone in their right mind would be willing to put up with me?" http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/images/icons/icon11.gif

In my view love is not a lottery to be won or lost - pick the right number (person) and you "win." Love is a quality and virture that each of us should strive to cultivate and to give to others. If by happenstance you find someone that you can uniquely love - more power to you. But be responsible with your choices because God is very much interested in them.

[Hoovie]

Thank You everyone.

The Leah/Rachel illustration is a provocative one.


It's sad when men use the polygamy from the Old Testament to condone their lust.

But, is polygamy justified by the OT and NT for the ordinary folk; those not in ministry?

Nina

Does it matter really, since Jesus did NOT condone it?

[Joelel]

The "Spiritual Marriages" I'm trying to understand are the ones where the man says that he married the wrong woman and that God really meant for him to be married to someone else in a "Spiritual Marriage".

Thanks again for any help,
Nina

All believers is to marry only in the Lord,that is an other believer.If a believer is married to an unbeliever they are not married in the Lord and the Lord has not joined them together.

Math.19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.


1 Cor.6:17: But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

1 Cor.7:15: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage (under bondage means, you are not bound by the law of marriage because the person is not a believer and God didn't join them together) in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.


1 Cor.7:39: The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

[Nina]

Does it matter really, since Jesus did NOT condone it?


Brother,
When did Jesus 'not condone it'?
Nina

[Nina]

All believers is to marry only in the Lord,that is an other believer.If a believer is married to an unbeliever they are not married in the Lord and the Lord has not joined them together.




Brother,
You have opened a can of worms, for sure!
Nina

[Dr. Vaughn]

Their scriptural support comes from "What God has joined together let no man put asunder" and thus they believe that if a marriage was born out of youthful lust or rebellion to parents or on the rebound,, then this was never a true marriage because it was not instituted through careful prayer and consideration. Therefore, they believe that since GOD didn't join you together spiritually... mans laws and paper certificates are not enough to make you married in GODS EYES

[pelathais]

All believers is to marry only in the Lord,that is an other believer.If a believer is married to an unbeliever they are not married in the Lord and the Lord has not joined them together.

Math.19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.


1 Cor.6:17: But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

1 Cor.7:15: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage (under bondage means, you are not bound by the law of marriage because the person is not a believer and God didn't join them together) in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.


1 Cor.7:39: The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Brother,
You have opened a can of worms, for sure!
Nina
What about two "sinners" in the world? Not raucus "sinners," maybe a couple of non-practicing dominational types who got bored with the old religion and haven't found "the Truth®?" These may be your next door neighbors or the people down the street. Are they "unmarried" in your opinion? Could you, for example, freely set up a date between the lady and my ne're-do-well brother-in-law? I mean, both appear to be "available" under your scheme and it'd be nice to get this guy off of my sister's hands. You and me wouldn't be "sinning" would we?

[Hoovie]

Brother,
When did Jesus 'not condone it'?
Nina

Seems the laguage he used was singular... If a man divorce is wife and marry another... The context seems to imply he did not have many.

[Rico]

What about two "sinners" in the world? Not raucus "sinners," maybe a couple of non-practicing dominational types who got bored with the old religion and haven't found "the Truth®?" These may be your next door neighbors or the people down the street. Are they "unmarried" in your opinion? Could you, for example, freely set up a date between the lady and my ne're-do-well brother-in-law? I mean, both appear to be "available" under your scheme and it'd be nice to get this guy off of my sister's hands. You and me wouldn't be "sinning" would we?

I was thinking along the same lines, except my sister has never been married. She is officially an old maid at 42 and counting!!!

[Nina]

If God does have a single "soul mate" selected for just me, and if I did choose "incorrectly" then I should have every reason in the world (and every reason in heaven!) to dump the one I'm stuck with and hook up with the one that I now feel God had chosen for me all along. Of course with me being a simple and fallible man, you would have to just accept the fact that "God's choices" for me tend to get younger and blonder as I get a little older. Eventually I'll find the "right" one and I'll know she's "right" because her freckles will match up to my liver spots.

.

For two people to start a relationship based upon the premise of "Are you the right one for me?" is selfish and burdens the relationship with silly fairytails that won't come true. Instead, how about, "Am I good enough that anyone in their right mind would be willing to put up with me?" http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/images/icons/icon11.gif

In my view love is not a lottery to be won or lost - pick the right number (person) and you "win." Love is a quality and virture that each of us should strive to cultivate and to give to others. If by happenstance you find someone that you can uniquely love - more power to you. But be responsible with your choices because God is very much interested in them.

Brother,

I printed this for my "soul mate" to read later. :lol
Your wisdom and wit are the reason my limited time on AFF is spent trying to read everything You post.
I wish I knew who You are and what You have published so I could read more.

I thank You for sharing Your soul with us.

Nina

[SOUNWORTHY]

I believe if we give God complete control of our lives He will give us that perfect mate. It happened to me. I am writing my life story and by doing so I can see how God has worked in my life including giving me the wife I needed. If you on your own pick the what you think is the wrong mate, you'd better do what you can to make it right and that's not walking away. That is NEVER justified.

My Dad was a great marriage counsler. He said "whatever the problem is; fix it!"

[Nina]

All believers is to marry only in the Lord,that is an other believer.If a believer is married to an unbeliever they are not married in the Lord and the Lord has not joined them together.




Brother,
Even "Christians" could and do wrest this to make 'unbeliever' mean what they want it to mean.

In other words, the husband is a "christian" and his wife doesn't believe things exactly like he does so when the newest model arrives the wife suddenly becomes an 'unbeliever' and another one bites the dust.

Nina

[Nina]

Their scriptural support comes from "What God has joined together let no man put asunder" and thus they believe that if a marriage was born out of youthful lust or rebellion to parents or on the rebound,, then this was never a true marriage because it was not instituted through careful prayer and consideration. Therefore, they believe that since GOD didn't join you together spiritually... mans laws and paper certificates are not enough to make you married in GODS EYES

Brother,

This is probably the scripture that will be used when the man in question is confronted.

Thank You for responding,

Nina

[Nina]

Their scriptural support comes from "What God has joined together let no man put asunder" and thus they believe that if a marriage was born out of youthful lust or rebellion to parents or on the rebound,, then this was never a true marriage because it was not instituted through careful prayer and consideration. Therefore, they believe that since GOD didn't join you together spiritually... mans laws and paper certificates are not enough to make you married in GODS EYES


Brother,
Do You believe this?
Nina

[Nina]

Seems the laguage he used was singular... If a man divorce is wife and marry another... The context seems to imply he did not have many.

Do You think that this one "implication" overrules centuries of seemingly approved OT marriages?

[TRFrance]

Lets not forget that anyone can twist the word to make it mean what they want it to mean, to to give themselves permission to do what they want to.

Thats why we have,for example, gay churches using the Word of God to justify their perversion, and to justify their gay "marriages".

Thus, if Bro. Joe decides he wants to marry Sister Susie (who just happens to be cuter, smarter, and curvier than his present wife), he can always find something in the Word to try and justify the decision he's decided to make.

[Nina]

Brother,
Do You believe this?
Nina

BUMP for Dr Vaughn.

[Grasshopper]

From my understanding a "spiritual marriage" is a marriage which is sanctioned by a religious body but isn't filed or licensed with the state. These forms of marriages are prevalent in ultra conservative religious bodies, mormons, and other groups that may embrace anti-government views or alternative views of marriage.

[Nina]

From my understanding a "spiritual marriage" is a marriage which is sanctioned by a religious body but isn't filed or licensed with the state. These forms of marriages are prevalent in ultra conservative religious bodies, mormons, and other groups that may embrace anti-government views or alternative views of marriage.

Kinda like the Catholic Sacrament of Holy Matrimony?

[Dr. Vaughn]

Nina.. the short answer is NO

the long answer is why of all the replys that you have gotten... am I the only one with that question.... a very biased board I can tell

[Nina]

Nina.. the short answer is NO

the long answer is why of all the replys that you have gotten... am I the only one with that question.... a very biased board I can tell


I meant no offense I just understand that You follow Mr Branham and wondered about this doctrine.

The issue has come up in my town, hence the thread.

I'm looking for someone who understands the doctrine that is willing to explain it to me

Nina

[Dr. Vaughn]

Nina.. i feel I gave you the best explanation that you will find

[Nina]

Nina.. i feel I gave you the best explanation that you will find

Is the "Spiritual Wife"/Rib Doctrine a part of Mr Branham's teachings?

[Dr. Vaughn]

I dont know lets ask Bro. Branham himself;

Preached in 1955
Look at the papers and things, how they're packing, how perversion people is on the move because men can't be satisfied with one wife, and he's living with every thing, every woman that he can run around with

Preached in 1956
She went on. Of course, with that little slicker, she ought to have had brains enough to know if he would run away from one wife, he would do another one. So that's what he done. Then she become so degraded, still going to church, still playing the piano, until she begin to live with a common law husband. But sin caught up with her. Don't you think it won't catch up with you. It will. You're sins will find you out.

Preached in 1958
He must be the husband of one wife

Preached in 1960
As it was in the days of Noah, there'd be marrying, given in marriage. Look at the Reno, Nevada's and everywhere else, even to the ministry, leaving one wife and marrying the deacon's wife and so forth, back and forth, and allowing it in their churches. Oh, take warning, people

Preached in 1960
The Bible said that the deacon should be the husband of one wife. that's exactly right. Some of them have two or three in Pentecostal ranks. Brother, we can't have a revival, till we get this thing cleaned up. How can you build upon a foundation that's not right?



I hope that answers your questions

[Nina]

I dont know lets ask Bro. Branham himself;

Preached in 1955
Look at the papers and things, how they're packing, how perversion people is on the move because men can't be satisfied with one wife, and he's living with every thing, every woman that he can run around with

Preached in 1956
She went on. Of course, with that little slicker, she ought to have had brains enough to know if he would run away from one wife, he would do another one. So that's what he done. Then she become so degraded, still going to church, still playing the piano, until she begin to live with a common law husband. But sin caught up with her. Don't you think it won't catch up with you. It will. You're sins will find you out.

Preached in 1958
He must be the husband of one wife

Preached in 1960
As it was in the days of Noah, there'd be marrying, given in marriage. Look at the Reno, Nevada's and everywhere else, even to the ministry, leaving one wife and marrying the deacon's wife and so forth, back and forth, and allowing it in their churches. Oh, take warning, people

Preached in 1960
The Bible said that the deacon should be the husband of one wife. that's exactly right. Some of them have two or three in Pentecostal ranks. Brother, we can't have a revival, till we get this thing cleaned up. How can you build upon a foundation that's not right?



I hope that answers your questions


Are You saying that he didn't teach the Rib Doctrine?

[OP_Carl]

Thank You everyone.

The Leah/Rachel illustration is a provocative one.


It's sad when men use the polygamy from the Old Testament to condone their lust.

But, is polygamy justified by the OT and NT for the ordinary folk; those not in ministry?

Nina

Polygamy can be UN-justified by the OT as well. In the creation, He created them male and female. When God saw that Adam was alone, he made Eve for him. He DID NOT make Eve, Sally, Jane, Daisy, Gertrude, Millicent, Annie, and Molly.

I'm sorry to disagree with you here on this subject. I believe there is "one" person that God knows would be your ideal mate. And that is why I believe we should pray that God would lead us to that person.

However, IF you don't find that person the first time around doesn't, in my opinion, give you the right to leave that one and go searching again for the right one. But IF for some reason you do not work it out and do go searching again, I believe it would behoove you to do some serious prayinga and soul searching to find that right person.

To indicate that God is not interested in our choice of mates, is extremely short sighted in my opinion.

I am of the opinion that this notion of a "one true love on the planet" comes from fairy tales and fairy tales alone - not from God or the Bible. If a man and a woman are both committed to Christ, and to daily repentence and communion in the Holy Ghost, then they, by definition, are the right ones for each other. ANY man. ANY woman. If you keep God in the marriage, He will help smooth out those rough spots. True Holy Ghost filled Christians should be able to work anything out.

[Dr. Vaughn]

As a reward to David - God gave him "all of his neighbors wives"

God told Moses to teach the correct laws for Polygamy "If a man have many wives, he must not love one more than the other"

Although I do not practice nor believe this is the arrangement for NT believers.. I would never send a family to hell for living that lifestyle.... I have no scripture to do so with.. I can only command a Bishop to be the husband of only ONE WIFE

[Nina]

As a reward to David - God gave him "all of his neighbors wives"

God told Moses to teach the correct laws for Polygamy "If a man have many wives, he must not love one more than the other"

Although I do not practice nor believe this is the arrangement for NT believers.. I would never send a family to hell for living that lifestyle.... I have no scripture to do so with.. I can only command a Bishop to be the husband of only ONE WIFE

Dr Vaughn,

I Thank You for Your statement but it didn't address my question.

Did Mr Branham teach the Rib Doctrine?

Nina

[Nina]

Brother,

Polygamy can be UN-justified by the OT as well. In the creation, He created them male and female. When God saw that Adam was alone, he made Eve for him. He DID NOT make Eve, Sally, Jane, Daisy, Gertrude, Millicent, Annie, and Molly.


Brother, If man is made in God's image and we individuals are the 'Bride of Christ', could polygamy be justified?


I am of the opinion that this notion of a "one true love on the planet" comes from fairy tales and fairy tales alone - not from God or the Bible. If a man and a woman are both committed to Christ, and to daily repentence and communion in the Holy Ghost, then they, by definition, are the right ones for each other. ANY man. ANY woman. If you keep God in the marriage, He will help smooth out those rough spots. True Holy Ghost filled Christians should be able to work anything out.

AMEN!

Nina

[Nina]

As a reward to David - God gave him "all of his neighbors wives"

God told Moses to teach the correct laws for Polygamy "If a man have many wives, he must not love one more than the other"

Although I do not practice nor believe this is the arrangement for NT believers.. I would never send a family to hell for living that lifestyle.... I have no scripture to do so with.. I can only command a Bishop to be the husband of only ONE WIFE

Brother,
Where is this in the Bible, please.
Nina

[Dr. Vaughn]

Duet 21:15 - If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, [both] the beloved and the hated; and [if] the firstborn son be hers that was hated:

Sister, I can post 30 other scriptures along the same line if you would desire...

[Dr. Vaughn]

Nina... post #49... answered your questions about Bro. Branhams beliefs on the Rib Doctrine

[Nina]

Duet 21:15 - If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, [both] the beloved and the hated; and [if] the firstborn son be hers that was hated:

Sister, I can post 30 other scriptures along the same line if you would desire...

Dr Vaughn,

Yes, I would appreciate it if You would.

Thank You,
Nina

[Nina]

Polygamy can be UN-justified by the OT as well. In the creation, He created them male and female. When God saw that Adam was alone, he made Eve for him. He DID NOT make Eve, Sally, Jane, Daisy, Gertrude, Millicent, Annie, and Molly.





Brother,

This seems to condone Polygamy:

Deuteronomy 21:15-17 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)



15 If a man has two wives, and he loves one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love, 16 when he wills his property to his sons, he must not give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the wife he loves in preference to his actual firstborn, the son of the wife he does not love. 17 He must acknowledge the son of his unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father's strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.

[Nina]

I dont know lets ask Bro. Branham himself;

Preached in 1955
Look at the papers and things, how they're packing, how perversion people is on the move because men can't be satisfied with one wife, and he's living with every thing, every woman that he can run around with

Preached in 1956
She went on. Of course, with that little slicker, she ought to have had brains enough to know if he would run away from one wife, he would do another one. So that's what he done. Then she become so degraded, still going to church, still playing the piano, until she begin to live with a common law husband. But sin caught up with her. Don't you think it won't catch up with you. It will. You're sins will find you out.

Preached in 1958
He must be the husband of one wife

Preached in 1960
As it was in the days of Noah, there'd be marrying, given in marriage. Look at the Reno, Nevada's and everywhere else, even to the ministry, leaving one wife and marrying the deacon's wife and so forth, back and forth, and allowing it in their churches. Oh, take warning, people

Preached in 1960
The Bible said that the deacon should be the husband of one wife. that's exactly right. Some of them have two or three in Pentecostal ranks. Brother, we can't have a revival, till we get this thing cleaned up. How can you build upon a foundation that's not right?



I hope that answers your questions

Nina... post #49... answered your questions about Bro. Branhams beliefs on the Rib Doctrine

Are You sure that this is all there is to the RIB/Doctrine?

[MissBrattified]

[B]All believers is to marry only in the Lord,that is an other believer.If a believer is married to an unbeliever they are not married in the Lord and the Lord has not joined them together.

Hmm.

So all sinners who are presently married...if one of them is converted, are they free to leave their unbelieving spouse, since the "Lord has not joined them together?"

Marriage is binding, whether you are a Christian or not. And whether your spouse is a Christian or not.

[Dr. Vaughn]

MsBrattfield.. the scriptures disagree with you...

Paul taught that "if the unebelieving depart, let them depart, the believing spouse is no longer bound to them"

[Dr. Vaughn]

Nina,, please quit going in circles. I have no idea what your after????? I have given all Iknow to give... we believe in ONE WIFE>>.. what more are you digging for?

[MissBrattified]

MsBrattfield.. the scriptures disagree with you...

Paul taught that "if the unebelieving depart, let them depart, the believing spouse is no longer bound to them"

The scriptures don't disagree with me, other than to say that the believer should "let them depart." How does that imply that the believer isn't bound to the marriage unless and until the unbelieving spouse leaves them?

The marriage is still binding, unless and until the unbeliever departs.

Do sinners who are converted have to remarry, in order for God to recognize their union?

[Nina]

Nina,, please quit going in circles. I have no idea what your after????? I have given all Iknow to give... we believe in ONE WIFE>>.. what more are you digging for?


I thought the Branhamites had a doctrine called the rib doctrine that enabled You to divorce a wife who wasn't Your true "rib".

I apologize if I have confused You.

Nina

[MissBrattified]

I Corinthians 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

I Corinthians 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.


I Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

I Corinthians 7:13 And the woman which hath a husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

It sounds to me like God wants these couples to remain together if at all possible, in spite of the fact that one is an unbeliever.

[Dr. Vaughn]

BUT IF THEY DEPART.... you wanna tell us the rest of it?

[MissBrattified]

BUT IF THEY DEPART.... you wanna tell us the rest of it?

I know the rest of it, Dr. Vaughn. I don't leave out scripture for my convenience. I was including the part YOU left out. ;)

It says, "Let them depart." But the fact that God wanted them to stay together if at all possible points to His recognition of their union, don't you think? Otherwise, God would be commanding believers to be in fornication.

Nina, if you want to read some of the shocking and horrid teachings of William Branham, start here:

Marriage & Divorce, by William Branham (http://www.nathan.co.za/message.asp?sermonum=1086)

Here's a quote to get you started:

"...Now, you see the Nicolaitanes; you see their doctrine; you see the teenage queens they call them, these stripteases out on the street. Used to have to go to some vulgar show on the side to see a striptease. Just open your eyes, look out on the street. That's all you have to do now. The whole thing's a striptease. Sure. What do they do it for? To tantalize, tempt; that's the only thing she can do it for. She does it because she's filthy. She does it because she's made that way. She don't realize that she's a instrument in the hands of Satan. That's what she is.
Even in our schools today they're teaching sex acts. Our rotten world of woman worship... I know they don't want to believe that. Stand and sing some kind of hymn, and so forth, on one day and out with women, running around all night long... See? All right. When in God's sight, the Word, she is the lowest of all animals that God put on the earth..." --William Branham

[Dr. Vaughn]

In the state that he's referencing her... stripping and seducing men... he was exactly right.. in that form she is the lowest creature on earth.......

Just read Proverbs to find out the same thing....

but what you failed to quote from Bro. Branham.. and its sooo sad

"a sanctified woman, a godly woman in her home, loving her husband and her children, no greater jewel in the earth than a spirit filled woman"

it's amazing when people are honest and quote BOTH sides of the equation how the true balance can be found...

Do you not agree.. that a woman using her body to seduce a married man away from him family is the lowest creature on earth..... if you don't I know lots of women who WOULD agree

[MissBrattified]

Here are some more quotes that might be pertinent to the thread at hand:

"Notice, He can put her away, but she cannot put Him away. He did it, and proved it in the days when Luther, Wesley, and in Pentecost, when they refused to become the further part of Him by having spiritual sexual affair to become pregnated with further part of the Word. You understand? She refused... The Lutheran church refused for Christ to have any more desire with her. Luther refused it. And let me say this (going to call me something anyhow), so is it today with every one of them. They fail to take that Word. They refuse Christ. And any woman that refuses a man his child, has no right to be a wife to him. Amen.
You remember in the Bible when the king married Esther because the queen refused. He just got him another one. And when the... What happened when she refused to come out with the king, to obey him? The same thing it is with a woman that refuses to be wife to her husband." --William Branham

45-2 "This is an awful strong thing. I didn't know how to bring it out. What'll I do when I got men and women setting in my congregation, some that's been married twice or three times? Good men, good women, all mixed up, what done it? False teaching. Exactly, not waiting on the Lord. "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder..." Not what man joined together, what God joined together.
When you got a direct revelation from God that's your wife and the same thing, that's yours the rest of your life. See? But what man joins together anybody can put apart. But what God joins together no man better dare to touch it. "Whatsoever God joins together," He said, "let no man put asunder." Not what some half-drunk magistrate, or something else put together, or some backslidden preacher with a bunch of creeds in a book that'd let them do anything in the world and the Word of God laying right there. See? I'm talking about what God joined together."

[MissBrattified]

In the state that he's referencing her... stripping and seducing men... he was exactly right.. in that form she is the lowest creature on earth.......

Dr. Vaughn, I read the entire sermon. He believes that women ARE the lowest creature on the earth. Period. He also says they can choose to rise above that state. I don't believe women are the "lowest creatures", in the sense that they are any lower than men. ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God, men and women alike. The Bible does NOT support that point.

Also, he implies in his sermon that women are lower creatures, [sl*ts] because they have the ability to have intimate relations with a man at "any time" as opposed to animals who only do it certain times of the year for the sake of reproduction. And that is just the tip of the heinous Branhamism iceberg.

Just read Proverbs to find out the same thing....

but what you failed to quote from Bro. Branham.. and its sooo sad

"a sanctified woman, a godly woman in her home, loving her husband and her children, no greater jewel in the earth than a spirit filled woman"

it's amazing when people are honest and quote BOTH sides of the equation how the true balance can be found...

I am very honest in my conversations, and if you'll notice, I recommended that Nina read for herself, and provided the link. ;)

By the way, I am not objecting to every statement William Branham has ever said. LOL! I would not take the time to object to something that agrees with scripture, such as the quote you provided above. Nor have I indicated that I think he never said anything of value. The greatest lies are woven skillfully into truth.

Do you not agree.. that a woman using her body to seduce a married man away from him family is the lowest creature on earth..... if you don't I know lots of women who WOULD agree

I agree that sin makes anyone a "low" creature. But I certainly would not chalk an adulteress down as being "lower" than a man who would abandon his lovely wife and children for such a woman.

[Nina]

I know the rest of it, Dr. Vaughn. I don't leave out scripture for my convenience. I was including the part YOU left out. ;)

It says, "Let them depart." But the fact that God wanted them to stay together if at all possible points to His recognition of their union, don't you think? Otherwise, God would be commanding believers to be in fornication.

Nina, if you want to read some of the shocking and horrid teachings of William Branham, start here:

Marriage & Divorce, by William Branham (http://www.nathan.co.za/message.asp?sermonum=1086)

Here's a quote to get you started:

"...Now, you see the Nicolaitanes; you see their doctrine; you see the teenage queens they call them, these stripteases out on the street. Used to have to go to some vulgar show on the side to see a striptease. Just open your eyes, look out on the street. That's all you have to do now. The whole thing's a striptease. Sure. What do they do it for? To tantalize, tempt; that's the only thing she can do it for. She does it because she's filthy. She does it because she's made that way. She don't realize that she's a instrument in the hands of Satan. That's what she is.
Even in our schools today they're teaching sex acts. Our rotten world of woman worship... I know they don't want to believe that. Stand and sing some kind of hymn, and so forth, on one day and out with women, running around all night long... See? All right. When in God's sight, the Word, she is the lowest of all animals that God put on the earth..." --William Branham

I thank You!
Nina

[OP_Carl]

Polygamy can be UN-justified by the OT as well. In the creation, He created them male and female. When God saw that Adam was alone, he made Eve for him. He DID NOT make Eve, Sally, Jane, Daisy, Gertrude, Millicent, Annie, and Molly.

Brother,

This seems to condone Polygamy:

Deuteronomy 21:15-17 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)



15 If a man has two wives, and he loves one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love, 16 when he wills his property to his sons, he must not give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the wife he loves in preference to his actual firstborn, the son of the wife he does not love. 17 He must acknowledge the son of his unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father's strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.

Yes, sister, there IS a LOT of stuff in the Penteteuch wherein God, through Moses, deals with the wide variety of impure habits the children of Israel picked up in Egypt.

But if you want to understand the original plan, look at the creation, and consider the calling of Christ: Deny yourself. If a man takes multiple wives, he does so to indulge his flesh, not crucify it.

[OP_Carl]

The scriptures don't disagree with me, other than to say that the believer should "let them depart." How does that imply that the believer isn't bound to the marriage unless and until the unbelieving spouse leaves them? It doesn't. You are correct. As usual. :rolleyes2

The marriage is still binding, unless and until the unbeliever departs. Keep in mind that this provision is intended to deal with extreme circumstances, as new conversions of Paul's day created wide cultural divides within the home. This statement was never intended to offer a "penumbra" or loophole to encourage separation, divorce, flirtation, contemplation of alternative, Christian spouses, or re-marriage. Much less polygamy.

Do sinners who are converted have to remarry, in order for God to recognize their union?

God honors principles. The unsaved who give to the widows and fatherless are nevertheless blessed. The unsaved reap what they sow. God honors the institution of marriage whether the participants do or not.

[dizzyde]

I don't know how you got the idea "God is disinterested" from what I said. What I said was the choice was "yours" to make. And God is very interested in the choices we make.

The idea that there is someone "out there" that God has chosen for you but that He will not unerringly lead you to seems wrong to me. It seems like God is playing a game if we look at it from this point of view, IMHO. "Guess who I chose for you... guess incorrectly and you may or may not like what's behind Door Number 3! But you gotta live with it because the Almighty won't tell you which door to select!"

If God does have a single "soul mate" selected for just me, and if I did choose "incorrectly" then I should have every reason in the world (and every reason in heaven!) to dump the one I'm stuck with and hook up with the one that I now feel God had chosen for me all along. Of course with me being a simple and fallible man, you would have to just accept the fact that "God's choices" for me tend to get younger and blonder as I get a little older. Eventually I'll find the "right" one and I'll know she's "right" because her freckles will match up to my liver spots.

Of course, this makes a mockery of your point and is no where near what you intended. But my point is that we are freewill agents. I believe that there are personality types that when matched together create real "soul mates..." but - and this is the good news for those who are looking: there are probably a number of people out there who would qualify. I think you should pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making such an important decision. But what this type of prayer usually ends up doing is to show us own own weaknesses and faults and makes us more aware of ourselves - thus highlightling the role another person would play in our lives. It would hopefully also point out the burdens and weaknesses that we would bring to the relationship.

For two people to start a relationship based upon the premise of "Are you the right one for me?" is selfish and burdens the relationship with silly fairytails that won't come true. Instead, how about, "Am I good enough that anyone in their right mind would be willing to put up with me?" http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/images/icons/icon11.gif

In my view love is not a lottery to be won or lost - pick the right number (person) and you "win." Love is a quality and virture that each of us should strive to cultivate and to give to others. If by happenstance you find someone that you can uniquely love - more power to you. But be responsible with your choices because God is very much interested in them.

:scoregood