Is being married w/out a marriage license breaking God's commandments?

Question

My wife and I are very happily married. Both of us have been married twice before, both times for the wrong reasons. My wife and I both believe that God brought us together and are living our lives to the best of our ablility in God's image. Here is our delima; . My wife has 3 children from previous marriages and I have 2 children from my last marriage. There are several legal issues involving us being married on "paper". My wife has suggested that we get a divorce on paper so that we can resolve some of our legal issues. I agree that this is probably the best route. My question is this: In the Bible God tells us that we are to follow his laws and the laws of the land. The law of the land says that to be considered "married" you have to have a piece of paper. I think that if two people love each other and have made a public pledge before God and family to be husband and wife then you are married in God's eyes. I am wondering if by getting a legal divorce we are going against God

Answer 1

"Nor is marriage a private agreement between a man and a women. This idea is often used as an excuse for unchastity before marriage. The argument is made: "Although we have not been officially married, we have agreed between ourselves to be married, so actually we are already married." This idea is contrary to the Scriptures. In the Bible a marriage always takes place according to certain norms of society and always involves other people who serve as witnesses. A marriage is an occurrence before God and before man. A Christian is obligated to abide by the laws of the society in which he lives to the extent that they do not conflict with the laws of God."


http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/marriage.html

Answer 2

if you are still legal married to other people yes you are committing adultery this is one reason you should not take the marriage vows lightly marriage is when two body's are joined together in one flesh one mind one spirit 1+1=1
divorce is talked about in the bible and is said you need the paper by law. Sincerely pray for God Guidance on this but first you must ask forgiveness of any unforgiven sins or he will not hear you are sin builds a wall between us and him repenting is the only thing that can tear that wall down. God Bless You

Answer 3

*Twitch* Involved question, and a bit tricky...

I can't imagine being married without a legal license would be considered sinning...the question of sinning arises from the sacramental marriages. I'm not certain about other Christian sects, but Catholicism is woefully strict about divorce and remarriage- unless your previous spouses have perished or you have obtained an annullment, this second marriage is not seen as being valid either legally or sacramentally.

In either case, it is probably better for the two of you two follow the laws of the land as well- not for fear of sinning, but mouch more practical purposes. If something happens to one of you, the assets you possess would not be distributed to your new spouse and their children if you are not legally husband and wife. And a whole host of other matters could come into consideration.

I wish you all the best of luck. :)

Answer 4

That's a really good question I look forward to the answer. Me and my honey have not gotten married because I have 60 grand in medical bills and for financial and identifying reasons I have not been able to file for bankruptcy. I feel we are married but have no paper. My friends have done a committment ceremony and I have been wondering if in God's eyes that is binding. I really hope so otherwise I will have no chance to.....

Just so you know I understand. You guys are married to each other not the parents of your kids right?? Some answers are telling you to divorce the other and get married but that's not what you want is it? You guys want to get divorced but stay together.

Answer 5

The 'law of the land' no longer requires a marriage in order to cohabitate. By divorcing and living together, you would not be breaking "Caesar's Laws".

As far as commandments are concerned, the only commandments remaining to Christians since the death of Christ are "Love one another as I have loved you" and "Continue abstaining from blood"

What matters more than anything else is what your religious community and friends believe. You will continue to be married because they believe you two to be married and the two of you believe yourselves to be married in God's eyes.

Separate the two things. Just because they have the same name, married, state marriage and church marriage are not the same things.

Answer 6

Hey, don't get divorced; God instituted marrige between Adam and Eve, and they did not have a pice of paper. That is just another law of man.

Stay married, fight the power lol
and yeah divorce is kinda wrong

Answer 7

well you already answered your own question..... GOD wants you to obey mans law as well... so REALLY you are not married in his eyes either... get the divorces you need. You are going against GOD if you are just shacked up so either way you gotta choose the lesser of the two

Answer 8

No, you need to get a legal divorce - and then get a legal marriage

Answer 9

If youve been married and divorced already...then you are going to hell in Gods eyes.
It doesnt matter....change to Rastafarian and move to Jamaica.

Answer 10

I would agree to try to stay married, but PLEASE pray before taking action......the Lord will let you know what you should do, He knows your needs and will take care of it. Just be sure you have the door open , and are in His will, so he can answer your prayer!