Pat Robertson Still Does Not Get It

I mentioned Pat Robertson’s mid September comments in a previous article. In the September 30, 2011, e-mail newsletter “Religion Today Summaries” from Crosswalk.com, Religion News Service reported broadcaster Pat Robertson said his comments earlier that month were “misinterpreted.” It continued that Robertson said he was not giving anyone unscriptural counseling to leave their spouse, and the advice he gave was to an individual and not to the whole world. On this last point he is quoted as saying people “come to me asking for specific advice and I give them specific advice about their condition, not for the world.”

Most know John 3:16. Here it is, but I will bold and underline two keywords: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Whether the man Robertson had given his sage advice to was redeemed or not from his sins, John 3:16 still applies to him. Again, even if the man is redeemed from the world, he, like the rest of us, are still physically in the world. So, if John 3:16 applies to him would not every passage referring to divorce in the New Testament apply to him?

Or, take the word “whosoever” in John 3:16. True Christians tell others that means everyone, and it does. I’m sure Robertson would agree. Now, let us read Luke 16:18 and I will again bold and underline so hopefully a connection will be made: “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”

Despite the fact “whosoever” means everyone in John 3:16, for some reason, probably the fleshly urge below their navals, many, including some who claim the name of Christ, feel “whosoever” does not mean everyone in Luke 16:18. Such duplicity brings blasphemous mockery to the holy Name of Christ. Christ is depicted as talking out both sides of His mouth.

One is in sad shape who claims the Holy Bible is the Word of God and then turns around and gives marital advice contrary to God’s Word.

Biblically, here are some things the one with an afflicted spouse should do:

1. Reaffirm in your mind that marriage is until the physical death of one (1 Corinthians 7:39 [2]).

2. Remember you made a vow, (whether spoken or implied) which stands before God (Psalm 116:14).

3. Act upon the fact that agape love stems from the mind, and not from feelings. If one considers their spouse dead (as Robertson inferred) though physically alive with a debilitating disease like Alzheimer’s, they need to remember that God loved us while we were spiritually dead in sins (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:5). Besides, in regard to death dissolving marriage, the Scriptures mean only physical death.

3. Ask God for His grace, that is, the ability to do the right thing (Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9).

4. Turn a deaf ear to satan(1), any source, and any human that would say divorce your ailing spouse (Isaiah 8:20).

5. Except for their own spiritual nurture, forget about self and determine to serve your ailing spouse (Matthew 16:24, Mark 10:45).

Success in these and other principles is more sure when one is truly dedicated to Christ.

It is highly dangerous territory when one decides the message of the Gospel is for the world, but not necessarily for each individual. This is not the God I serve. This is not the Gospel I believe and proclaim.

The Gospel I believe, proclaim, and know that works is one of salvation, not only of one’s spiritual condition, but also for their marriage, if married.

Notes:

For those needing help with their marriage I encourage you to visit my “Marriage Pages.”

(1) I try not to capitalize this word, and Triond allows me to express my feelings by letting me use a lowercase letter.

[2] The same applies to the husband in regard to the wife (Galatians 3:28).

God willing, this shall be part of my Bible GemLight series as pyrope005.

Earn money with me on Triond.