Marriage.

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Bro. Harrell:
> Does this separation mean just that (remain apart for a
seasn), or does it include a legal anullment?

Me:
It says for those that are separated to be "reconciled" one
to 
another if they ever want a mate.  If two people were
"legally" divorced for "irreconcilable" differences and God
then reconciles these differences, part of the restoration
would include remarriage to each other to satisfy legal
requirements.  They would have had to remained faithful to
each other however.  The only reason we "need" a marriage
license is to satisfy the government.  The whole point of
that passage is that even if the government says that you
are "legally" divorced, in God's eyes you are not divorced
EVER except when your spouse dies or has committed
fornication.  Paul broadens this to include those spouses
of new converts who are "dead in their sins" with no
interest in eternal life.

The issue of a spouse that has repented is independant and
is a "by-product" of the instant and unconditional
forgiveness purchased for ALL who repent by Jesus on the
cross.

My mom and dad live in different houses and are very happy.
 They are not saved but there is no "rule" that says that a
husband and wife must live together if they cannot get
along and this would be a legitimate option if they were. 
There would be no restrictions on congagal rights as long
as both are in agreement.  God's perfect will is that the
husband and wife live together in peace but if they MUST
separate they are to remain married and faithful to one
another.  The amount of relationship they can maintain is
their business, only in Christ.  If one commits fornication
while separated, the other has just cause for divorce and
remarriage.

Timothy Litteral
472 Grant St.
Marion Ohio 43302
trlitteral@usa.net
http://members.tripod.com/~trlitteral