QUESTION: A man was never married, but lived with two different women at different times, both of whom were eventually put away. He was married to a third who bore him two children, but who left him, because he could not pay the bride price. He later apologized and she desires to go back with him. A) Is she in her right marital home? B) Must they be joined, since both are unbelievers? C) Is one of the first two women his rightful wife?
ANSWER: A) If the man was not legally and scripturally married to either of the first two women, he was living in an adulterous situation. It goes without saying that both he and the two women need to repent of this sin! If the third woman was not previously married or if she were previously married, but divorced because her husband committed fornication (Matthew 5:32), she may scripturally return to the man in question, if he had not married anytime previously. If he had been married previously, the only way he could marry would be if that wife had committed fornication. It would appear from your letter that no matter what the case may be, extreme caution needs to be exercised by both individuals! Sexual relations are only to be engaged in by a couple (husband and wife) who have been legally and scripturally joined. All sexual relations outside the marriage relationship are sinful. Those who engage in such will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).
B) All people everywhere (believers and unbelievers) are answerable to the New Testament by which all men will be judged (II Corinthians 5:10; John 12:48). None may live together as husband and wife without legal and scriptural marriage! All who attempt to do so commit fornication/adultery.
C) Not being legally and scripturally married to either of the first two women, neither would be his lawful wife.