1. Fornication             see Matthew 5:32 and 19:9
2. Desertion               see 1 Corinthians 7:15
3. Excommunication   see Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

Even though divorce may be justified in such cases, it is important to remember and emphasize that God would still rather see forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation ... unless the offending spouse is an unrepentent reprobate.

Regrettably, many Bible versions mistranslate Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 to substitute "adultery" or "marital unfaithfulness" for the word "fornication." Such mistranslation grievously dilutes and distorts the Word of God and in so-doing makes divorce too easily allowed.   Both "adultery" and "marital unfaithfulness" have broader meaning and can occur in many ways other than by fornication, however nothing other than fornication (sexual intercourse between unmarried partners) is intended to be a valid justification for divorce in this declaration.

2. Desertion is a one-word summation of the provision of 1 Corinthians 7:15 which reads: "If the unbelieving depart, let them go. A brother or a sister is no longer in bondage in such cases ..."

Now, some try to argue over what actually comprises "the unbelieving" and what is meant by the word "depart" in this Scripture; but it is rebellious foolishness to try to make such arguments. The complete context of 1 Corinthians chapter 7, especially verse 10 ("do not let a wife separate from her husband") and verse 11 ("do not let a husband put away his wife") and "verse 13 ("do not let her leave him"), among many other references in the Bible, make it abundantly clear what God's intent is. His clear intent is, as He stated in Matthew 19:5, that when a man and woman are joined together in marriage: "What God has joined together, do not let anyone separate." God established marriage to be a permanent, life-long commitment.

"The unbelieving" is anyone who, by their words and/or actions demonstrate that they do not believe the Word of God and do not want to heed God's mandate that what God has put together, no one should ever separate.   If a husband or wife unjustly leaves/abandons/deserts their spouse, then they are unbelievers, period.

However, if a husband or wife "departs" to go on a business trip, or if a husband or wife feels that their spouse is ignoring and not paying enough attention to them, or if a husband and wife should "separate" for a few hours, or even a few days, for whatever reason, that does not comprise abandonment or desertion, though some will foolishly try to make a case for something like that.

Desertion is what occurs when either a husband or a wife initiates a divorce against their spouse or they just "clear out" and make it very clear that they are through with the marriage and want nothing more to do with it.

Even so, "desertion" should have the concurrence of godly counsel before a deserted spouse gives up on a deserting spouse. To eliminate any doubt, God established the third provision, described next:

3. Excommunication is a man-made term, not a biblical term; but it accurately sums up the final step in God's procedure for conflict resolution.

Some ask:   "What about abuse?   What about drunkenness or drug addiction?   What about irresponsibility and neglect?   What about crime and illegal activity?   Are these and many other things not justifiable reasons for divorce?"