In 1 Corinthians 7:15 the unbeliever leaves. To many people this means desertion. However, according to many writers the verb is the same one in Greek for divorce. It is apparent that this person doesn't believe in the marriage. If you have experienced the trauma of being an innocent party in this situation you undoubtedly tried to "'go and show him his fault'" (Mt 18:15). Also you may have asked others to intervene "'so that every fact may be confirmed'" (:16). Eventually the word gets around "'to the church'" (:17). If there is no resolution then what do you do next? Verse 18 says to "'let him be to you as a Gentile.'"

If 1 Corinthians 7:15 says to let the unbeliever leave and you are no longer responsible, is this the way to treat the guilty party? Is there some heavenly thread obligating you to a relationship? Matthew 22:30 says "'in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.'" Therefore, God is not keeping a master copy of your marriage certificate in heaven. Since your marriage partner has unilaterally abolished the agreement and no reconciliation is expected, why would God hold you in limbo? If the only alternative was "'not to marry'" (Mt 19:10) then it would only make sense "'for the sake of the kingdom of heaven'" (:12). But that would be taking it out of context. These choices were presented in response to the disciples' reply in verse 10. If you were once married then you could not "'accept this statement'" (:11) as applying to you.