What Does God Say About Divorce & Remarriage?
Here is everything the Bible says about divorce:
1. Matthew 5:31-32 - "It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
2. Mark 10:11-12 - "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
3. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."
4. Malachi 2:16 - "The man who hates and divorces his wife," says the Lord, the God of Israel, "does violence to the one he should protect," says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."
5. Luke 16:18 - "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
6. 1 Corinthians 7:15 - "But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace."
7. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - "If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Do not bring sin upon the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance."
1. God's original intention for marriage: In the creation account in Genesis, God establishes marriage as a lifelong union between a man and a woman. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)
2. Jesus' teachings on divorce: In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about divorce in several passages. In Matthew 19:3-9 and Mark 10:2-12, Jesus emphasizes the importance of marriage and the covenantal nature of the relationship. He teaches that divorce is permitted only in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32) and that remarriage after divorce can be considered adultery (Matthew 5:32, Mark 10:11-12).
3. Paul's teachings on divorce: In his letters, the Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of divorce. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul instructs married couples not to separate but to work towards reconciliation. He also discusses the situation of a believer married to an unbeliever and provides guidance on how to navigate such relationships (1 Corinthians 7:12-16).
4. God's view on divorce: Throughout the Bible, divorce is seen as a painful and serious matter that goes against God's original design for marriage. While divorce is allowed in cases of adultery or abandonment, the ideal is for couples to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.
Overall, the Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred bond that should be honored and cherished. Divorce is viewed as a last resort, and couples are encouraged to work through their differences and seek God's guidance in their relationships.
Here’s everything the Bible says about remarriage:
The Bible addresses the topic of remarriage in several passages, providing guidance and principles for those considering entering into a new marriage after divorce or widowhood. Here are some key points about remarriage from the Bible:
1. Remarriage after the death of a spouse: The Bible acknowledges that when a spouse dies, the surviving partner is free to remarry. In Romans 7:2-3, Paul explains that a woman is released from the law that binds her to her husband if he dies, allowing her to remarry without committing adultery.
2. Remarriage after divorce: The Bible's teachings on remarriage after divorce are more nuanced. In Matthew 5:32 and Luke 16:18, Jesus warns against marrying a divorced person, as it is considered adultery. However, Paul provides guidance in 1 Corinthians 7:39, stating that a woman is free to remarry if her husband dies, but should marry only in the Lord.
3. Consideration for the circumstances: The Bible also acknowledges that there may be specific circumstances, such as abuse or abandonment, that can lead to divorce and may impact the decision to remarry. In 1 Corinthians 7:15, Paul mentions that if an unbelieving spouse leaves, the believer is not bound in such circumstances.
4. Seeking God's guidance: Throughout the Bible, individuals are encouraged to seek God's guidance and wisdom in matters of marriage and remarriage. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, seeking His direction in all aspects of our lives.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant and that individuals should approach remarriage prayerfully and with consideration for God's principles and guidance. While the issue of remarriage after divorce is complex, the overarching message is one of seeking God's will and following His leading in all decisions related to relationships and marriage.
1. Matthew 5:32 - "But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
2. Mark 10:11-12 - "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
3. Luke 16:18 - "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
4. Romans 7:2-3 - "For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man."
5. 1 Corinthians 7:39 - "A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord."
6. 1 Timothy 5:14 - "So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander."
