Skip to main content

Marriage Series 8: I am DIVORCED, Can I Remarry According to The Bible?

 I AM DIVORCED. CAN I REMARRY ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?


We often receive questions like “I am divorced for such and such a reason. Can I get remarried?” “I have been divorced twice—the first for adultery by my spouse, the second for incompatibility. I am dating a man who has been divorced three times—the first for incompatibility, the second for adultery on his part, the third for adultery on his wife’s part. Can we get married to each other?” Questions like these are very difficult to answer because the Bible does not go into great detail regarding the various scenarios for remarriage after a divorce.

What we can know for sure is that it is God’s plan for a married couple to stay married as long as both spouses are alive (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6). 
The only specific allowance for remarriage after a divorce is for adultery ( Matthew 19:9), and even this is debated among Christians. Another possibility is desertion—when an unbelieving spouse leaves a believing spouse ( 1 Corinthians 7:12–15). This passage, though, does not specifically address remarriage, only being bound to stay in a marriage. Instances of physical, sexual, or severe emotional abuse would be sufficient cause for separation, but the Bible does not speak of these sins in the context of divorce or remarriage.

We know two things for sure. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), and God is merciful and forgiving. Every divorce is a result of sin, either on the part of one spouse or both. Does God forgive divorce? Absolutely! Divorce is no less forgivable than any other sin. Forgiveness of all sins is available through faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7). If God forgives the sin of divorce, does that mean you are free to remarry? Not necessarily. God sometimes calls people to remain single (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). Being single should not be viewed as a curse or punishment, but as an opportunity to serve God wholeheartedly (1 Corinthians 7:32-36). God’s Word does tell us, though, that it is better to marry than to burn with passion ( 1 Corinthians 7:9). Perhaps this sometimes applies to remarriage after a divorce.

So, can you or should you get remarried? We cannot answer that question. Ultimately, that is between you, your potential spouse, and, most importantly, God. The only advice we can give is for you to pray to God for wisdom regarding what He would have you do (James 1:5). Pray with an open mind and genuinely ask the Lord to place His desires on your heart (Psalm 37:4). Seek the Lord’s will (Proverbs 3:5-6) and follow His leading.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LIFE MATTERS SERIES - A THANKFUL HEART S57E01

TOPIC: HABITS OF A THANKFUL HEART KEY BIBLE VERSE: Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Philippians 4:4‭, ‬6‭-‬7 AMP The Habits of Highly Thankful People Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has sold over 15 million copies. The book promises that if readers adopt these habits they will experience “powerful . . . personal change.” It’s nearly Thanksgiving in the United States. For some of us, the holidays are a favorite time of year. But for those who are experiencing...
Post a Comment
Read more

Marriage Series 7: What Does The Bible Say About Divorce and Remarriage?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE? First of all, no matter what view one takes on the issue of divorce, it is important to remember Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce, says the LORD God of Israel.” According to the Bible, marriage is a lifetime commitment. “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). God realizes, though, that, since marriages involve two sinful human beings, divorces are going to occur. In the Old Testament, He laid down some laws in order to protect the rights of divorcées, especially women ( Deuteronomy 24:1–4).  Jesus pointed out that these laws were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, not because such laws were God’s desire (Matthew 19:8). The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is allowed according to the Bible revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 . The phrase “ except for marital unfaithfulness” is the only thing in Script...
Post a Comment
Read more

Devotional: Life Matters Discuss, Series 7

 LIFE MATTERS DISCUSS, SERIES 7 TOPIC: WINNING THE WAR IN YOUR MIND 1 BIBLE REF: Philippians 4:8-9, Proverbs 23:7, Romans 12:1-2, 2Corithians 10:3-5 Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are. You might read that and think I’m being an overly dramatic preacher using hyperbole to get your attention. But this is no exaggeration. Our lives do follow the direction of our thoughts. The better we grasp that truth, the better equipped we’ll be to change the trajectory of our lives. But don’t take my word for it. Both the Bible and modern science provide evidence that this is true. So throughout this Bible Plan, we’ll unpack both Scripture and what we’ve learned from scientific research. Here’s a brief example of both: In Philippians 4:8–9, the apostle Paul writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is exce...
Post a Comment
Read more