Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce and remarriage, while common today, is debated within evangelicalism. Scripture clearly states that God instituted marriage (Gen 2:20-24), “hates divorce” (Mal 2:16), and married couples are considered one flesh (Gen 2:24). Also, Moses permitted divorce by a certificate if the wife possessed “some indecency” (Deut 24:1), a term that is not clarified and is highly debated. Some Rabbis teach that it means any imperfection while others teach that it only applies to sexual sin. Christ taught that remarriage after divorce is adultery (Mark 10:11-12) unless the divorce is due to unrepentant infidelity (Matt 5:32; 19:9). Paul concurred with Christ regarding God’s hatred of divorce. However, he said that if one spouse is saved and the unsaved leaves, then the saved individual is not bound to the marriage (1 Cor 7:10-15).
What, therefore, is the final answer based on scripture? First, it is clear that God created and blessed marriage as a holy union between man and wife that no person shall sever. However, due to man’s sin and “hardness of heart” (Matt 19:8; Mark 10:5), God permits divorce in the case of unrepentant infidelity. It is preferable, though, that the couple reconciles and restores the union through repentance, forgiveness, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Divorce for any reason other than unrepentant infidelity is not permitted. Rather, God hates divorce as it destroys a holy union.
Second, if a couple divorces for unacceptable reasons, then remarriage constitutes adultery. If divorced for the acceptable reason, remarriage, while not preferred (Deut 24:4; 1 Cor 7:11), is permissible. However, once remarried, they shall not divorce again and restore the original marriage (Deut 24:4).
Third, if a couple is made up of one Christian and one non-Christian, it is best that divorce not occur. However, if the unsaved person divorces the saved person, then the saved person is not obligated to that marriage and may remarry (1 Cor 7:12-15). If both are justified in Christ, then they should keep their vow (Matt 5:37), remain faithful, and remain married. As stated earlier, should the permissible divorce occur, then remarriage to another is acceptable, although not optimal.
In conclusion, divorce is not God’s choice. Rather, God created and blesses a lasting marriage. Nevertheless, divorce for unrepentant infidelity is permitted and the spouse may remarry. However, remarriage after divorce for any other reason is adultery. It is God’s desire that the couple reconciles and reunites the marriage, whether they divorce for any reason or they simply live apart without divorcing. For God hates divorce and seeks faithful living rather than legal loopholes.