What does "only in the Lord" mean in the context of remarriage in 1 Corinthians 7:39? Canonical Text “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she wishes, only in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 7:39 Immediate Literary Context Paul is answering Corinthian questions about marriage, singleness, and widowhood (1 Corinthians 7:1). Verses 25-40 focus on virgins and widows, urging undivided devotion to Christ amid “present distress” (v. 26). Within that framework, v. 39 affirms two truths: (1) marriage is lifelong; (2) death dissolves the bond, permitting remarriage—but with a divine qualifier: “only in the Lord.” Canonical Cross-References 1. 2 Corinthians 6:14 — “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” 2. Romans 7:2-3 — A widow is “released from the law concerning her husband.” 3. 1 Timothy 5:14 — Younger widows may “marry, bear children.” 4. Ruth 3–4 — A covenantally faithful remarriage (Boaz). The composite witness shows widows free to remarry yet obligated to covenant faithfulness and spiritual compatibility. Theological Rationale 1. Covenant Continuity: Marriage mirrors Christ’s union with the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). A believer must therefore enter only a covenant that confesses that same Lord. 2. Holiness of the Household: The Christian home functions as a micro-sanctuary (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Acts 16:15). A mixed union undermines shared worship, discipleship, and mission. 3. Witness to the World: Remarriage “in the Lord” proclaims resurrection hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). It declares that even in bereavement Christ remains supreme. Historical Witness of the Church • 2nd century: Tertullian (To His Wife 2.4) exhorts widows to marry “only a Christian.” • 4th century: Basil the Great (Canon 18) disallows Christian-pagan remarriage. • Reformation: Calvin (Institutes 4.19.34) affirms widow freedom yet insists the spouse be “godly.” The continuity of interpretation underscores a stable exegetical consensus. Practical and Pastoral Applications 1. Eligibility: Widows and widowers may remarry; the bar is faith-compatibility, not ethnicity, social class, or previous denomination. 2. Discernment: Local church leadership should verify the confession and fruit of the prospective spouse (Matthew 7:16). 3. Liberty, not Compulsion: Remaining single is honored (1 Corinthians 7:40), but remarriage “in the Lord” is equally honorable. 4. Counseling: Grief recovery must precede courtship; covenant counseling should include doctrinal alignment, prayer habits, and mission goals. Addressing Common Questions and Objections Q 1: Does “in the Lord” merely mean “ceremonially Christian wedding”? A: No. Paul speaks of ontological union with Christ (Galatians 3:27). It requires both parties to be regenerate believers (Romans 10:9-10). Q 2: What if the widow marries an unbeliever anyway? A: The marriage becomes valid though disobedient; repentance is required, but divorce is not commanded (1 Corinthians 7:12-13). Q 3: Is this restriction legalistic? A: It is protective, not punitive, guarding spiritual health and generational faith (Malachi 2:15). Summary of Key Points • “Only in the Lord” demands that a widow’s new spouse be a confessing, obedient follower of Jesus. • The phrase is lexically restrictive, contextually coherent, textually certain, theologically rooted, and pastorally wise. • Remarriage thus becomes an act of worship, aligning personal covenant with the grand covenant of redemption and safeguarding the home as a testimony to the risen Christ. |
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