Topical Bible: Marriage After Divorce

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Introduction

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. The topic of marriage after divorce is a complex and often debated issue within Christian theology. The Bible provides guidance on this matter, and understanding these teachings is essential for believers seeking to align their lives with biblical principles.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible presents marriage as a lifelong commitment. In Genesis 2:24 , it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational verse underscores the permanence intended in the marital union.

Divorce in Scripture

Divorce is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 24:1-4 provides regulations concerning divorce, allowing a man to write a certificate of divorce if he finds something indecent about his wife. However, this was not the ideal but a concession due to the hardness of human hearts.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses divorce in Matthew 19:3-9 . When questioned by the Pharisees, He refers back to the creation account, emphasizing the original intent for marriage. Jesus states, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6). He acknowledges that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of hearts but clarifies that it was not so from the beginning. Jesus allows for divorce only in the case of sexual immorality, saying, "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9).

Pauline Teachings

The Apostle Paul also addresses marriage and divorce in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 , Paul writes, "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." Paul emphasizes reconciliation and remaining unmarried if separation occurs, reflecting the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

Marriage After Divorce

The question of remarriage after divorce is a significant concern for many believers. The biblical texts suggest that remarriage is permissible in certain circumstances, particularly when the divorce was due to sexual immorality. However, remarriage in other situations is often viewed as adultery, as indicated by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 19:9.

In 1 Corinthians 7:15 , Paul provides another exception, stating, "But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace." This passage suggests that if an unbelieving spouse initiates a divorce, the believer is not bound to the marriage covenant and may be free to remarry.

Pastoral Considerations

Pastoral care and guidance are crucial for individuals navigating the complexities of marriage after divorce. Church leaders are encouraged to approach each situation with compassion, seeking to uphold biblical teachings while ministering grace and truth. The church community plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families affected by divorce, helping them to find healing and restoration in Christ.

Conclusion

The topic of marriage after divorce requires careful consideration of biblical teachings and pastoral sensitivity. While the Bible provides specific guidelines, each situation is unique and should be approached with prayerful discernment and a commitment to uphold the sanctity of marriage as ordained by God.

Topical Bible Verses

Luke 16:18
Whoever puts away his wife, and marries another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her that is put away from her husband commits adultery.
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Matthew 5:32
But I say to you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.
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Mark 10:12
And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she commits adultery.
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Library

Whether a Husband Can Marry Again after Having a Divorce?
... Reply to Objection 3: Although after divorce the wife is not bound to her husband
as regards paying him the marriage debt and cohabiting with him, the marriage ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a husband can marry.htm

Whether Husband and Wife May be Reconciled after Being Divorced?
... it does not deprive him of the right of asking for the marriage debt, or ... an adulterous
wife on account of his having committed adultery after the divorce. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether husband and wife may.htm

Whether in a Case of Divorce Husband and Wife Should be Judged on ...
... OF THE IMPEDIMENT THAT SUPERVENES TO MARRIAGE AFTER ITS CONSUMMATION, NAMELY
FORNICATION (SIX ARTICLES) Whether in a case of divorce husband and wife should ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in a case of.htm

Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ...
... guilt, who had taken his brother's wife, after she had ... husband not less by death
than by divorce; who had ... brother had left a daughter, the marriage with the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxiv moses allowing divorce and.htm

Whether it is Lawful for a Husband to Put Away his Wife on Account ...
... has fraudulently impersonated her husband in the marriage-bed; the ... by having carnal
intercourse with her after she has ... given his wife a bill of divorce and she ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 22.htm

Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on ...
... Objection 3: Further, if after becoming cognizant of his wife's ... Therefore the refusal
of the marriage debt, which pertains to a divorce, ought to precede ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the husband can on.htm

Whether it was Lawful for a Divorced Wife to have Another Husband?
... she sinned by marrying another husband after being divorced, because her first marriage
still held ... Divine dispensation for a husband to divorce his wife ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was lawful for.htm

The Sacrament of Marriage; Marriage Indissoluble; the World's Law ...
... this world's rule, which allows a divorce between the ... which renounces as it were
its marriage union with ... He retains, however, the sacrament after his apostasy ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 11 x the sacrament of.htm

What Christ Himself Taught.
... with a second wife while the first is still alive and recognised as a lawful wife,
or bigamy; the second, marriage with a second wife after divorce from the ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xv what christ himself taught.htm

From Examples Tertullian Passes to Direct Dogmatic Teachings He ...
... "Alike when divorce dissevers marriage as when death does ... In the eye of God, it matters
nought whether she marry during her life or after his death. ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter ix from examples tertullian passes.htm