Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Second marriage refers to the union of an individual who has previously been married and is now entering into another marital relationship. This can occur due to the death of a spouse, divorce, or annulment of the previous marriage. The topic of second marriage is addressed in various parts of the Bible, providing guidance and principles for believers navigating this aspect of life. Biblical References and Principles: 1. Widowhood and Remarriage: The Bible provides specific guidance for widows considering remarriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul states, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord." This passage indicates that remarriage is permissible for widows, provided the new marriage is with a fellow believer. 2. Divorce and Remarriage: The topic of divorce and subsequent remarriage is addressed with caution in the Scriptures. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus says, "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." This passage suggests that remarriage after divorce is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality. The sanctity of marriage is emphasized, and believers are encouraged to uphold the marriage covenant. 3. Pastoral Guidance and Church Leadership: The qualifications for church leaders include considerations of marital status. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul writes, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." This has been interpreted to mean that church leaders should be committed to their current marriage, reflecting faithfulness and stability. 4. Grace and Redemption: The Bible also emphasizes grace and redemption for those who have experienced broken marriages. In John 4, Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well highlights His compassion and offer of living water, despite her history of multiple marriages. This narrative underscores the message of forgiveness and new beginnings in Christ. 5. Cultural and Historical Context: In biblical times, marriage customs and laws varied significantly from contemporary practices. The cultural context of polygamy, levirate marriage, and other marital arrangements influenced the biblical narrative. Understanding these historical contexts is essential for interpreting passages related to second marriages. 6. Practical Considerations for Believers: Believers contemplating a second marriage are encouraged to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and counsel from spiritual leaders. Prayerful consideration of the motives, readiness, and implications of entering a new marriage is vital. The importance of marrying "in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39) is reiterated, emphasizing the spiritual unity and shared faith in the marriage relationship. Conclusion: The Bible provides principles and guidance for second marriages, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage, the conditions under which remarriage is permissible, and the importance of faithfulness and spiritual unity. Believers are encouraged to approach second marriages with prayerful consideration, seeking alignment with biblical teachings and the counsel of the Christian community. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 5:32But 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. Topicalbible.org Jeremiah 3:1 Library Whether a Second Marriage is a Sacrament? Whether a Second Marriage is Lawful? Second Marriage a Species of Adultery, Marriage Itself Impugned ... If it be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, yet all Things ... Excuses Commonly Urged in Defence of Second Marriage their ... Weakness of the Pleas Urged in Defence of Second Marriage. Concerning Widows. Paul an Example to Widows, and to those who do not Live with their ... The Marriage of Church Dignitaries. Titus i. 5, 6 Resources Does the Bible say anything about making a second marriage a success? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org What was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.org Second: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Second Death: General Scriptures Concerning Second Epistle To The Corinthians Second Epistle To The Thessalonians The Second Coming of Christ is not to Make Atonement The Second Coming of Christ: Blessedness of Being Prepared For The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Appearing of Jesus Christ The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Coming of the Day of God The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Day of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Glorious Appearing of the Great God and Our Saviour The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Last Time The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Revelation of Jesus Christ The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Times of Refreshing from the Presence of the Lord The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Times of Restitution of all Things The Second Coming of Christ: Every Eye Shall See Him At The Second Coming of Christ: Faith of, Shall be Found to Praise At The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Angels The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Apostles The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Himself The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Prophets The Second Coming of Christ: Illustrated The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Assured of The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Haste To The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Look For The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Love The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Pray For The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: should be Patient To The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: should be Ready For The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: should Watch For The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Wait For The Second Coming of Christ: Shall Appear With Him in Glory At The Second Coming of Christ: Shall be Blameless At The Second Coming of Christ: Shall be Like Him At The Second Coming of Christ: Shall be Preserved To The Second Coming of Christ: Shall not be Ashamed At The Second Coming of Christ: Shall Receive a Crown of Glory At The Second Coming of Christ: Shall Reign With Him At The Second Coming of Christ: Shall See Him As he Is, At The Second Coming of Christ: should be Always Considered As at Hand The Second Coming of Christ: Signs Preceding The Second Coming of Christ: The Heavens and Earth Shall be Dissolved At The Second Coming of Christ: The Man of Sin to be Destroyed At The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of Accompanied by Angels The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of As a Thief in the Night The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of As he Ascended The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of As the Lightning The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in Clouds The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in Flaming Fire The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in his own Glory The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in the Glory of his Father The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of Suddenly The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of Unexpectedly The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of With a Shout and the Voice of the Archangel The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of With his Saints The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of With Power and Great Glory The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to be Admired in Them That Believe The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to be Glorified in his Saints The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Bring to Light the Hidden Things of Darkness The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Complete the Salvation of Saints The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Destroy Death The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Judge The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Reign The Second Coming of Christ: The Saints Alive At, Shall be Caught up to Meet Him The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Presume Upon the Delay of The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Scoff At The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Shall be Punished At The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Shall be Surprised By The Second Coming of Christ: They Who Shall Have Died in Christ Shall Rise First At The Second Coming of Christ: Time of, Unknown Related Terms Second-in-command (1 Occurrence) |