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What does the Bible say about divorce and re-marriage for a Christian? |
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Sadly, many marriages fail and end in divorce. Due to the hardness of our hearts, God's ideal is not always realized.1 Jesus said that if a person divorces their spouse for any reason other then sexual immorality and remarries; then they commit an act of adultery.2 The apostle Paul also said that if one is deserted by their spouse, then the one who is deserted is not bound to the marriage; God has called us to live in peace.3 Although the desertion spoken of in (1 Corinthians 7:12-15) is speaking of a non-Christian deserting their Christian spouse (due to the fact that they do not want to be married to a Christian,) desertion is even more than that. Desertion not only occurs when one physically leaves their spouse, but in all actuality, it also occurs when one will have absolutely nothing to do with their spouse; though still present. Desertion also occurs when one so abuses their spouse, either physically or mentally, making it impossible, or even dangerous, to live with them. In Old Testament times, Moses permitted divorce and re-marriage due to the hardness of man's heart (sin.)4 In our age, if we find ourselves divorced, and we desire to re-marry, then we can do so; it's permitted. The Bible says this: : "Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But even if you do marry, you have not sinned..."5 In all fairness, there are those who believe that "loosed from a wife" should be interpreted as not married, or single. Others believe however that "loosed from a wife" is speaking of divorce; to be loosed means that you were "bound," or married, at one time or another. When we find ourselves in a situation such as described above, what we need to do is truly repent of our part in the failure of our marriage, seek God's forgiveness, and move forward in life. Draw close to the Lord and He will draw close to you.
Bible References: 1 (Matthew 19:8) 2 (Matthew 19:9) 3 (1 Corinthians 7:12-15) 4 (Matthew 19:8) 5 (1 Corinthians 7:27-28, New King James Version of the Bible)
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