Dictionary of Bible Themes Jesus Christ challenged the liberal approach to divorce taken by some rabbis of his day, and upheld the idea of marriage as a lifelong commitment. Remarriage after divorce is generally classed as adultery and, where possible, divorced parties should seek reconciliation. There are circumstances, however, where remarriage is permissible. Matthew 19:3The liberal attitude to divorce See also Deuteronomy 21:14; 24:1Matthew 19:4-6 The undesirability of divorce God's plan for marriage See also Genesis 1:27; 2:24pp Mk 10:6-9 Malachi 2:15Ephesians 5:31 Matthew 19:8 Divorce is permitted because of human sinfulness 1 Corinthians 7:10pp Mk 10:5 Christians should not seek divorce See also 1 Corinthians 7:12-14This command, echoing Jesus Christ's words, applies where both parties are believers. 1 Corinthians 7:11Remarriage after divorce See also Believers should seek reconciliation Deuteronomy 24:2-4Luke 16:18 Marriage to another after divorce prevents reconciliation. Remarriage after divorce is classed as adultery See also pp Mk 10:11-12 Romans 7:2-3This is a general rule, though there may be exceptions (see below). 1 Corinthians 7:391 Corinthians 7:27-28 Remarriage may be permissible Matthew 19:9"unmarried" means literally "freed from a wife" and thus may be applied to those widowed or properly divorced. It is no sin for them to (re)marry. 1 Corinthians 7:15Possible grounds for divorce and remarriage See also Jeremiah 3:8Matthew 1:18-19; 5:32 See also God divorced Israel because of her adultery 6242 adultery6658 freedom 6720 redemption |
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