Topical Bible: Remarriage

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Definition and Context:
Remarriage refers to the act of marrying again after being divorced or widowed. In the context of Christian theology and biblical teachings, remarriage is a topic that has been discussed and debated extensively, particularly concerning its permissibility and the conditions under which it may occur.

Biblical References and Teachings:
The Bible addresses the topic of remarriage primarily in the context of divorce and widowhood. Key passages provide guidance on the circumstances under which remarriage is considered acceptable.

1. Remarriage After Widowhood:
The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, provides guidance for widows. He 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" (1 Corinthians 7:39). This passage indicates that remarriage is permissible for widows, provided that the new marriage is with a fellow believer.

2. Remarriage After Divorce:
The teachings of Jesus on divorce and remarriage are found in the Gospels. 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 where the divorce was due to sexual immorality.

Similarly, in Mark 10:11-12, Jesus states, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery" . This underscores the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce and remarriage.

3. Paul’s Instructions on Marriage and Divorce:
In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul advises, "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" . This passage emphasizes reconciliation and remaining unmarried if separation occurs, highlighting the permanence of the marriage covenant.

Theological Considerations:
The biblical perspective on remarriage is deeply rooted in the understanding of marriage as a covenantal relationship ordained by God. The teachings of Jesus and Paul reflect a high view of marriage, emphasizing its indissolubility except under specific circumstances. The allowance for remarriage in cases of widowhood and sexual immorality reflects a balance between upholding the sanctity of marriage and recognizing human frailty and the complexities of life.

Pastoral Implications:
Church leaders and pastors often navigate the sensitive issue of remarriage with care, seeking to uphold biblical teachings while offering grace and support to individuals facing the challenges of divorce and remarriage. The church's role is to provide guidance, counsel, and support to those considering remarriage, ensuring that decisions align with scriptural principles and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:
While the Bible provides specific guidelines on remarriage, the application of these teachings requires wisdom, compassion, and discernment. The church is called to uphold the sanctity of marriage while ministering to those who have experienced the pain of divorce or the loss of a spouse.

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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Matthew 5:31-32
It has been said, Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce:
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Mark 10:2-12
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
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Matthew 19:3-9
The Pharisees also came to him, tempting him, and saying to him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
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Library

Beyond Cincinnati
... Even when it comes to the canon in regard to remarriage of divorced persons, when
I find in my conscience, standing before God in the presence of Christ, as I ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/beyond cincinnati.htm

Reasons which Led to the Writing of this Second Book.
... divorce, or by the decease of the husband, have not only thrown away the opportunity
of attaining so great a good, but not even in their remarriage have chosen ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter i reasons which led to.htm

The Doctrinal Standards of the Russo-Greek Church.
... disavowed Tikhon's anti-Soviet deliverances, endorsed the separation of Church and
State, and granted to widowed and divorced priests the right of remarriage. ...
/.../ 19 the doctrinal standards.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... to be regretted that in many Protestant countries the civil authorities have
practically set aside this law of Christ by allowing divorce and remarriage for ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
Early Christian Fathers. <. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... in both passages. But the teaching of the Church regarding remarriage after
divorce was as Tertullian here speaks. The reference ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm