What does the Bible say about Divorce and remarriage? Divorce and remarriage is a hot issue in many evangelical churches. What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? Can a Christian single man and woman remarry? This is a confusing issue because many Christian singles have been through a divorce. Divorce and remarriage are topics that have been debated and analyzed throughout history, but one common source that many people turn to for guidance is the Bible. The teachings of the Bible provide clear insights into both divorce and remarriage. Here, we will explore these topics from a Biblical perspective. Divorce in the Bible: A Complex Issue In the Bible, divorce is a subject that is both complex and nuanced. In the Old Testament, there were provisions for divorce, as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. However, these laws were not given as encouragement for divorce but rather to protect the rights of the parties involved, particularly women. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about divorce in several passages, including Matthew 19:3-9. His teachings emphasize the sanctity of marriage and suggest that divorce should only be considered in cases of marital unfaithfulness. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:10-15, reiterates the message that divorce should be avoided but also acknowledges that there are situations where it may become unavoidable. Key Bible Verses on Divorce: * Matthew 19:6: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” * Mark 10:9: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” * Malachi 2:16: “I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel. Remarriage After Divorce: A Biblical Perspective What are the biblical grounds for divorce anyway? Does God speak against divorce & remarriage in all circumstances? If divorce is justified in certain situations? When is dating after divorce okay? Do the rules change if you are a Christian single parent dating with kids? These are only some of the questions Christians have pertaining to this conflict. The subject of remarriage after divorce is closely related to the teachings on divorce itself. In general, the Bible emphasizes the lifelong commitment of marriage and views divorce as a last resort. However, the Bible does not universally forbid remarriage after divorce. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus says, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” This implies that remarriage is permissible in the case of marital unfaithfulness. Paul’s writings also suggest that remarriage is allowed, especially when a believer is abandoned by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15). Key Bible Verses on Remarriage: * 1 Corinthians 7:15: “But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.” * Matthew 19:9: “…except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” Cultural and Historical Context Understanding what the Bible says about divorce and remarriage requires careful consideration of the cultural and historical context in which these texts were written. Biblical teachings on marriage were given at a time when women had limited rights and were often treated as property. The protection of women was a significant concern, and the regulations surrounding divorce were intended to prevent abuse and abandonment.