Introduction
Having established that marriage is intended to be lifelong but that divorce is sometimes necessary, we now turn to the question of remarriage. This issue has been widely debated, with some arguing that remarriage is always adultery and others recognising biblical allowances for it. This article explores Jesus' teaching and broader scriptural principles on remarriage.
Jesus' Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage
Jesus' words in Matthew 5:32, 19:9, Mark 10:11-12, and Luke 16:18 are central to this discussion:
"Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." (Matthew 19:9)
Jesus reaffirms that marriage should not be ended lightly. However, the "exceptive clause" allows for remarriage in cases of sexual immorality (porneia).
The Role of Intent in Divorce
A critical factor is intent. If divorce is pursued to facilitate remarriage, it constitutes adulterous intent. However, if divorce was legitimate, remarriage is not condemned:
"Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned." (1 Corinthians 7:27-28)
Paul affirms that remarriage itself is not inherently sinful.
Addressing the Issue of Abuse
Some argue that Jesus' words prohibit remarriage unless divorce was due to sexual immorality. However, this interpretation overlooks broader biblical principles of justice, mercy, and protection for the vulnerable.
The Bible unequivocally condemns abuse:
"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." (Colossians 3:19)
"The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence." (Psalm 11:5)
Abuse violates the marriage covenant just as much as sexual immorality. A spouse forced to flee an abusive marriage is not breaking the covenant—the abusive partner already has.
There is no sense in which any of the teaching of our Lord allows us to take a narrow or strictly legalistic view of a subject including this one. For instance, his teaching equates looking on a woman to lust after her as adultery. It follows that gross violations of the marriage covenant including by abuse, can justifiably lead one party to the covenant to consider the covenant irreparably broken.
Does Remarriage Mean Ongoing Adultery?
Some claim remarriage after divorce results in "ongoing adultery." However, Scripture does not support this idea.
"If a woman marries another while her husband is alive, she shall be called an adulteress." (Romans 7:3)
The phrase "shall be called" refers to social perception, not divine judgment. If ongoing adultery were a real concept, it would have applied to David and Bathsheba—yet God forgave David and blessed their union.
Conclusion
Remarriage is permissible when divorce has occurred for legitimate reasons, including sexual immorality, abandonment, or abuse. It is not an ongoing state of sin, nor does it prohibit someone from living a faithful Christian life.
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