The topic of remarriage after divorce is one of the most debated issues within our community as well as other Christian communities. While some argue that remarriage is never permissible, others recognise biblical allowances for it under specific circumstances. To understand God's intent, we must consider the full scriptural context, ensuring that our interpretation aligns with the broader biblical message. This is the third article in this series.
Is Remarriage a Sin?
A key question is whether remarriage constitutes an ongoing state of sin. Some believe that any remarriage after divorce results in perpetual adultery, but this view does not align with a complete biblical understanding.
"Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. 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's statement confirms that remarriage is not inherently sinful. The circumstances surrounding the divorce, and particularly intent, determine whether remarriage is permissible.
Old Testament Context
The Old Testament provides examples of divorce and remarriage being regulated rather than outright condemned. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 assumes remarriage as an established practice and legislates protections for women.
"When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house, and if she goes and becomes another man's wife..." (Deuteronomy 24:1-2)
God did not prohibit remarriage; instead, He placed regulations on it to prevent mistreatment.
New Testament Clarifications
Jesus' words on remarriage must be interpreted in context:
"Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." (Matthew 19:9)
Jesus condemns divorce for trivial reasons but acknowledges that sexual immorality (porneia) is grounds for a legitimate divorce and remarriage.
Furthermore, Paul reinforces that remarriage after a legitimate divorce is not a sin:
"If the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace." (1 Corinthians 7:15)
Paul’s teaching suggests that the believer is no longer bound to the marriage, which implies remarriage is permissible.
Common Misconceptions About Remarriage
Some believe that remarriage always constitutes ongoing adultery, but this is not supported by Scripture. Romans 7:3 states:
"Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive."
However, the phrase "will be called" refers to social perception rather than divine judgment. Jesus did not command those in second marriages to separate; instead, He focused on faithfulness in their current commitments. Indeed, this is one problem that is mitigated by divorce.
Judging in the Matter
We have no power to categorically discern people’s intentions, as final judgment belongs to Christ (1 Corinthians 4:5, Romans 2:6, 1 Timothy 5:24), and believers should not be forced to disclose painful and shameful details to justify a divorce.
There may be no grounds for ecclesial discipline over divorce in most cases. Being evidently unable to live with his wife in an understanding way and not meeting Paul’s criteria in 1 Timothy and Titus that elders should be the husband of one wife, however, do make separated, divorced and remarried divorced people disqualified for ecclesial office.
Conclusion
Remarriage is not universally forbidden, but the conditions of divorce of the previous marriage impact its legitimacy. A faithful approach requires a balanced reading of Scripture, considering both God's ideal for marriage and His provisions for human failure.
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