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Annulment, in a biblical context, refers to the declaration that a marriage is null and void, as if it never existed. This concept is distinct from divorce, which acknowledges the existence of a marriage but dissolves it. While the term "annulment" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the principles surrounding marriage, vows, and the conditions under which they may be considered invalid can be explored through Scripture.

Biblical Foundations of Marriage

Marriage is instituted by God and is foundational to human relationships.Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This union is intended to be lifelong and exclusive, reflecting the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32).

Vows and Covenants

The Bible places significant emphasis on the sanctity of vows and covenants.Numbers 30:2 underscores the importance of keeping one's word: "When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." This principle extends to marriage vows, which are made before God and witnesses.

Grounds for Annulment

While the Bible does not explicitly address annulment, certain principles can be inferred that might justify declaring a marriage invalid. These include:

1.Fraud or Deception: If a marriage is entered into under false pretenses or significant deception, it may be considered invalid. For example, Jacob's marriage to Leah, when he intended to marry Rachel, involved deception (Genesis 29:23-25).

2.Impediments to Marriage: Certain conditions, such as close kinship or pre-existing marriage, could render a marriage invalid according to biblical law (Leviticus 18:6-18).

3.Lack of Consent: A marriage entered into without the free and informed consent of both parties may be considered invalid. The Bible emphasizes mutual consent and willingness in marriage (Genesis 24:57-58).

Divorce and Annulment Distinction

While divorce is addressed in Scripture, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, annulment is not directly mentioned. Jesus speaks against divorce except in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9), highlighting the seriousness of the marriage covenant. However, annulment, as understood today, would apply to situations where a valid marriage never existed due to the aforementioned conditions.

Church Authority and Annulment

In the absence of direct biblical references to annulment, the authority to declare a marriage null and void often rests with church leadership. The church, guided by biblical principles, may determine the validity of a marriage based on the circumstances surrounding its inception.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention annulment, the principles of truth, consent, and covenant faithfulness provide a framework for understanding when a marriage may be considered invalid. The church plays a crucial role in discerning and applying these principles in the lives of believers.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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1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God has called us to peace.
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Matthew 19:9
And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her which is put away does commit adultery.
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Matthew 19:8
He said to them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
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115. athetesis -- a setting aside
... Transliteration: athetesis Phonetic Spelling: (ath-et'-ay-sis) Short Definition:
nullification, abrogation Definition:annulment, nullification, abrogation....

630. apoluo -- to set free, release
... let go; release (discharge), dismiss. This term implies the release (annulment)
of an existing bond. 630 ("to release") is specifically...

Whether it is Necessary to Proceed by Way of Accusation for the...
... OF THE IMPEDIMENT OF AFFINITY (ELEVEN ARTICLES) Whether it is necessary to proceed
by way of accusation for theannulment of a marriage contracted by persons...

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... I showed him supported by the Church in thatannulment, by the eastern episcopate,
which attended the Council of Chalcedon, and by the eastern emperor, Marcian...

Prepositional Phrases
... amplitude of space. anachronisms of thought. anchor of moderation. angle of vision.
annulment of influence. aping of manners. apostle of culture. ardor of life....

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... 13. Why repentance attributed to God. 14. Second objection, that Scripture speaks
of anannulment of the divine decrees. Objection answered....

The First victory for Dissent
... Again, there was another aspect from which to view theannulment of the
Connecticut Intestate Law. Itsannulment would render worthless...

Seventh Tractate. Time and Eternity.
... from the time of their generation to the ultimate of time after which they cease
to be: but such an existence is compact of futurity, and theannulment of that...

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or...
... 65), but as it included all those who for any reason were opposed to the definition
of Nicaea, it fell apart on attaining theannulment of the decision of...

Summa Theologica
Summa Theologica. <. Summa Theologica Saint Thomas Aquinas. Table
of Contents. Title Page. Whether, besides philosophy, any...

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