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Biblical Context and Teachings

The topic of marrying a divorced person is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, reflecting the importance of marriage as a covenantal relationship. The teachings on this subject are primarily found in the Gospels and the Epistles, where Jesus and the Apostle Paul provide guidance on marriage, divorce, and remarriage.

Old Testament Background

The Old Testament law provided regulations concerning divorce, as seen inDeuteronomy 24:1-4. This passage outlines the conditions under which a man could write a certificate of divorce for his wife. However, the law also prohibited a man from remarrying his former wife if she had married another man in the interim. This regulation underscores the seriousness with which marriage vows were regarded.

Teachings of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage in the Gospels. InMatthew 5:31-32, Jesus states, "It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery." Here, Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and restricts the grounds for divorce to sexual immorality, thereby limiting the circumstances under which remarriage is permissible.

Similarly, inMatthew 19:3-9, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about the legality of divorce for any reason. He refers back to the creation narrative, affirming that marriage is a divine institution: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6). Jesus reiterates that divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, leads to adultery upon remarriage.

Pauline Epistles

The Apostle Paul also addresses marriage and divorce in his letters. In1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul advises married couples to remain together, stating, "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." Paul emphasizes reconciliation and the permanence of marriage, reflecting Jesus' teachings.

In1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul further clarifies the conditions under which remarriage is permissible: "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, but only in the Lord." This passage highlights the lifelong commitment of marriage and the freedom to remarry only upon the death of a spouse.

Theological Considerations

The biblical teachings on marrying a divorced person reflect the high value placed on the marriage covenant. Marriage is seen as a sacred bond instituted by God, intended to be lifelong and exclusive. The restrictions on divorce and remarriage serve to protect the integrity of this covenant and to uphold the moral and spiritual principles underlying the marital relationship.

The allowance for divorce in cases of sexual immorality, as mentioned by Jesus, acknowledges the devastating impact of such breaches on the marital bond. However, the overall biblical narrative encourages forgiveness, reconciliation, and the restoration of relationships wherever possible.

Pastoral Implications

In pastoral care, the issue of marrying a divorced person requires sensitivity and discernment. Church leaders are often called upon to provide guidance to individuals navigating complex marital situations. The biblical principles of love, grace, and truth should guide such counsel, with an emphasis on upholding the sanctity of marriage while offering compassion and support to those affected by divorce.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 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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Whether it was Lawful for aDivorced Wife to have Another Husband?
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Chapter xvi.
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On Matrimony
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Whether the Husband, Being Converted to the Faith, May Remain with...
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Further Remarks Upon St. Paul's Teaching.
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Post-Nicene Mothers
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Of Matrimony.
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Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members...
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Rom. vi. 19
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Disestablishment
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