Divorce and Remarriage: A Biblical Perspective for Today’s Church
Divorce and remarriage are topics that often stir heated discussions in Christian circles. As society increasingly embraces a permissive attitude toward marital dissolution, it’s crucial for the Church to uphold the sanctity of marriage as defined in Scripture. Jesus’ teachings provide a clear framework for understanding God’s design for marriage, and they challenge the modern cultural narrative that views marriage as disposable.
In Luke 16:18, Jesus states, “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.” This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the marriage covenant. While the world may offer a variety of justifications for divorce, the Bible presents a high standard for marital commitment.
The Historical Context of Divorce in the Bible
To fully grasp the biblical stance on divorce and remarriage, we must consider the historical context in which Jesus spoke. During His ministry, the Pharisees had distorted the Mosaic Law, creating a culture where divorce was permissible for trivial reasons. They based their arguments on Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which they misinterpreted to justify easy divorce.
Two prominent rabbinical schools, the School of Shammai and the School of Hillel, had differing views on divorce. The School of Shammai held a strict interpretation, allowing divorce only in cases of sexual immorality. In contrast, the School of Hillel adopted a more lenient stance, permitting divorce for almost any reason, including minor grievances like a burnt meal or a change in appearance. This debate set the stage for the Pharisees’ inquiry to Jesus in Matthew 19:3, where they sought to entrap Him in a legalistic argument.
Jesus’ Response: The Divine Design for Marriage
In response to the Pharisees, Jesus reaffirmed God’s original design for marriage as a sacred covenant. He referenced Genesis 2:24, stating, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This divine institution reflects God’s commitment to His people, emphasizing the permanence of marriage.
While Jesus acknowledged that divorce is permitted in certain circumstances, He clarified that it should never be taken lightly. The biblical allowances for divorce are rooted in the seriousness of marital unfaithfulness and abandonment.
Biblical Grounds for Divorce
The Bible outlines specific grounds for divorce: sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus provides the exception clause, stating, “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” The term “sexual immorality” (porneia) encompasses various forms of unfaithfulness, including adultery.
The Apostle Paul adds another dimension in 1 Corinthians 7:15, where he addresses the situation of a believer whose unbelieving spouse chooses to leave. In such cases, Paul asserts that the believer is not bound to the marriage, allowing for the possibility of remarriage. This provision serves as a safeguard against abuse and abandonment, emphasizing God’s desire for peace and wholeness in relationships.
Remarriage: A Case-by-Case Consideration
The question of remarriage after divorce is often contentious. The Church must approach this issue with grace and discernment. While the innocent party in a divorce due to sexual immorality or abandonment is free to remarry, each situation should be evaluated individually through the lens of Scripture.
Reformed theologians, such as Theodore Beza and William Perkins, have affirmed that the innocent party has the right to remarry. They emphasize that when the bond of marriage is broken due to unfaithfulness or desertion, the innocent partner is not bound to remain single indefinitely.
Supporting Marriages in the Church
As the Church, we have a responsibility to uphold the sanctity of marriage while extending grace to those who have experienced its challenges. Here are some practical steps for churches to take:
-
Premarital Counseling: Engaging couples in premarital counseling can help prepare them for the commitments of marriage and prevent hasty decisions.
-
Church Discipline: Addressing unbiblical divorces and promoting accountability within the church community is essential for maintaining the integrity of marriage.
-
Encouraging Reconciliation: The Church should always counsel couples to seek reconciliation when conflicts arise, fostering a culture of forgiveness and understanding.
-
Ongoing Support: Providing pastoral care and support for married couples can strengthen their relationships and help them navigate challenges together.
Grace for the Divorced
For those who have divorced, whether sinfully or not, the Gospel offers hope and redemption. No sin is beyond the reach of Christ’s forgiveness. As 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” The Church should not brand divorced individuals as second-class members; instead, we must extend grace and support, encouraging them to embrace God’s forgiveness and restoration.
Ultimately, marriage is a divine covenant that reflects Christ’s love for His Church. While divorce is permitted in specific circumstances, it should never be taken lightly. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His faithfulness and love in our marriages, striving for unity and commitment for the glory of God.
For further reading on the biblical perspective of marriage and divorce, consider exploring resources from Focus on the Family and The Gospel Coalition.