Remarriage and divorce are among the most controversial topics to teach or preach to a congregation. One can easily misinterpret text from the scripture, which may confuse followers of the Word. Different churches and their leaders have come out with contradictory messages based on the topic, which leaves us questioning, will God bless a second marriage?
There is no definite answer to this, as different verses in the Bible strongly suggest God’s stand against remarriage. However, there are exceptions to when He allows for second marriage and divorce as is in the scripture, for instance, in cases of sexual immorality. Therefore, we must analyze the case to confirm whether a second remarriage is right before God.
There needs to be more clarity surrounding this topic. Scholars and teachers of the Word have yet to agree. It is essential to go into further reading to understand the scripture. The article tries to unravel what the Bible says about second marriage, whether it is a continuous sin and finding out which circumstances allow for a second marriage.
What does the Bible say about second marriage?
In God’s eyes, marriage is a holy union that should be guarded and honored; what He brings together, no man should separate. Mathew 19:6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man asunder. Therefore, we should honor the institution of marriage and seek separation in situations He has allowed.
There are a lot of teachings on the second marriage, as highlighted in the Bible. In certain verses of the Bible, God teaches that a second marriage is adulterous. If a man divorces and marries another, he will have committed adultery; if the roles are reversed, the woman will be adulterous.
Mathew 5:32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Mark 10: 11-12 And he said to them, “whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.
In other words, the Bible implies that a second marriage is not right, as a comparison to adultery demeans the act. We abide by the Ten Commandments, which state, do not commit adultery. As the Bible says, whatever God brings together should not be separated in the scripture. Therefore, according to these scriptures, divorce and remarriage go against this teaching.
In one of his teachings, John Piper, a scholar, has his views on remarriage. According to him, marriage can only be ended by God. Therefore, in his understanding, you should remain in that union if you are married. He points out a scenario where one enters a second marriage; according to him, if you find out you entered wrongfully, ask for forgiveness and repent to God but do not fall back on your words a second time.
Is marriage after divorce a continuous sin in the eyes of God?
God instituted marriage to be a lifelong union. Anyone who dares to come in between the union will have done wrong in God’s eyes. When you marry someone, you are in it for the long haul; if you decide to separate, the scripture guides us on what grounds it agrees.
Some scriptures in the Bible highlight what remarrying after divorce means. In verses Mark 10: 11-12, Mathew 5:32, 19:9, God speaks on how remarrying after divorce looks. If one divorces another without the reason of unchastity, they will have committed adultery.
Based on the scripture, you are remarrying after divorce is sinful. The comparison to adultery shows the extent of wrongdoing. Instead, the Bible teaches better forms of resolving conflict without seeking a divorce. One of the most mentioned ways is forgiveness. Forgiveness in marriage is an important aspect.
Mark 11:25-26 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; your Father in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Under what circumstances does God allow people to have a second marriage?
There are people highlighted in the Bible who remarried after their spouses’ death. Which brings us to discuss which circumstances does God allow a second marriage? Following scriptures in the Bible, there are only instances of divorce and remarrying.
Second marriages are challenging to handle. Most of these unions bring about blended families requiring enough grace to commit to. As a follower of the Word, it’s important to understand the teachings on when it agrees with a second marriage before getting into one.
1 Corinthians 7: 39-40 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If the husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I have the Spirit of God.
In the above verse, the scripture allows for a second marriage in a situation where the spouse dies. However, it further teaches that God finds it better when the widow remains as she is without seeking a second marriage. There are participants in the Bible who remarried, given their spouses passed away; Bo’az and Abraham.
Genesis 25:1 Abraham took another wife, whose name was Ketu’rah.
Ruth 4:13 So Bo’az took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went into her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.
As stated in Mathew 5:32, God allows for divorce when the spouse is unchaste. If they engage in sexual immorality, the other spouse is of liberty to seek separation. Sexual immorality refers to incest, homosexuality, and bestiality.
1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbelieving partner desires to separate, let it be so; in such a case, the brother or sister is not bound. For God has called us to peace. In this other verse, God highlights another instance that allows for divorce. It means if a non-believer marries a believer, they can seek separation if they feel so.
What Bible verses teach Christians about divorce and remarriage?
Malachi 2:16 For I hate divorce says the Lord the God of Israel, and covering one’s garment with violence, says the LordLord of hosts. So take heed to yourselves and do not be faithless. The verse is straightforward and outlines God’s stand on the issue. God hates divorce as it goes against the sole covenant, given the repercussions it brings to the family.
Mathew 19:9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another, commits adultery. Mathew 5:32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. In the two verses, Christ teaches followers of the Word that divorce is a leeway into sinning the purpose of marriage.
In this verse, if one divorces their partner for another due to other reasons, they will have committed adultery. Mark 10:11-12 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
Luke 16:18 Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 To the married I give charge, not I but the Lord, that the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, let her remain single or else be reconciled to her husband) – and that husband should not divorce his wife. Here, Paul says that a woman who splits from her husband on sinful grounds should remain single or reconcile with her husband.
References
Does the Bible say anything about making a second marriage a success?
Remarriage After Divorce – Is it adultery?
Is divorce and remarriage considered a “continuous” sun?
Divorce & Remarriage: A Position Paper
What the Bible Teaches about Divorce and Remarriage
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
