What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
God hates divorce and it is never a good thing for those involved. It is a concession to man’s sin that violates God’s original intention for the intimate unity and permanence of marriage.
The New Testament only authorizes divorce for sexual immorality and when all other means have been exhausted to bring the sinning spouse to repentance.
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
Marriage is a sacred union between two people, and divorce is a serious matter. The Bible has a lot to say about divorce, and it can be confusing to know what it all means. In this blog post, we will take a look at what the Bible says about divorce, and we will try to answer some of the most common questions that Christians have about this topic.
The Bible’s teaching on divorce is clear: it is not God’s will for marriages to end in divorce. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This passage teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and that it should not be broken except in cases of extreme circumstances.
There are a few exceptions to the Bible’s teaching on divorce. In Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, Jesus says that divorce is permissible in cases of sexual immorality. This means that if one spouse commits adultery, the other spouse is not bound to remain in the marriage. However, it is important to note that Jesus does not say that divorce is required in cases of sexual immorality. Instead, he says that it is permissible. This means that even in cases of sexual immorality, it is still possible for a couple to reconcile and remain married.
Divorce Adultery Bible
The Bible is clear that God hates divorce. This is because it is always an unfaithfulness to the solemn marriage covenant that two partners have entered into before Him. It also brings serious consequences to those who are left behind (Malachi 2:16). Nevertheless, God realizes that marriage involves two sinful human beings, and He knows that some marriages will end in divorce. That is why He instituted some laws in the Old Testament to eliminate easy divorce and to establish serious consequences. These include Deut 24:1-4 and Hosea 2:4.
However, the New Testament is a bit more ambiguous about the issue of divorce and adultery. The most controversial passage is Matthew 5:32, where Jesus says that “whoever puts away his wife and marries another commits adultery.” There are several ways to interpret this verse. One way is to argue that the word “adultery” in the passage means sex with someone other than your spouse. This is the traditional understanding of the passage. However, other scholars point out that the Greek word porneia can mean any kind of sexual immorality, including fornication and prostitution.
Another way to interpret this passage is to argue that the only grounds for divorce in the New Testament are sexual sin or desertion by an unbeliever. This is the view that most evangelicals hold. It is important to note, however, that the passage in question is a teaching text, and not a legal document or a commandment.
Still others argue that the Bible only allows divorce as a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted. This position is supported by 1 Corinthians 7:11. In this passage, the apostle Paul states that a Christian who has been married for some time should try to reconcile his or her marriage before seeking a divorce. If that fails, the believer may seek a divorce only after all reasonable efforts have been made to bring the sinning partner to repentance.
Finally, some scholars have argued that the New Testament is consistent in its prohibition against divorce and remarriage for any reason. They point out that Luke and Mark’s Gospels do not mention the adultery exception that Matthew does. Therefore, to accept the adultery exception is to argue that Jesus taught one thing to the Jewish audience of Matthew’s Gospel and another to the Gentile audience of Mark and Luke’s Gospel.
Bible Say About Remarriage After Divorce
The teachings of Scripture on marriage and divorce are often unpopular in the western world, but that doesn’t make them any less true or authoritative for disciples of Jesus. Jesus rejected the Pharisees’ interpretation of Moses and taught that remarriage after divorce was adultery. This is clear from Luke 16:18 which states that anyone who divorces his wife and then remarries commits adultery.
The Bible teaches that a person should not seek to divorce on any other grounds except for adultery, desertion and a spouse’s death. This is primarily because the Bible recognizes that God instituted marriage as an inviolable bond. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that a Christian should be willing to remain single for the sake of salvation rather than seek a divorce or remarry on non-biblical grounds.
For example, the Bible teaches that a woman who is married to an abusive man should not seek a divorce on biblical grounds. The Bible is also clear that a husband who has committed sexual immorality toward his wife is not permitted to remarry her. This is because sexual relations are an integral part of the marriage bond and a husband who breaks that bond by engaging in immoral acts is not honoring his wife or his God.
In addition, the Bible teaches that a husband should not divorce his wife on the basis of financial hardship or because of his military service. In these cases a husband is essentially reducing his wife to a slave and not treating her with the dignity that a man should give to a woman in a marriage relationship.
In Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, Jesus says that anyone who divorces their spouse and marries someone else commits adultery. This means that remarriage after divorce is not an option for Christians.
However, it is important to note that Jesus’ words about remarriage were spoken to a specific audience: his disciples. The disciples were Jewish, and in Jewish law, remarriage after divorce was allowed. Jesus was not saying that remarriage is always wrong; he was simply saying that it was not an option for his disciples.
Today, Christians are not bound by Jewish law. This means that Christians who have been divorced are not necessarily prohibited from remarrying. However, it is important to remember that Jesus’ words about remarriage should still be taken seriously. Remarriage is a serious decision, and it should not be taken lightly.
The Bible also teaches that any Christian who divorces on non-biblical grounds should remain single until his or her former spouse remarries, becomes an unbeliever or dies. However, if a divorced believer has repented of their sinful divorce and is unable to reconcile with their former spouse because that spouse has remarried or is an unbeliever, then the biblical rule is that they may remarry another Christian (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). This demonstrates the importance of seeking reconciliation before divorce whenever possible.
Scriptural Teachings about Divorce
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant. It is a bond that involves two people who become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Treating your spouse badly is wrong because it can cause pain and suffering to both of you. It can also damage any children you may have together. In the Bible, if someone treats their spouse badly and they cannot resolve their differences, then they can seek divorce on biblical grounds.
There are many reasons that people seek divorce today. Some of these reasons include financial problems, incompatibility, and a lack of commitment to the marriage. It is important to remember that God hates divorce because it is a concession to man’s sin. Christians should also hate divorce and should only pursue it in extreme circumstances.
Jesus taught that there were only two exceptions to Moses’ law on divorce: adultery and sexual immorality. Many interpreters believe that “sexual immorality” refers to marital unfaithfulness during the betrothal period. In Jewish custom, a person was considered married during this time and could not be demoted to slave status without breaking the bond. This means that a Christian who was previously divorced for reasons other than sexual immorality could remarry another believer unless the former spouse remarries or proves to be an unbeliever.
In addition to adultery and sexual immorality, the Bible teaches that a Christian can get a divorce if their unbelieving mate deserts them (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). This is a very harsh condition because it could involve leaving your children with a stranger, which can be devastating. In this case, you should pray that your mate will repent and return to the Lord.
Despite these exceptions, the Bible also teaches that divorce is never justified for non-sexual reasons. For example, a couple cannot get a divorce if they disagree on how to raise their children or because of a disagreement about finances. In this case, you should consider seeking counseling from a spiritual mentor to help you solve your issues. It is important to remember that God wants reconciliation in these situations, so He should be given the chance to heal your marriage if possible.
Divorce in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the word divorce is found several times. Two passages in particular are the subject of much controversy: Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. The phrase “except on the grounds of sexual immorality” is often interpreted as giving God’s blessing for divorce and remarriage. However, the context of these passages is not clear. It is possible that Jesus meant sexual immorality during the betrothal period, which was part of Jewish law at the time. It is also possible that he meant adultery, fornication, or any other type of sexual sin.
Other possible reasons for divorce include desertion and spiritual incompatibility. For example, if a Christian believes that his or her spouse is an unbeliever, it may be necessary to end the marriage. The Bible teaches that believers should not be under bondage to unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Another possible reason for divorce is if one of the partners is unable to fulfill the role of the husband or wife in the marriage. For example, if a man is physically incapable of fathering children or a woman is unable to bear them, it may be necessary to divorce (Romans 8:3-4).
There are other reasons that could warrant a divorce, but they must be weighed carefully. For instance, a man or woman who is abusive should not be able to continue in the marriage. It would be unfair to the child and dangerous to the spouse. This is why it is important that church leaders help single Christians who have been divorced to understand the biblical teaching on divorce.
It is crucial that a Christian who is divorced does not attempt to remarry until he or she has reformed the areas that led to the separation. He or she should also be sure that he or she has fully repented of the sins that resulted in the divorce. In addition, the church should provide support to divorced believers in the form of counseling and remarriage help. It is also important that the pastor and other members of the church do not discriminate against divorced believers.
What Should Christians Do If They Are Considering Divorce?
If you are a Christian who is considering divorce, there are a few things you should do. First, you should pray and seek God’s guidance. Ask him to show you what he wants you to do. Second, you should talk to your pastor or another trusted Christian leader. They can help you to understand the Bible’s teaching on divorce and to make a decision that is right for you.
Finally, you should remember that divorce is a difficult and painful process. It is important to be patient with yourself and with your spouse. If you decide to divorce, it is important to do everything you can to protect your children and to maintain a relationship with your spouse.
Divorce is a difficult and painful experience. The Bible has a lot to say about divorce, and it can be confusing to know what it all means. In this blog post, we have taken a look at what the Bible says about divorce, and we have tried to answer some of the most common questions that Christians have about this topic.
If you are a Christian who is considering divorce, there are a few things you should do. First, you should pray and seek God’s guidance. Ask him to show you what he wants you to do. Second, you should talk to your pastor or another trusted Christian leader. They can help you to understand the Bible’s teaching on divorce and to make a decision that is right for you.
Finally, you should remember that divorce is a difficult and painful process. It is important to be patient with yourself and with your spouse. If you decide to divorce, it is important to do everything you can to protect your children and to maintain a relationship with your spouse.
Common Misconceptions about What the Bible Says About Divorce
There are many conceptions about what the Bible actually says about getting a divorce. Here are the most common ones:
- Misconception: Divorce is always a sin.
Fact: The Bible does not say that divorce is always a sin. In fact, Jesus himself said that divorce is permissible in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32, 19:9). However, Jesus also said
that divorce is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly (Matthew 19:8). - Misconception: If you get a divorce, you will be punished by God.
Fact: The Bible does not say that people who get divorced will be punished by God. In fact, Paul said that God loves everyone, even those who are divorced (Romans 5:8). However, Paul also said that sin has consequences, and that divorce can lead to pain and suffering (1 Corinthians 7:15). - Misconception: If you get a divorce, you will never be able to find happiness again.
Fact: The Bible does not say that people who get divorced will never be happy again. In fact, Paul said that God can bring good out of even the most difficult situations (Romans 8:28). If you are considering divorce, it is important to remember that God is still with you and that he can help you to find happiness again. - Misconception: If you get a divorce, you will not be able to be a good Christian.
Fact: The Bible does not say that people who get divorced cannot be good Christians. In fact, Paul said that God can use even the most difficult situations to help us grow in our faith (Romans 5:3-4). If you are considering divorce, it is important to remember that God still loves you and that he can use your situation to help you grow in your faith.
It is important to remember that the Bible is a complex book, and that there is no one answer that will fit every situation. If you are considering divorce, it is important to pray and seek God’s guidance. Talk to your pastor or another trusted Christian leader. They can help you to understand the Bible’s teaching on divorce and to make a decision that is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Bible’s Word On Divorce:
- What does the Bible say about divorce?
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred union between two people, and that it should be a lifelong commitment. However, the Bible also acknowledges that there are some situations in which divorce may be necessary, such as when one spouse commits adultery. - What are the biblical grounds for divorce?
The Bible lists two grounds for divorce: adultery and abandonment. Adultery is defined as sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. Abandonment is defined as when one spouse leaves the other spouse without any intention of returning. - What does the Bible say about remarriage after divorce?
The Bible teaches that remarriage after divorce is not ideal. However, the Bible also acknowledges that there are some situations in which remarriage may be necessary, such as when one spouse dies. - What should Christians do if they are considering divorce?
If you are a Christian who is considering divorce, there are a few things you should do. First, you should pray and seek God’s guidance. Ask him to show you what he wants you to do. Second, you should talk to your pastor or another trusted Christian leader. They can help you to understand the Bible’s teaching on divorce and to make a decision that is right for you. - What are the effects of divorce on children?
Divorce can have a significant impact on children. Children of divorced parents are more likely to experience problems with their emotional and social development. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and delinquency. - What can Christians do to help children who are going through a divorce?
There are a few things that Christians can do to help children who are going through a divorce. First, they can provide emotional support to the children. Second, they can help the children to understand what is happening and to cope with the changes in their lives. Third, they can encourage the children to maintain a relationship with both of their parents. - What are some resources for Christians who are going through a divorce?
There are a number of resources available for Christians who are going through a divorce. These resources can provide information and support to help people through this difficult time. Some of these resources include:- Books: There are a number of books available on the topic of divorce. These books can provide information and advice on how to cope with divorce.
- Websites: There are a number of websites that offer information and support for people going through a divorce. These websites can provide information on topics such as legal issues, financial matters, and emotional support.
- Support groups: There are a number of support groups available for people going through a divorce. These groups can provide a safe space for people to share their experiences and to get support from others who are going through the same thing.
- What are some things that Christians can do to prevent divorce?
There are a number of things that Christians can do to prevent divorce. These things include:- Getting married for the right reasons: People should get married because they love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together. They should not get married because they feel pressured to do so or because they think it will solve their problems.
- Communicating effectively: Communication is essential for a healthy marriage. Couples should be able to communicate openly and honestly with each other about their thoughts, feelings, and needs.
- Working through problems together: When problems arise in a marriage, couples should work together to resolve them. They should not give up on each other or on the marriage.
- Seeking help if needed: If a couple is struggling in their marriage, they should seek help from a qualified professional. A therapist can help couples to communicate better, to resolve conflict, and to build a stronger relationship.
What is the role of the church in helping people who are going through a divorce?
The church has an important role to play in helping people who are going through a divorce. The church can provide support, guidance, and hope to those who are struggling. The church can also help to rebuild relationships and to restore hope.
What is the hope for Christians who are going through a divorce?
The hope for Christians who are going through a divorce is that God will be with them through the process. God can help them to heal, to grow, and to find hope. God can also help them to rebuild their lives and to find new beginnings.
Steven Lassiter, an acclaimed divorce attorney from the heart of Texas, traces his roots back to a modest, blue-collar family from the small town of Lubbock. Born on August 12, 1980, his father was a mechanic and his mother, a dedicated teacher. The importance of perseverance and the pursuit of truth were instilled in him at an early age, shaping his character and forging his path to law.
In his youth, Steven was more interested in the works of John Grisham than games of football. His mother’s passion for education nourished his growing intellect, and his father’s work ethic gave him a strong sense of responsibility. As a result, he was an exemplary student, graduating high school as valedictorian. His stirring speech on justice and the pursuit of truth solidified his reputation as a young man of integrity.
Steven attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied pre-law. His industrious nature and keen intellect earned him an impressive academic record, and he was subsequently admitted to the university’s prestigious School of Law. His unwavering commitment to defending the rights of individuals led him to focus on family law, where he believed he could make the most impactful difference.
After passing the Texas Bar in 2005, Steven cut his teeth at a leading law firm in Dallas. Known for his empathetic approach and shrewd negotiation skills, he quickly earned a reputation as an attorney who fought with all his might for his clients. His dedication to their cause and his ability to simplify complex legalities for his clients won him the respect of both his peers and his clients.
In 2010, he took the daring step of establishing his own practice. His reputation as a formidable advocate for his clients ensured that his practice quickly gained traction. As his firm grew, so did Steven’s reputation for handling complex, high-stakes divorces with both sensitivity and firmness.
Today, Steven Lassiter is renowned as one of the best divorce attorneys in Texas. He is known for his unwavering commitment to his clients, his razor-sharp legal acumen, and his relentless pursuit of justice. A dedicated professional, he balances his time between his thriving practice and speaking engagements, sharing his expertise and experiences with aspiring lawyers across the state.
Despite his high-profile career, Steven never forgets his humble beginnings. He has always prioritized giving back to his community, participating in several pro bono programs and local charities. His commitment to fairness and justice extends beyond the courtroom, making him a respected figure not just in the legal community, but in his hometown as well.
Though his journey has had its share of hardships and late nights, Steven Lassiter, the mechanic’s son from Lubbock, wouldn’t have it any other way. His commitment to his clients, his passion for justice, and his unyielding pursuit of the truth have made him a beacon in the world of family law. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering belief in the cause of justice.
This is the life of Steven Lassiter – a devoted son, a tenacious attorney, and a beacon of hope for those navigating the stormy seas of divorce.