First of all, no matter what view one takes on the issue of divorce, it is important to remember Malachi 2:16: “I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel.” According to the Bible, marriage is a lifetime commitment. “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). God realizes, though, that, since marriages involve two sinful human beings, divorces are going to occur. In the Old Testament, He laid down some laws to protect the rights of divorcées (Deuteronomy 24:1–4). Jesus pointed out that these laws were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, not because such laws were God’s desire (Matthew 19:8).
The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage are allowed according to the Bible revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. The phrase “except for marital unfaithfulness” is the only thing in Scripture that possibly gives God’s permission for divorce and remarriage. Many interpreters understand this “exception clause” as referring to marital unfaithfulness during the betrothal period. In Jewish custom, a man and a woman were considered married even while they were still engaged or “betrothed.” According to this view, immorality during this betrothal period would be the only valid reason for a divorce.
However, the Greek word translated “marital unfaithfulness” is a word that can mean any form of sexual immorality. It can refer to fornication, prostitution, adultery, etc. Jesus is possibly saying that divorce is permissible if sexual immorality is committed. Sexual relations are an integral part of the marital bond: “the two will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31). Therefore, any breaking of that bond by sexual relations outside of marriage might be a permissible reason for divorce. If so, Jesus also has remarriage in mind in this passage. The phrase “and marries another” (Matthew 19:9) indicates that divorce and remarriage are allowed in an instance of the exception clause, whatever it is interpreted to be. It is important to note that only the innocent party is allowed to remarry. Although not stated in the text, it would seem the allowance for remarriage after divorce is God’s mercy for the one who was sinned against, not for the one who committed the sexual immorality. There may be instances where the “guilty party” is allowed to remarry, but they are not evident in this text.
Some understand 1 Corinthians 7:15 as another “exception,” allowing remarriage if an unbelieving spouse divorces a believer. However, the context does not mention remarriage but only says a believer is not bound to continue a marriage if an unbelieving spouse wants to leave. Others claim that abuse (spousal or child) is a valid reason for divorce even though it is not listed as such in the Bible. While this may very well be the case, it is never wise to presume upon the Word of God. In cases of abuse, a separation is definitely in order and should occur immediately.
Sometimes lost in the debate over the exception clause is the fact that, whatever “marital unfaithfulness” means, it is an allowance for divorce, not a requirement for it. Even when adultery is committed, a couple can, through God’s grace, learn to forgive and begin rebuilding their marriage. God has forgiven us of so much more. Surely we can follow His example and even forgive the sin of adultery (Ephesians 4:32). However, in many instances a spouse is unrepentant and continues in sexual immorality. That is where Matthew 19:9 can possibly be applied. Many also look to quickly remarry after a divorce when God might desire them to remain single. God sometimes calls people to be single so that their attention is not divided (1 Corinthians 7:32–35). Remarriage after a divorce may be an option in some circumstances, but that does not mean it is the only option.
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and that reconciliation and forgiveness should mark a believer’s life (Luke 11:4; Ephesians 4:32). However, God recognizes that divorce will occur, even among His children. A divorced and/or remarried believer should not feel any less loved by God, even if the divorce and/or remarriage is not covered under the possible exception clause of Matthew 19:9.
Thanks for distinguishing the sentiments in your post as “your own understanding”, I agree with you—in so far as you simply posted your own opinions.
But your “understandings” differ significantly with a more competent and systematic approach to Bible study. You would need to provide a complete treatment for divorce and remarriage that covers the entirety of subject matter found in scripture
Contrary to your unsound approach, Systematic Theology examines and treats all relevant biblical allusions and specific topic references as a whole or as a unit and as consistent with each other
Competent theologians do not merely pick and choose severed portions of scripture as evidence, AND they do not insert their own subjective understandings into these scripture while ignoring other equally relevant portions scripture.
This topic does come up every now and then in most Christian settings..
Ironically, it used to be a debate and theological discussion whether or not a divorced person can re-marry and under what conditions.
These days the pendulum has swung to the other extreme, and divorced people are widely supported and sympathised with.
It is with great grief that I have noticed that many people are not even sorry they are divorced - even multiple times -, but always consider 'God's grace' a sufficient excuse.
Not only that, but I have had divorced and remarried women tell me that I should not want to marry, .. while they themselves are in their third marriage
It truly is baffling to see that people consider that reasoning perfectly logical. Just last week, someone blasted me and told me I should not want to marry but to 'be content'..
I pointed out the she did not exactly follow her own advice, either... and it was really hypocritical to tell that to a single person.
The reaction from her was anger and victimhood, 'Oh you hurt my feelings!'
It really is like the case of 'mean girls' in high school. Those popular girls considered every guy there rightful territorial property, and the same attitude is seen in these 'hunter gatherer' women (or men), who try to catch as many spouses as they can.. while trying to bully singles from ever forming relationships.
It is really twisted.. I wish leaders in churches would nor blindly allow that any more.
No wonder it's so hard to find a spouse, with so little support for singles and so much for the divorced ..
Never have I dissed or looked down on those who went through that tragedy. So why is there no reciprocal courtesy and support?
