Biblical Answer

Is remarriage after divorce a sin?

The question of whether remarriage after divorce is a sin is a complex one that has been debated by theologians and pastors for centuries. While some have taken a strict view, others have allowed for remarriage in certain circumstances. However, Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage in Matthew 19:1-12 and Mark 10:1-12 makes it clear that He did not intend for remarriage after divorce to be a simple matter. Jesus acknowledged that divorce was inevitable in marriages between two sinners, but He established some restrictive parameters for remarriage. He stated that anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and anyone who marries a woman who has been divorced commits adultery (Matthew 19:9). This teaching is consistent with Paul's affirmation in Romans 7:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 that remarriage after the death of one's partner is permitted, but not after divorce.

The reason Jesus was so strict on this issue is because He saw marriage as a lifelong commitment that reflects God's own relationship with His people. When a man and woman enter into marriage, they become one flesh, and their union is considered to be the will of God. Breaking this union through divorce and remarriage is therefore considered sinful, as it undermines the integrity of the marriage covenant. In fact, Jesus taught that divorce and remarriage is equivalent to adultery, because it involves substituting a new sexual union for the original, indissoluble union that God created. This teaching is reinforced by Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 7:39 that a widow or a divorced person is free to remarry, but only if her former husband is dead.

In conclusion, based on Jesus' teaching and Paul's affirmation, remarriage after divorce is generally considered to be a sin. While some have allowed for remarriage in certain circumstances, such as adultery or desertion, the strict parameters for remarriage established by Jesus make it clear that divorce and remarriage is not a simple matter. Rather, it is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and discernment. As Christians, we must seek to understand and apply Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage in a way that honors God's will and reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of the importance of marriage as a lifelong commitment and the consequences of divorce and remarriage.