Biblical Answer

The Biblical Teaching on Divorce

The Bible teaches that divorce is not the ideal, but it is not always forbidden. In the Old Testament, Moses permitted divorce in certain circumstances (Deut. 24:1-4), but it was not the aim of the Law. Jesus taught that divorce was a provision for mans hardness of heart (Mark 10:5). The ideal of marriage is a lifelong union, and divorce should be viewed as a last resort.

The Teaching of Jesus

Jesus taught that divorce is not permissible except in the case of unchastity (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9). He confirmed that marriage is a covenant, not a casual relationship that can be discarded easily (Genesis 2:24). In Matthew 19:3-12, Jesus denied that one can divorce for any reason, and he emphasized the importance of faithfulness in marriage. The Bible teaches that divorce and remarriage is adultery, since it substitutes a new sexual union for the indissoluble union that God has created.

The Teaching of Paul

Paul affirms the main point of Jesus teaching on divorce and remarriage. He teaches that divorce is forbidden, and remarriage after divorce is not allowed. Paul warns in Romans 2 that rejecting Jesus teaching on divorce and remarriage is to risk Gods wrath and anger. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Paul deals with problems in marriage and divorce, and he indicates that Christians may accept divorce if initiated by an unbelieving spouse, but God never allows Christians to initiate divorce themselves. The Bible teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and divorce should be viewed as a last resort.