Biblical Answer

The Bible's Teaching on Divorce

The Bible teaches that divorce is not God's original intention for marriage. In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24, saying that marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. Any practice of divorce represents a reversal of God's will. The Pharisees viewed Moses' statements in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 as a provision for divorce, but Jesus adds that this provision was made because of hard hearts. He emphasizes that God's original intent was for marriage to be a permanent union.

The Exceptions to Divorce

While the Bible teaches that divorce is not God's original intention, it does make some exceptions. In 1 Corinthians 7:15, Paul indicates that a Christian may accept a divorce initiated by an unbelieving spouse. However, even in this case, God does not allow Christians to initiate divorce themselves. The Bible teaches that divorce is a tragic and difficult option, and that people often find themselves in a no-win situation due to their initial sin.

The Consequences of Divorce

Divorce is viewed as a form of violence in Malachi 2:16, and God hates it. The Bible teaches that remarriage after divorce is not allowed, and that allowing divorce for most any reason is to hollow out the very concept of covenant and vow. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus teaches that anyone who divorces his wife and remarries commits adultery. The Bible emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, and divorce is seen as a departure from these values. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, and that divorce should only be considered in exceptional circumstances.