What The Bible Says About Remarriage
When someone remarries, it has both spiritual and legal implications. Whether in agreement with or conflict to the mandates of the Bible is debated by many, but the Bible’s teachings on marriage and divorce are clear. So, what does the Bible say about remarriage?
Permissibility of Remarriage According to Bible
The Bible speaks of remarriage in two different ways. The first is the permissibility of remarriage for divorced persons who have not committed adultery. Many Old Testament laws related to remarriage, including those involving Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25), the instruction of Christ to a woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11), and the allowance of remarrying divorcees who are not an exception for any reason (Matthew 33-16).
One of the most famous passages on remarriage is in the book of Malachi, which says: “For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Malachi 2:16). This passage doesn’t specifically say one can or cannot remarry, but the implication is that one should not separate what God has joined together. So even in the event of a divorce, one can stay in the grace of God as long as they do not marry someone else.
The second way the Bible speaks of remarriage is the condemnation of it among those who have committed adultery. According to the Bible, adultery, is grounds for divorce and a cause for remarriage. Jesus affirms this in the Gospels when he says: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12).
No Remarriage After Death
The Bible also speaks against remarriage after the death of the spouse. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul writes that if one’s partner dies, “she is free to marry whom she wishes, only in the Lord”. This is a clear indication that remarriage after the death of one’s partner is discouraged. Jesus also speaks about this in Mark 12:25, where he says that marriage no longer exists after one’s death.
In Matthew 22:28-30 Jesus further expounds on the subject and says: “In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. They will be like the angels in heaven.” This passage makes it clear that in the afterlife, marriage does not apply. It also implies that remarriage after one’s partner has passed away is not in accordance with God’s will.
The Effects Of Remarriage On Current Spouse
The Bible is clear that a person should not marry someone else while they are still married to their current spouse. It states in 1 Corinthians 7:12: “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.” This places the responsibility on the potential remarried family to reconcile their current marriages before seeking out another partner.
The Bible also admonishes people to consider the effect that remarriage has on the current spouse. In 1 Corinthians 7:15-16, Paul says: “But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” The implication is that before one decides to remarry, they should consider how it may affect their current spouse.
The Lasting Effects Of Remarriage
In addition to the spiritual implications of remarriage, the Bible also speaks to the lasting effects that it can have on the lives of those involved. In 1 Corinthians 6:17-20, Paul reminds us that we are always in the presence of God, and should be mindful of our actions. “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This passage implies that entering into another relationship while still married will bring consequences. It is a reminder that even though remarriage is potentially permissible by the Bible, there can be long-term effects on the life and spirit of those involved. Remarriage can be a difficult decision and should be entered into only after a thorough consideration of the spiritual, legal, and psychological implications.
The Impact Of Remarriage On Children
The potential remarried family should also consider the effects that remarriage might have on their children. The Bible speaks to this in Malachi 2:15-16 which states: “Then did not one God make them? Yet he seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. ‘For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel.’”
This passage shows that God cares about the children involved in a divorcing couple. It is a reminder to those considering remarriage to think about the impact that it might have on the children of the union. The Bible assures us that God has the best interests of the children at heart, and this should be an important factor in considering whether to remarry or not.
What To Keep In Mind When Considering Remarriage
The Bible is clear that remarriage can be an option, but it also carries with it certain spiritual, legal and psychological implications. When considering remarriage, one should take care to think through the potential long-term implications that it might have, as it can have lasting effects on the lives of those involved. One should also consider the impact it might have on the children of the union, as the Bible reminds us that God cares about the wellbeing of children.
Ultimately, the decision to remarry should not be taken lightly, and all aspects of the decision should be carefully weighed. Only when all the implications are considered, can a person make an informed decision about whether remarriage is the right decision for them.
Holiness And Purity In Remarriage
The Bible emphasizes holiness and purity when it comes to remarriage. According to 1 Peter 3:1-2, those who are remarrying should strive to honor God with their lives: “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
The Bible also states that remarriage should be done with mutual respect and understanding: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior” (Ephesians 5:21-23).
This passage is an admonition to couples who are remarrying to ensure that the relationship is one of mutual respect, with each partner sacrificing for the benefit of the other. It also reminds them to always strive to do what pleases God. This reminder is applicable to any marriage, whether it is a first, second, or third one.
Patience With God’s Timing
The Bible speaks clearly to the issue of timing when it comes to remarriage. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we are reminded that everything has its time, and that we should trust in the Lord’s timing. This passage reminds us that it is not up to us to decide when we will remarry, but rather to trust in the Lord’s plan. This is a reminder to those who are considering remarriage to be patient and trust in God’s timing.
The Bible also admonishes us to bring glory to God in whatever situation we face. Romans 12:12 tells us that we should “always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This passage reminds us that regardless of what our situation is, we should strive to bring glory to God and live according to His Word.
Remarriage can be a difficult decision, but it is one that should be considered carefully. Those considering remarriage should do so with an understanding of the spiritual, legal, and psychological implications that it might carry. They should also keep in mind the lasting effects it might have on the life and spirit of those involved, as well as the impact it might have on any children of the union. Ultimately, the decision to remarry should not be taken lightly, and should only be done when all other considerations have been thoroughly weighed.
