No 11

(Remarriage)

This is yet another subject that has given the Church many difficulties over time. First of all, remarriage shouldn’t even exist because the Lord had not intended it to exist at the outset of creation : “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh” (Gen 2 :24). However, the Bible gives some indication that remarriage is permitted when a spouse commits adultery : “But I say unto you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for adultery” (Matt 5 : 32); there are some who believe that remarriage is never permitted except for the death of the other spouse (Romans 7 : 3). I sincerely believe that, by far, the most pleasing circumstance for God is when spouses swallow their pride, give up their rights and restore the marriage. If this is not possible, then remarriage is an alternative. The same exception clause in Matt 5 : 32 enabling a spouse to divorce the unfaithful one, also enables the spouse to remarry, since the first marriage bond is legally broken. Needless to say that much prayerful thought must be given when remarriage is contemplated especially if the first husband or wife is living and single and restoration is still possible. Questions of compatibility among children, family customs and the fact that a stranger is now in the house are all things to be considered. In the event that a divorce occurs among Christians for reasons other than adultery, the remarriage is considered one act and not a continuing sinful state. If it is truly confessed, God will forgive it because no sin is beyond the scope of God’s forgiveness. In 1 Corinthians 7, the apostle Paul discusses the matter of an unsaved spouse living with a saved husband or wife and the consensus is that they stay together in the hope of the unsaved spouse would become a believer. Remarriage is allowed, but…….