Expert: Rev Philip Dacre - 1/25/2007

Question
Thank you for your reply, but it still doesn't answer my question.  I want to know where it is written in the Word for people to remarry while their spouse is yet alive (divorced).  The following scriptures all tell me that remarriage is prohibited and caused those who remarry while the divorced spouses are yet alive are guilty of committing adultery.  Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2,3; 1 Corinthian. 7:10, 11, 13, 14, 39.  Finally, as a result to committing adultery, there is Rev.2:22

At this point I am not looking for anyones's personal opinion or private interpretation, I am looking for scripture that tells people it is okay to remarry after divorce while the divorcee is yet alive.

Thank you
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I just read Matthew 19:3-12, and my understanding is that the Pharisees ask Jesus is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.  According to the response that Jesus gave them, it is only lawful for a man to divorce his wife for committing adultery.  The Pharisees state that if that is the only reason that a man can divorce his wife, then it is not good to marry.  Then, Jesus explains to them that if they cannot find in their hearts to forgive their wives for cheating on them that they should divorce her and go on to live their lives as a eunuchs (without having sex at all).  Now, this passage clearly states that it is wrong to remarry.    
Matthew 5:32 states that anyone who marries a divorced woman is committing adultery.
Where does it state that it is okay to remarry when the divorced wife is still alive.
-----Answer-----
Dear Beverly,


Jesus was pointing out the seriousness of the marriage union in this dissertation. His purpose was to make it a grave vow against the back drop of the Pharisees shallow approach and trivial approach to the marriage vows.

So He is stressing that just to divorce for any purpose is wrong and under these circumstances a man should not re marry as he would be committing adultery etc etc.  Making the situation a grave  and serious one.

But concerning proper divorce, it is recognized as being divorce. This means that person is once again single and free to marry. Like annulment on the grounds on no sexual contact. It recognizes the right to re marry.

Concerning adultery as the level of seriousness where divorce is allowable, once again Jesus making it a serious issue not to be trivialized. For divorce to take place the relationship should be at the "committing adultery" level.

In the Old Testament God divorced Israel from time to time for a whole generation (70 years) So God also believed in divorce. It is just the conditions for divorce that are usually the issue. But divorce means that a person is no longer married. Is single and therefore free to marry having the same needs as he/she had when they were previously single.

They therefore have the right to marry.

Hope this helps


God bless

Answer
Dear Beverly,

Actually there are many issues not mentioned directly in the bible. But the principles of all issues are covered. For instance drug abuse and speeding in your car. Neither of these issues are mentioned directly in the bible. The need to get married in a church or the necessity for baby dedications . We do these things because of various principles of honoring God. And follow His values and so with this issue the issue revolves around the definition of the word "DIVORCE"

Does God recognize divorce and what does divorce mean. The ordinary meaning is that you are no longer married. If being no longer married then you are single. If single then you have needs that single people have.

This is the issue. And to resolve it we have to use the nature of God to be our guide. "Those who are led by the Spirit these are the sons of God" Romans 8:14

Now for single people it is not a sin to marry. And so this is also stated in Corinthians. So if a divorced person is now single, then they are free to marry again.

Hope we shed more light on this issue.

God bless