The Bible has much to say about remarriage. There are many reasons why people remarry following divorce or the death of a spouse. Some women believe that they need to be married to have sexual relations with their husbands, and some men think they have to marry again so as not to sin against God. This article will explore how biblical teachings can offer insight into an appropriate time for remarriage after a previous marriage has ended.
1) When a spouse dies, the Bible teaches that it is appropriate to remarry.
“Your brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?” (I Corinthians. vii., 15-16)
“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart…the brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.” (I Cor. vii.,15-16.)
This passage shows that even when a spouse has departed from God and separated themselves from their marriage vows by leaving without hope of reconciliation, it is still better for both parties involved to remain unmarried than to remarry outside of Christ’s instruction as given through Paul here in I Corinthians chapter 7. Remarrying the following divorce while one’s original spouse remains alive would violate this biblical principle because they are no longer “husband” nor “wife.”
2) When a spouse has committed adultery, it is appropriate to remarry.
Suppose either party in the marriage commits sexual sin or leaves their partner without hope of reconciliation due to extenuating circumstances such as abuse. In that case, that individual may choose to remarry following divorce, according to this passage from Matthew 19.
This verse does not give an explicit order on what should happen if there are children involved, but one can presume based upon other scriptures that God would want the best for those children and would want them to have a father or mother in their life if at all possible.
3) Remarriage is also an option after being widowed.
“For the woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.” (Romans 8, 2)
According to this passage from Romans chapter seven, the widow is free to remarry when her spouse dies. This verse doesn’t preclude remarriage following a divorce due to adultery or desertion on the part of a spouse though it does state that the widow is “loosed from the law of her husband.” In other words, she is no longer bound by the law or covenant of marriage to her previous husband.
4) Remarriage is also an option after being divorced.
“For the woman which hath a husband that believeth not, and if he is pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.” (I Corinthians 7: 13)
Suppose the man who was married previously has become a believer in Jesus Christ. In that case, his previous wife should remain unmarried or commit adultery, according to this passage from I Corinthians chapter seven. This scripture does not mention how many times one may have been married before becoming a Christian. Still, it explicitly states that divorcees are free to remarry following their first marriage even though they were once Christians themselves. The only exception would seem to be for those whose spouse was unfaithful when there is no longer hope reconciliation is possible.
“Whosoever putteth away his wife and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever taketh a woman that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” (Luke 16: 18) This verse states explicitly that remarriage after divorce or death of one’s spouse is acceptable and preferable to remaining unmarried in some situations, such as when there are children involved who would benefit from having both parents present in their lives if at all possible. According to this passage from II Corinthians, the Bible does say Christians should remain faithful to Christ than marrying outside of His will through marriage with unbelievers is allowed provided they can be convinced through peaceful means rather than violent ones.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians: Chapter 5: 25)
This scripture speaks to the general principle that husbands should love their wives sacrificially as Christ loves the Church. This includes being willing to lay down one’s life for her if necessary, though it doesn’t mention anything specifically about remarriage following a divorce.
5) Ultimately, remarriage is a decision that should be made prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest neither acceptest thou any man’s person rightly: But sufferest thou, not thyself to be deceived by men? Give us, therefore, thy judgment: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?” (Matthew 22: 17-18)
This passage from Matthew speaks to whether or not it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus doesn’t give a clear answer, but He does tell them to ask God, who will provide them with a solution in due time. This seems to imply that while remarriage may be an option, it is not something to be taken lightly and should only happen after much prayer and seeking counsel from the Lord.
These are just a few examples of biblical reasons for remarriage. Each situation is unique and requires prayerful discernment to ascertain what God’s will might be. It is important to remember that while remarriage may be an option following certain circumstances, it is never something to take lightly and should always be done with caution after seeking wise counsel from those who love us best and have our best interests at heart.