What We Believe About Divorce & Remarriage

Our effort to carefully state the Biblical position concerning divorce and remarriage requires us to first understand the Scriptural and spiritual significance of MARRIAGE. Marriage was ordained by God in the creation (Genesis2:21-24) and is confirmed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ (Mark 10:6-9). By virtue of its God-ordained institution, it is to be considered as an “ordinance” of the Word (I Corinthians 11:2). Marriage is an honorable (Hebrews 13:4) and a life-long (Romans 7:2) commitment in relationship between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24) solemnized by vows before God. The marital union is recognized and validated by God, whether the marriage ceremony is conducted by the church or the state and whether the persons are believers or unbelievers. Marriage is a bond that only God can and may dissolve through the death of one of the parties (I Corinthians 7:39). Man is not authorized to dissolve what God has joined together

(Matthew 19:6). The Bible is clearly committed to the indissolubility of the marriage relationship.

Scripturally, there is NOTHING which breaks the marriage bond EXCEPT DEATH (Romans 7:1-3). (1) The act of adultery does not dissolve the marriage bond, otherwise it would mean that the “bed” is the “highest” of marriage. It should be quickly pointed out, though, that such unfaithfulness decidedly affects the quality of the marital relationship and leaves a permanent scar on the persons involved (Proverbs 13:15b). (2) The “legal” (in-the-eyes-of-this-world) document of divorce, from GOD’S point of view, does not break the marriage bond, otherwise a subsequent martial relationship with another would not be called “adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). (3) The conversion of one of two unbelieving married partners does not dissolve the marriage bond. If the unbelieving partner should leave, the marriage bond continues (I Corinthians 7:12-14). (4) A divorced person who enters a second marital relationship while the original partner is still living might, indeed, get recognition from the state as being “legally” married, but “from the beginning it was not so” (Matthew 19:8b) and God is NOT pleased with the adulterous marital union and the first marriage bond is still binding. The Scriptures lift up a high and holy standard for marriage and God does not sanction the “allowances” and “loop-holes” which are brought forward by the carnal mind of man (Proverbs 6:23-32)!

The church is called to minister with loving and caring consideration to those who are caught in the tangles of divorce and remarriage (Galatians 6:1-3). Concern for their personal salvation should motivate us to lead them to a full commitment in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 5:18-20). The church has the scriptural responsibility to show such ones the eternal principles from the Scriptures which govern the marriage relationship. While the final decision to separate from an adulterous marital union must be “voluntary”, GOD DOES REQUIRE A SEPARATION to bring about a reconciliation with Himself. The continuing adulterous marital union is seen as a “state” of sin and sincere repentance from any “state” of sin necessitates a separation from the sin.

Divorce was permitted in the Old Testament only “because of the hardness of your hearts” (Matthew 19:8a). Divorce was never commanded (except by instituting “limitation” against its rampant abuse!) nor was it ever commended by God! Divorce is depicted in the Scriptures as being in direct contradiction to the original purpose of God and the true nature of marriage. New Testament principles allow a “separated” person only two options: (1) the person must remain unmarried; or (2) the person must be reconciled to his original partner (I Corinthians 7:10-11).

If the divorced person remarries [anyone other than his first partner], the situation brings forth far more serious complications. This situation is particularly dangerous in that BOTH “single” persons and “previously-married” persons can become involved in an adulterous marital relationship. Complications arising from adulterous marital relationships are many and they do not allow themselves easy answers. In an effort to honor God’s direction we do not knowingly host those who are remarried with a former living spouse. The words of Scripture are God breathed and not our words. Gods spirit never encourages us to disobey.

Sincerely from the caretakers of the Little Stone Cottage,

-Roman and Lucy Stoltzfoos