Remarriage | Marriage and Divorce

One of the most difficult questions that divorced people face is: “Can I remarry?” The answer is not simple and depends on the circumstances. In this lesson, we will examine what the Bible teaches about remarriage.

The Basic Principle

While the spouse lives, does the marriage bond remain?

No, the bond ends with legal divorce Yes, the woman is bound to her husband while he lives The bond lasts only while there is love The bond is merely symbolic

Paul establishes the basic principle: marriage is for life. The bond is completely dissolved only by the death of one spouse.

When is the widow free to remarry?

Never, she should remain a widow After a year of mourning When her husband dies, she is free to marry, but only in the Lord Only if she has no children

Death completely dissolves the marriage bond. The widow or widower is free to remarry, but must do so “only in the Lord,” that is, with another believer.

Remarriage After Divorce

Who can remarry without committing adultery, according to Jesus?

Any divorced person Whoever divorced because of the spouse's infidelity No one can remarry Only after 5 years of divorce

Jesus indicates that whoever divorces because of “porneia” (sexual infidelity of the spouse) may remarry without committing adultery. The innocent party has freedom to rebuild their life.

Can the unfaithful person remarry?

Yes, without any restriction The situation is more complicated and requires repentance and discernment Never, they are condemned forever Yes, if they wait a year

The Bible does not give a direct answer for the unfaithful spouse. What we know is that God forgives all sins when there is genuine repentance (). Each situation should be evaluated with wisdom, prayer, and pastoral guidance.

“The Lord blesses those who, with humility and contrition, seek His face and confess their sins. He is able to restore what was destroyed.” — Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 564

Abandonment by an Unbelieving Spouse

What happens when an unbelieving spouse abandons the believer?

The believer should pursue the unbeliever until they return The brother or sister is not bound in such cases The believer must divorce immediately The situation is impossible to resolve

Some scholars understand that abandonment by an unbeliever may be another situation that permits remarriage. The expression “is not bound” suggests freedom from the bond. Others disagree. It is an area that requires discernment and pastoral guidance.

Complex Situations

If someone divorced before knowing Christ — can they marry as a believer?

No, past sins prevent remarriage Yes, in Christ we are new creatures; old things have passed away Only if they do penance It depends on the number of previous divorces

When someone converts, they become a new creature. Past sins are forgiven. Many understand that divorced people who convert may start a new life, including a new marriage, after baptism and genuine conversion.

What attitude does God have toward repentant sinners?

He remembers their sins eternally He blots out transgressions and remembers sins no more He forgives but maintains permanent consequences He forgives only small sins

“God does not deal with men according to their past sins. When they repent and seek forgiveness, He receives them. Should not we, His servants, do the same?” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 462

Practical Considerations

Before considering a new marriage, what is important?

Only finding someone attractive Seeking God's guidance and wise counsel Waiting for a feeling to confirm Acting quickly before changing your mind

A new marriage is a serious decision that requires:

Time: Do not rush; heal past wounds first
Prayer: Seek God’s direction sincerely
Counseling: Talk with your pastor and Christian counselors
Honesty: Be transparent about your past
Commitment: Enter the new marriage determined to honor God

The new marriage should be with what type of person?

Anyone who makes me happy Only in the Lord — with another believer Someone with financial stability The first person who appears

And Now?

Principles for those considering remarriage:

The death of the spouse liberates completely: Widows can remarry freely (in the Lord)
The innocent party of adultery may have freedom: But must seek guidance
Converts have a new life: The past is forgiven in Christ
Seek discernment: Each situation is unique; seek pastoral guidance
Do not rush: Heal first, then consider a new relationship
Marry “only in the Lord”: Sharing faith matters

If I am considering a new marriage, I commit to seeking God first in prayer and the guidance of wise Christian leaders. I will not make hasty decisions and, if I marry again, it will be “only in the Lord,” with commitment to honor God in this new union.

5) Remarriage