What does the Bible say about remarriage if a divorce occurred before salvation?

Answer

This is a challenging and thought-provoking question. Some argue that as believers in Christ are described as “new creations” with “all things made new” «Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. », (2 Corinthians 5:17), the sin and consequences of divorce are forgiven, allowing a previously divorced individual who has embraced faith to remarry. Others contend that although Christ has atoned for the sin of divorce, its consequences remain, thus prohibiting a person who was divorced before becoming a believer from remarrying.

Further complicating this issue is the existence of differing perspectives on whether Christians can enter into a new marriage. For more insights, please refer to the following articles:

https://www.gotquestions.org/divorce-remarriage.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/divorced-remarry.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/remarriage-adultery.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/abuse-divorce.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/grounds-for-divorce.html

When discussing marriage in the Bible, it is not limited to the union of Christians or believers. The biblical teachings on marriage apply universally. If an unbelieving couple marries, their union is just as valid in God’s eyes as that of a Christian couple. They are considered one entity «Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. », (Genesis 2:24). God continues to detest divorce «For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal notTreacherously.” (Malachi 2:16). God has united them and does not desire their separation (Matthew 19). Although all our sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven upon salvation, it does not erase all the consequences of our past sins before accepting Christ or the sins we still commit. Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, yet sin still carries genuine and adverse effects. Therefore, we maintain that whether the divorce took place pre-salvation or post-salvation, if it was due to reasons not supported by the Bible, there are no valid grounds for remarriage.

Nevertheless, as indicated in the aforementioned articles, we acknowledge the exception clause. If a divorce resulted from unrepentant, ongoing adultery, we believe the innocent party is permitted to remarry. This holds true whether the innocent party was a believer or non-believer at the time of divorce. Hence, the response to this issue hinges on the specifics of the divorce. We argue that whether the divorce occurred before or after salvation is not the decisive factor. Regardless of one’s stance on this matter, it is crucial to recognize that salvation does not absolve us or excuse us from all the unwise and sinful choices made before embracing faith in Christ.