JOSEPH W. TKACH
November 1987
Dear Friend:
You asked what the Bible teaches concerning marriage and
divorce.
God instituted marriage when He made a wife for Adam (Gen.
2:18). He instructed that a man ought to leave his father and
mother and cleave to his wife and become one flesh with her (Gen.
2:24). God's will is for marriage to last for life -- with each
partner loving, honoring, caring for, and cleaving to the other
just as Christ loves and cares for His Church. The Bible teaches
the sacredness of marital vows.
But, we live in an imperfect world beset by human weakness,
"hardness of heart," unfaithfulness, wickedness,
irresponsibility, and all such things. People do sin. Divorce
occurs even though God "hates putting away" (Mal. 2:16).
What does one do if he or she has already been divorced?
When a person repents and is converted, ALL HIS PAST SINS ARE
FORGIVEN (Acts 2:38; Ps. 103:1-3, 10-12). Any past divorce would
be included, and the person would be free to marry again.
What of those already converted? Paul wrote that those who
have been divorced ("loosed") from an unbelieving mate do not sin
if they marry (I Cor. 7:27-28).
Paul was also inspired to write that a converted person must
not leave or divorce a mate who is pleased to continue the
marriage (I Cor. 7:10-13). To divorce a faithful mate and marry
another is adultery (Matt. 19:9). Divorce and remarriage is not
sanctioned once God has entered the marriage and bound the couple
for life (Matt. 5:32).
Although the unconverted world cannot receive Christ's
teaching, all who are His ought to obey Him implicitly, not only
in refraining from divorce but also in using all their resources
to build a truly loving relationship (Eph. 5:22-31; I Pet.
3:1-7). Our earthly marriages ought to picture the great love
relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:32).
If you have further questions about marriage or divorce,
please feel welcome to discuss them with our minister in your
area. We will be happy to put you in contact with him if you
wish.
It is our pleasure to be of service. Please let us know
whenever we can be of additional assistance.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT
PASTOR GENERAL