Question: Is divorce and remarriage the unpardonable sin?
What did Jesus say about divorce?
Christ talks about the sanctity of marriage, and the divorce issue in this study lesson from the Book of Mark.
Bible Study Lesson from Mark 10:1-12
It’s true, we live in the “land of the divorce” today. I looked up some statistics on wiki, and found..
“The median length for a marriage in the US today is 11 years..”
And, Jesus sends a clear message of what couples should consider – before getting married.
Marriage requires a serious commitment from both the bride and the groom. And, of course, divorce should be a last resort.
But, is this the unpardonable sin?
What Did Jesus Say about Divorce – Mark 10
Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife.
And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?”
They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”
But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh.
What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
In the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again.
And He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.” – Mark 10:2-12 NASB
What Does the Bible Say about Divorce?
Marriage and divorce according to the Bible may be a bit confusing to us. But, Jesus made God’s ultimate will for marriage permanence perfectly clear in these passages.
Explaining Old Testament Marriage
One point I’d like to make is, in the time of Moses, and in the time of Jesus, many entered into a ”marriage of convenience“.
These situations led to marriage and divorce being considered almost the same as business transactions.
These marriages came about in order to satisfy the needs of a particular situation (Solomon is a good example of this (1 Kings 11)).
Salomon entered into many marriages to form an allegiance with other nations. He married princesses so that the country would be slow to wage war.
But, when you read Kings 11, you’ll discover this plan backfired in the end. My point is simply, get married for the right reasons.
Women and Marriage
In Bible times, women were considered property by the men of the day.
So, Jesus reiterated that God’s intent was that a man and woman enter into marriage with the intentions of making it work.
What about Marriage & Divorce in Modern Times?
In today’s world, things are not all that different. I once heard a humorous saying that stated;
“Any two fools can get themselves married.”
This statement is so true. And, it has a 50% divorce rate to back it up!
What about Christian marriages? Sadly, the divorce rate among Christians doesn’t fare much better. However, one study shows that:
“For those who were active in their church, the divorce rate was 27 to 50 percent lower than for non-churchgoers.”
Getting Married? Look Before You Leap
Couples are quick to enter into marriage. And, many times, they barely know one another. So, the hastily married are also quick to end their marriage – at the smallest sign of a problem.
These quick marriages and divorces lead to bad feelings. And, they turn into broken homes for children during the marriage – and, after the divorce is finalized.
Is Divorce Ever Necessary?
Yes, there are some cases (especially when abuse is involved) where divorce may be the only way out for a spouse.
But, if we enter into marriage slowly, and with the intent of that marriage being permanent, then there is a little less chance of that marriage ending in divorce.
My Soulmate – My Partner
Marriage is a partnership. A man may be stronger physically than his wife. But, this is all the more reason not to abuse that strength.
Woman is the “weaker vessel” says The Bible. And, men should appreciate that fact and not take advantage of her physically, or emotionally.
Yes, any two fools can get themselves married. But, I absolutely admire and congratulate a couple who has made it work for 10, 20, 30 or even 60 years!
As I write this, my wife & I will celebrate our 50th anniversary soon. Yes, the road was sometimes bumpy (due mostly on my part).
But, I’m thankful I found my soulmate. Yours is out there too (or maybe you’ve already found yours).
So, Is Divorce Really the Unpardonable Sin?
Is divorce and remarriage the unpardonable sin?
In one word, no.
According to the Bible, the only sin that cannot be forgiven is the rejection of God. All others were paid for by Jesus dying on the cross and rising on the third day.
==> You can read more about the unpardonable sin here.
How to Keep a Marriage Together
So, is there really a way to keep your marriage together? Yes.
First, love your husband or wife, listen to their wants and needs.
Second, work through problems (with outside Christian counseling if necessary).
Finally (and this should be first), ask God for guidance in your marriage when you pray.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here.