Michael Pearl - The Bible on Divorce and Remarriage

Wherefore they are no more twain,

but one flesh .
What therefore God hath
joinedtogether,
let not man put asunder.

Matthew 19:6

Historically, Christians have been divided on the issue of divorce and remarriage, many institutions and theologies coming down on the side that it is adultery to remarry while ones former spouse is still alive. This is consistent with the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, and the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:13. Others stand by the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:15 and 2728 where he clearly declares that it is not a sin to marry again if you were put away (abandoned or divorced) by an unbelieving spouse.

There seems to be a conflict in Scripture regarding divorce and remarriage. In the beginning God established the order of marriageone man and one woman as long as they both live (Matthew 19:46), no exceptions mentioned. Yet the Law of Moses clearly permits the man to divorce his wife and remarry simply because she finds no favour in his eyes or he hates her (Deuteronomy 24:13). In contradiction to the Law, Jesus declares that the only reason one can divorce and remarry is in response to adultery. But then the Apostle Paul asserts that one may remarry if s/he is put away (abandoned, divorced) by ones unbelieving partneragain adding a condition of permission that Jesus did not mention.

It is no wonder the church has been divided on this issue. Many have taken what they believe is the higher road, giving more weight to the words of Christ than to the Law of Moses or the dictates of the Apostle Paul. Paul bolstered his revision of both the Law and the words of Christ by saying his view was based on the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 7:40). Paul ordained this remarriage doctrine in all churches (1 Corinthians 7:17).

Most Christians who find themselves in a divorced state do remarry, but they do so with a measure of guilt and a sense of being out of the will of God. They are not able to justify their remarriage from Scripture. This work should remedy that gap in biblical knowledge.

So we have Moses granting divorce even though it is contrary to creation. Then Christ contradicts Moses, and finally Paul contradicts both the Law and Christ. How do we reconcile the contradictions? By believing that all the words of God are inspired and carry equal weight, and then rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).