Divorce Texts: Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

Big Picture: The New Testament teaches there are only two grounds for a divorce to be valid in the eyes of God.

• Sexual immorality (πορνεία)
• The wilful separation by the unbelieving partner of a spiritually mixed marriage because of the conversion of their spouse.

Biblical principles on divorce and remarriage

• Marriage is the sacred union between one man and one woman and God’s intention is for marriage to last a lifetime.
• Divorce is not always sinful.
• Divorce is permitted, but not required, on the ground of sexual immorality.
• Divorce is permitted, but not required, on the ground of desertion by an unbelieving spouse.
• When the divorce was not permissible, any subsequent remarriage (to someone other than the original spouse) results in adultery.
• In situations where the divorce is permissible, remarriage is also permissible.
• Improperly divorced and remarried Christians should stay as they are but repent and be forgiven of their past sins and make whatever amends are necessary.