It’s No Longer Adultery

Divorce, remarriage, and God’s forgiveness…

Introduction

The issue of divorce and remarriage has long been a topic of theological debate, with proponents of both rigid and flexible interpretations arguing their positions based on various biblical passages. Central to the discussion is Matthew 19:9, a verse that has been cited to argue that repentant divorcees who remarry live in a state of perpetual condemnation, labeled as unrepentant adulterers. Advocates of the rigid interpretation invoke passages like 1 Corinthians 6:9 and Hebrews 13:4 to support their stance against remarriage.

However, a closer examination of Hebrews 13:4 reveals a paradox within the rigid interpretation. While it is used to condemn adultery, it also extols the sanctity of the marriage relationship. Remarkably, repentant divorcees who remarry have chosen to live within the confines of this sacred institution, which directly contrasts with the act of living in adultery.

Moreover, recent biblical studies, including Psalms 51, 32, and Romans 4, suggest that God’s forgiveness does not mandate marital separation as proof of repentance, contrary to what the rigid interpretation suggests. Furthermore, according to Hebrews 10:17, we learn that when God forgives, He remembers the sin no more.

This work will undertake a comprehensive examination, both biblical and philosophical, of this complex issue. We will explore the implications of Matthew 19:9, the paradox within Hebrews 13:4, and the theological and philosophical underpinnings of forgiveness and marital fidelity. By analyzing these elements, we will seek to construct a more nuanced and balanced perspective on divorce, remarriage, and God’s forgiveness.

I. Matthew 19:9: The Rigid Interpretation

A. Repentance and Condemnation:

Proponents of the rigid interpretation contend that repentant divorcees who remarry live in a perpetual state of condemnation akin to unrepentant adulterers. According to this view, repentance necessitates the dissolution of the new marriage.

B. Biblical Texts of Condemnation:

Supporters of the rigid interpretation invoke passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:9 and Hebrews 13:4 to condemn adultery, further reinforcing their position against remarriage.

II. Hebrews 13:4: The Paradox

A. The Condemnation of Adultery:

Hebrews 13:4 condemns adultery as a sin against marriage, emphasizing the sacredness of the marital bond.

B. The Sanctity of Marriage:

Remarkably, repentant divorcees who remarry have chosen to honor the sanctity of marriage, residing within the confines of this sacred institution. This directly contrasts with the act of adultery and raises questions about the rigid interpretation’s application.

III. Biblical Insights on Forgiveness

A. Psalms 51 and 32: David’s Repentance:

In Psalms 51 and 32, King David’s profound repentance and God’s forgiveness serve as a biblical case study. David’s sin involved adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. The recount shows that Bathsheba was the woman with whom he fornicated and committed adultery, which he illicitly obtained by murdering her husband to take her as his wife. Yet God forgave him and did not mandate the dissolution of his marriage with Bathsheba.

B. Romans 4:4–8: Salvation by Faith:

Paul’s teachings in Romans 4:4–8 introduce the doctrine of salvation by faith without works of restitution, precisely quoting David’s repentance and praise of God’s mercy from Psalms 32. This doctrine emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not earned through human efforts.

IV. Hebrews 10:17: Divine Forgetfulness

A. Theological Significance:

Hebrews 10:17 assures believers that when God forgives, He remembers their sins and lawless deeds no more, clearly harmonizing with Psalms 32 and Romans 4. This divine forgetfulness underscores the completeness of God’s forgiveness.

B. The Implications for Remarriage:

This verse raises questions about whether the rigid interpretation’s demand for marital separation as proof of repentance aligns with God’s capacity for forgiveness, as demonstrated in Hebrews 10:17, Psalms 32, and Romans 4.

V. Philosophical Considerations

A. The Intersection of Mercy and Justice:

From a philosophical perspective, the issue of divorce, remarriage, and forgiveness necessitates a delicate balance between “divine mercy and justice”. The church needs to know this doctrine in order to be equipped to minister well to its members. Otherwise, it cannot go to all the world to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God.

B. The Role of Repentance:

Repentance, as a transformative act of turning away from sin and returning to God in the heart, plays a pivotal role in the process of forgiveness.

VI. Reconciling Divorce, Remarriage, and Forgiveness

A. A More Nuanced Perspective:

Considering the paradox within Hebrews 13:4, the biblical insights from Psalms 51, 32, and Romans 4, and the theological significance of Hebrews 10:17, a more nuanced perspective emerges. Repentant divorcees who remarry are not necessarily living in a perpetual state of adultery but have chosen to honor the sanctity of marriage after repentance.

B. Balancing Divine Mercy and Justice:

This perspective balances “divine mercy and justice”, recognizing that genuine repentance and transformed lives can lead to forgiveness without the necessity of ending a new marriage.

VII. Conclusion: A Comprehensive Perspective

In conclusion, the issue of divorce, remarriage, and God’s forgiveness necessitates a comprehensive perspective that respects both divine mercy and justice. While Matthew 19:9 has been cited to support the rigid interpretation, a careful examination of Hebrews 13:4, Psalms 51, 32, Romans 4, and Hebrews 10:17 suggests that God’s forgiveness does not mandate the dissolution of a new marriage as proof of repentance.

A more balanced approach recognizes that repentance, genuine transformation, and marital fidelity within a remarriage can coexist within the framework of divine forgiveness. This perspective aligns with the biblical narrative of a God who forgives, justifies, and remembers sins no more when genuine repentance is present. Ultimately, it highlights the profound complexities of this issue, calling for a more compassionate and holistic understanding of divorce, remarriage, and God’s boundless forgiveness.