Subject: IS DIVORCING ANOTHER CHRISTIAN A SIN? |
Bible Note: Dear Old Coach, As our good brother Steve said, this has been adequately discussed. But if you need a quick answer, I will try to provide one. Is it a sin to divorce? Is it against God's will? Yes, it is. It is also a sin to cheat on your spouse. Your friend's life in Christ is suspect, and there are probably other areas of sin and lack of adherence to God's will that need attention and repentance. Should they divorce if the Bible says no? Well, the Bible does say no, but unless both are committed to life in Christ in accord with the Bible, staying together would be hypocritical at best, and disastrous at worst. Indeed, both need shepherding and counsel, leading to repentance. But not just for a 'patched up marriage.' They need to return to a life of serving God together, committed to a (the same!) local church that practices holiness, repentance, and forgiveness. Can they marry again? If one or both refuse God's gift of repentance, and they do get divorced, then the unrepentent can do what they please, as they are outside God's will anyway. However, in this age, it really only takes one to divorce, so if a repentant party is 'cut off' by divorce or abandonment, they are free in Christ to marry in Christ. Unasked, but commonly the next question is, can a divorced person serve God? Yes! Can a divorced-remarried person serve God? Yes! Can any repentant sinner serve God? Yes! Do some religious organizations set limitations upon repentant sinners? Unfortunately, yes :-( Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |