Is Divorce the Unpardonable Sin?: Understanding Divorce
Divorce is a complicated subject, especially for Christians guided by the principles outlined in the Holy Bible. Many believers grapple with questions like: “Is divorce an unforgivable sin?” and “Will God still forgive me if I get a divorce or remarry?”
This article seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject, exploring what the Bible says about divorce, and the often-misunderstood phrase, “God hates divorce,” doesn’t mean what you think it does in Hebrew. We will also examine the terms apostasion and apoluo, which in Greek translates to “to divorce” and “to put away,” respectively, and their implications on the Christian perspective on divorce.
The Biblical Perspective on Divorce
Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that the Bible does not explicitly condemn divorce as an unpardonable sin. The Apostle Paul, in his writings, acknowledges the reality of divorce and provides guidance on the matter. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, he addresses three specific issues: the command to Christians not to divorce, the command to Christians who have divorced, and his instruction to Christians who are married to unbelievers.
The Command Discouraging Divorce
The apostle Paul, echoing Jesus’s teachings, instructs believers not to divorce. This command stems from the divine plan of creation, where marriage is a sacred bond between two people intended to last a lifetime. Jesus, in Matthew 19:4-6, reiterates this divine intention for marriage, discouraging divorce. However, He acknowledges that due to the hardness of hearts, Moses permitted divorce in certain circumstances.
The command against divorce does not mean that divorce is an unpardonable sin. On the contrary, it emphasizes the sanctity of the marriage covenant and the divine expectation that it should be upheld. The key reasons to obey this command include:
- Jesus’s Direct Command: Jesus states that a man should not divorce his wife for any reason other than marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9). This command from Jesus holds significant weight and should influence a believer’s decision-making.
- Respect for the Marriage Covenant: Divorce is seen as a violation of the marriage covenant, a sacred bond between a man and his wife in the sight of God. Through the prophet Malachi, God warns against dealing treacherously with the wife of one’s youth, who is a companion and wife by covenant (Malachi 2:14-16).
- The Harmful Impact of Divorce: Divorce is harmful, causing pain and leaving scars on everyone involved. It’s likened to ripping apart a person’s body while they are still alive. This detrimental impact underscores why God discourages divorce.
Biblical Exceptions for Divorce
While the Bible discourages divorce, it does not condemn it outrightly in all circumstances. There are specific exceptions where divorce is permitted. Jesus allows for divorce in cases of marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9), and the Apostle Paul permits it when an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).
These exceptions do not imply that divorce should be the first option in resolving marital issues. They are provisions for extreme circumstances and should be treated as such.
The Consequences of Divorce
Although God’s grace covers all sins, including divorce, it’s essential to understand that divorce carries earthly consequences. These consequences could range from emotional pain, social stigma, financial strain, and potential damage to the children involved. Therefore, while seeking God’s forgiveness, believers should strive to learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them in future relationships.
The Issue of Remarriage
Remarriage is another contentious topic within Christianity. The Bible does not explicitly address remarriage after divorce, leaving room for diverse interpretations. However, certain principles can guide decision-making in this area.
First, it’s crucial to prioritize reconciliation with the former spouse before considering remarriage. However, if reconciliation is not possible, divorce may be the best option, and remarriage could be regarded as. In such cases, it’s essential to ensure that healing from the previous marriage has occurred and that one is ready for marriage’s commitment.
Is Divorce an Unforgivable Sin?
The short answer is no; divorce is not an unforgivable sin. God’s grace and forgiveness cover all sins, including divorce. However, this does not mean divorce is without consequences or should be taken lightly. Divorce can cause significant pain and hardship for all parties involved, and it should always be the final resort after all attempts at reconciliation have failed.
Some linguistics to Ponder
As we look at Greek and Hebrew, we should consider the Greek word for ‘divorce’ is apolytrosis, which means ‘to loosen away’ or ‘sever.’ The Hebrew word for ‘divorce’ is keritut, which means ‘to break up or cut off completely.’ These words give us insight into the seriousness of divorce in God’s eyes; it is a complete severance of a marriage relationship and should not be taken lightly.
It is important to note that God does not take pleasure in divorce; he hates it (Malachi 2:16). He desires that marriages remain intact and will do whatever he can to help couples work through their issues. We must strive to honor God in our marriages by seeking his guidance and trusting him to lead us through difficult circumstances.
The Greek Perspective on Divorce
In Greek, there are two words that are often used interchangeably to mean divorce – apostasion, which means “to divorce” and specifically “to divorce in writing,” and apoluo, which can mean to divorce but is more frequently translated as to release or to put away.
In the context of divorce, the term apoluo is used to describe the act of putting away a wife without giving her a certificate of divorce. This practice is condemned in the Bible because it forces the woman into a situation where she may have to commit adultery to survive.
The Misunderstanding of “God Hates Divorce”
The phrase “God hates divorce” is often quoted from Malachi 2:16. However, a closer look at the original Hebrew text, we see two Hebrew words, “keryithuwth,” which means to divorce in writing, and the second word, which context reveals that what God hates is the act of “shalach” or “putting away” or divorcing a wife without giving her a certificate of divorce. This is seen as an act of cruelty and injustice, which is why God describes it as being hated.
Therefore, the phrase “God hates divorce” should be understood in the context of God’s hatred for injustice and cruelty, not as a blanket condemnation of all divorce.
Other things to consider
Forgiveness
It is also important to remember that God’s forgiveness does not necessarily mean that He will restore a broken marriage. While God can restore a marriage after divorce, He may also choose to bring healing and new relationships into the lives of those involved. In either case, it is vital to seek God’s guidance in all matters related to divorce and remarriage.
Restoration or Remarriage
The Bible provides some principles for believers seeking guidance in this area. It teaches us to prioritize reconciliation with the former spouse before considering remarriage (Matthew 19:9). We should also strive to ensure that we have healed from our previous marriage before entering into a new one. This includes seeking professional help if necessary and avoiding jumping into a new relationship before we are emotionally ready. Ultimately, it is essential to trust in God’s plan and seek his guidance as we make decisions about our future relationships.
The Consequences
Consequently, believers must be mindful of God’s will when considering divorce. We must seek his counsel and pray for wisdom as we navigate complex marital issues. It is also essential to take into consideration the potential consequences of divorce, such as emotional pain, financial strain, and potential damage to the children involved. Therefore, while seeking God’s forgiveness for any past mistakes, believers should strive to learn from them and avoid repeating them in future relationships. Divorce can be a heartbreaking experience; however, with God’s help and guidance, healing can take place, and individuals can move forward with their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, divorce is not God’s original design for marriage and should not be taken lightly. However, it is not an unpardonable sin, and God’s grace and forgiveness extend to those who have experienced a divorce. The phrase “God hates divorce” should be understood in the context of God’s hatred for injustice and cruelty, particularly in cases where a spouse is “put away” without a proper Certificate of divorce.
Remember, the call to faithfulness in marriage is about avoiding divorce and honoring the marriage covenant through love, respect, and fidelity. No matter your marital status or past, God’s love and forgiveness are available to you.
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:9
About the Author
Meet Bruce Mitchell – a man of the Word, a voice in the wilderness, and a shepherd to his flock. He is not just a speaker but a fervent Bible teacher, a dedicated Pastor, and a passionate writer who’s all about bringing heavenly wisdom into everyday life.
Bruce is pleased to have attended both Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His heart beats for sharing God’s profound love and mercy to the world through his ministry, Agapao Allelon Ministries, and his blog, Allelon.us. His mission? To weave the principles of Agapao Allelon into the fabric of society – a divine commandment of Loving One Another and reflecting God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness in our everyday lives.
He has been Inspired by 1 Peter 4:8; Bruce believes that love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. In line with 1 John 4:7-8, he upholds that devoid of love, one is devoid of God. And drawing from Ephesians 4:31-32, he persistently calls for love as Jesus loved us.
Join him as he unravels the essence of God’s Word and helps you apply it in your daily life. Let’s share the love, as Jesus commanded!
Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love in daily life | He has studied at both Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary | 1 Peter 4:8
Check out more of his work here.
