To write about divorce in a book on marriage is unfortunate but necessary. So far we have considered the Scriptural basis for marriage and something of the blessing that God has intended for mankind. It is just as important to recognize that a Biblical marriage is a lifetime commitment. Before entering into marriage, we need to hear what God has to say about breaking that tie.
We find our Lord addressing the subject of divorce four times in three separate gospels — Matthew, Mark, and Luke. If something is repeated four times, it should get our attention. The Gospel of Matthew gives us the most thorough treatment on the subject. Quoting in part: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto Him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matt. 19:6-9).
Despite a provision for divorce under the Mosaic Law, this was not God’s plan from the beginning. Excepting the case of fornication on the part of an unfaithful spouse, there is no scriptural ground for divorce. On hearing this, the disciples were incredulous: “If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry” (Matt. 19:10). It would seem that the people of that day had a rather liberal view of divorce — not unlike the present day. The Lord does not rebuke His disciples but simply points out that not every man is capable of living a celibate life. That is to say, if you can’t accept a lifetime commitment, then don’t marry; but for most, this will not be possible.
If a couple pursues divorce contrary to the Word of God, it puts them both in an awkward position. Neither is free to remarry, no matter the one who initiated the separation. Should they do so, they commit adultery. They have created a situation for themselves which they cannot undo. There may be a partial restoration, and there may yet be blessing, but their circumstance remains.
Marriage is literally till death do us part. The death of the wife or husband sets at liberty the surviving spouse; he or she may remarry. “If, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man” (Rom. 7:3). Likewise, marriage does not extend beyond death: “In the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matt. 22:30).