Does God Allow For Re-Marriage?

Q

Does god allow for re-marriage for any reason after a divorce? Is Matt19:9 a loophole people use?

A

The Jews taught that a man could divorce his wife for doing anything that displeased him, without consequence. “Any and every reason,” they said. Jesus explained that they were in error, and that marital unfaithfulness was the only acceptable reason for divorce. He stressed that divorcing for any other reason is a sin.

In Matt. 19:9 Jesus confirmed what He had said earlier in Matt. 5:32 that marital unfaithfulness is the only reason for divorce that doesn’t constitute a sin. If that’s the case, then simple logic tells us that the aggrieved party is free to re-marry.

But it’s good to remember that God is also an advocate of second chances. His mercies are new every morning, after all. (Lamentations 3:22-23) When we confess our sins, we are forgiven and the slate is wiped clean. We’re purified from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Divorce is a sin, but it’s no different than any other sin. Those who confess their sins to God in humility and sincerity can be forgiven to begin anew.