DIVORCE AND REMARRAIGE

Wayne Grudem, theologian, recently wrote in his new book, ‘What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage,’ concerning the phrase “in such cases” from 1 Corinthians 7:15 about issues other than adultery and desertion as valid reason for divorce. He lists them as:

(1) Abuse: If an abused spouse is forced to flee from the home for self-protection from ongoing, violent abuse.
(2) Abuse of children: The same reasoning would apply if the abuse is directed against the children instead of the spouse.
(3) Extreme, prolonged verbal and relational cruelty that is destroying the other spouse’s mental and emotional stability.
(4) Credible threats of serious physical harm or murder of a spouse or children.
(5) Incorrigible drug or alcohol addiction, accompanied by regular lies, deceptions, thefts, and/or violence.
(6) Incorrigible gambling addiction that has led to massive, overwhelming indebtedness.
(7) Incorrigible addiction to pornography might also fall in this category.
(8) Situations that are not legitimate grounds for divorce: In the midst of a secular culture where divorces are far too easy and far too common, it is good to remember that Scripture does not allow divorce just because a marriage is difficult, or because a husband and wife are not getting along, or because one spouse wants to marry another person. We need to be reminded again of the warnings of Jesus that such divorces are contrary to God’s will and commonly result in what God considers to be adultery (see Matthew 19:3–9).

The need for wisdom: Pastors, elders, and Christian counselors, if asked for counsel about whether divorce is a legitimate option in specific cases, need much wisdom and discernment (see Phil. 1:9; James 1:5–6) in order to rightly evaluate the actual degree of harm in individual cases, and whether there is a reasonable basis for hope that the destructive behavior has ended and the marriage can be saved. This is why I have repeatedly used the words “might” and “could” in the list above. No general academic article on divorce (such as this article) can possibly specify all the complex details that will be part of every real-life situation.”

All I can say is, ‘Amen.’ It is about time someone gave clarity to these issues. I have listened carefully to Wayne Grudem for a long time. I trust him.

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Jesus