Can a couple who has gotten divorced get remarried?
Answer When Jesus came into this world, He was “made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5). The Christian is to “stand fast . . . in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free” (Galatians 5:1). Scripture makes it quite clear that we who are in Christ are…
When Jesus came into this world, He was “made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5). The Christian is to “stand fast . . . in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free” (Galatians 5:1). Scripture makes it quite clear that we who are in Christ are not under the Old Testament Law. Instead, we “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and follow the “law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
The restriction of Deuteronomy 24:4 was part of God’s regulation on divorce, a practice which He tolerated, but never condoned, because of the Israelites’ hardheartedness (Matthew 19:8). Moses required a legally binding, written bill of divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1) and prohibited “reversing” the divorce. Both regulations were calculated to emphasize the gravity and finality of divorce. In essence, God was saying, “Divorce is a very serious matter; do not take this step lightly.”
Today, married couples would do well to follow Jesus’ word and leave intact what God has joined (Matthew 19:6). Divorced couples, while not bound to follow the particulars of the Old Testament Law, must still consider all the implications of remarriage. If the relationship with an ex-spouse moves forward, pastoral counseling is recommended to ensure that the factors which led to the divorce in the first place have been confronted and worked through.
