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What does the Bible say about remaining in a second marriage after a person becomes a Christian?

What happens when one spouse commits adultery, divorces and then remarries someone else...and then becomes a Christian.  Are they permitted to stay in that adulterous marriage? 

Clarify (1) Share Report Asked June 09 2014 Mini Anonymous

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Seth3 Seth Freeman Supporter
Couple of things at work here. First, Jesus makes it clear in Matthew chapters 5 and 19 that both divorce and remarriage is permitted in, and only in, the case of adultery. So even if the person in question was a Christian the entire time, the new marriage would not be adulterous. 

However, this is made even more complicated by the fact that the person in question wasn't actually a Christian when they were first married, committed adultery, and then were remarried.

I think we can draw some principles about marriage out from what Paul says in I Corinthians 7. In this chapter Paul tells the believing spouse that they are not permitted to get a divorce because their spouse is not a Christian. Paul says that they are to stick it out and that God will honor the marriage through them. However, should the unbelieving spouse no longer wish to remain married, then Paul is both fine with a divorce and with the believing spouse to get remarried.

What we need to recognize is that there is something special and unique about a Christian marriage that is not present between two unbelievers, or even an unequally yoked marriage - and that is the Holy Spirit. 

So in the case of the question at hand - I would rejoice that the person has become a Christian, and pray that now that they are a Christian that their marriage will truly become something that glorifies Christ.

June 10 2014 1 response Vote Up Share Report


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Mini JOHN PERRY Supporter 15 year missionary taught Apologetics college level
Sin is sin there isn't one bigger than another in order to receive forgiveness. Scripture says Christ's blood washed away all sin. If a person becomes a Christian all sin is forgiven and they are made as new. In Corinthians Paul admonished to new believers to remain in the situation they are in once becoming a Christian. 

1 CORINTHIANS 7

17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And n so I 1 ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? O Let him not be circumcised. 19 p Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but q keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is r the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is s Christ's slave. 23 t You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with u God in that state in which he was called.

June 10 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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