A Biblical Divorce

God allows a biblical divorce in these situations. God grants a biblical divorce for two reasons: 1) sexual activity outside of marriage, and 2) when the unbelieving spouse wants to leave. Those who have a biblical divorce have the right to remarry without sinning. However, God hates divorce even in these situations (Mal. 2:16). Divorce for any other reason does not have God’s blessing.

Results of Many Studies. The Marriage Project from the State University at New Jersey has given us a glimpse of several key factors impacting marriage. The findings from this and other research studies present a picture of marriage that is contrary to that presented in the media, novels, the movies, and in folk myth. Living together before marriage, having babies before marriage, and low income are the major contributors to an unhappy marriage.

According to a study conducted by the Marriage Therapy program at Brigham Young University, some key factors predicting marital dissatisfaction included: a variety of personal negative traits, premarital sex, premarital pregnancy, and cohabitation along with parental divorce, chronic marital conflict, youthfulness, and parental disapproval. We should not be surprised that sexual activities before marriage impact the success of marriage (http://www.divorcereform.org/mel/ahelpingmarr.html). God warns us against such activities for our own good. In 1 Cor. 6:18 God says this,

Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. (NASB) 1 Cor. 6:18

It is a warning that sexual sin is against one’s own body. It does spiritual damage to us. We should not be surprised that God said it before the studies did. Sexual activities outside marriage damage the fabric of our being and our relationships with our spouses. God understands this and has granted the right of a biblical divorce when sexual sin occurs.

God’s Solution. Are you considering divorce or is your marriage in trouble? Yes, God has granted us the right of a biblical divorce, but He still hates it.