Bible Question:

Is it a sin to divorce if you profess to be a Christian?

Bible Answer:

Divorce is a sin if it is not “A Biblical Divorce.” The Holy Spirit in Malachi said the following,

And this is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and with groaning, because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And what did that one do while he was seeking a godly offspring? Take heed then, to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the LORD of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” Malachi 2:13-16 (NASB)

Have you ever come to God pouring out your heart in tears and felt like God was ignoring you? That is how these folks felt. And in this passage, God says it was true. He was ignoring them because they had divorced their wives. They had sinned. God makes a startling statement, “But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit.” He is simply saying that those who have even a little bit of the Spirit of God do not divorce. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not indwell the saints as He does today in the New Testament times (see Numbers 11:25). It does not matter if a person is a Christian or a non-Christian. God’s standard does not change.

Conclusion:

Divorce is a sin if it is not a biblical divorce. God hates divorce, but He forgives this sin as He does any other sin. We who are God’s saints need to comfort those who have been divorced. There is real pain in the heart for anyone who experiences separation from someone to whom he/she has been close. Divorce is the tearing apart of flesh. I am thankful God forgives all sins. Praise His name!

Suggested Links:

A Biblical Divorce
Biblical Divorce and Remarriage
What does God say about a person marrying someone who has been divorced?
If you are divorced and remarry, are you living in adultery?
Should Christians date non-Christians?