Question: You mentioned in a previous Q/A God’s position regarding divorce prior to salvation. Greg, what view should we then adopt to a lady or gentleman who was saved as single, then met and married a saved partner, and then, perhaps unnecessarily, gone through a divorce due to a falling away of one of the partners some number of years later – first backsliding, then in that state committing unfaithfulness and abandoning home? I think I understand that that would be a biblically justified divorce, however, is that remaining partner spiritually free to remarry?

Thanks!

Wayne

Answer: Dear Wayne,

Assuming I fully understand the intent of your question as explained below, as commented upon in similar questions and answers we have posted, the answer depends upon the interpretation believers have of the "exception clause" of Matthew 19:9. It is my understanding that some pastors, congregations and denominations would concur that both parties you use as examples below would be "free to remarry" given Jesus’ instruction – while other pastors, congregations and denominations would conclude that they would not.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht