Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage¶

Revised April 10, 2003

I. Biblical Principles¶

A. Marriage¶

The Bible makes clear that God views marriage as a covenant or contract between a man and a woman who have agreed to be husband and wife for the rest of their earthly lives.

1. The Beginning of a Marriage¶

Marriage is distinct from a sexual relationship. A sexual relationship before marriage was strictly prohibited, and sex alone did not constitute marriage. A man and woman were considered husband and wife after being irrevocably pledged to be married (Deuteronomy 22:23–29; Matthew 1:18–19).

2. The Permanency of a Marriage¶

Jesus taught that marriage is permanent:

“Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:4–6)

Paul affirmed that only death ends marriage:

“By law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.” (Romans 7:2–3)

B. Divorce¶

1. In Practice¶

Although divorce was common in the Old Testament, Jesus reaffirmed God’s intention that marriage is lifelong. In Mark 10:2–12, He declared remarriage after divorce to be adultery.

2. Exceptions¶

Jesus and Paul identified limited circumstances where divorce may be permitted:

• Marital Unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9; Matthew 5:32; Deuteronomy 22:22)
• Two Believers (1 Corinthians 7:10–11) — separation is discouraged, but if it occurs, reconciliation or remaining unmarried is required.
• Believer and Unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:12–16) — believers should not initiate divorce, but if an unbelieving spouse leaves, the believer “is not bound.”

II. JICF Application¶

A. Marriage¶

JICF teaches that a believer should only marry another believer committed to serving Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14–18; 1 Corinthians 7:39). JICF will not perform marriages between a believer and an unbeliever.

B. Pre-Engagement Marital Counseling¶

Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Couples must participate in counseling with a JICF-appointed pre-marriage counselor before engagement or wedding planning.

C. Divorcees¶

Divorced individuals are not “second-class citizens.” JICF will only marry a divorced person after investigating the reasons for divorce. Remarriage is permitted if: - The divorce was due to marital unfaithfulness, or
- The person was deserted by an unbelieving spouse.

D. Widows / Widowers¶

The marriage covenant ends at death (Romans 7:1–2; 1 Corinthians 7:8–9, 39–40). Widows and widowers are free to remarry, provided they marry a believer.