Is adultery grounds for divorce?

You are here

Is adultery grounds for divorce?

Login or Create an Account

With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later!

Sign In | Sign Up

×

The Greek word translated "sexual immorality" is porneia, and it covers a wide range of sexual misconduct, including but not limited to adultery. The word encompasses many other sins of a sexual nature. Christ's words in Matthew 19:1-12 shed more light on the subject.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary explains that porneia referred to "a relentless, persistent, unrepentant lifestyle of sexual unfaithfulness (different from a one-time act of illicit relations)" (1983, 1985, notes on Matthew 19:1-12). In other words, Christ referred to a pattern of immoral behavior or habitual sin. Other scriptures bring out the fact that there is a difference between sinning and living in sin (1 John 3:8). There is no doubt that sexual misconduct could be grounds for divorce, although there should be hope of saving the marriage if the conduct is not habitual.

Another essential godly principle is forgiveness. One should not abandon a marriage without knowing whether the offending party truly repented of his or her conduct. Considering God's intent for a marriage to last until death, divorce should occur only when there is no repentance or chance for forgiveness and reconciliation.

A Christian's goal should always be to save the marriage. Sadly, in some cases, that simply won't be possible. Christ gave "except sexual immorality" as the "exception clause." If a divorce does occur under these conditions, remarriage is possible without God considering it adultery.

For more information, please read our booklets Marriage and Family: The Missing Dimension and The Ten Commandments.

You might also be interested in...

Comments

  • Franszwa

    Malachi 2:16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
    * Numbers 30:2 If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
    * Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow :
    "I,......, take thee,....., to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy law;in the presence of God I make this vow.
    Luke 16:18 “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery. 1 Corinthians 7:2
    Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
    * Matthew 19:6

  • Join the conversation!

    Log in or register to post comments