Biblical Re-marriage

It being our desire to emphasize the scriptural sanctity of marriage, and by reason of the present laxity in divorce laws, and the prevalence of Christians to resort thereto, we believe it necessary that the Church make clear its position on this subject.  Knowing that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and that His will is that marriage last for a lifetime (1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 27a), it is always God's desire that reconciliation take place (1 Corinthians 7:11).  Among believers, divorce is never desirable and it is never inevitable.

In the Scriptures, divorce is permitted only under certain circumstances and not under others.  Those who wrongly obtain a divorce have sinned against God and His Word.  Because God sets such a priority on marriage, the pastors of the Church may officiate at weddings of previously married people only when one of the following Biblical conditions apply:

1.  When the previously married spouse has passed away: "A women is bound to her husband as long as he lives.  But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:39), "For example, by law a married women is bound to her husband as long as she is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.  So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adultress.  But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adultress, even though she marries another man." (Romans 7:2-3)

2.  When a spouse has been sexually unfaithful (whether it be a heterosexual or a homosexual relationship): "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." (Matthew 19:9), "But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adultress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." (Matthew 5:32)

We further believe that Christians should not marry unbelievers nor enter into any compromising alliance with them.  In view of this the Pastor shall not perform such a marriage nor shall the Church property be used for such a marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14).