Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible

If you're divorced, know someone who is divorced, or even might think you could someday meet someone who is divorced, and think (as I did) that you already knew this issue, read this book and think again! This is a concise book. The text itself is only about 100 pages in medium print -- a breeze of a read. One of the most outstanding things about this book is that it not only presents the author's viewpoint, but also addresses and dismantles the claims and assertions of most opposing viewpoints. He goes verse by verse, in whole context, and not this "single verse theology" or Scripture hop-scotch that so often flows from the anti-remarriage crowd. He does this with great research from a variety of other authors (all Christians of course), including historical as well as Greek and Hebrew language background information. Tons of footnotes and references are included. There are even some issues he addresses that I didn't see addressed many other places, such as: * How some divorce people are permitted to get remarried, but aren't allowed to do so in the church sanctuary like first-timers; * How polygamy is proved to have existed in Paul's time, especially among the Jews and Christian converts, and the effect that has on Biblical interpretation; * Remarriage of the so-called "guilty" party (and he debunks that term) after a divorce; * how the church has failed to shepard married couples, and the confusion thereby brought about;I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The few negative reviews I see are mostly from those who obviously have NOT read the book, as they attribute ideas and concepts that are not actually in the book. [The one negative review here on Amazon was obviously from someone who didn't like what Adams had to say, but chose to malign the book rather than address the evidence and presentation.] Again, the evidence, presentation, and clear "bulletproof" logic and theology in this book are phenomenal. Many of the deeper concepts of true forgiveness and restoration in Christ are very convicting to read in light of how we think of other sinners -- and ourselves.Fair Warning: This is not a "get a divorce, it's easy and God doesn't mind" book. He's very clear that all divorced results from sin. Period. Whether it's adultery (sin), someone divorcing for unbiblical reasons (sin), or even an unsaved divorcing a Christian (sin on the part of the unbeliever), it's all because of sin. You will not find the "marital euthanasia" garbage that says you can walk out because you're irritated. Remember, this man is an early founder of modern Bible-based Christian counseling. But he's also a pastor and extremely knowledgeable theologian, and it shows.By the way, if you and an even more exhaustive study on the issue, I recommend "Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context" by David Instone-Brewer. It's three times the size, and even more "deep." This book by Adams is a WONDERFUL gift to someone stuggling after divorce.

Takes a difficult topic and for the most part says that personal opinion doesn’t matter but here is what the Bible says. That I like. What I don’t like is that remarriage (enough of an issue to own 1/3 the title) is only given 2 brief chapters towards the end. The title and introductory chapters make it seem that it will be discussed on full but it appears to just be tacked on at the end.

Divorce and remarriage is not the unpardonable sin that our generation has made it into. Although divorce itself is not a sin (lest God Himself sin), it is, however, a result of sin. But like all other sins, it may be forgiven, and remarriage desirable. Here is the biblical proofs for those who care enough to look, with compassion and understanding of human fraility (say hello to David), and learn, that the church might restore and strengthen those hurt (by their own sin? yes, but hurt nonetheless), rather than the verbal stoning most often administered by the church. May God bring us back to sanity, and leave our latest "hot potato" behind, and move to the full understanding of the matter. Jay Adams, like Murray, has done us all a great service.Even the "guilty" party may be forgiven by the Blood of Christ.Divorce is not a sin; but is the result of sin. May the church stop stoning its hurting ones, who, like good and strong men (Peter, David, Jacob, and others) have been plagued with weakness, infirmity, and fraility, so that none could stand and boast before God, that they are anything but sinners saved by grace.To read some of the legalists today, you would wonder if they, being so perfect, have any need for forgiveness. Take heed, you who condemn others, lest you fall as well.

Once again, Adams' heart for God is reflected in his heart for mankind when he wrote this book on the delicate and controversial topic of divorce and remarriage for Christians. Not only does he lay the foundation for having a strong biblical marriage covenant and the importance of understanding how Christian marriage is supposed to reflect the union of Christ and the church; he also understands that we are fallen creatures who make poor choices, experience life struggles and issues that bring about conclusions to our marriage that are not biblically accepting - resulting in sin or disobedience of God. Then the good news comes in about living not under the law but under grace through Jesus Christ. While divorce is not God's choice for anyone, forgiveness is His choice for all who confess their sins and turn to walk in obedience in Christ. I enjoyed reading new insights on this topic that were written concisely by Adams. It's a great book for a counselor's library and good for every Christian home today - we are all called upon at one time or another to give our "advice" about divorce to a family member or friend. Wouldn't it be nice to know what God really has to say about this matter and be able to share it in a way that is not offensive? Of course! Buy it!

Good book written in 1980 but seemingly written like it was today. A non biased study of what the Bible has to say and unpicks and dispels common misconceptions people have in the church on remarriage. I found it very useful.

A very helpful little book, that sets out clearly the Biblical position for Christians on this sometimes thorny subject. Recommended for anyone who is concerned about this situation especially as advise from well meaning people can often be confusing.

Excellent book. Well worth a read by anyone going through divorce, ensuring a biblical response to future situations that they may find themselves in

A very interesting book which gives bible based thought on a difficult subject. It is well worth reading and thinking about what is written.

For my college work.