Five Things We Will Learn
- What Jesus clearly taught about marriage, divorce, and adultery
- Why the idea of the “Pauline Privilege” is often misunderstood
- The eternal seriousness of living in ongoing adultery
- The one clear biblical condition that permits remarriage
- How God’s grace applies to those who came to Christ after divorce and remarriage
The Authority of Jesus on Marriage
Marriage, Remarriage, and Living in Adultery
Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce is direct and uncompromising. He declared, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery” (Luke 16:18). This truth is repeated multiple times in the Gospels. According to Jesus, if a person’s first spouse is still alive, entering into a new marriage constitutes adultery.
The So-Called “Pauline Privilege”
Some claim that Paul gives permission to remarry if an unbelieving spouse leaves the marriage. This idea is often called the “Pauline Privilege,” a term not found in Scripture. This teaching is based on 1 Corinthians 7:15, where Paul says the believer “is not bound” if the unbeliever departs.
However, Paul never states that the believer is free to remarry. He simply says they are not bound to remain in that marriage. To interpret Paul’s words as permission to do what Jesus calls adultery is to place Paul above Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate authority on marriage. Paul was His follower, not His equal.
Related:
- Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: What the Bible Actually Says
- Getting Married Is Not Your Safeguard
- Jesus Was Supported by Women — When You Both Work Hard but She Earns More — Why Do We Shame Ministers Today?
- God’s Call to the Same-Sex Couple Who Come to Christ
The Seriousness of the Issue
This is far more than a theological debate. To tell someone they may remarry while their original spouse is still alive is to tell them they can live in what Jesus defined as adultery. Scripture gives a sobering warning: “Neither the sexually immoral nor… adulterers… will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Because people’s eternal souls are at stake, we must not soften or add to Jesus’ clear words.
A Sobering Warning for All Believers
The writer of Hebrews gives a serious warning to every Christian: “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment…” (Hebrews 10:26-27). This warning applies to all believers. Once we clearly understand the truth, we cannot continue deliberately living in any sin.
The Only Clear Exception
The only time Scripture clearly states that a person is free to remarry is when their spouse has died. In that case, they are released from the marriage bond (Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39).
Grace for Those Who Did Not Know Christ
There is great mercy for those who divorced and remarried before they knew Christ. Before coming to Him, they “were dead in transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). When they accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, God “made alive with Christ even when were dead in transgressions” (Ephesians 2:5).
Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive. For the person who was not a follower of Christ when they entered a previous marriage or divorce, that entire past life was lived in spiritual death. The Scriptures declare, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
However, even though they are free to marry, it is better for them to remain single and fully dedicated to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Truth Has Consequences
We can make our own choices, but we don’t get to choose our own consequences.
(Galatians 6:7)
We all have been given free will by our Creator, who honors our free will (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15). He will allow hardship (Hebrews 12:6-11), and He will send prophets and messengers to warn us (2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Jeremiah 25:4-5; Ezekiel 17:12-21), and this very article may be that warning for you. He has also caused wisdom to cry out in the street (Proverbs 1:20-23) to help us use our free will to follow His ways and follow Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14), but in the end, He allows us to make our own choices (Galatians 6:7-8). Remember, we can make our own choices, yet we do not get to choose the consequences of those choices (Romans 2:6), as truth has consequences (John 8:31-32).
Begin Your Journey Today
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Begin Your Journey Today
Jesus didn’t just call us to believe in Him—He called us to follow Him.
Step into the life He designed for you through Emmaus Road’s The Commands of Jesus. This is more than learning—it’s an invitation to walk with Him, obey Him, and experience Him in a real and powerful way.
You don’t want to miss this exciting adventure Jesus has called you into.
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