Jesus stated in Matthew 19 the original design of marriage by God – “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). This is what God intended for mankind. Nevertheless, divorce was rampant among the nations – Israel included. Thus, God permitted divorce, and gave consequences for it (cf. Deuteronomy 24:1-4). It is to this that Jesus alluded.

“But I say to you…” (v. 32). Jesus continued to establish gospel truth, and kingdom law. He continued to set higher standards. Under the Old Law divorce was permitted, but under the law of Christ there is but one cause. Divorce is NOT permitted, except in the case of fornication (cf. Matthew 19:7-9). If divorce takes place for the reason of fornication the one who divorces is not the cause of the guilty party’s adultery upon entering a new marriage. If one divorces his wife for any other reason he is the cause of her adultery if she so chooses to marry another. If one marries a woman who has been divorced, whether she has committed fornication or has been divorced unlawfully, that one commits adultery. Either way the woman, when she enters in a new marriage, commits adultery since she is still bound to her husband (cf. Romans 7:2). This is Christ’s law concerning marriage, divorce, and remarriage.