Question: I Got Divorced and Remarried—Am I Living in Sin?
Answer: This leads to another question. Did you sin? Did you repent? Are you doing your best to walk in freedom from that day forward? If yes, you are no longer living in sin. Let's unpack it below.
This question is more common than you might think: “I got divorced and now I’m remarried. Is this a sin? Do I need to get divorced again in order to receive forgiveness?” If you're wrestling with guilt, confusion, or shame, you're not alone. And the good news? God's Word gives both truth and grace for your journey. Let’s unpack this together.
God’s Design for Marriage.
God’s original design for marriage is lifelong faithfulness between one man and one woman.
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
—Matthew 19:6 (ESV)
Divorce was never God's ideal, but Scripture acknowledges that because of human sin, it does happen.
“Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.”
—Matthew 19:8 (ESV)
What Does the Bible Say About Remarriage After Divorce?
Jesus does speak strongly about divorce and remarriage, particularly when it’s done for the wrong reasons.
“Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
—Matthew 19:9 (ESV)
This has led some to believe that any remarriage after divorce is always sinful—but context matters. Jesus was addressing people who were treating divorce casually, often for selfish reasons. The goal wasn’t to shame people who had already remarried but to uphold the seriousness of marriage.
Paul adds important nuance:
“To the married I give this charge… the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband)… To the rest I say… if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.”
—1 Corinthians 7:10–12 (ESV)
Paul affirms that divorce is sometimes unavoidable, and remarriage isn’t always condemned—but the heart behind it matters deeply. Even if you were the guilty party, there is forgiveness and a chance to move forward.
If You’re Now Remarried—Now What?
Here’s the key: Now that you’re remarried, your current marriage is the one to honor. God DOES NOT call you to undo a remarriage in order to be forgiven.
“Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.”
—1 Corinthians 7:20 (ESV)
God’s grace isn’t about going backward—it’s about walking forward in obedience. If your previous divorce involved sin, you can absolutely confess it and receive forgiveness. But that doesn’t mean divorcing your current spouse is the solution. That would only create more pain and brokenness.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
—1 John 1:9 (ESV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
—Romans 8:1 (ESV)
So—Is It a Sin?
The short answer: If sin was involved in your past divorce, yes, that needs repentance—but once confessed, it is forgiven in Christ. If you’ve remarried, your new marriage is a covenant before God. God’s call is not to tear apart that relationship, but to make it holy and faithful.
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.”
—Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)
God’s Grace Is Bigger Than Your Past
You don’t need to live in shame. You don’t need to “undo” your life. You need to move forward in God’s grace and truth. Honor your current marriage. Ask God to strengthen it. And walk in the freedom of forgiveness.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been carrying guilt or fear that your remarriage disqualifies you from God’s love—lay that burden down today. Jesus carried that on the cross.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Next Steps.
- Thank God for His mercy and ask for His grace to strengthen your current marriage.
- If needed, confess any sin related to your past—and walk in newness.
- Commit to building a Christ-centered home from this day forward.
