I am divorced. Can I remarry according to the Bible?

We often receive questions like "I am divorced for such and such a
reason. Can I get remarried?" "I have been divorced twice—the first
for adultery by my spouse, the second for incompatibility. I am dating
a man who has been divorced three times—the first for incompatibility,
the second for adultery on his part, the third for adultery on his
wife's part. Can we get married to each other?" Questions like these
are very difficult to answer because the Bible does not go into great
detail regarding the various scenarios for remarriage after a divorce.

What we can know for sure is that it is God's plan for a married
couple to stay married as long as both spouses are alive (Genesis
2:24; Matthew 19:6). The only specific allowance for remarriage after
a divorce is for adultery (Matthew 19:9), and even this is debated
among Christians. Another possibility is desertion—when an unbelieving
spouse leaves a believing spouse (1 Corinthians 7:12–15). This
passage, though, does not specifically address remarriage, only being
bound to stay in a marriage. Instances of physical, sexual, or severe
emotional abuse would be sufficient cause for separation, but the
Bible does not speak of these sins in the context of divorce or
remarriage.

We know two things for sure. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), and God
is merciful and forgiving. Every divorce is a result of sin, either on
the part of one spouse or both. Does God forgive divorce? Absolutely!
Divorce is no less forgivable than any other sin. Forgiveness of all
sins is available through faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28;
Ephesians 1:7). If God forgives the sin of divorce, does that mean you
are free to remarry? Not necessarily. God sometimes calls people to
remain single (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). Being single should not be viewed
as a curse or punishment, but as an opportunity to serve God
wholeheartedly (1 Corinthians 7:32-36). God's Word does tell us,
though, that it is better to marry than to burn with passion (1
Corinthians 7:9). Perhaps this sometimes applies to remarriage after a
divorce.

So, can you or should you get remarried? We cannot answer that
question. Ultimately, that is between you, your potential spouse, and,
most importantly, God. The only advice we can give is for you to pray
to God for wisdom regarding what He would have you do (James 1:5).
Pray with an open mind and genuinely ask the Lord to place His desires
on your heart (Psalm 37:4). Seek the Lord's will (Proverbs 3:5-6) and
follow His leading.