Divorce may be defined as the legal dissolution of a marriage covenant.
Under the Mosaic regime, divorce could be obtained for a variety of reasons (Dt. 24:1; Mt. 19:8). But this looseness was merely tolerated; it was not the divine ideal. Under the Christian system, the strictness of the marital union was restored to its original design (Mt. 19:8b).
Divorce is authorized for one cause only -- that of fornication (sexual intercourse) by a marital partner against their spouse, who is an innocent victim (Mt. 5:32; 19:9). Mark 10:12 provides the woman with the same right as the man.
There may be occasions when Christian companions may need to separate for safety's sake (cf. 1 Cor. 7:11), but divorce is restricted to the ordinance of Christ. Mere abandonment by a thoughtless spouse does not constitute grounds for divorce or remarriage (1 Cor. 7:15).
