Not Under Bondage:   What is the bondage that is referred to here? 

Since we are speaking of marriage throughout this chapter and in the preceding verses, we have a clear idea of what Paul is referring to.  Paul is very clearly speaking of the "bonds" of matrimony or MARRIAGE. 

Can we establish that in other scriptures? Sure we can.  Let's first go back to Romans 7.

Romans 7:1-3  "Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man."

Is there anyone at all who would argue whether a widow is free to remarry?  I should think not.  The bible is very clear on that.  If your spouse is dead, you are free to remarry.

What then about Paul's statement concerning "bondage" in 1 Corinthians 7:15?

"But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace." 

Is the "bondage" referred to here actually speaking of marriage, or is there some other meaning?  Let's examine Paul's teaching again:

1 Corinthians 7:27  "Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife."

What is Paul saying here?  Look again.  "Art thou bound..." (married) "...unto a wife?  seek not to be loosed." (divorced)  "Art thou loosed..." (divorced) "...from a wife?  seek not..." (to be married to) "...a wife."

I believe it is very clear, but if not, let's look a little further still.  Again, Paul speaks of "Bondage."

1 Corinthians 7:39  "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord."

The bondage clearly spoken of throughout this passage is marriage.  Paul stated in the 15th verse ... "A brother or a sister is not under bondage..."  (bonds of matrimony...tied to marriage) "...in such cases..."

To summarize the bondage statements:  A widow is not BOUND ( tied to marriage) to her husband if he is dead (Romans 7:1-3, 1 Corinthians 7:39). 

A woman is not BOUND (tied to marriage) to her husband if he is an adulterer (Matthew 22:29-30, Mark 12:24-25, Luke 20:34-36)

A woman is not BOUND (tied to marriage) to her unbelieving spouse if he deserts her (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Even though God places a premium value on the institution of marriage, it is possible for extreme circumstances involving fornication, adultery, violence, abuse, neglect and desertion to justify a divorce action.

Divorce is certainly NOT what God wants, however, at times it cannot be avoided.

You must understand that Divorce IS NOT:

 A "first response" to a problem that arises in marriage.  God wants you to be reconciled if there is any way at all possible.  He does NOT want you to divorce.

It is NOT a "way out" because you "feel" your spouse doesn't love you anymore.  The Word of God is very clear about this.  If the unbelieving is pleased to stay with you then you have no grounds for divorce.

It is NOT permissible just for the sole purpose of "being free" or because you like someone else better or because you just want a change of scenery.  Paul said DO NOT SEEK TO BE LOOSED.

Irreconcilable Differences are NOT grounds for divorce.  They MAY be grounds for separation, but NOT divorce.  If you and your husband are both believers, God does NOT want you to separate, however, it is NOT forbidden either.  If you believe otherwise, show me the book, chapter and verse in which you find your belief. 

Now for the kicker.  IF and I do mean IF you do separate for any reason other than fornication or adultery, the bible forbids you to divorce and commands you to remain unmarried for life or to be reconciled to your husband.  Otherwise, it IS adultery.

The real question most of the time is not "Can I get Divorced?"  The real underlying question for most people today (Even Christians), is "Can I Ever Get Married Again". 

It is as if most Christians are saying "Well, this one didn't work, perhaps the next one will".  Folks, that is a damnable way of thinking about Marriage.  You need to repent of YOUR adultery and be RECONCILED with YOUR spouse.

Which brings us to the final question before we summarize....

What about Remarriage?  Is it permissible?