In 1974, the Worldwide Church of God underwent a significant doctrinal shift regarding divorce and remarriage, moving away from the previous stance that only fraud justified a lawful divorce permitting remarriage. It is now understood that divorce, with the possibility of remarriage, is a liberty available under certain circumstances, though it must not be abused. Jesus Christ Himself speaks directly on this matter in Matthew 19, indicating that fornication serves as an exception that allows for divorce and remarriage. This term, however, carries broader implications than commonly understood in English, encompassing various sexual sins beyond just premarital relations, potentially including other perversions and adultery, thus suggesting a more liberal stance by Him than might initially appear. Further examination reveals that violence against the marriage contract, which is not limited to physical abuse or sexual sin, can also justify divorce. Such violence includes acts like adultery, lying, stealing, or other behaviors that render the marriage untenable, filled with conflict, and destructive to God's purpose. These acts reflect a hardness of heart or unconversion, which is identified as the basic cause for a lawful divorce that permits remarriage. Not all expressions of unconversion are sexual; they can manifest in various forms of abuse or neglect that violate the marriage covenant. In situations where one spouse is converted and the other is not, if the unconverted spouse is unwilling to live peaceably with the converted spouse, creating stress and conflict, God's mercy allows for separation. If the unbelieving spouse departs, the converted person is not bound in such cases, as God has called us to peace. Even if the unconverted spouse remains in the marriage for selfish reasons, yet has effectively abandoned the relationship through their actions, the converted spouse may recognize this reality and seek divorce to preserve their spiritual well-being and pursue God's purpose. God's flexibility in judgment, as an act of mercy, acknowledges the difficulty of marriage and permits divorce when situations are without peace and destructive to His overarching plan. While He hates divorce, His Word allows it under certain conditions, reflecting an adjustment to extend mercy rather than enslavement in untenable marital circumstances. The converted person, however, must be brutally honest in assessing their own responsibility in the marriage's failure, as God holds them to a higher standard and will not be deceived by self-justification. If striving to uphold God's law, He will grant the liberty of divorce to ensure peace and the opportunity to be in His Kingdom.

God intends marriage to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman, as established in Genesis 2:24, where a man leaves his parents and cleaves to his wife, becoming one flesh. This bond is meant to be so strong that, if trouble arises, the union should endure, with one spouse submitting rather than breaking the connection. Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, the emphasis remains on lifelong marriage, reflecting His desire for a man and a woman to stay united. Despite human tendencies to seek ways to dissolve marriages, the Bible offers few allowances for separation, underscoring His intent for couples to remain joined as one flesh, inseparable as God has united them.

God takes marriage very seriously, intending it to be a permanent union from the beginning. His original design, as seen in creation, establishes marriage as a lifelong covenant, not to be taken lightly. Divorce is abhorrent to Him, as it pulls apart what He has joined together, often involving treachery, hypocrisy, and violence that profane the marriage covenant. While God allows divorce under specific circumstances due to the hardness of human hearts, He does not accept it as righteous behavior but tolerates it out of mercy. His standards for Christians emphasize fidelity and the permanency of marriage, reflecting the unbreakable bond between Jesus Christ and His church. Regarding remarriage, God's mercy extends even to those who have experienced divorce. For individuals who become Christians after previous marriages and divorces, their past conduct is forgiven upon repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior at baptism. They are considered new creatures in Christ, granting them the legal right to marry as Christians and establish a Christian home, regardless of their prior history. However, wisdom must be exercised in choosing a mate, as past tendencies and character flaws remain, requiring ongoing effort to overcome with the help of the Holy Spirit. Even in cases where one spouse is a Christian and the other is not, if the unbelieving spouse departs, the Christian is advised to let them go, prioritizing peace over violence. God's church remains open to such individuals when repentance is involved, acknowledging that He can work with His children where they are and bring blessing, even if a marriage occurs in rebellion against His will. His ultimate desire is for marriages among believers to be permanent, mirroring the eternal relationship between Christ and His bride, the church.