Answer: When Jesus came into this world, He was "made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law" (Galatians 4:4-5). The Christian is to "stand fast . . . in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free" (Galatians 5:1). Scripture makes it quite clear that we who are in Christ are not under the Old Testament Law. Instead, we "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) and follow the "law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

The restriction of Deuteronomy 24:4 was part of God's regulation on divorce, a practice which He tolerated, but never condoned, because of the Israelites" hardheartedness (Matthew 19:8). Moses required a legally binding, written bill of divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1) and prohibited "reversing" the divorce. Both regulations were calculated to emphasize the gravity and finality of divorce. In essence, God was saying, "Divorce is a very serious matter; do not take this step lightly."

Today, married couples would do well to follow Jesus' word and leave intact what God has joined (Matthew 19:6). Divorced couples, while not bound to follow the particulars of the Old Testament Law, must still consider all the implications of remarriage. If the relationship with an ex-spouse moves forward, pastoral counseling is recommended to ensure that the factors which led to the divorce in the first place have been confronted and worked through.