Also, would the forgiveness of a single act of adultery rule out obtaining a divorce on Scriptural grounds if it later came to light that numerous immoral acts were involved?​—Sweden.

Also, forgiveness for one case of adultery does not necessarily mean that previous unrevealed defilements of the marriage bed are likewise forgiven.

According to the Scriptures, adultery or other gross sexual immorality does not automatically sever the marriage bond, but it does give the innocent mate a valid ground for doing so. (Matt. 5:32; 19:9)

Perhaps the adultery or gross sexual immorality was engaged in by the mate many years ago. The innocent one may have lived for many years with the other mate in the marriage arrangement after the immoral act (though unknown at the time) and before the separation. Therefore, even though now divorced, the innocent party may want to forgive the wrong that occurred in the past, believing that this is what he or she would have done had the matter been revealed then. (Eph. 4:32) The innocent party may possibly entertain the hope of once again making up with the former marriage mate and entering into a legal marriage again with that one.

What, then, of the other situation, that of a person still married who, after having forgiven one act of adultery, later comes to learn about other acts of sexual immorality or perversion by the guilty mate, acts committed before such forgiveness was extended? This would give the innocent mate opportunity to reconsider the matter. The Bible shows that even Jehovah God views a practice of sin as being far more serious than a single act of sin. (1 John 1:8–2:1; 3:4-6) While a man or woman may be willing to forgive one act of adultery, he or she may feel differently about forgiving a practice of sexual wrongs over a prolonged period. In such a case, some persons would again choose to forgive the guilty mate but others might want to use this new evidence to obtain a divorce and to establish with the congregation their Scriptural freedom to remarry. This would apply to persons who are separated as well as to those still living together as husband and wife.

Accordingly, acts of marital unfaithfulness that were not forgiven in the past may provide a basis for establishing Scripturally the right to sever the marriage tie in the sight of God. Of course, the person who chooses to do this must be willing to shoulder that responsibility before his Creator. Whereas the elders of the congregation may personally feel that forgiveness would have been more appropriate, they leave the matter in Jehovah’s hands as final Judge. He alone knows the heart of the individual seeking to establish Scriptural freedom to remarry and that one’s motivations. (1 Cor. 4:5) As for any act of marital unfaithfulness that had definitely been forgiven in the past, it cannot later be used as a Scriptural basis for obtaining a divorce or for establishing the right to remarry.

It may be noted that in these matters the Christian congregation is guided by the Scriptures and not by legal stipulations adhered to in certain localities that do not permit the introduction of new evidence after a case has once been heard and decided.