Q & A
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in terms of light and darkness ( verse 14 ) Christ with Belial ( a reference to Satan ( verse 15 ), a believer with an unbeliever ( verse 15 ) and a temple of God with a temple of idols ( verse 16 ). Paul goes on to say that , “ the believer is the temple of the living God ”.
Verse 16 also makes reference to the Old Testament prophecies that God will put His laws into the hearts of believers , “ and I will be their God , and they will be My people .” Paul ’ s quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures tell God ’ s people to be separated from the other peoples in order to remain pure .
The concept of being separated from unbelievers originally comes from the Old Testament . The reason given for the separation was so that God ’ s people would not be ensnared with the impurity of the surrounding peoples . The concept of separation is continued in the New Testament , which tells us that friendship with the world make us an enemy of God . Instead we are “ not to be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewal of our minds through the power of God .” ( Romans 12:2 )
What then is wrong with being bound to an unbeliever ? Even though you may think you have a lot in common . The most significant thing that you do not have in common is the Bible truth . Especially the New Testament which warns Christians to avoid idolatry . ( 1 Corinthians 10 : 14 and 31 ). An idol is something that is held in higher esteem than God and since an unbeliever may not believe in God , to him everything can be an idol including the relationship with their partner . Included in the list of idols are sexual immorality , lustful passion , evil desires , and greed . ( Colossians 3:5 )
One of the problems in the marriage of a Christian to a non- Christian is the sexual relationship . The Bible describes the union as ” the two will become one flesh .” ( Mark 10:8 ) 1 Corinthians 6 gives the example of a believer having sexual relations with a prostitute . The resulting union joins Christ to a prostitute . Likewise the joining of a Christian and a non-Christian joins Christ to an unbeliever . The New Testament goes as far as to warn us not to even eat with idolaters . ( 1 Corinthians 5:11 ) Paul tells us bad company corrupts good morals . ( 1 Corinthians 15:33 )
The Old Testament specifically forbids God ’ s people from marrying “ foreign wives .” In Ezra ( 10:11 ) it informs us , “ Now therefore make confession to the lord God of your fathers and do his will and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives .”
Other verses prohibit marrying unbelievers including examples of Solomon in his later years . ( 1 Kings : 11 )
Although dating of Christians and non-Christians is not specifically outlined in the Bible it seems clear that such a relationship lays a path to troubles . It could be said that an unbeliever is going to be attracted to a Christian because of good morals and seeing the fruits of the Spirit within them ( though the nonbeliever would not know these are from God but the Lord ’ s light draws people ). The chances of that person having been attracted to a Christian , becoming a Christian may be remote , yet possible but not guaranteed , and as such they would not be equally yoked . However , in a case where the unbelieving spouse is not against the faith of their spouse and is willing to live peacefully with them , the Scriptures in 1 Corinthians 71:7 encourages the believer to place priority on living in peace and fulfilling their marriage vows , through exemplary living that may lead to the salvation of their unbelieving partner and will sanctify the children of the union .
If a new believer is married to their unbelieving partner and their partner does not wish to become a Christian , scriptures highlight that the unbeliever is under no obligation to remain in the union and must be allowed a ( 1 Corinthians 7:15 ) divorce if they insist on getting one .
The Bible is clear that a Christian is never to marry a non-Christian , in the hope that the nonbeliever will become a Christian after the wedding . It is unrealistic and may well lead to years of frustration and conflict . Dating a non-Christian would also be problematic , for similar reasons .
The important thing is to take time to listen to and chat with the individual who has posed the question that is being answered here and to ensure they have the awareness of God ’ s word and to give the partner who is the nonbeliever a chance to ask questions , to make their thoughts known . They may wish to know the Lord and of course to pray and ask the Lord for His help and wisdom .
From my own personal experience of being in an unequally yoked relationship with a Christian I did not see what he saw and there was much conflict in our relationship including worship of other idols and eventually when I did become a Christian I was able to reflect and see the purpose of God ’ s guidance in this area and agree that being equally yoked is fundamental in a partnership . p
October - December 2016 SHARE | MAGAZINE | 33