Christian Marriage?

Question

If you are a Christian and you met a non-Christian girl, is it wrong and against the Bible to date her or marry her?

Isn't marrying a non-Christian okay and beneficial in helping them believe too? If they don't have a religion and is willing to accept something/spouse's religion?

Answer 1

Ezra 9:1-2: In the old testament mixed marriages was opposed because a person who married a pagan was inclined to adopt that person's pagan beliefs and practices. Also the Israelites then were insensitive enough to disobey God in something as important as marriage, they wont be strong enough to stand firm against their spouses idolatry.

2 Corinthians 6:14: Paul urges believers not to form binding relationships with nonbelievers, because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity or standards. It would be a mismatch. However saying that Paul wants believers to be active in their witness to nonbelievers, but they should not lock themselves into personal or business relationships that cause them to compromise the faith.

1 Corinthians 7:12-14. (This regards mixed marriages) Because of their desire to serve Christ, some people in the Corinthian church thought they ought to divorce their pagan spouses and marry Christians. But Paul affirmed the marriage commitment. God's ideal is for marriages to stay together even when one spouse is not a believer. The Christian spouse should try and win the other to Christ. It would be easy to rationalise leaving: however Paul makes a strong case for staying with the unbelieving spouse and being a positive influence on the marriage. Paul, like Jesus believed that marriage is permanent. God regards the marriage as sanctified by the presence of one Christian spouse. The other does not receive salvation automatically, but is helped by this relationship. The children of such marriage are to be regarded as 'holy' (because of God blessings on the family unit) until they are old enough to decide for themselves. This verse is misused by some as loopholes to get out of marriage. But Paul statements were given to encourage the Christian spouse to try and get along with the unbeliever and make marriage work. If however, the unbelieving spouse insisted on leaving Paul said to let them go. The only alternative would be for the Christian to deny his or her faith to preserve the marriage and that would be worse than dissolving the marriage. Pauls chief purpose in writing this was to urge the married couples to seek unity, not separation.

Basically you have to decide whether or not you will compromise your faith because of your girlfriend or wife. So this really depends on her character and moral standards. As well as how strong and mature you are in yr Christian faith. If it does compromise you then it is better not to get involved. If however she is a good samaritan, open to your faith and agrees that yr children will be brought as Christians then I think it is ok. As mentioned God will still sanctify the marriage.

Answer 2

Hi Face,

The Bible clearly teaches that we are not to be unequally yoked. You have to decide whether you want to follow God's way or your way (the latter would be considered sin, right when we elevate our own ways above the Lord's.)

God doesn't always explain His reasons to us, but he understands us. It is important for us to be equally yoked- because married couples share everything together and if Christ is indeed the most important thing in your life- it becomes difficult to share that. Also for the Christian (understanding God's heart for divorce) it's important to find someone who shares that same value (over 50% of marriages end in divorce). You must also consider the children (will they go to church or not?) And so there are a lot of difficulties and obstacles and in some ways may even limit your ability to serve God.

There are passages in the Bible that address how people are to win their non-belieiving spouses to the Lord (and so i think God does understand that - this does happen and it's not an unforgiveable sin), but God is wise. And His will is clear. i know cases where the unbelieving spouse has come to the Lord- but that is God's grace- not His will to cause someone to disobey to accomplish His will.

I think another difficulty is that it is hard for the non-Christian to love Christ more than you. IE: What happens if you date and then you break up, her impression of Christ is often based on her experience with you. Christ-likeness considers others.

I think if you can't finish something- you shouldn't start it. IE: If it'll also cause problems with family, church, etc., you should think about those things and be prayerful.

i hope this helps- i'm just a brother in the Lord speaking the truth in love...

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 3

The Bible says that we should be joined equally with another Believer. THIS IS WHY! The Unbeliever will influence you by her actions and desires, thereby causing you to stray from the Lord. Also, when you have children, what if your spouse doesn't want them going to church, or worshipping Jesus? What do you do? Should you have a divided household and only you attend church? Should you defy your spouses wishes and cause a lot of arguements?
This is a LOSE - LOSE situation. That is why God warns us to avoid it.
I speak from experience. I came back to God three months after I married my husband. He didn't want anything to do with Church, and it caused us to have almost nothing in common anymore. It was a very painful four years! But I kept praying that he would get saved, and he did! Now things are wonderful, but not so for my friend who is still waiting for her husband to get saved. Although, she has gone so far away from God in an attempt to appease her husband, it really doesn't matter anymore.
God doesn't give rules because He doesn't want us to have any fun. He knows what is best for us, and if we will just listen to Him we will have a full and fun life!!

Answer 4

You can marry anyone you want. If your religion isn't accepting of other people, I'd rather take the girl over the religion. I'm not going to let anyone or anything dictate how I live my life.

In addition:
I've read some of the answers and I think it's the religous fanatics at work again. If you are in love with a Jewish girl for example, are you really going to ignore your feelings just because the Bible says it's wrong. That would be ridiculous. That means you have no free will. You are not a person, only a sponge and absorb everything you are told. Be your own person and go with your heart. People can come up with a good comprise if you two are from different religions.

Answer 5

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT) says... "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? "

I would imagine it would be difficult in a lot of ways for believers and non-believers to date or be married. Simply because they could have opposing values (such as how to raise their children religiously or if they will tithe) which could strain the relationship... this could include even Christians of different denominations. Some denominations believe in eternal security (once saved always saved) and others believe salvation can be lost again. A couple who isn't in agreement on the subject of salvation could be at odds with each other.

Answer 6

tremendous question. i certainly do not have an answer on your question, so sorry for answering in any case. purely had to throw it accessible that i don't believe of marriage is in ordinary words round god. a lot of atheists get married for all time, i imagine this is in ordinary words what's asserted at your wedding ceremony which could be considered. a wedding ceremony is a binding of two souls, legally and emotionally. the spirituality is surely as a lot as you. also, i love even as the fundies come on the following and commence quoting bible verses even once you obviously at the on the spot are not religious. how nerve-racking, and a touch unhappy, that they have got not something else to respond to with as well costs from a e book. a minimum of none of them have stooped to telling you they'll pray on your soul.

Answer 7

YES, it is completely wrong. Read the Bible. You can't use the excuse that you may win their soul, cuz you don't know!

But a Christian should marry /date a Chriatian...

Here is a verse:
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Think about it. You have kids, you want them to pray, spouse does't. You want to go to church, spouse doesn't... ETC ETC ETC...

i think it would be a big mistake!

Answer 8

No it is not.

The bible says in reference to a christian marrying a non christian that One should not depart from the unfaithful one because if the unfaithful see's the walk that the faithful is taking the the unfaithful may become faithful.

Answer 9

It is extremely practical to base a relationship on things people have in common. Why would you initiate a relationship with someone who's religion is at odds with yours? The Bible discourages this practice (II Cor. 6:14). Usually when people try to date someone with the intent of converting them, the weak Christian will be influenced instead! It is easier for someone to pull you down than for you to bring them up.

Answer 10

Absolutely NOT! The family needs to be devoted to God, how are you going to do that when one parent tries to teach their kids one thing and the other another?

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? -2 Corinthians 6:14

How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? -1 Corinthians 7:16