When it comes to whom you should marry, the Bible is filled with advice. The reason God gave as to why Jews should never allow their children to marry unbelievers was, “They will turn your sons away from following me” (Deut. 7:4). He did not say perhaps it might happen, but it will happen. I marvel that Christian young people (and their parents) think they know more about this than God!
Paul limited the possibility of any potential mate he might wed by saying she had to be a sister in Christ. He also said this was the practice of other apostles (1 Cor. 9:5). He also restricted widows by saying they could only marry those who were in Christ (1 Cor. 7:39).
Paul does show that marriages between believers and unbelievers are marriages and recognized by God. The prohibition, “Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14), literally says, “Stop becoming unequally yoked,” and thus describes the action before the yoke is made. The Bible tells us what to do, and what to do if we ignore the first instruction. (A parallel of this concept is found in 1 Cor. 7:10-11, which forbids a woman leaving her husband, but then tells her what to do if she does leave.)
Common sense shows the folly of marrying someone who is not a Christian. Think about following reasons.
1. Rearing children. Do you really think that non-Christians share your values regarding profanity, modesty, and materialism? How will their values impact children?
2. Sundays and Wednesdays. There will be a crisis every week if the Christian faithfully attends church services. Think of the difference when you share worship and the Lord’s Supper with your Christian mate, while your children watch this.
3. Money. Have we never considered the resentment the non-Christian mate will have toward your sacrificial giving, especially when money is short? It is a crisis waiting to happen.
4. Problem solving and divorce. There is an absolute standard of right and wrong the Christian has about solving problems and the unbeliever does not share this standard (otherwise they would be a Christian). Why would an unbeliever have your view of the sin of divorce?
5. Moral values. Again the absolute standard that governs family life is had only by Christians. Think!
A closing admonition and word of extreme caution. Why would you seriously date someone you would not marry?