In the previous post we established that the biblical authors do in fact encourage followers of Jesus to seek partners who believe the gospel while discouraging marriage outside of the faith. But to whom does this apply? A careful look at the biblical evidence shows that Paul does not have the following in mind.
Christians who are already married to non-Christians. In contrast, Paul commands the believer to remain married to the unbelieving spouse (1 Cor. 7:12-13). The unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” through the believer. Whatever this means, it has to be good. So stay married! (Peter makes the same assumption in 1 Peter 3:1).
Cultural or race. The Old Testament Law contains some of the strongest admonitions against marrying the “foreigner,” one who worships a pagan god. “Foreigner”, in this context, cannot be a reference to race or culture since Moses, the mediator of the law, married a woman from a different race and culture (Num. 12). In fact, God rebukes Moses’ sister, Miriam, for speaking out against his wife (vv. 1-11). An interracial marriage between believers brings glory to God. This principle bears itself out in the book of Galatians where Paul tells the church that there is neither Jew nor Greek; all are one in Christ (3:28).
Denominational differences. Christians from different denominational traditions do well to discuss the differences prior to marriage. However, Paul’s words here are targeting two different religions, not two different denominations. Baptist, marry the Presbyterian!
Cultural Christianity. We should make a distinction between Cultural Christianity versus Committed Christianity. As in the case of any religion, some view their professed religion through the lens of culture as opposed to conviction. (E.g. “Of course I’m a Christian. I also identify with Irish culture, root for the Giants, and vote Republican.”) In contrast, Committed Christianity responds in faith to the gospel in way that places Jesus at the center of the life. My point here is not to disparage Cultural Christianity (another blog for another day), only to point out that these two “religions” are worlds apart. It may even be fair to say that Cultural Christianity has more in common with, say, Cultural Agnosticism or Cultural Hinduism than Committed Christianity. When a cultural Christian marries an individual from a different faith, he or she may not really be marrying outside of the faith, but entering a union with a fellow secularist. In short, if you believe the gospel and want Jesus to be at the center of your life, Paul’s words concerning marriage apply to you. If not, no worries.
In the next post I will share some practical considerations.