Differences between the believer and the unbeliever arise from having different value systems. For this reason, the apostle Paul advised, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Variances in morals
Because of the big gap in ideals and conduct between the Christian and non-Christian, to enter into any binding relationship in marriage confronts the Christian with the alternatives of abandoning his principles or enduring difficulties. Therefore, the counsel in 2 Corinthians 6:14 is essential to heed.
The command to separate from the world
Separateness from sin and sinners is explicitly taught throughout the Scriptures and not just the New Testament (Lev. 20:24; Num. 6:3; Heb. 7:26; etc.). No other principle has been more strictly given by God. The believer needs to ask himself: whose influence is likely to prevail, that of Christ or that of the evil one? When it comes to a binding relationship such as marriage, the Christian that loves the Lord should not unite with an unbeliever, even in hope of winning him to Christ.
The person that does not accept Christ as his Savior, and His teachings as his standard of belief and conduct, to him, the ideals of Christianity are viewed as undesirable and foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18). And because of his outlook, the unbeliever often finds it most difficult to tolerate a pattern of conduct that tends to restrict his own ways of living.
Obedience leads to peace
Intimate fellowship with non-believers in marriage would affect not only the individual but the family and the nation (Ex. 34:15, 16). Solomon broke this principle and his actions caused untold personal and national loss as a result (1 Kings 11:1).
The person that makes close ties with those who who neither love nor serve God (1 Cor. 16:14-17) can’t experience true happiness and safety. When God’s people throughout the history violated this principle, they faced spiritual loss and pain. The disastrous experiences of Esau (Gen. 26:34, 35), Samson (Judges 14:1), and many others are persuasive in their testimony to remain separate from the world.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
