Marriage is a serious decision, and should not be entered into lightly. It is the only time in scripture God states they become one flesh. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24). In view of this, when considering to marry a non-believer, there is a sound reason Paul warns against this. Harmony and oneness can’t flourish when the two doesn't share a common faith.
Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14, AMP).
Though the concept of being unequally yoked does not mention marriage, it’s an example to use because the two become one in a partnership of marriage. The yoke was used to steer the oxen in the same direction. It kept them from fighting. Thus, in such a marriage both are being pulled in to a different direction. Any marriage without a godly foundation can experience tremendous strain and conflict in the relationship.
Even the case of marrying someone with a different belief, God forbids it. He was concerned about our heart being drawn away from Him to the customs and ways of those opposed to Christianity. "You shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughter to his son, nor shall you take his daughter for your son; 4 for they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the Lord will be kindled and burn against you and He will quickly destroy you." (Deuteronomy 7:3-4; Ezra 10:11, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16).
Some may try to convince you it’s acceptable in the sight of God due to Moses’s marriage to a Cushite woman. (Exodus 2:16-22; Numbers 12:1). And Joseph who married Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Heliopolis in Egypt). (Genesis 41:45, 46:10). But God never instructed them to marry either of these women. See also Genesis 28:1; Ezra 10:11; 1 Kings 11:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:7-13). Though you may feel you have much in common with the unbeliever, the most essential thing you do not have in common is the God you serve. This matters deeply to God.
You may argue and ask; Well, why did God allow us to cross paths? There is always a purpose and reason for everything God does. But their relationship with God is a big deal. How can they have a relationship with a God they do not believe in? And you are fooling yourself if you think you can change an unbeliever’s views on marriage. Expecting either to abandon their faith and become of a different faith is selfish. Trying to make the non-believer become a Christian after marriage is unrealistic. This is more likely to lead to pain, frustration, anger, bitterness and regret.
You’ll need to consider the ramifications of such actions such as:
Your relationship with God
Church affliction (which church to become part of?)
If there are children, the faith to teach them
The call God has on your life as individuals and as a couple
Your trust in Christ during hardships, (which faith to trust?)
Prayer and Bible time together
And your eternal destiny
Beloved, God wants His absolute best for you. Marriage is a gift from God to bless you not to place unnecessary strain and burdens on either. Those considering marrying an unbeliever would be wise to trust God no matter what to bring you the spouse He has designed for you at His proper season.
What advice would you give to a Christian who tells you they are going to marry a non-believer or one who has a different faith than Christianity?
What advice do you give to those who make excuses and rationalize, even use scripture to justify dating or marrying an unbeliever? (1 Corinthians 7:13-16)
Is it a sin for a Christian to marry or date a non-believer?
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