How does 1 Corinthians 7:14 affirm the sanctity of a mixed-faith marriage? Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 7:14 “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.” What Does “Sanctified” Mean Here? - Literally, “set apart” for God’s special purpose. - Not describing automatic salvation for the unbeliever, but a real, God-recognized status flowing from the believing spouse’s union with Christ. - God regards the entire household as standing under a holy influence, giving the marriage a unique, honored place in His sight. Affirmation of the Marriage Bond - Genesis 2:24—“the two shall become one flesh.” When one of those “one flesh” partners belongs to Christ, the marriage itself enjoys God’s covenantal favor. - Matthew 19:6—“Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate.” The verse underscores that God Himself joins the couple, even when only one believes. - 1 Corinthians 7:12-13 in the same passage—Paul explicitly tells the believer not to leave the unbelieving spouse if the latter is willing to remain. The relationship is valid, honorable, and worth preserving. Protection and Blessing for the Children - “Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.” God extends the sanctifying reach to the offspring, marking them for covenant nurture and blessing. - Deuteronomy 6:7—parents are to “teach them diligently to your children,” a command the believing parent can fulfill confidently, trusting God’s promise of holiness in the home. - Isaiah 54:13—“All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” The believing parent may claim this promise, assured that God is at work in the family. Call for Faithful Living of the Believing Spouse - 1 Peter 3:1-2—godly conduct can be the very means God uses to draw the unbelieving mate to salvation. - Colossians 3:18-19—mutual love and submission showcase Christ in the household. - The sanctified status of the marriage does not remove the spouse’s need to witness verbally and by lifestyle; it strengthens that mission. Summary Truths - God Himself declares the mixed-faith marriage “sanctified,” affirming its full legitimacy and worth. - The believing spouse becomes a channel of holy influence, enveloping the unbeliever and the children in God’s gracious purposes. - The verse upholds the permanence of marriage, encourages the believer to remain faithful, and promises divine favor on the entire household. |
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