What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:14? For the unbelieving husband “For the unbelieving husband…” (1 Corinthians 7:14) highlights Paul’s focus on marriages where only one spouse knows Christ. Rather than calling for separation (see 1 Corinthians 7:12–13), he encourages staying together because: • God honors the marriage covenant even when faith is unevenly shared (Matthew 19:6). • The believing spouse becomes the primary channel of gospel influence in the home (1 Peter 3:1). • God often works in families through a single faithful witness (Acts 16:31). is sanctified through his believing wife “…is sanctified through his believing wife” does not teach automatic salvation, but a setting apart for special gospel influence: • “Sanctified” in this context means the marriage relationship is recognized as valid and clean before God, not defiled by the husband’s unbelief (Titus 1:15). • The believing wife brings an atmosphere of prayer, truth, and godly example that God uses to draw her husband (1 Corinthians 7:16). • God has repeatedly shown mercy to entire households for the sake of one righteous person (Genesis 18:26–32). and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband Paul balances the statement: gender does not affect the principle. • The believing husband’s leadership can bless his household (Ephesians 5:23). • Spiritual influence flows both ways; either spouse can be God’s instrument of grace (Colossians 3:19; 1 Corinthians 7:16). • The marriage remains honorable, protected from spiritual defilement (Hebrews 13:4). Otherwise your children would be unclean If God did not extend this sanctifying influence through a believing parent, “your children would be unclean.” • “Unclean” points to being outside the covenant people and its privileges (Ezra 9:2). • Without a believing parent, children would have no direct conduit to the truths that make them “wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15). • Paul echoes the Old Testament concern that ungodliness in parents affects the next generation (Malachi 2:15). but now they are holy Because one parent trusts Christ, the children are “holy”—set apart for God’s purposes. • They grow up under the sound of Scripture and prayer (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). • They benefit from the covenant promise: “The promise is for you and your children” (Acts 2:39). • Jesus welcomed children brought by believing parents, calling them to Himself (Mark 10:14). • Though each child must personally believe, God graciously grants them a privileged, protected place in the home (Psalm 103:17; 2 Timothy 1:5). summary 1 Corinthians 7:14 assures Christians married to unbelievers that God honors their union, channels blessing through their faith, and sets their household apart. The unbelieving spouse is placed in a sphere of spiritual influence that can lead to salvation, while the children enjoy a holy status that exposes them to the gospel and covenant privileges. God delights to work through one faithful believer to touch an entire family. |
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