Chapter 19—Marry Not an Unbeliever
There is in the Christian world an astonishing, alarming indif-
ference to the teaching of God’s word in regard to the marriage of
Christians with unbelievers. Many who profess to love and fear God
choose to follow the bent of their own minds rather than take counsel
of Infinite Wisdom. In a matter which vitally concerns the happiness
and well-being of both parties for this world and the next, reason, judg-
ment, and the fear of God are set aside; and blind impulse, stubborn
determination are allowed to control.
Men and women who are otherwise sensible and conscientious
close their ears to counsel; they are deaf to the appeals and entreaties
of friends and kindred and of the servants of God. The expression of a
caution or warning is regarded as impertinent meddling, and the friend
who is faithful enough to utter a remonstrance is treated as an enemy.
All this is as Satan would have it. He weaves his spell about the soul,
and it becomes bewitched, infatuated. Reason lets fall the reins of
self-control upon the neck of lust; unsanctified passion bears sway,
until, too late, the victim awakens to a life of misery and bondage. This
is not a picture drawn by the imagination, but a recital of facts. God’s
sanction is not given to unions which He has expressly forbidden.
The Lord commanded ancient Israel not to intermarry with the
idolatrous nations around them: “Neither shalt thou make marriages
with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daugh-
ter shalt thou take unto thy son.” The reason is given. Infinite Wisdom,
foreseeing the result of such unions, declares: “For they will turn away
thy son from following Me, that they may serve other gods: so will the
anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.”
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God
hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people
that are upon the face of the earth.” In the New Testament are similar
prohibitions concerning the marriage of Christians with the ungodly.
The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, declares: “The
wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her
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