Counsel for those Married to Non-Christians

I Corinthians 7:12–16
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In the previous passage it has been clear that the instructions were for cases where both the husband and wife were Christians. Now the apostle speaks of the situation where, after marriage one spouse becomes saved and the other is not. The question is asked, does this make it permissible for the converted one to divorce or leave the unconverted person? Paul answers with an absolute no. Although it is an act of disobedience for a Christian to knowingly marry an unsaved person (II Cor. 6:14), it appears some of the members of the Corinthian church were saved after they had been married, but their mates had not been converted. Because of the desire to serve Christ, some people in the Corinthian church thought they ought to divorce their heathen spouses. 

Paul makes it plain that there is no reason why a believer should put away his unbelieving spouse. He like Jesus believed that marriage was permanent (vv. 12-14). When it says, in verse 15, that he “is not under bondage,” it means the person who is a Christian is not obligated to try to prevent the unsaved spouse from leaving, but this does not give freedom for remarriage. Paul’s command about the permanence of marriage (vv. 10-11) comes from the Old Testament (Gen. 2:24) and from Jesus (Mark 10:2-12). The believers should continue to live in the marriage union if the other partner is willing to do so. 

In the midst of life’s difficult situations, we need to remember that God is present and in control (Ps. 23). H knows just how much we can take (1 Peter 1:6-7). A saved husband or wife choosing to stay with their unsaved spouse might result in their spouse’s salvation or in the salvation of their children (vv. 14, 16).

Application

Whatever my circumstance in life may be, it should have no bearing on whether or not I live for Christ. Pleasing God and living for Him should be my number one goal in life.