What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Marriage between believers and non-believers"
Answer
The marriage between a believer and an unbeliever is described in the Scriptures as a dangerous alliance that God has expressly forbidden. Such a union often leads to spiritual decline, because the partners serve different masters and cannot find true unity in their goals and values. However, one who was married before conversion is obligated to remain faithful to his partner and to try to win him for Christ through love and gentleness.
The danger of spiritual decline
»The argument is sometimes made that the unbeliever is favorably disposed toward religion and is everything one could wish for in a companion, except in one respect – he is not a Christian. Although the believer’s better judgment may point to the inappropriateness of a lifelong union with an unbeliever, in nine out of ten cases the inclination prevails. Spiritual decline begins the moment the vow is placed on the altar; religious zeal is dampened, and one stronghold after another is torn down until both stand side by side under Satan’s black banner. Even during the wedding celebrations, the spirit of the world triumphs over conscience, faith, and truth. In the new home, the hour of prayer is not respected. The bride and groom have chosen each other and have abandoned Jesus.«
Biblical prohibition and unequal yoke
»Anyone who entered into marriage while in an unconverted state, through his conversion stands under a stronger obligation to be faithful to his companion, no matter how far they may differ regarding religious belief; nevertheless, God’s claims should be placed above any earthly relationship, even if trials and persecutions may follow. With the spirit of love and gentleness, this fidelity can have an influence to win the unbeliever. But the marriage of Christians with the ungodly is forbidden in the Bible. The Lord’s instruction is: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.”«
Influence on the Christian life
»It is a dangerous matter to enter into a worldly alliance. Satan knows well that the hour in which the marriage of many young men and women is witnessed marks the end of the story of their religious experience and usefulness. They are lost to Christ. They may try for a time to lead a Christian life, but all their striving is directed against a steady influence in the opposite direction. Once it was a privilege and a joy for them to speak of their faith and hope; but they become reluctant to mention the subject, knowing that the one with whom they have bound their fate has no interest in it. As a result, the faith in the precious truth in the heart fades, and Satan treacherously weaves a net of skepticism around them.«
Different masters and goals
»No one who fears God can connect with someone who does not fear Him without danger. “Can two walk together unless they are united?” The happiness and flourishing of the marital relationship depend on the unity of the parties; but between the believer and the unbeliever there is a radical difference in taste, inclination, and purpose. They serve two masters, between whom there can be no agreement. No matter how pure and right a person’s principles may be, the influence of an unbelieving companion will tend to lead away from God.«
God’s claim comes first
»My sister, do you dare to disregard these clear and positive instructions? How can you, as a child of God, as a subject of Christ’s kingdom, redeemed by His blood, unite with someone who does not recognize His claims, who is not guided by His Spirit? The commandments I have quoted are not the words of men, but of God. Even if the companion of your choice were worthy in every other respect (which he is not), he has not accepted the truth for this time; he is an unbeliever, and it is forbidden to you from heaven to unite with him. You cannot ignore this divine instruction without danger to your soul.«
🔍 Related Searches
- Biblical prohibition of marriage with unbelievers
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Original Sources (English)
