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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Can one know if their spouse is saved? | 1 Cor 7:15 | Aixen7z4 | 153747 | ||
The topic is salvation, I suppose, and whether or not one can determine if another person is saved. Though it may touch on the issue of divorce and remarriage, and though an understanding of the relevance may be expressed here, it is not this writer's focus or reason for responding. How can anyone besides the person himsel, and God, know if that person is saved? A person who is saved knows, with varying levels of assurance, that they are saved (Romans 8:16; 2 Timothy 1:12; Colossians 2; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 5:13, etc.). The Lord knows those who trust in Him (Nahum 1). "The Lord knows those who are his" (2 Timothy 2). Jesus said, “My sheep …, … I know them … and I give unto them eternal life” (John 10). It may be said, then, that only God and the person know whether they are saved or not. There are many situations in which one may want to know if another person is saved. That includes the time when he is deciding whether or not to make the person his spouse. The directive is that we are not to be unequally yoked with a person who us an unbeliever. What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (2 Corinthians 6). Another time might be the occasion one has to witness to the person. He would want to know if the person is already saved. In this instance, how can one know? In the case where a person as lived with another, being their spouse, there may be ample reason to believe or not believe the person is saved. The person might have said they were, or accepted the idea of being called by the Lord’s name (as in Jeremiah 15:16). They will have shown some interest, or not, when the topic of salvation had come up. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Otherwise, they may have shown it by their lifestyle. There is a difference between light and darkness (John 3:19; Ephesians 4). In any case, one can tell by witnessing to them. They are either saved, and have some measure of assurance, or they will indicate whether they want to be saved or not (as in Acts 19). There may be other reasons why one may find it necessary to discern dogs and swine from one's own brethren. Perhaps the surest way is to ensure that what you are casting before them are indeed pearls. They you can see their reaction, whether they reject it or turn again and rend you. Then the idea is to not repeat the error. Some who accept the truth may yet hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1). But the word from the Lord is: "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness” (2 Timothy 2). To the extent that the person shows an inclination or intention to do so, that is an indication (John 10; 1 John 2). The question is intriguing because, of all the people of interest, it is one’s spouse that is involved, and possible a spouse who has left the home. Why would one be specially interested in knowing if the person is saved after the person has left? Is it because he wants to witness to the person or to pray for their salvation? Is it because the person wants to find another spouse while that one is still alive? In that latter case the person may be even seeking justification for his or her own desire to leave. The word from the 1 Corinthians 7 passage is, if you are married to them, then don’t leave (v. 11). If they leave, don’t replace them with another, not until they die (v.11; Romans 7). In the end, then, one does not need to know if their spouse is saved in order to 1 Corinthians. 7:15 to their own situation? The passage is not meaningless, but the question of the spouse’s salvation is irrelevant. Why would the Scripture say, "If the unbelieving one leaves..."? God knows that unbelievers do not trust him, and they may not obey him. He does not want them to leave, but they may leave anyway. Yet, they may be pleased to remain (v. 12). In that case they are sanctified (v. 14) and they may even get saved, living with a believer (v. 16; 1 Peter 3). The question is not whether the unbeliever will obey. They probably won’t. The question is whether the believers will trust him under those circumstances, and whether they will still obey. |
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2 | Can one know if their spouse is saved? | 1 Cor 7:15 | cloud | 153749 | ||
If they believe and confess they are saved. | ||||||