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NASB | 1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified [that is, he receives the blessings granted] through his [Christian] wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be [ceremonially] unclean, but as it is they are holy. |
Bible Question: I would like more information on this verse. What does this mean to me? I am saved and my husband is a nonbeliever. What does this mean for him? |
Bible Answer: Hi, Driving! I think that there are passages in Scripture that were written to deal specifically for the actual time period in which it was written... here, Paul is speaking to the early Church, one which constituted the apostles, and other first generation (Jesus') disciples, second and perhaps even, third and fourth generation disciples (disciples of disciples)... hence, the pre-existing union (marriages) of Believers and non-believers... Paul did not want chaos to rule the Church so he preached that the Believers who found themselves in relationships (marriages) with non-believers should stay in that relationship... in this manner the children would, through the Believers' teaching, come to know and believe in the Lord... and perhaps even the spouses, being witnessed to their husbans/wifes Faith, would have a greater opportunity to learn about and believe in Christ! This, of course, is not the ideal relationship for a Believer as the non-believer may serve as a stumbling block for both the Believer and their children. (1 Corinthians 7:15) 1 Corinthians 7:14 was not meant as an excuse clause so that Christian seek relationships with non-Christians... God's demands have not changed! There is no "umbrella salvation" (Matthew 24:40-41; Luke 17:34)... we must establish an individual relationship with Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 11:26-27)... sadly, it seems that we are continually gravitating away from God's demands that we be a separate people onto Him (1 Peter 1:16)... we tend to comply with God's Commands only after our personal desires are satisfied! So you should pay attention to both 1 Corinthians 7:14 and 7:15... understanding that you cannot save your husband and children with some "umbrella;" it is your responsibility, as a Believer, to teach them about Christ! It is a difficult and painful task which you have in your hands... but remember that you are not alone, the Holy Spirit is your personal guide and counsel... seek Him in prayers and devotions; He can enlighten your mind and spirit so that you can, through words and actions, convict your husband and children about Christ! God Bless! Angel |