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NASB | 2 Corinthians 6:14 ¶ Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 6:14 ¶ Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? |
Bible Question: My grandson asked my advice on interrace marriages. This was by phone so I couldn't study before answering. I gave him this verse, and realize now that was an error. I ended telling him I didn't think there was sin in such marriages, but that it could cause you more problems and stress. I'm looking for a Biblical answer. Any help? |
Bible Answer: The Bible does not specifically discuss interracial marriage. It does, however, show how God views humankind and it provides guiding principles for those considering marriage. God accepts as his approved servants people out of all races, without discrimination. The Amplified Bible tells us “And He made from one [common origin, one source one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth... So that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:26, 27) “...God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him]."—Acts 10:34, 35. So, the Bible nowhere implies that racial differences in themselves have anything to do with the properness of marriage. Of the remarriage of widows, the apostle Paul wrote: “A wife is bound to her husband by the law as long as he lives. If the husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she will, only [provided that he too is] in the Lord" (1 Cor. 7:39) Thus the Christian is free to marry anyone who is Scripturally and legally free to do so, as long as that one is truly a fellow believer. Are there any other factors, then, worth considering? Yes, for Christians seek to exercise good judgment and wisdom in all they do. Among other things, they are encouraged to "Behave... wisely - living prudently and with discretion - in your relations with those of the outside world [the non-Christians].—Col. 4:5. In many areas interracial marriages are becoming increasingly common. People are traveling more, and often find the ways and customs of people of other lands attractive. War, too, has played a part, and many European and North American soldiers have married Asiatic wives. There is, then, a somewhat broadened viewpoint on the part of many toward interracial marriage. Nevertheless, not all worldly persons share this broadened viewpoint, nor do all appreciate Bible standards. Many deep-seated prejudices remain in the world of mankind. A Christian, being realistic, must face life as it is — not as he wishes it might be. One fifteen-year-old girl - the child of an interracial marriage - often feels caught in a virtual vise of prejudice. She says: “If I associate with blacks, then the white students feel I don’t want to be with them. However, if I associate with the white students, the blacks feel that I think I am better than they are.” So, Biblically there's nothing wrong with interracial marriages. Its a personal choice, but as mentioned above, 'a Christian, being realistic, must face life as it is — not as he wishes it might be' and then make their decision. Hope this helps... |