Unequally Yoked = I Do?

Cecile asked me so many things about my religion’s particular beliefs and practices that same Thursday afternoon. More than just giving her a list of the “do’s” and “don’t do’s,” I tried my best to tell her why in the most understandable, logical, and practical ways (I even whispered a silent prayer for wisdom and divine guidance before I answered her questions).

She asked me if my religion would permit me to marry someone of another religion or denomination. Or, if they first had to “convert” to Seventh-day Adventism.

First, religion does not save a person. Only Jesus Christ can save someone from eternal death. (“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12; “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5)

Second, not all Adventists are sincere and 100% committed to their relationship with God. They should be. However, some are just Adventists by name.

Third, there are those of other religions and denominations who are sincere seekers of the truth, whose sole desire is to find it and draw near to God. They honestly follow all the light that they have received from Him thus far.

Only God can see and know who is truly in a person’s heart.

Having said all that, one must remember what the Bible has to say about such grave matters with eternal consequences as that of love, courtship, and marriage: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14; “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Amos 3:3)

In a married couple’s life, religion will play a vital role in determining their future peace and happiness together. It will either bond them closer together—or pull them further apart, depending on how incongruent their religious beliefs are.

Thus, if one marries someone of an entirely different set of religious beliefs and practices, this will surely add strain to the marriage relations. It is best then to avoid such unnecessary tension to a marriage relation by refraining from marrying someone who holds different values and beliefs—especially religious ones.

Married life is hard enough as it is without adding that factor to the equation.

Written by hand on November 16, 2007 at 11:31 P.M.