The Scriptures abound in warnings against alien marriage: The sons of God marrying the daughters of men resulted at last in the Flood (Genesis 6-9). Abraham and Isaac, faithful sojourners looking for the Kingdom, opposed such marriages for their sons (Genesis 24:3; 28:1). The Law of Moses forbade the yoking together of the clean ox and the unclean ass (Deuteronomy 22:10). Moses said to take no alien spouses (Deuteronomy 7:3,8). Solomon’s alien wives turned his heart from God (1 Kings 11:1-11). Ezra (Ezra 9;10) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:23-29) tell us of the evils of such alliances, and Paul has stressed the deviation of such a union (1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Those who are courting or are contemplating marriage must remember that complete happiness can be achieved only when it is “in the Lord”. History and experience show that where there is no unity of thought and purpose, whether it be between God and Israel, Christ and [his followers], or between a husband and wife, there may follow a break in fellowship and unity. How could it be otherwise? That is the sadness and the tragedy of divorce or separation.
When the Israelites were delivered from Egypt they were told that they should not “make marriages” with the peoples of Canaan. Moses gave the reason in words which are relevant today:
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Author: George Booker
Keywords: Alien, Intermarriage, Marriage, Dating, Marrying outside faith, Marrying in the Lord, Marrying an unbeliever, Dating an unbeliever, Unequally yoked, Courtship, Choosing a mate, Choosing a spouse, Marrying, Marrying non-Christians, Marrying outside the Lord, Marriage in the Lord, Marrying another Christian, Christian marriage, Marrying a Christian, Equally yoked
Bible reference(s): Genesis 24:3, Genesis 28:1, Exodus 34:12, Exodus 34:16, Deuteronomy 7:2-4, Deuteronomy 7:8, Deu. 22:10, Leviticus 19:19, Judges 3:6, 1 Kings 11:2, Ezra 9:1-2, Ezra 9:12, Nehemiah 10:30, Neh. 13:23-29, Psalm 106:35, Malachi 2:11, 1 Cor. 7:39, 2 Corinthians 6:14, James 4:4
Source: “Marriage ‘Only in the Lord’,” The Agora.
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