If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? (1 Co 7:10–16).
Contemporary evangelical understandings of sanctification often emphasize a process of spiritual growth and transformation that occurs in the life of a believer after accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This process is seen as the Holy Spirit's work, progressively conforming the believer to the image of Christ. It is presented as being an individual and personal experience alone. It involves moral and spiritual purification, growth in holiness, and a deepening relationship with God.
However, in this passage, the term "sanctification" appears to have a different usage than the contemporary evangelical understanding of ongoing personal sanctification.
Implications of the Teaching
Here, Paul suggests that the presence of a believing spouse can have a sanctifying influence on the unbelieving spouse. While the unbelieving spouse may not share the same faith, their proximity to the believer and exposure to their faith positively impact them.
Once again, the Apostle underscored the importance of preserving the family unit, even in cases with differing beliefs. This is consistent with the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the family.
Otherwise, your children would be unclean.
Paul argues that a believing parent benefits the children by imparting a sense of sanctification. This suggests that a stable, God-fearing environment positively influences the spiritual development of the children.
The Old Testament
The concept of sanctification in the passage, where the believing spouse sanctifies the unbelieving spouse and their children, echoes the idea of God's covenantal blessings extending to the community. In the Old Testament, the blessings and sanctification of one individual often had implications for the broader covenant community, emphasizing the interconnectedness and communal aspects of God's covenant relationship. As emphasized in Genesis and referenced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:16, the idea of two becoming one flesh aligns with the Old Testament understanding of marital oneness within the covenant. The preservation of this oneness, even when there are differences in faith, can be seen as an extension of God's desire for unity and harmony within the covenant relationship.
While 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 doesn't explicitly delve into the theological intricacies of covenant theology, understanding the broader biblical themes and theological frameworks, including covenant relationships, can provide a richer context for interpreting and applying the passage. It underscores the significance of marriage within the covenantal understanding of God's relationship with His people.
New Testament
In ancient times, especially during the first century, when the head of a household embraced a new faith, the entire family was often influenced to follow suit. That era's cultural and social norms, including in Jewish and Roman societies, strongly impacted household conversions.
Families back then were typically patriarchal, giving the household head substantial authority, including in matters of faith. It was expected for the family to adhere to the beliefs of the head of the household to maintain unity and avoid conflicts, given the high value placed on family harmony.
Religious practices in ancient times revolved around household rituals, where the household head had a central role. Consequently, the conversion of the household head naturally brought about changes in the family's religious practices and beliefs.
Being a respected and trusted figure within the family, the converted household head had a significant influence in persuading and encouraging other family members to adopt the newfound faith. This dynamic is evident in the book of Acts, where we see entire households embracing a new faith due to the influence and preaching of one family member.
"Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' So she persuaded us." - Acts 16:14-15:
"So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.' Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household." - Acts 16:31-34
"Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized." - Acts 18:8:
Application
The passage urges us to see our families as agents of spiritual growth. A believing spouse can positively impact an unbelieving partner. Based on the instruction and insights gained from this passage, contemporary believers should foster harmony amid differing beliefs. This entails respecting various perspectives and fostering love and understanding.
Paul's point about believing parents benefit their children underscores the profound influence parents have on their children's faith. In today's relationships, it advocates a deeper understanding of marriage's spiritual aspect, binding the well-being of partners and family.
The examples in Acts emphasize a household leader's potential to spread the Gospel. They should prompt believers to actively share their faith, understanding that one person's faith can transform whole households.
These lessons inspire us to stay open to spiritual change within our families, praying for transformation and recognizing our impact on our loved ones' spiritual journeys. Applying these insights helps believers spiritually strengthen their families and appreciate their influence on their loved one's faith.
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