Question: Dear Greg,

My sister is a new Christian. Her husband is not saved and grew up with little or no religion and is pretty much hardened to the whole idea. My sister worries about him a great deal. My question to you is: Is there not a verse in the Bible that states the "unbelieving husband" is sanctified by the "believing wife"? Could you explain the meaning of that verse?

Thanks!

Belinda

Answer: Dear Belinda,

The passage is found in 1 Corinthians 7:14 – Paul is discussing marriage, and a variety of issues concerned with it. In verses 12-13 he states that the fact that a spouse is not a believer is not necessarily a reason for divorce – for the unbelieving spouse is "sanctified" by the spouse that is a believer (verse 14). Simply stated, he is saying that such a marriage is far better than two non-believers, for at least the new life in Christ is present in the marriage. The salt and light of the believer – the good example, the light – can make the unbeliever "sanctified" – as Peter later speaks of it; "Wives…..if any [of your husbands] do not believe…, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives (1 Peter 3:1).

Some thoughts to consider. Hope this helps.

In Christ,