The Bible gives a clear command that should be obeyed when a follower of Christ chooses a marriage partner.
Baptized believers should marry baptized believers
The true purpose of marriage can only be achieved when both partners belong to the Lord. In order to live together as spiritual partners as “heirs (together) … of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7), the husband and wife must share the same faith and love of God. Paul makes it very clear that a believer should not marry an unbeliever: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? … Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14,15) “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). An unbelieving partner can take us away from God, which is what happened to Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-11). Sometimes it is difficult to find a partner who shares the same faith. Some people in this situation are able to stay single (Matthew 19:10-12) and there is nothing wrong with this (Jesus remained single). Others will want to find someone who is willing to learn the true Gospel, but should only marry them if they accept God’s salvation and are baptized. The choice of marriage partner should be made a matter of earnest prayer.
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