Can a Christian date or marry a non-christian?
Can a Christian be together with a non-christian? What does the Bible say?
The word of God directs that believers (Christians) must be cautious in selecting partnerships - both business relationships and marriage relationships. Specifically, the Apostles Paul taught that the Lord wanted believers to be in union with other believers, since believers and unbelievers lack a common understanding of the spiritual truths that should guide our thinking and decision-making.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote:
2Cor. 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Cor. 6:15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
2Cor. 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“ I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
2Cor. 6:17 “ Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.
“AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you.
2Cor. 6:18 “ And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.
On the other hand, the Bible does NOT teach that Christians should not associate with non-Christians. On the contrary, we are told to go out into the world (of unbelievers) and become ambassadors for Christ. Jesus Himself said that He did not want His disciples to leave the world, because we are here to spread the message of the Gospel to unbelievers (see John 17).