Some Christians have come to believe that it is okay to have romantic relations with people of other religions, atheists, agnostics or unbelievers in general. But what does the Bible say?
2Cor 6:14-17 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 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. Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.
This passage should put away all doubt whether it is okay for a Christian to be romantically involved with a non-Christian. For a Christian, the purpose of romance should only lead to marriage. Therefore, why be involved romantically with a person that you are not considering for marriage?
The purpose of dating or courting is to see if this potential mate is a good match for marriage. So, what should be on your checklist for a marriage partner? Number one, the biggest and most important question is, do they have a personal relationship with Christ, which is proven by their habitual church attendance and their knowledge of the Word of God. If they are not a Christian, it doesn’t matter if everything else on your checklist is perfect, they are NOT God’s will for you. No need to pray about. No need to go ask your pastor. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 has made the will of God abundantly clear. So consider the relationship over and run way. Don’t linger. Run.
To be married to a non-believer is the worst mistake a Christian can make besides forsaking their faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, marrying a non-believer may lead to forsaking your faith. 1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Being bound to this person for the rest of your life will absolutely corrupt your walk with God. However, the most likely outcome will be divorce. Don’t put yourself through that pain. Be wise and run away from any relationship that is contrary to the will of God. Christians and non-Christians should never ever date, court, or become romantically involved under any circumstances (period).
Christians should act hospitably and kind to those that are without Christ. Love is the defining characteristic of any true Christian. But a romantic relationship cannot be engaged in between Christians and those not in personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
One may ask, “Is it okay to become romantically involved with someone with hopes of winning them to Christ?” That is what is sometimes called missionary dating – dating a lost person in hopes of leading them to Christ. But consider the devastation that is most likely to occur if they don’t want Christ. Or worse yet, they fake an interest in Christ in hopes of intimacy only to destroy your life later when their true motivations are revealed.
Many Christians have been ruined for life through missionary dating. If you shun this behavior you will save yourself tremendous heart-ache. If you you are truly concerned about that person’s soul, simply minister the Gospel to them, but never become intimate – that is not a means that the Lord uses for evangelism. Find a potential mate that is as strong in their Christian walk as you before considering romance. More importantly, pray for God’s will concerning who He has for you.