Some things in the world about us just do not mix. For example, oil and water - their unique and individual molecular structures and properties are such that they simply do not combine naturally into one.
This is also true for other vital relationships in life.
The Scripture in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 recorded "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Many will be shocked to learn that this verses is not mainly referring to "marriage" but it can also mean which church one attends; of which clubs one is a member; which establishments one goes to for entertainment; which TV shows become a regular habit; with whom one becomes business partners; Etc.
The principle might be expressed thus : "Do not form any relationship, whether temporary or permanent, with unbelievers that would lead to a compromise of Christian standards or jeopardize consistency of Christian withness" (The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 10, p.359)
This is also true for other vital relationships in life.
The Scripture in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 recorded "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Many will be shocked to learn that this verses is not mainly referring to "marriage" but it can also mean which church one attends; of which clubs one is a member; which establishments one goes to for entertainment; which TV shows become a regular habit; with whom one becomes business partners; Etc.
The word "yoke" means a coupling as when two oxen are coupled or yoked together by a pulling beam to do work such as plowing a field or pulling a wagon.
So Paul is really telling the Corinthians congregation that they should not be "unequally" yoked with those that practiced paganism or any works of darkness. They were to avoid: "unbelievers, unrighteousness, darkness, Belial [an epithet of Satan], infidels, and idols."
The principle might be expressed thus : "Do not form any relationship, whether temporary or permanent, with unbelievers that would lead to a compromise of Christian standards or jeopardize consistency of Christian withness" (The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 10, p.359)
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