Question from a WordTruth.Com friend:
>>>Should a born-again Christian get involved with people of different faiths such as Roman Catholic?
WordTruth.Com Response:
Thank you for your question. This is an area of faith in which so many Christians stumble. Let me try to answer this question from two perspectives: being "friends" and becoming romantically involved with someone. Also, keep in mind that there are really only two distinctions of people in the world: born-again Christians and unbelievers. You can find both types involved protestant and Roman Catholic churches. Whether you have a "protestant" label (Baptist, Methodist, Assemblies of God, etc.) or Roman Catholic or Buddhist or Muslim or no label at all, the critical issue is whether you have ever personally repented of your sin (Acts 3:19) and trusted in the LORD Jesus Christ who died for your sins and rose victoriously from the grave (Rom. 10:9-10) -- praise be to His holy name! See the related discussion in How You Can Be Sure About Heaven.In the first case, I see nothing wrong with casual friendships among Christians and non-Christians. In fact, this was the example of our LORD Jesus Himself during His earthly ministry. He associated with prostitutes, tax-collectors, and sinners as well as the "religious" people. His purpose was always redemptive for "it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31-32, NIV). This is how we need to approach casual relationships with unbelievers -- with redemptive love and godly wisdom. When the opportunity presents itself (through prayer and God opening the person's heart), share the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Be careful not to develop close, intimate friendships with the ungodly: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'" (1 Cor. 15:33, NIV).
In the second case, a Christian should never pursue a romantic relationship with an unbeliever. It will ultimately lead to the close, intimate friendship mentioned previously. Also, it can lead to marriage and sexual union. The Bible is absolutely clear at this point: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14, NIV). Marriage is a total union of two individuals: body, mind, and spirit (Genesis 2:24). If this is the situation you are describing, then I would recommend you give the gentleman the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the "hope" he really needs (Colossians 1:27).
May the LORD Jesus Christ bless you with His wisdom and the courage to follow Him!
Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth Ministries
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Web Site: WordTruth.ComCopyright 5/14/2000, Randy Lariscy.
