2 Corinthians 6:14 - Unbelievers

Joey1964 · May 1, 2021

Hi Everybody

A couple of years ago I asked for a prayer on this forum regarding our move to Taiwan. After planning for years we finally made it to Taiwan at the end of December 2020. My husband (Taiwanese) and I are both born again believers.

There is an issue I am struggling with. My neighbors in our street, actually almost everyone that we meet, believe in ancestor worship. I am not really sure what kind of belief that is, because I know there are Buddhists and Taoists in Taiwan. They are so friendly and helpful, but I do not want to enter their homes because of the statues and things. Someone told me that more than 90 percent of the people believe in ghosts and there is almost every night shooting of crackers to chase away these ghosts. This is my concern. I know I have to be a witness to these people, and the only way I know how to is to be kind and good to them and invite them to my house, but what about 2 Corinthians 6:14?

I am very confused about this verse. Should we as Christians not have any contact with unbelievers?

Live4Him · May 1, 2021

Joey1964 said:

Jesus ate with sinners with the hope of leading them to repentance, so I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to do so yourself as long as your desire is to help to lead them to repentance as well.

Mark chapter 2

[15] And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
[16] And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
[17] When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

You mentioned "not having any contact with unbelievers", but I believe that the real issue is "having no fellowship with unbelievers" as in partaking of their sins with them.

For example, Paul wrote:

Ephesians chapter 5

[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

In the passage of scripture that you mentioned, I believe that Paul wasn't saying not to have contact with unbelievers, but rather not to be "partakers with them" in their sins or not to have "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness".

Here's the passage:

II Corinthians chapter 6

[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] 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.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

As long as you're not in concord or agreement with their sinful ways, then I believe that it's perfectly acceptable to eat with them while trying to bring them to a place of repentance.

If the Christians cannot minister to unbelievers, then who can?

Hopefully, this helps to answer your question.

Live4Him · May 1, 2021

You might also want to consider what Paul said in his first epistle to the Corinthians.

We read:

I Corinthians chapter 5

[9] I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
[10] Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
[11] But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
[12] For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
[13] But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Unless I'm reading this incorrectly, Paul clearly instructed the Corinthians that they could "company" with the wicked "of this world", but, again, they weren't to fellowship with them or to be partakers with them in their wicked deeds.

Hopefully, this makes sense.

OrphanedRepublican · May 1, 2021

That's an awkward life you have found yourself in.

But, I believe the best thing for you to do is to BE YOURSELF and let your good conversation be observed by others. Let Jesus manifest his glory in you and be observed by others.

That does not mean you have to preach to them or open up discussions of Jesus and salvation. Jesus may well have placed you among these people for purposes of shining on them through you and your good conduct.

So please be friendly with them. Remember, Jesus walked on earth among many idol worshipping heathen people and he never really condescended or condemned them, he merely walked righteously among them and healed them. (Disclaimer: He did excoriate the rulers, the teachers and the people that God placed in charge of his flock. But, not the flock itself.)

eternally-gratefull · May 1, 2021

It was the love of Jesus that drew the crowds. He is our example. Love them. Show your life to then. Be a light to then and they will be drawn to you. Then share Christ as Christ opens the door

Deuteronomy · May 1, 2021

Joey1964 said:

Hello Joey, congratulations on your move, and WOW, am I ever excited for you two as believers because of the INCREDIBLE witnessing opportunity that the Lord has provided you with

As far as being bound or yoked together with unbelievers, no, we are not supposed to do that of course, as that would put us in a situation where we may well be required to compromise or even forgo our Christian principles/values to accommodate our business partner(s) or spouse.

But this has ~NOTHING~ to do with living among/witnessing to our non-Christian colleagues and neighbors. After all, we don't witness to/evangelize Christians, do we

Here's something that you may find useful concerning the situation that you've found yourself in.

The Corinthian Christians were surrounded by pagan values and practices. Just because they have been sealed by the Spirit does not mean that they can be careless about their relationships and associations with the world.

Paul’s clarification in 1 Corinthians 5:9–10 makes it clear, however, that he is not asking them to shun pagans altogether. He assumes that they will shop in the market (1 Corinthians 10:25) and encourages them to go to dinner at a pagan’s home if they are invited and disposed to go (1 Corinthians 10:26). But he does want to form their spiritual identity so that they are distinguished from the pagan society surrounding them and will realign their values accordingly. Christians hold values dear that others reject. They must not allow themselves to be hitched to the same yoke as those whose beliefs are hostile to Christian faith. Therefore, Paul pleads with them to withdraw from these unholy alliances. ~Garland, D. E. (1999). 2 Corinthians, NAC

Do you have a church to attend yet? If so, discuss your situation with your pastor for his counsel and prayer. And/or if you know (or know of) any missionaries in Taiwan (or know/know of any online missions organizations that send their missionaries to your new country), you might ask them for their help with the best ways to reach your neighbors for the Lord.

You have neighbors who aren't Christians, but it sounds like they 'act' like Christians as supposed to (warm, friendly, helpful), so I'd use every opportunity to get to know them better (especially since they want to get to know you

). I'd certainly tell them that you guys are Christian, and then I'd ask them about their "faith" so that you know what they believe and why (and I would definitely take them up on their invitation for a meal, and then return the favor .. because you're their neighbors, not to embrace their faith as your own).

We are not to be a part of this world, but we certainly need to live in it as His witnesses, yes, associating with others as Christians in both word and deed, as BOTH are extremely important (we are, as the Apostle Paul tells us, to "speak the truth in love" .. Ephesians 4:15, so ~speak we must~ for their sake (at least eventually) because, "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" .. see Romans 10:13-17.

God bless you!

~Deut
p.s. - I believe the common religion in Taiwan may be a combination of Buddhism and Taoism, with a little Confucianism mixed in. And the "ghosts" that they are using firecrackers to scare off may actually be demons.

I was part of a conference a few years ago where the keynote speaker was the head of Campus Crusade for Christ's (now Cru's) The Jesus Film Project (which has been shown to more people, in more countries, and translated into more languages, than any other film in history, just FYI). The head of the project told us all about it, how effective it has been as a means of sharing the Gospel (and how many have become Christians after seeing it all over the world), as well how receptive/helpful almost everyone around the world has been, both to them and to the film's production and showings, EXCEPT in Tibet (and a few other, similar countries). The reason, he said, was due to the demonic activity there. He told us that they (the demons) were so confident of their control over the population in Tibet that they would allow themselves to be seen, hovering openly over the Buddhist temples for all to see

No worries, of course, because, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" .. 1 Jn 4:4, so these "ghosts" may prove to be a wonderful way of witnessing to your neighbors about their Creator, Savior and Lord.

BTW, these are all things that you can (should) ask someone about (pastor/missionaries), as well then your neighbors, once you become friends (ask them about their "ghosts" and why they want to chase them away .. and please let us know what you find out when you have the time

)

Jocund · May 1, 2021

Joey1964 said:

This needs more explanation, but in a sense, this may be a form of honouring "Father and Mother" and no different than Roman Catholics praying to patron saints regularly or praying to other dead people on All-Saints day (and All-Saints eve).

"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." - 1 Cor 15:50-52

There are some passages in the Bible that speak of being dead but conscious (prior to judgement). Ghosts are referenced in passages such as 1 Samuel 28:7-20 when King Saul ordered the witch of Endor to summon Samuel. There are a few New Testament references to ghosts.

Joey1964 said:

"As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." - 1 Cor 8:4-6

If you think something is an idol and think nothing of idols, walking into an area is nothing. But if your presence is seen as some kind of endorsement of idolatry that would lead a weak conscience to indulge, that is where Corinthians draws the line and warns against it.

Joey1964 said:

They sound neighbourly. One might say, with the love of Christ in their hearts.

Blik · May 2, 2021

Joey1964 said:

I live with the same situation, different circumstances. I am crippled, living in assisted living in the US.. Almost every one of the people who surround me or care for me do not consider that there is a God, they live a completely secular life. I never, ever preach to them for I have found that telling anyone how to believe only makes them more determined that you are wrong and they are right. I don't think our Lord wants us to do that.

However, I spend my days living for the Lord. I stay alert to any opportunity to tell people the truth, and sometimes such opportunities open up to me. I let the Lord direct me in this.

Mission21 · May 2, 2021

Joey1964 said:

Hi Everybody

A couple of years ago I asked for a prayer on this forum regarding our move to Taiwan. After planning for years we finally made it to Taiwan at the end of December 2020. My husband (Taiwanese) and I are both born again believers.

There is an issue I am struggling with. My neighbors in our street, actually almost everyone that we meet, believe in ancestor worship. I am not really sure what kind of belief that is, because I know there are Buddhists and Taoists in Taiwan. They are so friendly and helpful, but I do not want to enter their homes because of the statues and things. Someone told me that more than 90 percent of the people believe in ghosts and there is almost every night shooting of crackers to chase away these ghosts. This is my concern. I know I have to be a witness to these people, and the only way I know how to is to be kind and good to them and invite them to my house, but what about 2 Corinthians 6:14?

I am very confused about this verse. Should we as Christians not have any contact with unbelievers?

Your concern/being careful is okay..
---
My advice is to get into..focus on 'spiritual warfare.'
- Ephesians 6:11-17
---
More 'spiritual discernment & wisdom' are
needed..
- If you are involved in sharing the Gospel.

More of His grace and power to you..

Blackpowderduelist · May 2, 2021

Yoked together means bounded together, this verse is often used to warn a Christian not to marry a nonbeliever. (Which is a very good use of that scripture) But it can apply to business partners or any kind of contract that makes one duty bound with a nonbeliever.
This passage has nothing to do with not being good and neighborly or visiting or even friends with unbelievers. Before Paul went to corinth they were all pagans. All the world is filled with pagans.

EnglishChick · May 2, 2021

Live4Him said:

Jesus ate with sinners with the hope of leading them to repentance, so I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to do so yourself as long as your desire is to help to lead them to repentance as well.

Mark chapter 2

[15] And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
[16] And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
[17] When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

You mentioned "not having any contact with unbelievers", but I believe that the real issue is "having no fellowship with unbelievers" as in partaking of their sins with them.

For example, Paul wrote:

Ephesians chapter 5

[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

In the passage of scripture that you mentioned, I believe that Paul wasn't saying not to have contact with unbelievers, but rather not to be "partakers with them" in their sins or not to have "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness".

Here's the passage:

II Corinthians chapter 6

[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] 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.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

As long as you're not in concord or agreement with their sinful ways, then I believe that it's perfectly acceptable to eat with them while trying to bring them to a place of repentance.

If the Christians cannot minister to unbelievers, then who can?

Hopefully, this helps to answer your question.

OrphanedRepublican said:

Amen

Nehemiah6 · May 2, 2021

Joey1964 said:

There is a difference between "contact with" and "fellowship with". In order to share the Gospel we must be in contact with anyone and everyone. But we cannot join hands with unbelievers in their enterprises and their religious activities. And Christians must not marry non-believers.

OrphanedRepublican · May 2, 2021

Nehemiah6 said:

Being married to a nonbeliever certainly would make for a difficult and frustrating marriage, and who needs that? But, that's exactly how God sees us, a difficult unbeliever in the marriage.

I think this is how he describes his marriage to us:

Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

If the housetop is God's heavenly seat, then the wide house may be his church filled with many things he has no delight in.

But, I'm NOT disagreeing with you. There's much Scripture on the topic of being unequally yoked.

Joey1964 · May 3, 2021

To everybody that took the time to reply, thank you. I appreciate it and the opportunity to learn more from you all.

CS1 · May 3, 2021

Joey1964 said:

You may get upset with me with what I am about to say but it will make the point because I think or I feel you need help right away.

some questions :

1. did God send you to Taiwan or not?
2. Did God send you to the Taiwanese people who need Jesus or not?
3. is the belief in ancestor worship greater than the gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ in such a way that the Gospel message is powerless?

answer to 1> if yes then God will give you the Taiwanese people souls and you need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and pray and ask Lord who do you want me to go to and see speak to me as you did to Peter when you sent him to see Cornelius.

If No, pack your bags and go home.

answer to 2> if YES then witness to them why you believe in Jesus Christ we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of Our testimony. The Holy Spirit will help as Jesus said in John 14-15

If no, pack your bags and go home.

answer to 3. if yes then pack your bags and go home.

IF NO Then rebukes the false belief in ancestry which is nothing but a familiar spirit and devils that have deceived people.

have no fear of fake weak statutes They will fall in the name of Jesus just as that fake god Dagon did. Just as the false prophets of Baal could not call fire from Heaven BUT Elijah prayed Lord so that they will, know there is but ONE God and I am your servant answer this day.

pray and trust the Lord. call on Him tells your God there is another god in this land who boasts great things he is not like the Lord God.

I dare you! To provoke the living God to try HIm. God said test ME and see. Tell our God of this weak fake evil devil who is trying to steal His glory God will not stand for other gods. YOU and God are a majority! Greater is HE who is IN you than he who is in the world.

DO you believe that? If no pack your bags and go home

DJZawada · May 3, 2021

Joey1964 said:

Hey Joey that is great I pray for blessing on your home and success there in the name of Jesus Christ to both you and your husband.

I did my study on Buddhism when I was in college and visited monk temples and interviewd them. Do not touch a childs head as it may appear that you are stealing their spirit - it's a big deal, same as chasing the ghosts away.

You can enter their home with any statues or idols, just do not eat anything that is made as a sacrifice to their ancestors or idols. If you do not preach the gospel to them who will?

NOV25 · May 12, 2021

Joey1964 said:

Hi Everybody

A couple of years ago I asked for a prayer on this forum regarding our move to Taiwan. After planning for years we finally made it to Taiwan at the end of December 2020. My husband (Taiwanese) and I are both born again believers.

There is an issue I am struggling with. My neighbors in our street, actually almost everyone that we meet, believe in ancestor worship. I am not really sure what kind of belief that is, because I know there are Buddhists and Taoists in Taiwan. They are so friendly and helpful, but I do not want to enter their homes because of the statues and things. Someone told me that more than 90 percent of the people believe in ghosts and there is almost every night shooting of crackers to chase away these ghosts. This is my concern. I know I have to be a witness to these people, and the only way I know how to is to be kind and good to them and invite them to my house, but what about 2 Corinthians 6:14?

I am very confused about this verse. Should we as Christians not have any contact with unbelievers?

What does your husband say?

Search

2 Corinthians 6:14 - Unbelievers

Joey1964

Guest

Live4Him

Guest

Live4Him

Guest

OrphanedRepublican

Banned

eternally-gratefull

Guest

Deuteronomy

Well-known member

Attachments

Jocund

Banned

Blik

Senior Member

Mission21

Pathfinder

Blackpowderduelist

Guest

EnglishChick

Well-known member

Nehemiah6

Senior Member

OrphanedRepublican

Banned

Joey1964

Guest

CS1

Well-known member

DJZawada

Active member

NOV25

Well-known member