What did Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 7: 14 when he said children of a believer are holy, not unclean?

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What did Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 7

14 when he said children of a believer are holy, not unclean?

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Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:14: "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy."

In families where either a father or mother is a Christian believer, by virtue of God's calling, God views both the unbelieving mate and their children in a special way. This verse does not necessarily say God calls unbelieving mates, but He blesses them. They live with a converted person, which provides them with an intimate exposure to God's way of life.

The word "sanctification" is used to indicate "separation to God" (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, "Sanctification, Sanctify"). Something or someone "sanctified" is set apart in a separate category for a particular use. "Holy" comes from hagios, which "fundamentally signifies 'separated' (among the Greeks, dedicated to the gods), and hence, in Scripture in its moral and spiritual significance, separated from sin and therefore consecrated to God, sacred" (ibid., "Holiness, Holy, Holily").

While the believer's conduct may be a powerful example for the unbelieving mate, he or she can usually go further than just setting an example to the children. A believing parent can actively teach them God's way and directly develop their understanding and relationship with Him. Without the influence of a converted parent, children in the household would be no different from others who, in ignorance, disobey God and lead spiritually "unclean" lives. However, because of the parent's conversion and relationship with God, such children are in a special category. Although not baptized, they are part of the "holy nation," the Church (1 Peter 2:9). They also have special access to the knowledge of God's way of life.Ho

In the process of maturing physically, emotionally and spiritually, children of a believer have the choice to accept and respond to God's calling. If they do, they can receive the Holy Spirit as promised (Acts 2:38-39).

As with anyone coming to conversion, children of members must experience genuine repentance. Additionally, they must understand the lifelong commitment and responsibilities of being an "ambassador for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Competent counseling from a variety of spiritually wise people, such as ministers, parents and experienced members, can greatly aid a young adult's development toward baptism.

For more insight, please read our booklet Marriage and Family: The Missing Dimension.

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Comments

  • Malachi 3_16-18
    Hi Will, I too take this article to mean that our non-adult children, if they are attending church with one or both parents who are baptized members of a true Christian church, are considered to be holy. Something is holy if God puts His presence in it. God is certainly beginning to open the minds of our children if they are already developing and interest in, and true understanding of, Him and His ways, based on the example and teaching of a believing parent or parents. And they can certainly begin a relationship with God. So they are already accountable to Him as they develop understanding of what is right and wrong. Proverbs 20:11 says, "Even a child is known by his deeds, by whether what he does is pure and right." Also check Eccl. 11:9-10. The Bible shows that God can work in some cases with even very young children, such as Samuel and Josiah (1 Sam. 1:23-28; 2 Chron. 33:1-3). For sanctfied children of baptized members, God's Spirit works with them but is not yet in them. This was the case with Jesus' disciples prior to their conversion - because while with Him they were not yet converted (Lk. 22:31-32; Jn. 14:16-17; 16:7; Acts 1:8). However, the mind of a child cannot fully understand repentance and the deep commitment it takes to make the baptismal covenant with God. Just as marriage isn't for children, neither is baptism. Certainly if an older child approaching adulthood is getting serious about pursuing water baptism, they should be encouraged to talk to their parents and true Christian pastor about the steps involved. We cannot FULLY follow God and are not truly Christians without receiving God's Holy Spirit (Rom.8:9,14; 1 Cor. 12:13), which we are given at baptism with the laying on of hands by a pastor of God. If you are interested in learning more about the process, United Church of God has free publications, "The Road to Eternal Life", and "Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion", available to read on this website or for ordering in print.
  • Skip Miller
    Hello Will C, I hope that my short answer Will help. Paul knew all of God's rules that were revealed to ancient Israel. (Phil 3: 5) And he was given even greater insight through the time he spent in Arabia.(Gal 1: 15--18.) Therefore, when he writes 1 Cor 7: 14 he is not going to contradict any other God given piece of scripture. If I may just say it in my own words: Paul is indicating that children of baptized members of God's Church, members who have been given God's Holy Spirit and daily seek to use it, those children have an "inside track" so to speak. They must still be taught to discern Godly good & evil. This is the same as their parents (or parent.) We must continue to "endure to the end."
  • Will C
    This passage for a long time had me uncertain if my children were saved just because I was born again and because Our Lord does speak of The Kingdom of Heaven belonging to such as these "children". I have always wondered about an age of accountability for my children and now I see in 2 of my 3 children that there is an age of accountability and it is younger than I thought. Saying that, I realize that once my children come to that point as you said, "having the choice to accept and respond to God's calling", It is the same process as we adults must experience, i.e repentance and belief. One thing I would like to clarify with you is when you stated that children of believing parents are "part" of the holy nation. I don't want to twist any of your words and I want to believe that is exactly what you meant by saying "part" of the church. Reason being is only born again regenerated men, women, and children "are" the church, and not just a "part" of the church. So I am taking you as saying that our children who are not born again, but are sanctified because of our faith, do have a part of the church, their just not "the church", a living stone, a member placed into God's body by him as it has pleased him 1 Cor 12:18. So our children being that they're sanctified and having a part of the church such as gathering with the saints, worshipping, and praying is what your calling "a part" of the church, then I am in full agreement with you. If you are saying that thru our relationship with Christ our children are now the church, the body, which I don't think you are, I do disgree with that as being true. Apart from me being a little uncertain in that area of understanding what you meant, I believe you did a really wonderful job in explaining 1 cor 7:14. May God bless you.
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