The concept of the "believing spouse" is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's teachings in the New Testament, specifically in his first letter to the Corinthians. This topic addresses the dynamics and spiritual implications within a marriage where one partner is a believer in Jesus Christ and the other is not.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the believing spouse is found in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. In this passage, Paul provides guidance to Christians who are married to unbelievers. He writes:

"To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?" (1 Corinthians 7:12-16)

Sanctification of the Unbelieving Spouse

Paul introduces the idea that the unbelieving spouse is "sanctified" through the believing partner. This does not imply that the unbelieving spouse is saved by the faith of the believer, but rather that they are set apart in a special way due to their proximity to the believer. The presence of a believer in the household brings a measure of God's grace and blessing, which can have a sanctifying influence on the entire family.

Implications for Children

Paul also mentions that the children of such a union are considered "holy." This suggests that the children are under a special covenantal blessing due to the faith of the believing parent. They are part of the Christian community and are to be raised with the knowledge of the Lord, benefiting from the spiritual environment created by the believing spouse.

Marriage and Divorce

Paul's instructions emphasize the importance of maintaining the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing to stay. The believing spouse is encouraged to live in peace and to be a witness of Christ's love and truth within the marriage. However, if the unbelieving partner chooses to leave, the believer is not bound to the marriage, indicating that they are free to let the unbeliever depart without being held accountable for the dissolution of the marriage.

Evangelistic Opportunity

The believing spouse is seen as having a unique opportunity to witness to their unbelieving partner. The question posed by Paul, "How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?" highlights the potential for the believing spouse to influence their partner towards faith in Christ through their conduct, love, and prayerful intercession.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, the believing spouse is called to exhibit Christ-like behavior, demonstrating patience, love, and respect. They are encouraged to pray for their spouse's salvation and to seek wisdom from God in navigating the challenges that may arise from differing beliefs. The believing spouse is also advised to remain steadfast in their own faith, drawing strength from their relationship with God and the support of their Christian community.

The role of the believing spouse is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the hope that God can work through one partner to bring spiritual blessings to the entire family.