How can I deal with an un-believing spouse?
Answer:
We have read your lengthy letter (summarized above) carefully and truly empathize with your plight. We believe one or two points of essential knowledge about salvation may help you in coping. First of all, God has a much better future in store for us than the common conception of heaven as the reward of the saved. Our free booklet HeavenThe Bible speaks of three heavens: (1) the atmosphere surrounding earth, that is, the sky (Acts 1:9-11); (2) space, including our solar system and the observable stars and galaxies (Genesis 1:14-18; Psalm 8:3); and (3) the location of God's throne, from where He governs the entire universe, called "the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2). Solomon said: "God is in heaven and you are on earth" (Ecclesiastes 5:2). In the Bible , the context usually tells us which of the three "heavens" is being discussed. and Hell: What Does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. Really Teach? may prove very enlightening.
Secondly, one of the most important things we should come to realize about spiritual salvation is that God is not calling everyone to be a Christian in this present age. Actually only a few, whom the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. terms "firstfruits" (James 1:18; Romans 8:23; Hebrews 12:22-23), are being called to salvation today.
Although all will eventually have their opportunity, there is a time order built into the Creator's plan of salvation for humankind. God's annual Holy Days and festivals teach that vital principle, particularly the Day of Pentecost (or Festival of Firstfruits) and the Last Great Day. (Our free booklet God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind will explain further.)
Jesus Christ said that none could come to Him unless the Father would draw that person (John 6:44, 65). It is God's responsibility, not ours, to call our loved ones to His truth. In His own wisdom and for His own reasons, sometimes God chooses to call a wife and not her husband during this age, or vice versa.
However, you need not worry about your husband's salvation. God may choose to call him during the great resurrection of most of mankind—depicted by the White Throne Judgment of RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 20. This resurrection is not one of condemnation, but will be the first opportunity for the vast majority of humankind to obtain salvation. You may be assured that sooner or later your husband's mind will be opened to God's truth.
Even so, the apostle Peter gives people in your circumstances some very good advice. Please read carefully the first six verses of Peter's first letter, chapter 3. He emphasizes the good conduct of a wife rather than her conversation. Usually trying to convert a marriage partner by mere talk or giving him or her religious literature does not work. Most of the time it causes unnecessary friction and tension in the marriage. It is our actions that are much more important. Regular prayer to God for divine assistance is also essential.
We have mailed several free booklets to further explain these principles and to assist you in coping with your personal situation: Making Life Work (including material about marriage), You Can Have Living Faith and God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind . We will certainly keep you in our prayers!
Nobody has commented yet. Be the first to kick off the discussion!