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What Does the Bible Say About Adultery? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Adultery?

Introduction

Adultery is a sin that is often portrayed in our society as glamorous and exciting, but the Bible has a much different view of this sin. As Christians, we are called to live according to God’s word and avoid sexual sin, including adultery.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about adultery in both the Old and New Testaments, as well as the implications of this sin on our spiritual, emotional, and societal well-being.

The Bible is clear in its condemnation of adultery. It is considered a serious sin that violates the marriage covenant and damages our relationship with God. The punishment for adultery in the Old Testament was often severe, and it was meant to serve as a deterrent to those who might be tempted to commit this sin.

However, the New Testament offers hope and forgiveness to those who have committed this sin, emphasizing the importance of repentance and forgiveness.

As Christians, it is important for us to understand what the Bible says about adultery and the negative implications that this sin can have on our lives. We should seek to avoid sexual sin and help others who may be struggling with it.

By doing so, we can honor God’s design for sexual intimacy and promote healthy, loving relationships within the context of marriage. Let’s dive into what the Bible has to say about adultery and explore how we can live according to God’s word.

adultery in the Bible

Definition of Adultery

Before we dive into what the Bible says about adultery, let’s define what it is. Adultery is the act of having sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse. This includes premarital sex, extramarital affairs, and any other sexual activity outside of marriage.

Adultery in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is clear in its condemnation of adultery. Adultery was considered a serious sin in the Old Testament, and the punishment for it was often severe.

This was because adultery was seen as a violation of the marriage covenant and a betrayal of God’s design for sexual intimacy. Let’s take a closer look at some examples:

Examples of Adultery in the Old Testament

  • Exodus 20:14 – “You shall not commit adultery.”
  • Leviticus 20:10 – “The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.”
  • Proverbs 6:32 – “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.”

These passages make it clear that God’s view of adultery in the Old Testament was a serious sin that was punishable by death. It was considered a violation of the marriage covenant and a betrayal of God’s design for sexual intimacy.

Punishments for Adultery in the Old Testament

The punishment for adultery in the Old Testament was severe. The person who committed adultery, as well as the person they committed it with, were both subject to death (Leviticus 20:10). This punishment was meant to serve as a deterrent and to emphasize the seriousness of the sin.

Why Adultery was Condemned in the Old Testament

Adultery was condemned in the Old Testament because it violated the marriage covenant and God’s design for sexual intimacy. Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, and sexual intimacy is intended to be shared exclusively within the context of that covenant.

Adultery was seen as a betrayal of that covenant and a sin against God.

Adultery in the New Testament

The New Testament continues to condemn adultery, but it also offers hope and forgiveness to those who have committed this sin. Let’s take a closer look at some examples:

Jesus’ Teachings on Adultery in the New Testament

  • Matthew 5:27-28 – “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Jesus taught that adultery begins in the heart and that even lusting after someone who is not your spouse is a sin. He emphasized the importance of purity and obedience to God’s commands.

Paul’s Writings on Adultery in the New Testament

  • 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”
  • Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

Paul also warned against sexual immorality, which includes adultery. He emphasized the importance of fleeing from sexual sin and honoring the sanctity of marriage. The writer of Hebrews emphasized the importance of marriage and the consequences of sexual sin.

The Role of Forgiveness in Dealing with Adultery in the New Testament

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and repentance. Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery and told her to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

Paul also wrote that “such were some of you” in reference to sexual sin, but that they had been washed, sanctified, and justified by the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Implications of Adultery in the Bible

Adultery has many negative implications, both spiritually and emotionally. Here are some examples:

Spiritual Implications

Adultery is a sin that separates us from God and damages our relationship with Him. It can also lead to spiritual confusion and a lack of trust in God’s plan for our lives.

Emotional and Psychological Implications

Adultery can cause intense emotional pain for both the person committing the sin and their spouse. It can also lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. Adultery can have long-lasting negative effects on a person’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Societal Implications

Adultery can have a negative impact on families, leading to broken homes, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. It can also contribute to a breakdown of trust in relationships and a culture that devalues commitment and fidelity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible is clear in its condemnation of adultery. This sin violates the sanctity of marriage and damages our relationship with God. However, the Bible also offers hope and forgiveness to those who have committed this sin.

As Christians, it is our responsibility to avoid sexual sin, including adultery, and help others who may be struggling with it. We should seek to honor God’s design for sexual intimacy, promote healthy relationships within the context of marriage, and pray for God’s guidance and strength to remain faithful to our spouses.

If you or someone you know is struggling with adultery, it is important to seek help and support from trusted friends, family members, or Christian counselors.

Repentance and forgiveness are key elements in overcoming this sin, and it is important to work towards rebuilding trust and healing emotional wounds. Through prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and seeking accountability, we can overcome this sin and honor God’s design for our lives.

Let us remember that as Christians, we are called to live a life of holiness and purity.

By avoiding sexual sin, including adultery, we can honor God and promote healthy, loving relationships within the context of marriage. May God grant us the strength and wisdom to remain faithful to His word and seek His will in all aspects of our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.