Yes, adultery is a sin in the Bible and one of the most frequently condemned sins. Adultery is forbidden according to the Ten Commandments.
Marriage is sacred and should be honored and not defiled (Hebrews 13:4). But nowadays, monogamy seems to be a thing of the past. Marriage usually ends in divorce, people live together before getting married, and sexual interactions seem to be a casual activity to do.
In this post, let us further define and discuss adultery based on the scriptures.
What is Adultery?
Adultery was defined in the Old Testament as a sexual relationship between a married (or betrothed) woman and a man apart from her husband. Therefore, it was deemed a sin against the husband.
Jesus expanded the definition of adultery in the New Testament to include sexual relations between a married man and a woman other than his wife (Mark 10:11-12, Luke 16:18).
Other New Testament teachings hold the same view (1 Corinthians 6:15-16, 1 Corinthians 7:2).
Hence, adultery is defined as the sin of a married individual having sexual relations with someone other than their spouse.
What Does the Bible Say About Adultery?
When you commit adultery, you are tearing your marriage apart. Adultery, according to King Solomon, “destroys his own soul” (Proverbs 6:32).
The seventh commandment forbids adultery: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Since adultery was defined clearly when Moses gave the law, it can be inferred that it was well understood at the time.
The prohibition against adultery is consistent throughout Scripture. We know that a line cannot be crossed in a marriage when it comes to a sexual affair, but that is not the end of it.
Are There Exceptions for Adultery?
People sometimes wonder if there is an exception in adultery. For instance, a married person cheats, but there is no sex involved. Or if the adulterer is already separated from the spouse. However, no exceptions are mentioned in the Bible.
Whether sexual intercourse is involved or not, an extramarital affair causes significant emotional distress to the spouse.
Furthermore, sexual attraction clouds judgment and frequently leads to actual sexual relations, even when that was not the intention.
Visual Adultery
Visual adultery is the act of committing adultery with your eyes. Some people believe it is acceptable to look but not touch, but this is not true. In Matthew 5:27-30, we are reminded that our eyes are the portals to the soul.
Women were the crowning achievement of God’s creation. He made women be the lovely feminine versions of himself. And God created men to be visual creatures, able to appreciate beauty. But God did not want us to distort what he intended for good through adultery.
Emotional Infidelity
When it comes to adultery, many couples think of physical sex. However, emotional cheating is destructive and usually leads to a physical affair.
Emotional affairs are one of the most severe threats to relationships, and because they are frequently disguised as innocent friendships, they are not always easy to detect.
Avoiding Temptations
Adultery is regarded as a major sin (Genesis 20:9, Genesis 39:9). It is critical to maintaining a primary bond with one’s spouse—failure to prioritize one’s spouse as the most important human relationship leads to problems.
Spending more time with colleagues, acquaintances, or friends of the opposite gender is a dangerous path to take. Touching, calling, or messaging outside work hours and joking with the “other” can all result in wrong emotional attachments.
When trust is broken, and betrayal is realized, it takes a lot of effort, emotional strength, and time to put the pieces back together.
The Long-Term Effects of Adultery
Adultery frequently causes long-term damage that no amount of repentance can repair. It is highly damaging to the spouse. It often leads to divorce, leaving the marriage partners bitter, disheartened, and financially impoverished.
Adultery deprives children of the affection and safety of a healthy family. It also denies them a good role model for their future marriages.
Children from conflicted or divorced families are more susceptible to anxiety, poor academic performance, and behavior problems, which can last into adulthood.
Bottom Line
Adultery is a major sin that affects not only the couple but also the children. This sin can severely destroy one’s family.
Adultery can cause a lot of pain for spouses and children. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the marriage appears irreparable.
Because adultery destroys trust, it can break even the strongest bonds. It can destroy your relationship from the inside out. Healing from the pain of infidelity is difficult without God’s guidance.
It is essential to remember that as Christians, we should live our lives in a modest and Christful way. Children look up to us as their role models. A happy and healthy child begins at home.
Remember that marriage is sacred and built on trust, so cherish and protect it at all costs.
