Is Cheating a Sin in the Bible?

Cheating can take many forms. It could be in a relationship, a competition, or an exam. Whatever it is, we all understand that cheating is immoral and wrong. What, however, does the Bible say about it? Is it a sin to cheat, according to the Bible?

What Does the Bible Say About Cheating?

The Bible tells us that cheating is really a sin. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-6,  the verse says that love does not dishonor others and delight in evil. When you are cheating in a relationship, regardless if you are married or not, you are delighting yourself in evil. You are dishonoring not only yourself and your partner, but also God.

Adultery is a sin, according to Matthew 5:27-28. Anyone who has had lustful thoughts about another person has already committed adultery.

The same is true for anything relating to sex. It is a sin to have sex with someone who is not your husband or wife. If you are married, you are only allowed to have sexual contact with your wife or husband.

It is unethical to cheat on a test because you are deceiving both yourself and other people. In addition to lying, cheating also involves stealing. It is exploiting work that is not your own.

RELATED: Is Lying a Sin in the Bible? 

Luke 16:10 stated clearly that if one is faithful in small things, then he will be faithful in bigger things. However, if you are dishonest in small situations, you will not be honest with larger responsibilities.

The Bible says that we should live good lives (1 Peter 2:12). It means that even we should have clear consciences and live as a good example to each other.

Liars are one of the things God despises. Cheating is essentially living a lie and deceiving your partner. As Christians, we are not to deceive or lie to others. The first sin occurred when the devil deceived Eve.

Christians represent light, whereas the devil represents darkness. How do you combine light and darkness? Everything in the light is pure and righteous. Everything in the shadows is nasty and impure.

RELATED: Is Stealing a Sin in the Bible?

Avoiding Temptations

Adultery, idolatry, and murder are all crimes that must be avoided at all costs (Exodus 20:13-14, Leviticus 20:10). Adultery is seen as a grave sin (Genesis 20:9, Genesis 39:9).

Maintaining a primary bond with one’s spouse is essential in a relationship. Failure to prioritize one’s spouse as the most significant human relationship leads to troubles.

Spending additional time with coworkers, colleagues, or friends of the other gender is a dangerous path to take. Touching, contacting outside of business hours, sending emails or texts, and flirting with the “other” can all result in wrong emotional ties.

When trust is broken, it requires a great deal of effort, emotional strength, and time to put everything back together. Intimate relationships that allow for emotional vulnerability require careful consideration, time, and work to develop, and even longer if they need to be healed.

RELATED: Is Adultery a Sin in the Bible?

Is Cheating Unforgivable in the Bible?

Christ’s Cross and Resurrection have forgiven, healed, and rescued all, but we must come to Christ to receive it. Therefore, there are no “unforgivable” sins.

If the Gospel were about “unforgiveness,” it would not be “good news,” but “Gospel” means “good news,” and this Good News is about forgiveness for everyone who loves Christ and is resolved to fulfill his commandments. This is a lifetime commitment, not a one-time decision or a mental exercise.

However, God’s pardon does not absolve us of the earthly consequences of our deeds. Sexual sin frequently leaves deeper wounds than other sorts of sin. As a result, more of God’s grace and time are frequently required for total recovery.

Bottom Line

Christians must walk in the light, and cheating stops people from perceiving Christ’s splendor. Dishonesty taints the goodness that God’s children should have (Philippians 2:15; Ephesians 5:8).

If our Heavenly Father opposes lying (Proverbs 6:16-19), a believer cannot defend even a “harmless” lie like cheating.

Cheating is self-serving conduct that provides us with an advantage over others who are confronting the same issue.

As Christians, we should strive to assist others in a fair and just manner while retaining moral integrity and a godly reputation. Cheating simply does not contribute to upholding that standard.

Pastor Christopher Turk
Pastor Christopher Turk

Christopher was the lead elder/pastor of the local Christian church in Penticton, British Columbia but he was forced to close his church due to a COVID-19 impact. He has a dedication to serving his Lord's church and a pulpit competence that honors the legacy of his predecessor. Christopher is a passionate visionary for the Lord and His Kingdom! His church ministry background spans over 30 years of full-time service. Support Christian by buying him a coffee.

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