Failure in Adultery

Having an extramarital affair can be extremely alluring. For many people, even many
Christians, the grass always seems greener somewhere away from their own spouse.
The world used to take adultery seriously, but how things have changed! Movies, TV
talk shows and tabloids send a message that adultery is normal. "Everybody's doing
it...what's the big deal" becomes a moral guideline. The idea of the 10 commandment
has been long forgotten in this world. Why does God want us to stay away from
adultery and other sins like it. Is it because he does not want us to have fun?
Actually, we wants to protect us from the consequences of having an affair.
People get hurt. Families break up. It's like when you tell your child to not
put their hand over the flames...you know that they will get hurt. The good
news...God has the answer and he is a God that forgives and heals
our mistakes.

Need prayer? 700 Club Prayer Counselors are available 24 hours a
day at (800) 759-0700.

"You shall not commit adultery.   Exodus 20:14 (NKJV)

The alluring attraction of the "greener grass" is powerful. God's Word
takes a painfully realistic view of the lure of adultery and of its
consequences. There are many stories of adultery in the bible.

For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother
than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged
sword.   Proverbs 5:3-4 (NKJV)

For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will
prey upon his precious life. Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be
burned? Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in
to his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.
Proverbs 6:26-29 (NKJV)

For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the
arms of a seductress? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He
ponders all his paths. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the
cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall
go astray.    Proverbs 5:20-23 (NKJV)

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God
will judge.
Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV)

Most of the time we look at God as this loving father rather than a judge, don't we? The world
expects God to be tolerant and nonjudgmental, however the Bible is not fuzzy about this subject:
God is a merciful Father...and also the great Judge. The prohibition of adultery isn't just some arbitrary rule that is
designed to kill our pleasure. The bible is a moral guide to enjoy life to the fullest. God knows what's best for us.

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins
against his own body.   1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV)

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortionists will inherit the kingdom of God.   1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NKJV)

"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.   Matt 5:27-28 (NKJV)

Did Jesus mean that every wayward glance is as wicked as doing the actual act itself?   What he is saying is what we
all know too well: Our heart and imagination can be sinful even when we're unwilling to commit the actual sin. There
are a lot more people who fantasize, who are unfaithful inside while remaining faithful outside. The bible is
clear...keep your body and your mind from adultery and other sin.

"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
"These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."
Matt 15:19-20 (NKJV)

See also Marriage, Sexu al Sins, Temptation, God's Mercy, Forgiveness.