Question
Why is adultery wrong?
Answer
First, let us start with the broader question of, “Why is any particular behavior wrong?” How do we decide what things are right and wrong? Doe we leave it up to each individual or to a certain group or to society in general? If we follow any of these courses, we will soon find that our moral standard changes depending on what the current opinion is. This has always been our problem, trying to direct our own steps apart from the Law of God. Jer. 10:23.
In order to know if anything is right or wrong, we must be willing to follow an objective standard that is outside of ourselves, the Bible. It is God who has created us and has given us a Law by which we should live. His commands are for our good and it is our purpose to submit to Him so that He may be honored by our lives. Eccl. 12:13-14.
When we violate His Law, it is wrong, sin. God is the one who decides what is wrong, since He is our Creator and possesses all wisdom and power. Psalm 51, especially verses 1-4, Romans 3:23, 1 John 3:4, James 2:1-13.
Therefore, when it comes to adultery, married people participating in sexual relations with someone besides their mate, God says it is wrong. Gen. 39:1-20, especially verse 9. It is better for us to refrain from these things, even if we suffer for them now because in the end, God will honor us. 1 Peter 4:12-19.
If we persist in setting our own standard of behavior, we will be separated from God and face eternal separation and punishment. Isa. 59:1-2, Rom. 6:23. To avoid this, we must initially turn from sin and become A Christian and then continue to confess and repent of our sins to remain a Christian. Acts 2:36-42, 1 John 1:5-2:2.
By Gary Hunt
