Adultery

Adultery is sexual unfaithfulness to one's marriage covenant. Scripture condemns it as a violation of the sacred bond that God established between husband and wife.

Exodus 20:14 commands, "You shall not commit adultery." Jesus expanded this in Matthew 5:27-28, saying, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Hebrews 13:4 declares, "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." Proverbs 6:32 warns, "Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul." Adultery is portrayed throughout Scripture as a betrayal of covenant faithfulness.

Adultery begins in the heart with unchecked desire, as Jesus made clear. Believers are called to guard their hearts, honor the marriage covenant, and flee from temptation. Faithfulness in marriage reflects the covenant faithfulness of God toward His people.