THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/ADULTERY

Is adultery an unforgivable sin? 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS.  No. The Bible says that God shows mercy to those who repent and turn around from their sins-including adultery.  (Acts 3:19; Galatians 5:19-21) In fact, the Bible talks about men and women who stopped committing adultery and later became God's friends. -1 Corinthians 6:9-11. 

God's mercy was shown in the case of King David of ancient Israel. David committed adultery with the wife of one of his army officers.  (2 Samuel 11:2-4) The Bible clearly states that "what David had done was very displeasing" to God.  (2 Samuel 11:27) After receiving reproof, David repented and God forgave him. Nonetheless, David had to suffer the sad consequences of his actions. (2 Samuel 12:13, 14) Wise King Solomon later attested that "anyone committing adultery . . .is lacking good sense." -Proverbs 6:32. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO.  If you have committed adultery, you need to ask both God and your spouse for forgiveness.  (Psalm 51;1-5) Learn to hate adultery as God does.  (Psalm 97:10) Be determined to avoid pornography, sexual fantasies, flirting, or anything else that could lead you to have sexual interest in someone other than your mate. -Matthew 5:27:28; James 1:14, 15. 

If you have been the victim of your mate's adultery be assured that God understands your feelings.  (Malachi 2:13, 14)  If you choose to forgive your mate and continue your marriage, both  of you will need to work hard to rebuild your marital bond. -Ephesians 4:32. 

Next time: Whatever Happened to Discipline?

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015