Adultery, deceit and duplicity

Adultery is a serious issue in God's eyes. The Seventh Commandment states "Thou shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). And, Proverbs 6:32 warns, "But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself" (NIV). Very sadly, it seems that this Proverb is being fulfilled.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ specifically listed "adultery," as a sin when He referenced keeping the Ten Commandments as requirements for inheriting eternal life (Mark 10:19). And, Hebrews 13:4 tells us that marriage is honorable, "but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

Sadly, adultery, deceit and duplicity walk hand-in-hand. As Britain's Telegraph reports: "Mr. Edwards, a wealthy lawyer, spent 18 months denying any affair." The article claims Mr. Edwards first sought to deny the scandal until he was "caught" visiting his alleged mistress ("Democrat presidential candidate John Edwards admits love child," January 21, 2010).

Now, the former senator's embarrassment – and the hurt to his family, may become even more severe if reports are true that "a sex tape made by Hunter and Edwards" exists (CBSNews.com, "John Edwards Sex Tape Being Sought?," January 29, 2010).

Yes, marriage is honorable, but fornication and adultery is tragic, sinful and embarrassing!

A recent Wall Street Journal Op-Ed author further highlights the apparent deceit and duplicity of the situation. "In October 2007 … Mr. Edwards said: 'There are much more important things in life than winning elections at the cost of selling your soul. Especially right now, when our country … needs to hear the truth from its leaders'" ("How the Enquirer Exposed the John Edwards Affair," January 22, 2010).

Indeed, there are much more important things in life! Obeying the Seventh Commandment and honoring our marriage vows should be at the top of the list of "important things." Obeying God's laws and living righteously builds "a hedge" of protection around us (Job 1:10). But, committing adultery or breaking any of God's laws brings all kinds of complications, evil and suffering. Speaking of adultery, Proverbs records that "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant, but he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell" (Proverbs 9:17-18).

Paul proclaims "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 extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). But is there hope for an adulterer, or anyone guilty of any of these sins? Yes there is! If they repent! Paul answers, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (verse 11).

Should Christians relish every news story accusing someone of adultery and sexual misconduct? No! Christians should meditate on pure, noble and virtuous things (Philippians 4:8). A true Christian will understand from the Bible what is right and what is acceptable to the Lord, and he or she will also be willing to forgive the repentant person (Matthew 18:21-22), praying and hoping that "God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth" (2 Timothy 2:25).

Anyone wanting to strengthen their marriage, or understand more about how God views the sacred bond between a husband and a wife should read God's Plan for Happy Marriage and watch the excellent Tomorrow's World presentations "Make Your Marriage Happier" by Mr. Rod King and "God Created Sex!" by Mr. Wallace Smith.