Adultery

Adultery, as defined in the Bible, is the act of a married person engaging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse. It is considered a grave sin and a violation of the marriage covenant. The Seventh Commandment explicitly prohibits adultery: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). This command underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity.

In the Old Testament, adultery was met with severe consequences. Leviticus 20:10 states, "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death." This reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites were to regard the marriage bond.

The wisdom literature also warns against the dangers of adultery. Proverbs 6:32-33 states, "He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away." These verses highlight the personal and social repercussions of such actions.

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the concept of adultery, emphasizing the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5:27-28 , He teaches, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching underscores the importance of purity in thought as well as in action.

Remarriage

The topic of remarriage is closely linked to the discussions of divorce and adultery in the Bible. Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage in the Gospels. In Matthew 19:8-9 , He states, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning. Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery."

This passage indicates that remarriage after divorce is considered adultery unless the divorce was due to sexual immorality. The exception clause, "except for sexual immorality," suggests that in cases where a spouse has been unfaithful, the innocent party may have grounds for divorce and potentially for remarriage.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of remarriage in 1 Corinthians 7. He advises believers to remain in their current marital status if possible but acknowledges that remarriage is permissible under certain circumstances. In 1 Corinthians 7:39 , Paul writes, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord." This indicates that remarriage is permissible for widows, provided they marry a fellow believer.

Paul also provides guidance for those who are divorced. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 , he states, "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." This passage suggests that reconciliation is preferred, but if that is not possible, remaining unmarried is advised.

Overall, the Bible presents a high view of marriage, emphasizing its permanence and sanctity. Adultery is condemned as a violation of the marriage covenant, and remarriage is addressed with caution, allowing for it under specific circumstances.