What are the consequences for committing adultery? Is there a difference if one committed this sin before knowing the Lord and after knowing the Lord?
It’s important that we realize that there is a consequence for every action, whether good or bad. We learn in Galatians 6:7-8, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
First of all, adultery is sin. It seems strange that God has to tell us not to commit adultery. We should know that it is wrong without being told. It goes against nature and it goes against decency. We read in Exodus 20:14, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Simply defined, adultery is sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse. In the Old Testament, the consequence for adultery was very severe. Leviticus 20:10 demanded, “And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall SURELY BE PUT TO DEATH.” Still today, adultery is condemned in the scriptures, yet we rejoice to know that there is forgiveness to those who truly repent of this awful sin. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
So, what are some natural consequences of adultery?
* You will very possibly ruin your own marriage and the marriage of the one you commit adultery with. * You will very likely lose the respect of your children and family members. Perhaps some of your family and friends will no longer desire to be around you and you would wind up very much alone.
* You could impregnate the one you are committing adultery with which will have a tremendous impact on the lives and the families of those committing adultery.
* You could possibly become infected with a venereal disease, then possibly pass it on to your spouse.
* You may have to face the outraged husband or wife of the one you committed adultery with.
Let’s consider this grave warning against adultery in Proverbs 6:30-32, “Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: HE THAT DOETH IT DESTROYETH HIS OWN SOUL.” In our society, people can forgive a man for stealing food if he is hungry. Of course, if he is caught, he must pay restitution. However, to commit adultery is being self-destructive. Even the most hardened people most often have loyalty toward their spouses and have no compassion towards those who cheat on their spouse.
You asked a second question: Is there a difference if one committed this sin before knowing the Lord and after knowing the Lord? Yes, there is a big difference. When one accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her savior, life begins anew. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW.” When one accepts Christ as savior, they stand before God with a clean slate. However, to commit this sin AFTER being saved is especially offensive to the Lord because as a believer in the Lord Jesus, you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9) and have the ability to resist such sin.
Whether a person knows Christ as their savior or not, the natural consequences of adultery still exist. One may commit adultery and get the other woman pregnant. Then he realizes how sinful he is and accepts Christ as his savior. The other woman is still pregnant and they will both have to reap what they have sown. (338.4)