The Chambers of Death

Married couples who regularly attend worship services together are the least likely to break the seventh commandment. That’s the conclusion of the General Social Surveys and the Family Research Council. Adults in “always-intact marriages” who weekly go to some type of religious service have an unfaithfulness rate of 7.7 percent, while those who never attend worship have a 15.3 percent rate of committing adultery. For those who are previously married or separated or divorced, the rate is 23.3 percent for those who worship weekly and 33.8 percent for those who never worship.

God knew that the stain of adultery and fornication would tear marriages to pieces. By keeping the Lord first in the marital relationship and following His commandments, the joy and harmony of this sacred union would be preserved. “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

This Bible verse stands in sharp contrast to the flexible “tolerance” views accepted in society between “consenting adults.” Statistics vary, but the vast majority of Americans do not wait until marriage to have intimate relations. Yet the Scriptures plainly state, “Fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

Even apart from the Bible, many have come to recognize the far- reaching effects of premarital and extramarital sex. Such acts defraud the legitimate partner and can harm people physically, emotionally, financially, legally, and socially. Extended family can be hurt and children wounded, and dishonesty and lies almost always hover over such affairs.

God wants to protect you from “the works of the flesh … which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness” (Galatians 5:19). The seventh commandment was not given to withhold something good from you, but to keep you from “descending to the chambers of death” (Proverbs 7:27).

Apply It:

Think of a couple who are experiencing marital difficulties or may even be divorced. Stop and pray for them right now.

Dig Deeper:

Leviticus 20:10–12; Proverbs 6:24–32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 13, 18

Key Bible Texts

Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14 KJV)