Think on These
Things
by Tom McLemore
Question: “Preacher, Is committing adultery in the heart the same as
actually committing adultery?”
Answer: This question refers to Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon
on the Mount in Matthew 5:27, 28: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall
not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with
lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Committing adultery in the heart is not the
same as actually committing adultery. If
that were the case, then persons could be guilty of any crimes or acts that it
could be shown they desired or intended to commit, even though they had not
committed them. However, Jesus
emphasizes that a spouse’s lusting partakes of the character of actual
adultery, namely, the introduction of a third party into the exclusive one
flesh relationship. This is immoral, and
if not repented of, it can condemn eternally (see vv. 29, 30). Jesus teaches that the overt act of adultery
has its origin in the heart (cf. Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-23). Inward adultery with outward fidelity
is an example of the hypocrisy Jesus combats in the Sermon.
Address questions to tommclemore@juno.com
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