Friday, June 25, 2021

Question 71: What is required in the Seventh Commandment?

Answer: The Seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor's chasity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.

Dear Neighbor,

The seventh commandment goes beyond the physical act of intercourse. Jesus said, “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 for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt. 5:27-28) 

Jesus was speaking to men whose society was patriarchal but his words are applicable to women as well. It is not enough to maintain physical purity. One must be perfect in every thought, word and deed. Jesus said, “Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)

God created man and woman as unique biological persons designed to complete one other. In the beginning God instituted marriage between one male and one female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. Therefore, human beings should not alter or negate what God created, designed and instituted. (Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9)

There is forgiveness of sin for all who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus sent the apostle Paul to the Gentiles, a people guilty of all kinds of sexual immorality, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, from the rule of Satan to God, that they may be forgiven, and have eternal life, sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 26:17-18)

Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake