In the Old Testament, people caught in adultery were punished.
However, after Jesus Christ came, he lived a life on this earth, as an example for us to follow. And He set a new standard for us. As mentioned above, Matt : 5 : 28 says, "But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eyes has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
So now it was not just the act that was wrong, even the thought in a wrong manner was considered equivalent to adultery.
After His death and resurrection, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit permanently, so that we could live a higher standard of Christian life.
That is what is expected out of us today.
I would encourage you to read, Mark : 7 : 1 - 23, where Jesus teaches about inner purity.
Why do you think the Pharisees were not saved whereas the sinner on the cross ended up in paradise? It is EASY for anybody to show a clean outer cover, as if obeying and walking in God's light. Their inner selves might be decaying with sins. Jesus called such people as hypocrites.
Mark : 7 : 20:, And then He added, " It is the thought life that defiles you."
Verse 21 - 23, For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. And all these vile things come from within;they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God."
So, if not anything else, do you want to hear Jesus saying on the judgement day, that you are unacceptable to Him?? That is going to be heart breaking and there is no point in regretting that day.
So, child of God, why do you want to remain in bondage to some earthly lustful pleasures that are only for a very short while and thereby loose your place with Jesus Christ for eternity............
think about it........
You have too much to loose, if you keep giving in to these lustful pleasures that satan is trying to entangle you with. But, take courage. Confess, repent and run to your Heavenly Father who is waiting for His child to come back to Him.
No matter what we do, He hates our sins, but loves us unconditionally. So, don't try to justify your sin, instead, trust in Him, depend on the Holy Spirit, and God will help you through.
God bless you..
Anne.
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