In today’s world, many have abandoned the sacred nature of intimacy, treating it as a casual or even recreational act rather than a holy union. Within the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the Law of Chastity is clear: sexual relations are meant to be reserved for marriage (Alma 39:3–5). However, when a woman engages in premarital intimacy and later separates from her partner, the consequences of that act bear striking similarities to adultery rather than merely fornication. This article will explore why such actions violate God’s law in a way that resembles the sin of adultery and why Latter-day Saints must strive to uphold the sanctity of their commitments.
Fornication vs. Adultery: Understanding the Key Difference
Fornication is defined as sexual relations between unmarried individuals, whereas adultery is traditionally understood as a married person engaging in sexual relations outside of their marriage. However, LDS doctrine teaches that sexual intimacy is a covenant act meant to unite man and woman in a sacred bond. Even if a couple is not legally married, engaging in premarital intimacy creates an emotional, spiritual, and even covenantal connection. Breaking such a bond and moving on to another partner is akin to adultery, as it violates the sacred nature of the union that was formed.
The Apostle Paul warned against such transgressions:
"Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh." (1 Corinthians 6:16)
This verse emphasizes that sexual intimacy is more than just a physical act—it binds two people together as "one flesh." When a woman gives herself to a man, she enters into an unspoken covenant that mirrors the spiritual bond of marriage. When she later abandons that relationship to be with another, she effectively commits an act that is spiritually indistinguishable from adultery.
The Law of Chastity and Spiritual Consequences
The LDS doctrine on the Law of Chastity makes it clear that sexual purity is not just about avoiding physical consequences but maintaining spiritual integrity. President Spencer W. Kimball stated:
"There is no such thing as a 'little' sin. The Lord’s standard of morality is chastity before marriage and complete fidelity after marriage. To break this commandment is to invite severe spiritual consequences." (Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, 1969)
When a woman engages in premarital intimacy and then breaks the relationship, she does not merely sin against the Law of Chastity—she also mirrors the betrayal inherent in adultery. Both sins involve a breaking of sacred trust, both inflict deep emotional and spiritual wounds, and both separate individuals from the Spirit of the Lord.
The Eternal Consequences of Treating Intimacy Lightly
In the Book of Mormon, Alma warns his son Corianton about the grievousness of sexual sin, stating that next to murder, it is one of the most serious sins (Alma 39:5). This is because it damages not only individuals but also families and societies. The modern world attempts to separate love, commitment, and responsibility from physical intimacy, but the Lord has never permitted such separation.
The Savior Himself taught about the gravity of sexual sin:
"Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)
If even lustful thoughts are counted as adultery, how much more serious is the sin of engaging in intimacy and then abandoning the relationship? In God’s eyes, the betrayal of a sacred union—whether a formal marriage or a committed relationship bound by intimacy—is not merely fornication but an offense akin to adultery.
A Call to Repentance and a Return to Purity
The good news of the Gospel is that the Atonement of Jesus Christ offers redemption for all who sincerely repent. The Lord has commanded us to turn away from sin and become new creatures in Him:
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." (Isaiah 1:18)
For those who have treated intimacy casually or who have broken sacred bonds, the path forward is through sincere repentance, forsaking sin, and striving for purity. The Lord’s plan is not one of shame but of redemption. However, it requires a commitment to treat intimacy as the sacred act that it truly is.
Conclusion: Upholding the Sanctity of Sexual Purity
The modern world may scoff at the idea that breaking up after intimacy is akin to adultery, but the Lord’s standard is eternal. The sacredness of the physical union is not something that can be cast aside without consequences. When a woman engages in intimacy and then moves on, she is not just guilty of fornication—she is guilty of violating a sacred trust that mirrors the sin of adultery.
As Latter-day Saints, we are called to a higher law. The Law of Chastity is not a burden but a blessing, protecting us from spiritual harm and strengthening the foundation of eternal families. Let us uphold this divine standard with unwavering faith and purity.
Citations:
- Alma 39:3–5, The Book of Mormon
- 1 Corinthians 6:16, The Holy Bible (KJV)
- Matthew 5:28, The Holy Bible (KJV)
- Isaiah 1:18, The Holy Bible (KJV)
- Kimball, Spencer W. The Miracle of Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969.
No comments:
Post a Comment