Christ’s Standard of Moral Purity

GOLDEN TEXT: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” —Exodus 20:14

THE Seventh Commandment of the Decalogue helps to emphasize that the Mosaic Law was not given especially for the guidance of the footstep followers of Jesus, however much its moral principles are binding upon them. Those who have entered into a covenant with the Lord by sacrifice; who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit; who are setting their affections on things above and not on the things of the earth, and who are endeavoring to be holy as God is holy, would hardly need to be given a direct command of this sort.

There is a spiritual adultery, however, which on account of its subtle nature needs to be guarded against by all earnest Christians. When we accept Christ, and covenant to do his will, he becomes our prospective Bridegroom. Paul wrote, “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (II Cor. 11:2) If we love him supremely—more than family or friends, or even our own lives—we will be loyal to him. Loyalty to our consecration vows will prevent us from dividing our affections between the Lord and the world. To him, therefore, let us be true!

MATTHEW 5:27-32

IT IS said of Jesus that instead of destroying the Law he would “magnify” it. (Isa. 42:21) His lesson on adultery is a good illustration of this, and elevates the Seventh Commandment to a much higher level of application. The use of the “eye” illustration seems closely associated with this higher interpretation of the Law, although we are not to suppose that Jesus meant a literal plucking out of offending eyes, for actually the guilt would lie in the heart, or mind, rather than the eye.

Students of oriental customs tell us that the “eye” is often used as a symbol of envy and lust, and to “cut off the hand” means to discontinue a bad habit. This entire lesson, therefore, is one designed to encourage purity of thought and action along all lines.

The word “hell” in this passage is a translation of Gehenna, which was the valley of Hinnom just outside the city of Jerusalem, where the refuse of the city was burned. Jesus used it as a symbol of destruction, thus emphasizing that “the wages of sin is death.” (Rom. 6:23) Jesus did not mean, however, that a single “offense” by the “eye,” or “hand,” or “foot” would result in eternal destruction, although the lesson is clear that if sin is allowed to develop and take possession of the life, the ultimate end will be death.

Moses’ Law provided for divorce. (Deut. 24:1-4) Jesus “magnified” this arrangement, also, explaining that his followers could not properly divorce their mates except when they were guilty of adultery. His ruling on the matter, however, makes it proper for the innocent party to remarry. This is a just arrangement, for otherwise it would mean that the innocent would have to suffer because of the other’s sins. All of God’s laws are just and right.

MARK 10:2-9

THE Pharisees sought every opportunity possible to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the people, and they thought they could do this by making it appear that he was disloyal to the Law given to the nation by God at the hands of Moses. They knew that in his Sermon on the Mount he had spoken against the divorcing by his followers of their life partners in marriage. First, they asked him if it was lawful “for a man to put away his wife?” They were no doubt surprised when he turned the question back to them and asked what Moses said on the subject. They answered correctly, saying, “Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.”

Jesus explained, “For the hardness of your heart he [Moses] wrote you this precept.” In other words, this arrangement was not to be accepted as an ideal one. Thus he did not condemn Moses for it, but simply explained why it was advisable, and then added that this was not God’s original intention; that, from the creation, God had arranged that man and wife should be “one flesh,” and since God had thus joined them together, it was not proper for man arbitrarily to bring about a separation.

One thing which adds to the sanctity of the marriage relationship is the fact that the Lord uses it as an illustration of the oneness of Christ and the church. Paul presents a wonderful lesson along this line, and in conclusion, says, “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”—Eph. 5:22-32

In keeping with this illustration, Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, saying, “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (II Cor. 11:2) Actually, while still in the flesh, we are merely “engaged” to Christ. But if we are faithful to him—even unto death—we will be united with him in heavenly glory when the “marriage of the Lamb” takes place.—Rev. 19:7

QUESTIONS

Explain how Jesus magnified the Seventh Commandment.

What did Jesus mean by plucking out one’s eye and cutting off one’s hand or foot?

What is the meaning of “hell,” as used by Jesus in this lesson?

In what way does the marriage relationship illustrate the oneness of Christ and the church?

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