What are the consequences of ignoring the command in Leviticus 18:6? The Command Stated “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 18:6) Immediate Legal Consequences in the Mosaic Law • Death penalty for specific incestuous unions (Leviticus 20:11–12) • Being “cut off” from the covenant community (Leviticus 18:29) • Loss of inheritance and place among God’s people (Numbers 15:30–31) Personal Spiritual Consequences • Defilement of the conscience and inner life (1 Corinthians 6:18) • Grieving the Holy Spirit, creating distance in fellowship with God (Ephesians 4:30) • Open door for further bondage and destructive habits (Romans 1:24–28) Relational and Family Fallout • Breakdown of trust, safety, and order within the family (2 Samuel 13) • Lasting emotional and psychological harm to victims and participants alike • Generational patterns of dysfunction unless there is genuine repentance Community Consequences • Tolerated incest “leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6), spreading moral compromise • Church discipline becomes necessary; Paul commands removal of the offender (1 Corinthians 5:1–5) • Loss of credibility and witness to the surrounding culture (Matthew 5:13) National Consequences Illustrated in Israel • “The land has become defiled… and the land will vomit out its inhabitants.” (Leviticus 18:24–25) • Societal instability as divine judgment removes God’s protective blessing (Deuteronomy 28:15–68) Eternal Consequences • Unrepentant sexual immorality excludes from the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10) • God “will judge the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4) • Ultimately facing the “second death” apart from Christ (Revelation 21:8) Hope for the Repentant • Forgiveness through confession and turning from sin (1 John 1:9) • Cleansing that restores purity and fellowship (Psalm 51:7, 10) • A new start empowered by the Spirit to walk in holiness (Galatians 5:16) Contemporary Application • Guard family boundaries; uphold biblical ethics in teaching and practice • Exercise church discipline compassionately yet firmly where needed • Promote healing for victims and accountability for offenders • Celebrate God’s design for sexuality—honoring Him protects individuals, families, and nations |
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