Definition and Context:
Having an affair typically refers to engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one's spouse, violating the marital covenant. In biblical terms, this act is often synonymous with adultery, which is explicitly condemned in Scripture. The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, intended to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32).

Biblical References:

1. The Seventh Commandment:
The prohibition against adultery is enshrined in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:14 states, "You shall not commit adultery." This commandment underscores the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage bond.

2. Consequences of Adultery:
The Bible frequently warns of the spiritual and social consequences of adultery. Proverbs 6:32 declares, "But he who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself." This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of infidelity, emphasizing the moral and ethical degradation it brings.

3. Adultery in the Heart:
Jesus expanded the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts to include lustful thoughts. In Matthew 5:27-28 , He teaches, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching emphasizes the importance of purity in thought as well as in action.

4. Examples of Adultery:
The Bible provides several narratives involving adultery, serving as cautionary tales. King David's affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) is a prominent example. David's actions led to a series of tragic events, including the death of Bathsheba's husband, Uriah, and the subsequent turmoil within David's own family.

5. Forgiveness and Restoration:
Despite the gravity of adultery, the Bible also offers hope for forgiveness and restoration. In John 8:3-11, Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. He challenges those without sin to cast the first stone, ultimately telling the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This account illustrates the possibility of redemption and the call to repentance.

6. Marriage as a Covenant:
The Bible consistently portrays marriage as a covenantal relationship. Malachi 2:14-16 speaks against unfaithfulness, stating, "The LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views marital vows.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
From a biblical perspective, having an affair is not merely a personal failing but a violation of divine law. It disrupts the intended harmony of the marital relationship and can have far-reaching consequences for families and communities. The call to fidelity is rooted in the character of God, who is faithful and true. Believers are encouraged to emulate this faithfulness in their own relationships, upholding the sanctity of marriage as a reflection of God's covenantal love.Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
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James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
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1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
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Revelation 19:1-21
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, to the Lord our God:
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1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
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1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:
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1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body.
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Ephesians 5:1-3
Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
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Letter xviii. Marriage.
... In such case, you will have wounded feeling enough to struggle with, without the
additional pain of having the affair become a neighborhood talk. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

A virgin at Antioch, Having Refused to Sacrifice to Idols...
... Having changed her garment, the maiden flies from the snare, not now with wings
of ... When the affair was known, because a crown was due to such a conqueror, he ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iv a virgin at.htm

Council of Tyre; Illegal Deposition of St. Athanasius.
... But these allegations having been thus summarily dismissed, so that no defense ...
transactions; most probably, I think, because the whole affair was considered ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxv council of tyre illegal.htm

Death of Paul Bishop of the Novatians, and Election of Marcian as ...
... the election of a bishop to preside over you, lest the peace of your churches should
hereafter be disturbed.' They having answered that this affair had better ...
/.../chapter xlvi death of paul bishop.htm

The Divinity of the Son of God
... A minister of that city, who now rests in the Lord, having interrogated me respecting
the real state of this affair, I related the whole of it to him plainly ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/viii the divinity of the.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... the vessel or our lives; he replied, 'Sir, it is a bad affair; no boat ... in the cabin
to the same effect, telling them to prepare themselves, and having done so ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 16.htm

In what Manner the Nations in the Interior of India were ...
... and kindred; but Frumentius arriving at Alexandria, reported the affair to Athanasius ...
Athanasius having considered how this could be most profitably effected ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xix name what manner.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... issue of the affair which has brought him, Mr. R., to Madrid. I must here observe
that I had myself made preparations to visit Andalusia, having indeed been ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 37.htm

System of the Magicians; Incantations of Demons; Secret Magical ...
... the youth to say, and remains in expectation of the issue of the affair; next, he ...
If any one, however, putting around a stick a moist hide, and having dried it ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxviii name of the.htm

The Life of Mr. Angus Macbean.
... Andrews took the affair into his cognizance, and procured an order from the council ...
His confinement and the fatigue of his journey, having given such a shock ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr angus.htm

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