Adultery is a serious violation of marital trust, condemned in the Ten Commandments, and endorsed as a serious crime punishable by death in the Bible. Adultery is defined as a willful and voluntary sexual contact with someone other than one’s spouse. It has been the source of many broken marriages and strained family relationships. But what does the Bible say about an adulterous woman?
God’s Punishment for Adulthood
According to the Bible, God’s punishment for adultery is severe. Both the man and the woman involved in the adulterous act are condemned to death. Deuteronomy 22:22- 24 states: “If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from among you.” However, if the woman is not the wife of the man, then the punishment for adultery is not death. In this case, the man must pay a dowry to the woman’s husband and marry her.
Restoration for the Adulterous Woman
The Bible does offer a way for a woman who has committed adultery to be restored from her sin. Forgiveness is available to the adulterous woman who is willing to confess and repent. In the book of John 8:3-11, Jesus speaks to a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery. He speaks kindly to her, makes her no promises of salvation and instructs her to “go and sin no more.”
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we are given additional instruction about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. It states: “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Restoration of Marriage
While the adulterous woman can seek mercy and forgiveness, it remains up to her husband whether he will take her back or not. If the husband chooses to forgive and reconcile, the Bible says that the healing process can begin. In Matthew 5:32, it states: “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
The Bible emphasizes the importance of restoring a broken marriage and encourages couples to reconcile and forgive if at all possible. The Bible encourages couples to work together to restore and rebuild their marriage, rather than resorting to divorce.
Finding Accountability
To ensure that the situation does not recur, the adulterous woman should seek accountability from her husband and from a trusted spiritual leader or counselor. She should also establish boundaries in her life to avoid temptation to end up in the same situation again.
The adulterous woman should turn to the Word of God and use it as a source of hope, comfort, and encouragement. The Bible tells us in James 4:7-8 that: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Forgiveness
The Bible instructs us to forgive others when they sin against us as a way of honoring God. In Matthew 6:14-15 it states: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
The adulterous woman should also seek forgiveness from her husband, as well as from God. In Psalm 25:11, it states “For your name’s sake, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.” Although forgiveness is not easy, the Bible encourages us to forgive, even though we may be wronged by others.
God’s Grace and Love
Adultery is a sin that can cause much pain and heartache. But through God’s grace, love, and mercy, the adulterous woman can receive forgiveness, healing, and restoration. In 1 John 1:9, it states: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God’s love and mercy is enough to cover any sin, including the sin of adultery.
Seeking Help
The adulterous woman should seek the help of a trained counselor or minister who can provide support, guidance, and encouragement in her walk of faith. The goal should be to forgive and reconcile, with hope for the future. In Jeremiah 29:11, it states: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Self-Reflection
Finally, the adulterous woman should reflect on her behavior and take responsibility for her actions. This is the first step in healing and in making a positive change in her life. In Proverbs 28:13, it states: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” By taking responsibility for her actions and seeking forgiveness, the adulterous woman can eventually find mercy and restoration.
