Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 9/30/2007

Question
My wife and I are both Baptists. Just recently she told me she was interested in "swinging". I am having a difficult time with this idea. Is it possible to do this and still be forgiven or is this so bad it can never be forgiven?

Answer
Dear George,
 As tactful as I know how I will answer your questions.    “Swinging” is simply a modern word for adultery.   It is a gross sin that God abhors.  God’s will for a couple is very clear.  “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2)

  Read what God says about adultery:

  “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)

  “And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:10)

  “Neither shalt thou commit adultery.” (Deuteronomy 5:18)

  “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”  (Proverbs 6:32)

  “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.”  (Proverbs 6:26)

  “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mark 10:19)

  “And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.”  (Malachi 3:5)

  “ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind”  (1 Corinthians 6:9)

  “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness” (Galatians 5:19)

  “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4)

  Baptists are traditionally born again Christians who love the Lord and live godly lives following God’s word.     Sadly, many who call themselves Baptist have not experienced the new birth and been truly saved.   God says:

     "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:14-15)  

     We all are subject to sin, but to contemplate the sin of adultery shows a person does not appear to have Christ in their hearts.

  It is very difficult for me to respond without offending you.  But I hope you will not take it that way, but rather understand I am trying to help you both.   I know that in writing you are seeking truth and God’s answer and that is all I have to offer.  This sin will destroy you, your wife and your family.  It is one of the most destructive things a couple could do.

      I would suggest you and your wife find a good Bible believing church to attend and seeking counseling from the pastor.     I have prayed for you that God will work in your hearts and that you will turn to Him.

If you have further questions or comments please write.
Cooper Abrams
http://bible-truth.org