FORNICATION: SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL

WHAT IS FORNICATION?

Although this is a commonly used term, we should NOT take it for granted that its meaning is clear as some ambiguity may still exist, hence this question.

In simple terms, fornication is sexual intercourse between people who are not married to each other.

However, in its biblical usage, it has the much broader meaning of ANY sexual act outside monogamous marriage (one spouse).

That means, it does NOT only refer to premarital sex but also includes adultery (in its different forms: sex with a non-spouse, lusting after a non-spouse or remarriage after unbiblical divorce/separation), homosexuality, incest, bestiality (sexual acts with animals), etc.

WHAT IS BIBLICAL DIVORCE?

Biblical basis for divorce:

1. FORNICATION 

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. (Matthew 5:32)

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. (Matthew 19:9)

2. ABANDONMENT 

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. (1 Corinthians 7:15)

IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE A BASIS FOR DIVORCE?

That's a tricky one.

To be honest, I do NOT know or see a clear biblical basis for divorce in this case.

However, because of the associated threat to life (possible murder or manslaughter) and psychological dehumanization, both of which are totally unacceptable in ANY social setting by ALL biblical standards and ALL statutory regulations, godly wisdom MUST be applied, perhaps on a case by case basis.

The whole idea is to please God NOT to be dishonestly and unintelligently legalistic about it.

So, my personal opinion is simple: enforce separation (NOT divorce) and schedule rehabilitation for both parties with the long-term view to reunite upon full and confirmed recovery and under close surveillance as long as is deemed necessary.

WHY DID GOD DIVORCE ISRAEL AT A POINT?

Israel metaphorically committed fornication (pagan idolatry) by turning from God to worship other gods.

In a symbolic and spiritual sense, God referred to Israel’s unfaithfulness to Him and spiritual backsliding as fornication, adultery or whoredom. There are several OT verses that paint this sad picture (stay with me):

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine…

But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

And of thy garments thou didst take, and deckedst thy high places with divers colours, and playedst the harlot thereupon: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so.

Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them...

Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger. 

(Ezekiel 16:8,15-17&26)

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. 

(Jeremiah 2:20)

The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.

(Hosea 1:2)

So, based on this, God metaphorically "divorced" Israel.

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.

(Jeremiah 3:8,9)

But hear God's final stance on the whole matter:

Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

(Jeremiah 3:12-15)

WHAT IS THE CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE FOR BELIEVERS?

Drawing contemporary relevance from this entire narrative, Israel is a type of the Church that has turned from serving God to serving mammon. (Selah)

In the words of Jesus:

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

(Matthew 6:24)

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

(Luke 16:13)

WHAT IS MAMMON?

The root word for mammon in different ancient languages (Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Aramaic, Chaldean and Syriac) all translate to “money, wealth, and material possessions.”

Essentially, it refers to the symbol, idol, god or spirit of materialism, or simply put, the greedy pursuit of material gain, which indeed shapes the worldview and drives the greater part of human endeavor and existence, including all false religions. (Selah)