1 Corinthians 7 (KJV) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid FORNICATION, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 2 Corinthians 12 (KJV) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. 14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. 17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? 19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. 20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and FORNICATION and lasciviousness which they have committed. 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 1 Peter 5 (KJV) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: From our previous Bible Topic Studies on this subject we learned what the actual sin of Spiritual FORNICATION is from our study in the Gospels. By definition - - - SPIRITUAL FORNICATION = SEEKING SIGNS => BELIEVERS Our study now takes us into the New Testament Epistles where we shall look at related passages and see how the context and meaning is compared to or contrasted with Fornication of the Flesh and Fornication in the Spirit. This Bible topic study will enhance our understanding of this sin, identify the attributes associate with it, and reveal the penalty that must be paid by any Christian who engages in the practice. Christians are warned many times in the New Testament to avoid, abstain, and flee from Fornication. However, it soon becomes obvious to many Bible students that the sin of Fornication as described in the New Testament Epistles is referring to more than the fleshly illicit sinful act of sexual immorality among the unmarried. The scriptural context itself suggests that the sin called Fornication in the Epistles is associated with something other than immorality of the flesh. This suggests that the sin has both a fleshly application and a Spiritual application. The Spiritual aspect of Fornication is commonly referred to as "Spiritual Fornication". In the Bible topic study on "Adultery and Fornication- What's the Difference?", we learned that in the Flesh, the difference between the two depends on the Marital status (RELATIONSHIP) of the OFFENDER. Fornication => Illicit Sexual relationship by an unmarried, never been married, or "betrothed" (engaged) person Adultery => Illicit Sexual relationship by a Married or previously married (divorced) person We also learned
that in the Flesh, the "ACT" of Fornication and the "ACT" of
Adultery are
IDENTICAL. They are both acts of illicit sexual immorality -
- -
THE ACT of Fornication = THE ACT of Adultery To either a Christian or Non-Christian who was aware and a witness to the activity, it would make no difference to these observers WHO the offenders were. They could only surmise that an illegal and illicit sexual activity was taking place. Therefore, "THE ACT" would appear to be the the same regardless of whether the participants were married or unmarried. Remember the woman caught in adultery by the Pharisees and brought to Jesus for Judgment? They made if a point to know that the woman was married - - - In the Physical realm, the focal point of sexual sins and the resultant judgment is determined and based on whether the Offenders are married or not. Likewise in the Spiritual realm, the focal point of the sin and resultant judgment is determined and based on whether the Offenders have a relationship to Jesus Christ or not. In the spiritual realm, the "ACT" of Spiritual Fornication and the "ACT" of Spiritual Adultery are also IDENTICAL. THE ACT of Spiritual
Fornication = THE ACT
of Spiritual Adultery
The difference between the two depends on the RELATIONSHIP of the OFFENDER to Jesus Christ. In similar manner, to either a Christian or Non-Christian who was aware and a witness to the activity, it would make no difference to these observers WHO the offenders were. They could only surmise that an illegal and illicit activity was taking place. Therefore, "THE ACT" would appear to be the same regardless of whether the participants were Believers or Unbelievers, Saved, or Unsaved. A relationship with Jesus Christ either exists or doesn't exist. A person is either "Born Again" or Not "Born Again". You are in the Kingdom of God or Not in the Kingdom of God. You are of his sheep or Not of his sheep. There is no middle ground with respect to a person and their RELATIONSHIP to Jesus Christ. Through the new birth, You are either a Child of God or NOT a child of God. If you have not reviewed previous Bible Topic Studies on Adultery and Fornication, please do so now before proceeding as this study builds upon and continues from these studies. It is imperative that the Bible Student grasp the meaning of Fornication and Adultery in the Flesh and Fornication and Adultery in the Spirit before proceeding. You will find those topics here. Spiritual Fornication was not specifically defined nor the act specifically described in the Gospel records as was Spiritual Adultery. The Act of Spiritual Fornication and the nature of the Offenders was determined based on the correlation between Adultery and Fornication in the Flesh. The Spiritual Aspect of Adultery was given and therefore a corresponding resultant correlation of spiritual Fornication was derived. In other words, from the Gospels - - - Fleshly Fornication => Sexual Act => Illicit Intercourse => Unmarried Fleshly Adultery => Sexual Act => Illicit Intercourse => Married Spiritual Adultery => Sensual Act => Seeking for Signs => Unbeliever Spiritual Fornication => Sensual Act (?) => Seeking for Signs(?) => Believer (?) It is at this point that the New Testament Epistles will either confirm or reject the above derived conclusion that Spiritual Fornication is the sensual act of Seeking Signs and is committed by Believers only From the Gospel records we determined what Spiritual Fornication was by observing the correlation between Adultery and Fornication in the Flesh. The same type of correlation MAY exist between Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication. We look to the New Testament Epistles to confirm this correlation. FORNICATION & ADULTERY
CORRELATIONS
Our priority in this topic study is to determine what the act and sin of "Spiritual Fornication" is. Actually, the sin has already been identified in the Bible Topic Study on What is Spiritual Adultery? That study is a prerequisite for this study. Spiritual Fornication is the same as Spiritual Adultery with only one difference separating the two. THE BELIEVER AND FORNICATION Our starting point in the New Testament for this study begins in 1 Corinthians where the Apostle Paul is addressing the brethren and we notice that he warns the brethren of FORNICATION but there is no mention of Adultery - - - 1 Corinthians 10 (KJV) 1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. It appeared that Fornication is applicable to Believers ONLY, while Adultery is intentionally excluded. However, at this point, it may be premature to come to this conclusion.Next we turn our attention to the Apostle Paul's instructions in chapter 6 and notice that he is talking of the UNSAVED. Here we would expect that he is talking of FLESHLY sins and would expect that both Fornication and Adultery would be included in the sins list - - - 1 Corinthians 6 (KJV) 9 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, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, NOR extortioners, SHALL INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 11 And such WERE SOME OF YOU: but ye are WASHED, but ye are SANCTIFIED, but ye are JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. As we expected, both Fornication and Adultery are listed and there is not doubt that he is referring the unsaved and their sinful activities prior to their being Born Again. Now he continues addressing the Brethren and we notice that Fornication is listed, but Adultery is NOT listed - - - 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for FORNICATION, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up US by his own power. 15 Know ye not that YOUR BODIES are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. As we expected, both Fornication is listed, but Adultery is NOT listed and there is no doubt that he is referring to the Brethren. Now he continues with a command to the Brethren - - - 18 FLEE FORNICATION. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth FORNICATION sinneth against his own body. We are nearing a point where it will be safe to conclude that (Spiritual) Fornication is applicable to Believers only. In the next passage we notice that the Apostle Paul is again addressing the saints - - - Ephesians 5 (KJV) 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But FORNICATION, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no WHOREMONGER, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. As we expected, Fornication is listed, but Adultery is NOT listed and there is no doubt that he is referring to the Brethren. The word "whoremonger" should be translated "Fornicator" and is done so in the NKJV - - - 5 NKJV - For this you know, that no FORNICATOR, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Now we shall conclude from the New Testament that - - - SPIRITUAL
FORNICATION =>
BELIEVERS ONLY
This above conclusion is reinforced by the following additional scriptures - - - The Apostle Paul is again addressing Believers only and we notice that he warns brethren of FORNICATION but there is no mention of Adultery - - - 1 Thessalonians 4 (KJV) 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from FORNICATION: The Apostle Paul is again addressing Believers only and we notice that he warns brethren of FORNICATION but there is no mention of Adultery - - - Colossians 3 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; FORNICATION, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: The writer is addressing Believers only and we notice that he warns brethren of FORNICATION but there is no mention of Adultery - - - Hebrews 12 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any FORNICATOR, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright The correlation between "Spiritual" Fornication and Believers is just to strong to ignore. FORNICATION IN THE CHURCH
- JUDGMENT
We now look at an example where the Apostle Paul addresses a situation where a Believer in the Church at Corinth has committed Spiritual Fornication and his recommended solution to the problem - - - 1 Corinthians 5 (KJV) 1 It is reported commonly that there is FORNICATION among you, and such FORNICATION as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. We are keenly aware that Spiritual Fornication is applicable to Believers only and that is the case here. The reference to it not being named among the Gentiles refers to the fact that it is a HIDEOUS and ODIOUS sin. The reference to having his father's wife goes back to Genesis chapter 9 where Ham took Noah's wife unto himself and fathered a son named Canaan. We will not devote a study to this issue here at this time but will do so in another Bible Topic Study. Needless to say, the Apostle Paul is placing this sin in a unique and unparalleled class of unthinkable transgression. 2 And ye are PUFFED UP, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. The Church is quite unaware that this action is a even a sin, much less than it is of unparalleled magnitude of unthinkable transgression. They are somewhat proud of this person who is committing this act. We know from the context Paul is not talking of Fornication in the Flesh. This is SPIRITUAL FORNICATION. What in the world could this act be? Paul's instruction is that instead of being proud of this person that should be ashamed of it and do something about to the point of removing this Christian from their midst ! 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, HAVE JUDGED ALREADY, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, The Apostle Paul is saying that while I am not there with you personally, I know what to do and I have already made a decision concerning this person's Spiritual Fornication. Paul says here is what I am going to do about it - - - 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To DELIVER SUCH AN ONE UNTO SATAN for the DESTRUCTION OF THE FLESH, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Wow, seems like the Apostle Paul is going a little overboard with this issue of Fornication. There is such a contrast here. The Church is actually PROUD of this person, and the Apostle Paul wants to terminate this same person. These two are at completely opposite extremes !!! Somebody is not on board with the realization as to what the problem is. Next Paul tells them what the problem is - - - 6 Your GLORYING is NOT GOOD. Know ye not that a little LEAVEN leaveneth the whole lump? Now the word "glorying" can be translated boasting or rejoicing, but it also carries with it the idea of a heavenly or supernatural aspect. It more than just the earthly form of the word happy, proud, etc. The idea that Paul is suggesting at this point is that it has to do with Signs, Wonders, and Miracles. We can not positively conclude this based on this one word, but notice that he compares it to leaven. Now we know for sure that he is talking of the supernatural because we concluded that the Leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod in our previous topic study on Spiritual Adultery was directly related to SIGNS, the supernatural Matthew 13:33 Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like LEAVEN, which a WOMAN took and hid in three measures of meal till it was ALL Leavened.” 7 Purge out therefore the old LEAVEN, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Paul is saying that if this action continues, it will sweep through the Church until ALL the Church is given to this Leaven, or seeking of Signs. This is exactly what the fourth parable in Matthew 13 is addressing. The parable is of a woman hiding leaven in three measure of meal until it is ALL leavened. The fourth Church in revelation chapter two is a picture of this event happening. The correlation referenced here is that SPIRITUAL FORNICATION = SEEKING SIGNS => LEAVEN 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with OLD LEAVEN, neither with the LEAVEN of malice and WICKEDNESS; but with the UNLEAVENED BREAD of SINCERITY and TRUTH. Paul is restating what Jesus said about the Pharisees who were WICKED and ADULTEROUS and seeking after SIGNS. The old leaven he is referring to is the signs, wonders, and miracles which were originally performed by Jesus, the Apostles, and the Church to get things going if you will. Those miracles were the Foundation of Faith and not the Source of Faith. Paul is saying that this activity of Signs, Wonders, and Miracles was to Stop ! ! ! Matthew 16:4 A WICKED and ADULTEROUS generation seeks after a SIGN, and NO SIGN shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed. 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with FORNICATORS: Since the sign gifts are still in operation at the time of this writing, the person in question here is practicing FALSE signs, wonders, and miracles. Paul will pick up on this when he get to chapter 12 of the same book. 10 Yet not altogether with the FORNICATORS of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. Paul is just clarifying again that the issue is SPIRITUAL FORNICATION and not Fornication of the Flesh. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a FORNICATOR, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. There are two warnings here. The first is not to associate with one who is practicing FALSE signs, wonders, and miracles. The second warning has to do with eating. This has nothing to do with lunch, but has to do with intake of the Word of God. Jesus said unless you Eat my Flesh and Drink My Blood you have no life in you. Paul is saying do not participate in the Word of God with them because they are perverting it. We will see this more clearly in other verses. We can summarize to this point the characteristic traits of the (SPIRITUAL) ADULTERERS as follows - - - 1) Evil
4) Reject Word of
God
7) UNBELIEVERS 2) Wicked 5) Hypocrites 3) Sinful 6) Deceivers The same will be true for (SPIRITUAL) Fornicators except as follows - - - - 1) ---
4) Reject Word of
God
7) BELIEVERS 2) --- 5) Hypocrites 3) Sinful 6) Deceivers The difference is based on a person's relationship to Christ. The terms Evil and Wicked are associated with the unsaved (unbelievers), whereas sinful can be associated with both the saved and unsaved (believers and unbelievers). Matthew 16:4 A WICKED and ADULTEROUS generation seeks after a SIGN, and NO SIGN shall be given to it except the SIGN of the prophet Jonah." , - - - "AND HE LEFT THEM AND
DEPARTED"
Jesus does not associate with Spiritual Adulterers nor fellowship with Spiritual Fornicators . . . Luke 11 29 And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say, “THIS IS AN EVIL GENERATION. IT SEEKS A SIGN, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. The point of Jesus statements above is that - - 1) Spiritual Adultery or the
"Seeking of Signs" is in contrast to the "Wisdom of Solomon"
2) Spiritual Adultery or the "Seeking of Signs" is in contrast to the "Preaching of Jonah" 3) Spiritual Adultery or the "Seeking of Signs" is in contrast to the "Teaching of Jesus" Therefore, as shown above, Spiritual Adultery works as Leaven and Leaven, the Seeking of Signs, is OPPOSED to the Word of God. FORNICATION AND LEAVEN
Just as the act of Spiritual Adultery, Seeking of Signs, is associated with leaven from our previous study, Leaven is also linked to Spiritual Fornication is the verses just cited above. 7 Purge out therefore the old LEAVEN, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Luke 12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “BEWARE of the LEAVEN of the Pharisees, which is HYPOCRISY. Another correlation which develops is that the very nature of the LEAVEN is based on Hypocrisy. Therefore - - SPIRITUAL ADULTERY
=> LEAVEN =>
HYPOCRISY
SPIRITUAL FORNICATION
=> LEAVEN =>
HYPOCRISY
The EFFECT or WORKING of Spiritual Adultery is similar to the EFFECT that Leaven has when placed into bread. The basic ingredient or substance in the Leaven is Hypocrisy ! ! This correlation links the effect of Spiritual Adultery to the ones who Practice Spiritual Adultery. You recall that in the reference verses above, Jesus included their characteristic nature as HYPOCRITES. Therefore their Seeking for Signs (Leaven) within the Kingdom (The Church) is based on HYPOCRISY. Jesus has now established firm correlations between Adultery, Signs, Wonders and Miracles and Leaven - - SPIRITUAL
ADULTERY => UNBELIEVERS
=> LEAVEN =>
HYPOCRISY
(Seeking for Signs)By correlation - - - SPIRITUAL
FORNICATION => BELIEVERS
=> LEAVEN =>
HYPOCRISY
(Seeking for Signs)SPIRITUAL ADULTERY AND
DOCTRINE
Next Jesus is going to reveal the method by which Spiritual Adultery will propagate itself. Similar to a computer virus, Leaven must have a program to infiltrate the Kingdom (The Church). In other words, if there was no motivational force or program to continue the spread of Spiritual Adultery, then it is just as likely that this undesirable Effect on the Kingdom could and would just expire. The Pharisees and Sadducees to whom Jesus addressed could be the last generation that were ever charged with the sin of Spiritual Adultery. This is not the case however, Spiritual Adultery will grow and spread throughout the Kingdom similar to the action of Leaven. The dynamo behind the sin of (Spiritual) Adultery is described as follows - - - Matthew 16 5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and BEWARE of the LEAVEN of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” - - 11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to BEWARE of the LEAVEN of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to BEWARE of the LEAVEN of bread, but of the DOCTRINE of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus has now revealed the nature of this virus if you will, the method for propagating Spiritual Adultery. His disciples were able to interpret Jesus reference to Leaven as Doctrine (Teaching) by these unbelieving Jews. The resultant correlation is now - - SPIRITUAL
ADULTERY (acts as) LEAVEN
(and propagates by) DOCTRINE
SPIRITUAL ADULTERY AND
DECEPTION
Mark 8 11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a SIGN from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a SIGN? Assuredly, I say to you, NO SIGN shall be given to this generation.” 13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. 14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. 15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, BEWARE of the LEAVEN of the Pharisees and the LEAVEN of Herod.” If the disciples fail to Take Heed and BEWARE, then they will become victims of the doctrine. Another correlation which develops is that the OBJECTIVE of the LEAVEN is DECEPTION. Therefore the correlations now include - - - SPIRITUAL
ADULTERY => UNBELIEVERS
=> LEAVEN =>
HYPOCRISY => DECEPTION
(Seeking
for Signs)
The action of the above can be expressed as - - - SPIRITUAL
ADULTERY (acts as) LEAVEN (propagates
by) DOCTRINE (yields) DECEPTION
By correlation, - - - SPIRITUAL FORNICATION (acts as) LEAVEN (propagates by) DOCTRINE (yields) DECEPTION The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees and of Herod is going to exist in the Kingdom of God and propagate itself throughout the Kingdom by DOCTRINE (Teaching). This virus, this Leaven, will permeate itself throughout the Kingdom by the TEACHING of ITSELF ! ! ! However, from the recipients standpoint, this doctrine cannot propagate unless the hearers of the Doctrine are Deceived. Therefore, the objective and plan for the use of Leaven is - - - DECEPTION. DOCTRINE OF LEAVEN AND THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Our Lord presents the issue of Spiritual Adultery as being associated with LEAVEN. The reason for doing so is that this undesirable and sinful DOCTRINE will infiltrate the Kingdom of Heaven (The Church) similar to the action that LEAVEN has in meal (bread). This doctrine will have a permeating effect until the whole lump of BREAD (Word of God) is LEAVENED (Corrupted) and the members DECEIVED. This is the characteristic effect that Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication will have in the Church. The Church HE is talking about in NOT the entire Church, but is the Church of Thyatira described in Revelation Chapter 2. If only there was a parable to describe this Leaven effect in the Church ! ! Behold ! --- Our Lord gave a parable to demonstrate the analogy between Spiritual Adultery which is Leaven and the effect it will have on the Kingdom of Heaven (The Church). The FOURTH Kingdom of Heaven Parable that Jesus told in Matthew 13 is - - - Matthew 13:33 Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like LEAVEN, which a WOMAN took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” This parable correlates directly to the FOURTH of seven Churches described in Revelation and is THE
CHURCH OF THYATIRA
This Church is involved in both Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication. In this Church, the Leaven is actively working and will work until the whole lump of bread (The Word of God) is Leavened. Completion will occur just prior to our Lord's return. The "ACT" of Spiritual Adultery and the "ACT" of Spiritual Fornication ARE the same thing ! ! ! SPIRITUAL FORNICATION DEFINED
From the above proofs, it can be readily determined that Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication is the Seeking after Signs with all of its attributes and characteristics and effect. Therefore, the definition of importance which is necessary to properly understand and interpret the Scriptures which relate to Fornication is - - - SPIRITUAL
FORNICATION
is
the seeking of SIGNS WONDERS MIRACLES
by
BELIEVERS
Just as Physical Adultery is associated with the married only, Spiritual Adultery is associated with Unbelievers only--- Just as Physical Fornication is associated with the unmarried only, Spiritual Fornication is associated with Believers only--- Therefore, the definitions for each are as follows - - - Spiritual Adultery => The Belief, Promotion, or Practice of Signs, Wonders, and Miracles in The Church by an Unbeliever Spiritual Fornication => The Belief, Promotion, or Practice of Signs, Wonders, and Miracles in The Church by a Believer SPIRITUAL FORNICATION VERSUS
PHYSICAL FORNICATION
Spiritual Fornication mentioned above is attributable to Believers only.The Saved, The Redeemed, a Child of God. Physical Fornication is "OF THE FLESH". Similarly, Spiritual Fornication is also "OF THE FLESH". While Physical Fornication is "Sexual" through unfaithfulness, Spiritual Fornication is "Sensual" through hypocrisy. THE PENALTY FOR SPIRITUAL
FORNICATION
Under "The Mosaic Law", Fornication did not demand the Death penalty, but there was a price to pay: . . . Exodus 22:16-17 16 "If a man ENTICES a virgin who is not betrothed, and lies with her, he shall surely PAY the bride-price for her to be his wife. 17 If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall PAY MONEY according to the bride-price of virgins. Under the New Covenant, Spiritual Fornication also incurs a penalty. The spiritual price to pay for a Christian committing Spiritual Fornication is found two places in scripture - - - Revelation 2:26 "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us A Christian who falls prey to Spiritual Fornication forfeits their PRIVILEGE to rule and reign with Christ during His reign of righteousness on the earth (the millennium). This will be discussed in more detail in the Bible Study topic on "The Church at Thyatira". The belief, teaching, and practice of Spiritual Fornication which involves "Signs, Wonders, and Miracles" is a dynamic effort on the part of the offender and is opposed to the working of the Holy Spirit. By hypocrisy they attempt to duplicate the miracles of Jesus, the apostles, and the spiritual gifts dispersed to disciples to BEGIN the church.. The fate for ANYONE committing and practicing Spiritual Fornication in Apostolic days was described by the Apostle Paul as follows - - - 1 Timothy 1:20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I DELIVERED TO SATAN that they may learn not to blaspheme. The two mentioned above were involved in Spiritual Fornication. Just as Ananias and Sapphira his wife fell dead at the feet of the Apostle Peter for Lying to God, these two have blasphemed the Holy Spirit and must pay an awful price. This is why scripture warns Christians (Believers) to - - - 1 Cor 6:18 FLEE sexual immorality (FORNICATION). Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality (FORNICATION) sins against his own body. Also, we learned previously that Fornication under Mosaic Law required a price to pay - - - Commit
Physical Fornication
=> Pay cash price (Bride Price)
Spiritual Fornication under the New Covenant also requires a Spiritual price to pay . . Commit
Spiritual Fornication
=> Forfeit right to rule and reign with Christ
SUMMARY Spiritual Fornication is committed by BELIEVERS ( Born Again) who have developed a SENSUAL RELATIONSHIP with Christ's Body, the Church through Signs, Wonders, and Miracles. Any such relationship is illicit, immoral, of the Flesh, and is called Spiritual Fornication and is based on and executed in Hypocrisy. Believers are Never referred to as having committed ADULTERY when it is of a spiritual nature. Can Believers commit Adultery in the physical sense? Of course they can, and this is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. The traits or aspects of Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication are compared as follows - - - TRAITS
SPIRITUAL
ADULTERY
SPIRITUAL
FORNICATION
1) The Act => Seeking Signs - - - - - - - - Seeking Signs 2) The Character => Wicked - - - - - - - - Sinful 3) The Offenders => Unbelievers - - - - - - - - - - Believers 4) The Effect => Leaven - - - - - - - - - - - - - Leaven 5) The Method => Doctrine - - - - - - - - - - - - Doctrine 6) The Basis => Hypocrisy - - - - - - - - - - - Hypocrisy 7) The Objective => Deception - - - - - - - - - - - Deception The difference between Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication based on the gospel accounts plus the description in the New Testament Epistles yields - - - ADULTERY
=> UNBELIEVER =>
LEAVEN
=> HYPOCRISY =>
DOCTRINE => DECEPTION
"The
Act"
The
Offenders
The Effect
The Basis
The Method
The Objective
Seeking Signs (Wicked) FORNICATION
=> BELIEVER =>
LEAVEN
=> HYPOCRISY =>
DOCTRINE => DECEPTION
"The
Act"
The
Offenders
The Effect
The Basis
The Method
The ObjectiveSeeking Signs (Sinful) Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication both include - - - 1)
Belief in Signs, Wonders, & Miracles
2) Promotional teaching of Signs, Wonders, & Miracles 3) Practice of Signs, Wonders, & Miracles Now, one of the ten commandments takes on an even greater significance when we realize its application for Unbelievers - - - Exodus 20:14 YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY A Believer can not commit Spiritual Adultery, Therefore, for the Church, the warning is to beware and avoid those of which could be said - - - YOU
SHALL NOT COMMIT SPIRITUAL
FORNICATION
CONCLUSION
We now know that the Doctrine of Leaven to which our Lord was referring to has to do with the Seeking of Signs, Wonders and Miracles. These teachers cloaked in hypocrisy will propagate this doctrine by corrupting the Word of God and thus deceive the members. This appears to be what is happening today as the KEY for obtaining, witnessing, or performing signs, wonders, and miracles is based on KNOWLEDGE of the Word of God. The average Church member just entering a Church which promotes this doctrine was previously unaware of these things until they became EDUCATED to the Word of God and only then can they share in the supposed working of the Holy Spirit, that is, the EXPERIENCE ! ! ! Spiritual Fornicators are working side-by-side with Spiritual Adulterers in the Church to fulfill the prophecy that the whole bread will be LEAVENED - - - Spiritual Adultery and Spiritual Fornication will be examined in light of the New Testament Epistles under another Bible Topic Study. The Church of Thyatira in Revelation chapter 2 represents those Churches which are given to Spiritual Fornication. This subject is dealt with under the Revelation series in Bible Topic Studies where this Church is examined in detail as well as the other six Churches. |  Jesus the Carpenter  Jesus the Risen Savior
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