Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

-2 Corinthians 6:1, NLT

We know this is the case based on Bible passages throughout the New Testament (e.g. I Corinthians 6:18-19, Hebrews 13:4, etc). The sin of adultery does not just harm relationships with one’s spouse. It defiles the very temple of God as God dwells within the Believer.

Looking at 2 Corinthians 7:1, I was wondering which promises the Apostle Paul was referencing. Paul just finished talking about how we are God’s temple and need not be associated with pagan things. We are God’s children with whom He walks. Such are BIG promises!

With that in mind, we are called to live into that identity–as sons and daughters of God. That means living holy lives.

In other places–e.g. I Corinthians 6:9–Paul tells us about those who continue in sin not inheriting eternal life. I believe the continuing in sin is demonstrating allegiance to the kingdom of this world, not God’s. It is a less a judgment upon them than an acknowledgement of spiritual fact. They are not living as God’s child but rather as His enemy.

Cheaters are defiling the “temple” of God by their sin. They are also declaring their allegiance to this world, not God’s Kingdom. That is what their actions say.

This is also why I believe God allows for divorce from Cheaters (see Mt 19:9). God understands that their allegiance is opposed to following Him. He does not condemn a faithful spouse cutting ties with someone literally “hell-bent.”