Am I forgiven even though I repeat my adultery?
Question:
Hi,
I am a born-again Christian but have committed adultery as I am also married. I battle with the lustfulness of the flesh, and I don't know how to manage it. I have prayed for forgiveness, but I still fall into the same temptation. How can I work on this? Am I forgiven, even though I keep repeating the same mistake? I desire so badly to seek God in truth and Spirit but this lustfulness of the flesh and adultery is causing me to doubt so much, and I keep turning away.
Answer:
You make it sound as if you have little or no control over your behavior.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (I Corinthians 10:13).
God made each person three promises:
- Any temptation you face is similar to temptations all people face. The idea that you are the only person who dealt with this issue is false.
- Satan can't overwhelm you with a temptation you can't resist. This means you always have the ability to say "No" and walk away from sin.
- There is always a way out. Satan can't box you in such that whatever you choose will result in you committing sin.
Therefore, one of two things is going on: Either you are not taking steps to eliminate the source of temptation and the opportunity to sin, or you are not filling your life with righteousness so that you don't have time or room for sin in your life.
