Benson Boone has rapidly emerged as a standout artist in the music industry, captivating audiences with his exceptional vocal abilities and heartfelt songwriting. His song “Beautiful Things” particularly showcases his talent, resonating deeply with listeners around the world. Characterized by its poignant lyrics and Boone’s emotive delivery, this track has not only climbed the charts but also established him as a formidable talent in the contemporary music scene. With over 100 million streams on Spotify alone, charting in the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and receiving a nomination for Best New Artist, he has further cemented his influence in the music industry. Benson’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music, creating connections with his audience, is a testament to his profound artistry. His ascent in the music world is a clear indicator of his dedication and innate musical prowess, making him an artist whom many watch, celebrate, and include as their musical backdrop for millions of social media posts. My introduction to Boone and “Beautiful Things” came from the many social media posts that used a clip from the song featuring the lyrics “I want you, I need you, oh, God.” His heartfelt delivery of these lyrics not only stirred my heart but also the hearts of millions around the world. This led me to eventually listen to the entire song’s lyrics, “Beautiful Things.”
In Benson Boone’s song, “Beautiful Things,” he reflects on his blessings and seemingly expresses a profound sense of gratitude and dependency on God. The lyrics show a recognition of God’s role in his life, particularly in terms of the good things he has received, such as a loving relationship (“For the girl He sent my way”). However, there’s also an acknowledgment of the precarious nature of these blessings, with the speaker aware that what God has given, He can also take away.
“Give me the making of the songs of a nation,
and I care not who makes its laws.” Plato
This acknowledgment leads to a sense of vulnerability and fear of loss, which is highlighted in the repeated pleas throughout the song (“Oh God, don’t take these beautiful things that I’ve got“). This plea seemingly indicates a dependency on God’s mercy and a desire for the continuation of current happiness and stability, underlined by the speaker’s hope and request for these blessings to remain in their life.
Yet, there is one thing that Benson speaks of and attributes to God, crying out for God not to take it away—the girl sent by God. However, he implies (his girl lives with him and that he holds her every night) indicating they both live in adultery, residing together in an unmarried sexual relationship, also known as cohabitation.
First, I would like to clarify that this article is not about Benson Boone but rather about the topic brought up in his song “Beautiful Things.” It is intended to help those who profess to be Christians understand what Jesus expects from His followers regarding cohabitation, i.e., adultery. However, I do find it interesting that it appears Benson has chosen to dress himself and his band like bands of the 1970s when I was told by the Lord, “It will be the 70s again!” Find out more about this and the Jesus Revolution of the 1970s.
We live in such a promiscuous culture and a seemingly lukewarm church that it’s hard to get a clear answer to important questions like “Is cohabitation sin?” and if it is, Will it determine where we’ll spend eternity?
In times like this, where can we go to find these answers? We can always turn to the Bible, to scripture, and read Jesus’ words for ourselves, His teachings, and His expectations of us, who call upon His name, professing to be His followers.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalms 119:11
Jesus’ teachings emphasize moral integrity, commitment, and purity in relationships. The detail in the song about a girl who occasionally stays the night might be viewed in different ways depending on one’s knowledge of Jesus and His teachings:
- Cohabitation and Commitment: Biblical Christian teachings stress the importance of marriage as the context for intimate relationships. Cohabitation without marriage is a sin and is disobedience to Jesus’ teachings.
- Compassion and Understanding: Jesus was known for his compassionate approach, engaging with individuals from various backgrounds and lifestyles without judgment but with calls to live righteously. Because of this current season of grace, Jesus is withholding our final judgment until the final judgment day, giving us all time to repent of our sins and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. It is important not to miss our times of visitation when we’ve been given the chance to repent and follow Him.
- Gratitude and God’s Blessings: The lyrics also reflect a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings in life, recognizing that everything good (including relationships) comes from God. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings about acknowledging God in all aspects of one’s life and being thankful for His gifts. Yet, we still need to handle those relationships God gives us righteously, and if we fail at this, as is possible for any of us to do, we must repent of the sin asking His forgiveness with an intention to no longer live in that sin.
- Fear of Loss and Dependence on God: The fear of losing what one cherishes is a powerful theme in the song, and it resonates with the Biblical idea of relying on God for all things and trusting in His plan, even in fear and uncertainty. Jesus often spoke about reliance on God and seeking His kingdom first, trusting that all necessary things (including relationships) will be provided according to God’s will.
Question: What does Jesus say about two people living in cohabitation having a sexual relationship outside of marriage?
Jesus’ teachings directly address cohabitation or living together without marriage in a sexually active relationship, as well as addressing sexual morality and marriage in broader terms.
- Sexual Morality: Jesus reinforced the Old Testament commandments regarding adultery. In Matthew 5:27-28, He expands on the commandment against adultery, saying, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This tells us that Jesus placed great emphasis on purity of heart and intent, not just actions.
- Marriage: Jesus spoke about marriage, emphasizing its sanctity and indissolubility. For example, in Matthew 19:4-6, He refers back to the Genesis account of creation, saying, “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This underscores the idea that marriage is a sacred union.
- Judgment and Compassion: While Jesus upheld moral laws, He was also noted for His compassion and willingness to engage with those who were seen as sinners or living outside the religious laws of the time. The story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) is a clear example where Jesus focuses on forgiveness and personal reflection rather than immediate condemnation.
In summary, while Jesus emphasized purity and the sanctity of marriage, He also encouraged forgiveness and introspection. He did specifically address cohabitation, equating it with living in adultery, and His teachings clearly share His expectations for moral behavior in line with God’s commandments, balanced with compassion and understanding.
Jesus’ teachings on sexual morality and marriage do not shift to fit cultural changes or modernity. Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels clearly affirm the importance of adhering to moral and ethical standards that are consistent with Biblical principles.
The challenge for us as believers is adhering to these teachings in the context of today’s world while maintaining fidelity to the principles He taught.
Question: So, if someone continues to live in adultery, are they choosing to live in the sin of adultery and therefore living in disobedience to Jesus?
Yes, according to Biblical Christian teaching, continuously engaging in behaviors that are explicitly identified as sinful, such as adultery, would be considered living in disobedience to Jesus’ teachings. In Christianity, adultery is defined as sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage, and Jesus clearly reiterates and expands the understanding of this commandment to emphasize not only actions but also intentions and desires of the heart in Matthew 5:27-28. Therefore, cohabitation is adultery in the eyes of God.
For Christians, this teaching underlines the importance of aligning one’s life with Biblical principles, including fidelity within marriage. It also stresses the need for repentance and turning away from sin. The concept of repentance is central to Christian doctrine, involving both acknowledgment of sin and a genuine commitment to change behavior, aligning more closely with Christ’s teachings.
Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” John 14:23-24
Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that grace and forgiveness are available through Jesus Christ. For those who repent and seek forgiveness, there is the promise of redemption and the opportunity to restore one’s relationship with God. This is a crucial aspect of Christian faith, balancing the recognition of sin with the availability of God’s grace for those who genuinely seek to change their ways.
Question: Will someone who is living in adultery and refuses to repent be saved and go to heaven?
According to Christian teaching based on the Bible, the question of who enters heaven is deeply connected to the concepts of faith, repentance, and forgiveness. There are key scriptural passages that address the conditions under which someone might be forgiven and the implications of unrepentant sin.
- Repentance and Forgiveness: The New Testament emphasizes the necessity of repentance for forgiveness. Acts 2:38 records Peter’s words, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This clearly tells us repentance—a turning away from sins and a turning towards God—is a prerequisite for forgiveness.
- Faith in Jesus: Belief in Jesus is also portrayed as essential for salvation. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This emphasizes the role of faith in Jesus as the pathway to eternal life.
- Unforgiven Sins: Scripture indicates that continuing in sin without repentance can lead to spiritual death or separation from God. Hebrews 10:26-27 says, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” This passage warns that persistent, unrepentant sin, especially after knowing the truth, leads to severe consequences.
- Judgment According to Deeds: Revelation 20:12-15 describes the final judgment where individuals are judged according to what they have done, as recorded in the books, including the book of life. Those not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
The combination of these teachings clearly tells us, according to scripture, living in unrepentant sin such as continuous adultery without seeking forgiveness through Jesus Christ is inconsistent with the requirements for entering heaven. Christian doctrine emphasizes that while grace and forgiveness are freely offered to all who genuinely repent and believe in Christ, there are stark warnings about the spiritual risks of continuing in sin without seeking to change.
Question: Will they, those living in cohabitation with someone, and refused to repent be found in the book of life?
According to scripture, the Bible, as expressed in various parts of the New Testament, being written in the “Book of Life” is indicative of salvation and eternal life with God. The Book of Life, particularly as described in the Book of Revelation, lists those who have been saved and will inherit eternal life. The criteria for being included in this book align with repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and living a life in accordance with God’s commandments.
- Judgment and the Book of Life: Revelation 20:12-15 describes the final judgment, where people are judged according to their deeds as recorded in books, and those whose names are in the Book of Life are spared from the “second death,” which is the lake of fire. Revelation 21:27 also notes that only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will enter the New Jerusalem, a in eternal fellowship with God. From these teachings, individuals who persist in unrepentant sin, such as ongoing adultery, and do not seek forgiveness or turn away from their sinful behaviors, would not be found in the Book of Life, according to the criteria laid out in scripture. The inclusion in the Book of Life is conditional upon a person’s relationship with God through Christ, marked by faith, repentance, and a transformed life.
Question: Does God answer someone’s prayer who is living in adultery, cohabitation, who asks God to not take away this adulterous relationship?
Addressing the question of whether God answers the prayers of someone involved in adultery who asks Him to maintain the adulterous relationship involves theological considerations about the nature of God, sin, and repentance.
Theological Perspective on Sin and Prayer
- God’s Nature and Sin: In Christian theology, God is holy and just, and He calls His followers to live according to His commandments. Adultery is explicitly condemned in the Bible (e.g., the Seventh Commandment in Exodus 20:14, and Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:27-28). Therefore, God’s character and His directives in Scripture clearly state He does not endorse sin.
- Purpose of Prayer: Prayer in the Christian faith is often viewed not just as a means to request personal desires, but as a way to align oneself with God’s will. 1 John 5:14 states, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” Prayers that align with God’s moral and ethical standards are thus seen as more likely to be answered affirmatively.
- God’s Response to Sinful Requests: When prayers involve sin or things explicitly against God’s will, the scripture of the Bible, God’s answer will not be in the form of granting such a request. Instead, God might respond in ways that lead the individual toward repentance and a better understanding of His laws and love. James 4:3 points out, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
Compassion and Consequences
Even though a prayer to sustain an adulterous relationship conflict with biblical teachings, this does not mean that God turns away from the individual praying. Instead, God is often shown as seeking the person’s repentance and transformation. The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates God’s readiness to forgive and embrace those who return to Him after straying.
Practical Theological Insight
For someone involved in adultery, a more aligned prayer, according to Christian teachings, might be one that seeks forgiveness, guidance, and the strength to amend one’s life in accordance with God’s commandments. Such prayers reflect a desire to realign with God’s will and often involve asking for help in breaking away from sinful patterns, rather than seeking their perpetuation.
Summary
In summary, while God is compassionate and listens to all prayers, traditional Christian Biblical scripture holds that He does not grant requests that condone or perpetuate sin. Instead, God’s response is aimed at guiding the individual back towards a path that aligns with divine wisdom and moral law. Thus, prayers from someone in adultery might be better directed towards seeking forgiveness and the strength to change, aligning their desires with God’s will for human relationships and holiness.
Question: What does repentance look like for someone who was living in adultery and cohabitating?
- First, if they are not saved, if they’ve not yet accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, this is the first thing they need to do. Why? Because God loves them and gave His Son, Jesus for them, so that they can be saved and forgiven, and it’s God’s Spirit that empowers us to live in accordance with Jesus’ commands. Find out how you can know Jesus!
- They end their sexual relationship, and one of them moves out of the home, or
- They get married and submit their marriage to the Lord, seeking His guidance.
It’s important to acknowledge that many times only one person living in adultery may choose to do the right thing and follow Jesus. Doing so will often cause the relationship to end. Don’t think this is strange, as Jesus Himself said that we’re to choose Him over all relationships. When someone in a relationship we might have, including biological family, makes us choose between them and Jesus, Jesus expects His followers to choose Him.
Matthew 10:32-39 (NIV) “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Children
But we have children, some may say. That is an important concern and one that should prompt both the mother and father of the children to choose to sacrifice their own selfish desires and get married for the sake of their children. God will bless this decision, especially if you lead your entire family into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Question: How can I share with someone who is living in cohabitation with another that there are eternal consequences for choosing to continue to live in cohabitation?
When addressing someone who may not understand the spiritual implications of living in open adultery, it’s important to approach the conversation with both clarity and compassion. Here are some Biblical suggestions on how to discuss this sensitive issue, helping them to be informed and providing a path for change:
- Speak the Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to “speak the truth in love.” This means being honest about what the Bible says regarding sin, including adultery, but also expressing this truth with genuine care and concern for the person’s well-being. This approach helps to maintain respect and kindness while discussing serious matters.
- Explain the Concept of Sin and Its Consequences: Use clear scriptures that discuss the nature of sin and its consequences. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Highlight that sin leads to spiritual death, but God offers a gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
- Discuss the Need for Repentance and Forgiveness: Talk about how repentance is turning away from sin and turning towards God. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Emphasize that God is ready to forgive and restore anyone who comes to Him in repentance.
- Share the Hope Offered in Jesus Christ: It’s crucial to not only discuss the problem of sin but also the solution provided through Jesus Christ. John 8:11, where Jesus forgives the woman caught in adultery and tells her, “Go now and leave your life of sin,” illustrates Christ’s readiness to forgive and His call to live a transformed life. Be sure to emphasize Jesus forgave her, but expected her to leave her life of sin.
- Encourage a Relationship with God: Explain that a relationship with God through Jesus is about more than avoiding sin; it’s about living a life that fulfills God’s purpose and experiences His love. Encourage them to read the Bible, pray, and to join a community of believers who can support their spiritual growth. Find out how you can be forgiven, brought into the family of God, and your name written in the Book of Life through Jesus Christ.
- Offer Continuous Support and Guidance: Let them know that changing one’s lifestyle is challenging and they don’t have to do it alone. Offer to support them, whether through prayer, regular check-ins, or by helping them connect with a community or pastoral care. Share with the gift of their own abiding plan at iAbide.org. Jesus said, we can do nothing apart from abiding in Him, but through abiding with Him we can bear much fruit.
By combining these elements, you can help someone understand the spiritual risks associated with living in adultery and offer them a hopeful and practical path toward restoration and a deeper relationship with God. This approach not only informs them of the consequences but also provides the supportive steps necessary for making a life change.
Question: If they repent of the sins of cohabitation, i.e., adultery, how does Jesus see them and the sin they have walked away from and repented of?
Scripture offers a clear message about the forgiveness of sins for those who acknowledge their wrongdoing, repent, and ask for forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Here are some key points:
- 1 John 1:9 – This verse explains the Christian benefits of confession and forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This passage emphasizes that if believers openly acknowledge their sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse them.
- Acts 3:19 – This verse encourages repentance for the forgiveness of sins: “Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Turning away from sin and turning towards God (repentance) leads to the removal of sins.
- Psalm 32:5 – This verse reflects the relief and peace that comes with confession: “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” It shows the personal aspect of confession directly to God and the immediate forgiveness that follows.
- Luke 24:47 – This passage points out that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in Jesus’ name to all nations: “and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” It underscores the global and inclusive call for repentance.
- Proverbs 28:13 – This proverb states, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” It stresses the importance of not only confessing sins but also renouncing them, which is a part of genuine repentance.
These scriptures collectively convey the truth that acknowledging sin, genuinely repenting for it, and asking for forgiveness through Jesus not only leads to spiritual cleansing but also restores the relationship between the individual and God.