Becker Bible Teacher Resources

Historically, leaders in Biblical times had more than one wife; this helped establish the Jewish nation through its abundance of blessings through the generations. There is no prohibition specifically mentioned in Scripture against polygamy.  However, New Testament marriage, with Christ as the symbolic groom to His church bride, symbolically and typologically holds to one man and one woman as participants in the marriage union. This movement away from polygamy to monogamy progresses as Christ's teachings unfold.  Though polygamy is difficult to classify as a sin, an ongoing, growing, mature relationship with Christ and the teachings of the Holy Spirit leave no doubt to their monogamous expectations concerning marriage (See Titus 1:6 condition of blamelessness). (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

A serious problem of modern day technology, participation in or viewing of pornography is a serious offense. It destroys marriages, personalities, hearts, minds, and souls and moves people further away from an intimate relationship with the Lord. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

The hope of salvation of self without Christ's atonement as well as the hope to receive forgiveness without the foundation and walk taught by Christ (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

The producers and sellers of munitions and weapons have a moral responsibility for the use of arms delivered by them. Since the users of weapons are out of their control, participation in arms manufacturing or selling should be avoided. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The practice of prostitution for the pleasure of sex or pleasure of money is a sin and should bring shame to the sinful participants. However, the practice of prostitution undertaken by a mother to raise out of destitution and provide children food and shelter in difficult times, for instance, is not as serious a sin. It is a matter of intentions with the presence of lust a critical measure of the degree of sin. It cannot be denied that society suffers for its presence. But, prostitution provides a valuable, therapeutic role for those in society unable to express themselves sexually because of disability, rejection, or challenged by a myriad of difficulties; though it remains a sin, Christ's judgment will surely consider these needs and weigh it all in fair balance. One fact seems certain; the prostitute and the customer share equally in the sin of prostitution. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Causes unjust injury when one assumes as truth without sufficient foundation the charges of fault brought against another. (Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

The breaking of the observance of Sabbath, which, according to Scripture and Jewish tradition, begins from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday (Most Evangelicals and Catholics choose Sunday to be Sabbath in the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ). Observance of Sabbath, set aside by God as different from the other days of the week, requires the ceasing of work and activities that hinder the worship owed to God; it brings revitalization and restoration of the spirit of obedient believers to prepare for the tasks during the other six days of the week. One should do no work if possible, and spend the day praising, contemplating, growing, worshiping and learning Scripture with their focus upon the Lord and His things.(Fourth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:8-11)

To profane or treat unworthily those things Holy (consecrated) to God (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

An action that causes public outrage and a behavior which leads another to do evil. Scandal brings gossip which damages the virtue and integrity of the spreader. It is especially grave when scandal surrounds positions of authority or institutions of responsibility when it leads others to do wrong, leading into the realm of evil actions. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)