Can someone who has had an adulterous affair in the past and since repented be qualified to be an elder?

Sincerely, Credential Control

Dear Credential Control,

Theoretically, it doesn’t disqualify him if a congregation feels completely comfortable that he is no longer capable of that behavior. Your question is very similar to another question we received on appointing deacons. The qualification he has to meet is ‘husband of one wife’ (Tit 1:6, 1 Tim 3:2) which literally means ‘one woman man’. In order to be qualified as an elder, a man has to show that he is completely and totally devoted to one woman.

Though it is possible that someone could have committed adultery long ago (say, before they were a christian) and is completely different now – any adulterous affair raises a gigantic red flag. A congregation would have to be able to unequivocally feel that the adultery was a thing of the past and inconceivable to ever exist in the future.

Adultery can certainly be forgiven and repented of, but being an elder is a position of great honor (1 Tim 5:17) and immense responsibility (Heb 13:17). An elder must not only be faithful now but have lived a life that is above reproach (1 Tim 3:2). Very few conduct themselves circumspectly enough to qualify for the good work of overseeing the Lord’s church (1 Tim 3:1).

5 minutes a day 5 days a week All the New Testament in a year

Are tattoos a sin?

Sincerely, Waiting On Pins And Needles

Dear Waiting On Pins And Needles,

They were 100% sinful in the Old Testament – in the New Testament they are sinful some of the time. The Old Testament strictly forbade tattoos (Lev 19:28). God was so adamant about it because cutting your flesh and tattooing were common practices of pagan cultures (1 Kgs 18:26-28). Tattooing was a religious practice closely tied to Baal and other idols.

In the New Testament, we are given no specific command against tattoos. It is valuable, however, to see that for a very long time tattoos have had a negative connotation. As a christian, there are many things that we can do but should think carefully about beforehand. Just because I can do something, doesn’t mean it is a good idea (1 Cor 10:23). Tattoos are permanent, and the decision to get one shouldn’t be taken lightly.

In American culture, tattoos can (not will, but can) give a negative impression – especially if the tattoo is large or in a highly visible area. Some things to consider:

1. Tattoos are a deterrent for some employers. Are you willing to get passed over in a job application?
2. People will automatically form judgments about you based upon their first impression of a tattoo. Are you comfortable with that?
3. You must also consider what effects it will have long-term. Will you still want Tweety Bird on your shoulder when you are in the nursing home?
4. Are you ready to explain to your three-year-old why you have song lyrics on your bicep? Are you okay with your children wanting tattoos themselves?
5. Many tattoos change their shape, size, and even location with weight loss and gain. Are you ready for that “cute” bellybutton butterfly to become a condor when you get pregnant?
6. Many tattoos are of things that exude evil. Snakes, skulls, demonic signs, bad words, etc. are to be avoided at all costs.

We must always consider our influence and how it will affect others. God tells us to be wise and seek wisdom in our decisions (Pr 8:33). Whatever decision an individual makes, I recommend seeking outside counsel before getting something as permanent as a tattoo (Pr 11:14). It is not wrong for a christian to get a tattoo, but it certainly isn’t a decision to make lightly.

5 minutes a day 5 days a week All the New Testament in a year

If you cheated on a spouse two times, and you repented both times… will you still reap what you sow?

Sincerely, Double Trouble

Dear Double Trouble,

Yes, you always reap what you sow. Repentance brings forgiveness from God (Acts 8:22), and sometimes, but not always, it brings forgiveness from your fellow man (Lk 17:3). Repenting of your sins doesn’t remove the consequences for them though. David suffered greatly for his sins - even though he repented (2 Sam 12:9-13). Peter said that it is normal and appropriate when a man suffers in this life for his sins (1 Pet 2:20). The teaching that you “reap what you sow” (Gal 6:7) is a universal law that cannot be broken. It is just as real as gravity and just as unavoidable.

It is a good thing when someone repents after committing adultery. God hates adultery (Heb 13:4). Unrepentant adulterers have a horrible eternal fate in hell (Rev 21:8). However, just because someone repents doesn’t mean the consequences go away. Trust has been destroyed, and one cannot expect that trust to be rebuilt quickly. The road to recovery from adultery is long and harrowing. And after saying all that, their spouse still has every right to kick them to the curb and divorce them (Matt 19:9).