- But we also have to consider here what a horribly great sin harlotry is.
For thereby one sins first against God, who is a holy, pure, unspotted Being who is genuinely hostile toward all impurity.
Second, one sins against God’s Law, wherein every form of adultery is forbidden with great zeal. Christ explains this in Matthew 5:28, that even shameful words, sexually immoral actions, and inner lust are to be understood with the word “adultery.”
Third, one sins against one’s neighbor, to whom offense is given in this way. And as it says, “Woe to the man through whom offense comes” (Mat. 18:7).
Finally, a man also sins against his own body with adultery and harlotry. He damages the temple of the Holy Spirit and turns Christ’s members into the members of a harlot (2 Cor. 6:15). That must be a terribly great sin indeed!
(Sermon for Mary Magdalene-July 22, Postilla Volume 3 by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, page 109-110)