Bible Warnings: Immorality, Idolatry, and the Cherubim of God

1 Corinthians 10:6-10

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7 Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

The verses found in 1 Corinthians 10:6-10 provide powerful admonitions, drawing profound lessons from the experiences of ancient Israel in the wilderness, so that modern believers may avoid their fatal errors 1 Corinthians 10:6+11888 1060.4+2. These experiences happened to them as examples (or types) and were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the world are come 1 Corinthians 10:11ARSH July 2, 1857, page 68.18.

Here is an explanation of the specific warnings contained in these verses:

1. Warning Against Lusting After Evil Things 1 Corinthians 10:6

The experiences of Israel serve as examples intended to prevent us from lusting after evil things, just as they lusted 1 Corinthians 10:61888 1060.4+1. This failure began in the wilderness when Israel, dissatisfied with the heavenly food, yielded to sinful murmurings and asked for flesh to satisfy their appetites Psalm 78:18SpM 419.1+1. They ate the meat provided to excess, and many died as a consequence of their rebellionSpM 419.1. This history teaches us that yielding to depraved appetite prevents advancement in the divine life2T 99.2.

2. Warning Against Idolatry 1 Corinthians 10:7

Believers are warned not to be idolaters, recalling the time when the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play 1 Corinthians 10:71888 1060.4+1. This refers to the event where, in Moses’ absence, the Israelites, aided by Aaron, made a golden calf for worship, committing idolatry when they should have humbled themselves before Jehovah Acts 7:39-4019LtMs, Ms 2, 1904, par. 20.

This warning against idolatry remains critically relevant today, as everything that leads the affections away from God is considered an idol 1 Corinthians 10:7ST May 19, 1881, par. 26. For God's people, there are constant temptations to enter into courses of action that divorce the soul from God, which must be guarded againstRH March 14, 1899, par. 4. If the Israelites forsook the Lord, their dedicated temple would become a proverb and a byword, demonstrating God’s seriousness regarding separation from idolatrySS 23.2.

3. Warning Against Fornication 1 Corinthians 10:8

This verse instructs us not to commit fornication, citing the great number—three and twenty thousand—who fell in one day 1 Corinthians 10:81888 1060.4. This happened when Israel stayed in Shittim and began to commit prostitution with the daughters of Moab, subsequently joining themselves to the false god Baalpeor Numbers 25:1-5. These transgressions occurred because they were ensnared by the counsel of Balaam, who taught Balak how to cast a stumblingblock before them, leading them to eat things sacrificed to idols and commit fornication Numbers 31:16+1SSP 54.1.

4. Warning Against Tempting Christ 1 Corinthians 10:9

We are cautioned not to tempt Christ, just as some of the Israelites tempted Him and were destroyed by serpents 1 Corinthians 10:91888 1060.4+1. This refers to moments when the Israelites doubted God’s power and care, limiting the Holy One of Israel, even after witnessing His marvelous signs in Egypt and wonders at the Red Sea Psalm 78:41ARSH July 2, 1857, page 68.18.

5. Warning Against Murmuring 1 Corinthians 10:10

The final specific admonition in this passage is that we should not murmur, as some of them murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer 1 Corinthians 10:101888 1060.4+1. Murmuring, or a spirit of complaining, is a highly frequent sin that is destructive to happiness and provokes the wrath of GodARSH February 14, 1854, page 31.4+1.

Key points regarding murmuring:

• A Sign of Unbelief: The root of Israel’s provocations—their frequent murmurings, rebellion, and idolatries—was their unbelief Hebrews 4:11ARSH July 2, 1857, page 68.18.

• The Object of Complaint: When Israel murmured because of difficulties, wishing to return to Egypt, and complained against Moses and Aaron, they were told that their complaints were actually directed against Christ, their divine LeaderST January 24, 1895, par. 1+1.

• The Danger of Encouraging Discontent: Even today, there are murmurers among God’s people4T 180.3. Those who by unwise sympathy encourage others in rebellion when their self-love is smarting beneath deserved reproof are acting against God4T 180.3.

• Satan’s Opportunity: Satan is always alert for the first word of complaint against God and utilizes a spirit of murmuring to fill the mind with dark doubts and suggestionsST January 6, 1888, par. 4.

• The Divine Standard: When church members heed Christ’s warnings and instruction, putting away the wickedness of faultfinding and murmuring, the Lord can work with them through His Holy Spirit16LtMs, Lt 214, 1901, par. 2. We are called to "Do all things without murmurings and disputings" Philippians 2:14RH April 19, 1906, par. 12.

Yes, the Bible explicitly addresses same-sex attraction and activity, defining them as contrary to God's original creative intent and listing them among sins that prevent inheritance of the kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 6:9-10BDOC 36.1. The scriptures are clear and consistent on this topic, pointing to monogamous heterosexuality as the exclusive divine design for intimate relations Genesis 2:24BDOC 36.1.

Here is a detailed explanation of how the Bible addresses same-sex relationships and behavior:

1. Creation and God's Original Plan

The very origin of human sexuality establishes the foundation for marriage and intimacy, created exclusively between a male and a female Genesis 1:27BDOC 36.1.

• Purpose of Gender: Mankind was created with gender—male and female—with the express purpose of being fruitful and multiplying Genesis 1:27, 28BDOC 36.1.

• Marriage Covenant: The creation account establishes that a man must leave his father and mother, and join to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh Genesis 2:24BDOC 36.1. Monogamous heterosexual activity was created in Eden as God’s plan for mankindRH April 15, 1884, par. 10.

Same-sex attraction and practice are consistently described as "unnatural" and "contrary to nature" because they violate this created orderBDOC 36.1+2.

2. Explicit Prohibitions in the Law

The Old Testament law clearly and directly prohibits same-sex activity, associating it with practices that warranted divine judgment on nations.

• Abomination: The law states explicitly, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination" Leviticus 18:22BDOC 36.1.

• Consequences: This practice, along with bestiality, was listed among the abominations that defiled the land and caused God to expel the Canaanites, serving as a warning to Israel Leviticus 18:24, 25, 27BDOC 36.1+1.

• Gender Roles: The Bible also forbids actions that confuse gender roles, stating that "The woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination to the LORD your God" Deuteronomy 22:5BDOC 36.9. This demonstrates that a confusion of gender roles is abhorrent to GodBDOC 36.9.

3. The Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah

The destruction of Sodom serves as a potent example of God’s judgment against widespread sexual depravity.

• Unnatural Desire: Jude describes Sodom’s sin as giving themselves over to sexual immorality and pursuing "unnatural desire" (or "strange flesh") Jude 1:7BDOC 36.1+1.

• Abomination of Sodom: The Genesis narrative illustrates this depravity when men from "every quarter" of Sodom surrounded Lot's house demanding that his guests (angels) be brought out "that we may know them" Genesis 19:4, 5BDOC 36.1.

• Path to Sin: The prophet Ezekiel identifies the context that led to Sodom's "abomination" (which is confirmed elsewhere to include same-sex acts) as being an environment of pride, excess prosperity, and abundance of idleness Ezekiel 16:49, 50BDOC 36.1.

4. New Testament Condemnation

The Apostle Paul reinforced these teachings, tying same-sex activity directly to humanity's rejection of God.

• Connection to Idolatry: Paul explains in Romans that because people refused to honor God as Creator and willingly exchanged His glory for idolatrous images, God "gave them up" to their own lusts Romans 1:23, 24BDOC 36.1.

• Vile Affections: This judgment manifested as vile affections, resulting in women exchanging natural relations for those contrary to nature, and men leaving the natural use of women to burn in lust one toward another Romans 1:26, 27BDOC 36.1. Paul states that these individuals committed "shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error" Romans 1:27BDOC 36.1.

• Note on "Unnatural": The term "unnatural" in this context means "contrary to God’s created order" and does not mean contrary to the urges one might honestly feelBDOC 36.9.

• Exclusion from Heaven: Homosexual activity and related sexual evils are explicitly listed among the "works of the flesh," alongside adultery, fornication, and uncleanness, which prohibit inheritance of God's kingdom Galatians 5:19-21+1GCB December 1895, page 617.2.

5. Mercy and Hope

While the Bible is clear that same-sex attraction is unnatural and its practice is sinful, it also offers profound hope and calls Christians to mercyBDOC 36.31.

• Flee Immorality: Believers are commanded to flee from sexual immorality, recognizing that the body is intended to be a temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6:18, 19BDOC 36.21.

• God's Goodness Leads to Repentance: Christians should cherish the fact that God has been forbearing and merciful to them, and that it is God's goodness that leads to repentance Romans 2:4BDOC 36.16.

• Celibacy as an Option: For those who experience same-sex attractions, God has provided proper social satisfaction through celibate livingBDOC 36.32. It is important to remember that being born with a weakness never serves as a legitimate excuse for a Christian to misbehave, but rather a reason to cherish hope for a better tomorrowBDOC 36.32.

In summary, the Bible is unequivocal in its teaching that the divinely ordained sexual expression is limited to a man and a woman in the covenant of marriage, and it classifies same-sex activity as unnatural and immoralBDOC 36.31.

1 Corinthians 10

1 Moreover, brothers, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized to Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7 Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened to them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Why let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

13 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

14 Why, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 I speak as to wise men; judge you what I say.

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

25 Whatever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.

27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

28 But if any man say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof:

29 Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

While 1 Corinthians 10:6-10 focuses on the general sin of fornication and the specific historical example of Israel's ritualistic sexual immorality in the wilderness, other parts of Paul's writings, including verses within the same epistle, explicitly condemn same-sex practice as a form of sexual immorality.

Here is an explanation of the connection between the sexual sins warned against in 1 Corinthians 10 and the broader biblical teaching on homosexuality:

The Warning Against Fornication in 1 Corinthians 10

The passage in 1 Corinthians 10 cautions believers not to commit fornication, referencing the incident where twenty-three thousand Israelites fell in one day due to God's displeasure 1 Corinthians 10:8CH 567.3.

• The Specific Example: This event occurred when Israel was encamped at Shittim and began committing prostitution ("whoredom") with the daughters of Moab, subsequently joining themselves to the heathen god Baalpeor, which involved eating sacrifices offered to the dead and engaging in licentious acts Numbers 25:1PP 684.2.

• Broad Category of Sin: The term "fornication" (porneia) used here is a broad term encompassing all forms of unlawful sexual activity, including incest, adultery, and generalized licentiousnessEVRR375+1. The pervasive presence of fornication in society today is a sign of moral degradation, just as it was in Paul’s timeKJV — Revelation 9:20+1.

Explicit Condemnation of Homosexuality Elsewhere

While 1 Corinthians 10 uses the general category of "fornication," the Apostle Paul is unequivocally clear about same-sex acts in other scriptures, often listing them directly alongside other serious sexual sins.

• In 1 Corinthians 6: Just a few verses prior, Paul provides a non-exhaustive list of individuals who "shall not inherit the kingdom of God" which includes "fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind" 1 Corinthians 6:9. The phrase "abusers of themselves with mankind" refers directly to those who practice male homosexualityBDOC 36.21.

• In Romans 1: Paul details how God, in judgment, allowed those who turned to idolatry to fall into unnatural sexual practices Romans 1:24-27BDOC 36.1. He notes that women exchanged "natural relations for those that are contrary to nature," and men "burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly" Romans 1:26-27SITI December 15, 1887, page 758.9. These passages characterize same-sex attraction and activity as contrary to God's created order (unnatural)BDOC 36.9+1.

The Consistent Call to Flee Immorality

The purpose of these biblical warnings is to stress the urgency of moral purity and separation from all forms of sexual evil.

• Fleeing Sin: Paul commands believers to "Flee fornication" because committing this sin is unique in that the sexually immoral person "sins against his own body" 1 Corinthians 6:18CH 587.4. The body was created to be a member of Christ, and using it for immoral behavior wickedly unites the Christian as "one flesh" with the sexual partnerBDOC 36.21.

• Mortifying Sinful Desires: Christians are instructed to "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry" Colossians 3:517LtMs, Ms 87, 1902, par. 42+1. These works of the flesh must be crucified by those who are Christ's, for those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God Galatians 5:19-21PTUK May 5, 1898, page 276.5.

• Judgment on Immorality: God will judge all forms of sexual sin, whether they are acts of fornication, adultery, or any other uncleanness, as they are all considered violations of the moral law and defile the human character Hebrews 13:41EGWLM 408.6. The ultimate source of these sins—including evil thoughts, adulteries, and fornications—is the corrupt heart of man, which must be cleansed Matthew 15:19GOSC 54.1.

Ezekiel 1:10

10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

Ezekiel 1:10 beautifully describes the appearance of the four living creatures, or cherubim, that attended the throne of God, revealing their composite nature that symbolizes the comprehensive character and supreme headship of the Almighty Ezekiel 1:5EVRR164.

Here is an in-depth explanation of Ezekiel 1:10 and the significance of the four faces observed by the prophet:

Identification of the Heavenly Beings

The vision given to the prophet Ezekiel by the River Chebar revealed a magnificent scene of the divine throne, upheld by moving celestial beings Ezekiel 1:1, 4. These creatures, which Ezekiel later identified explicitly as cherubim, are part of the special orders of angels who constantly attend the throne of God Ezekiel 10:20EVRR164+2. John the Revelator and Isaiah also saw these beings, often referring to them as living creatures or seraphim, respectively Isaiah 6:2EVRR164+2.

The Four Faces Described in Ezekiel 1:10

Ezekiel 1:10 specifies the distinct faces seen on each of the four living creatures:

• The face of a Man

• The face of a Lion (on the right side)

• The face of an Ox (on the left side, sometimes described as a Calf in Revelation)

• The face of an Eagle (flying eagle in Revelation 4:7

Ezekiel 1:10EVRR164+2.

Ezekiel states that each of the four creatures possessed all four faces, confirming their impressive and complex appearanceEVRR164+1.

Significance of the Four Aspects

These four faces are deeply symbolic, portraying the royalty and headship of the God of the universeEVRR164. The combination of these creatures serves to illustrate the manifold aspects of the Godhead, particularly those found in Jesus Christ, God the SonEVRR164+1.

Face	Symbolic Meaning	Character Trait	Headship
Lion	Kingliness and Royalty	Bravery and Courage	King of the beasts
Man	Humanity (Mediation/Priesthood)	Sympathy and Reason	Head of humanity
Ox/Calf	Service and Sacrifice	Strength and Patience	Chief of cattle
Eagle	Divinity and Inspiration	Inspiration	Ruler of birds

EVRR164+1.

These beings are supremely sensitive to every sign and expression of the Eternal One, enabling them to be the special messengers of the Most HighEVRR163. This vigilance and intelligence are symbolized by the fact that the living creatures and their associated wheels are "full of eyes" everywhere, ensuring eternal awareness of God's purposes Ezekiel 10:12EVRR163.

Divine Movement and Obedience

The cherubim are characterized by perfect motion and obedience, reflecting the active nature of God’s throne, which is not confined to one fixed spotEVRR163+1.

• Swiftness: The living creatures "ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning," signifying the tremendous speed with which divine work is accomplished Ezekiel 1:14PTUK December 8, 1898, page 772.11+1.

• Unity of Spirit: They moved "every one straight forward" and "turned not when they went" Ezekiel 1:12GCB/GCDB March 3, 1897, page 234.6+1. This perfect unity and motion exist because the Spirit of the living creature was in the wheels, meaning "whithersoever the Spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go" Ezekiel 1:20GCB/GCDB March 3, 1897, page 234.6+3. They are alive with God's presence, responding instantly to His thoughtGCB/GCDB March 3, 1897, page 234.6+3.

Earthly Application

On earth, the four faces found a spiritual application when Israel was arranged in the wilderness. The four groups of tribes surrounding the tabernacle each had a standard corresponding to one of the faces: Judah was represented by the lion, Ephraim by the ox/calf, Reuben by the man, and Dan by the eagle, serving as symbols of the coming MessiahEVRR164.

Revelation 4:7

7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

The passage in Revelation 4:7 beautifully describes the appearance of the four living creatures surrounding God's throne, specifying that the first resembles a lion, the second a calf, the third has the face of a man, and the fourth is like a flying eagle Revelation 4:7. These creatures are glorious celestial beings, identified by the prophet Ezekiel as cherubim, who are the highest order of angels continually attending the throne of God Ezekiel 10:20EVRR163.

It is helpful to clarify that the original Greek word (ζῷον) used here means "living creature," not "beast," reflecting their status as intelligent beings serving immediately around the divine majestyDAR 388.5+1.

The Four Faces and the Character of Christ

The four faces are highly symbolic, portraying the comprehensive and manifold aspects of the Godhead, particularly relating to the life, character, and work of Jesus Christ, God the SonEVRR163+1. The fact that Ezekiel saw these beings each having all four faces indicates a comprehensive display of the attributes of God Ezekiel 1:10EVRR163.

The four symbols represent:

Face	Symbolic Meaning	Character Trait	Gospel Association
Lion	Kingliness and Royalty	Bravery and Courage	Matthew (focuses on Christ's genealogy to the throne of David) Matthew 1:1SSP 98.1.
Calf/Ox	Service and Sacrifice	Strength and Patience	Mark (focuses on Christ's role as the servant of men) Mark 1:1-2SSP 98.1.
Man	Humanity and Reason	Sympathy and Mediation	Luke (focuses on Christ taking the form of man to reconcile humanity to God) Luke 1:1-3+1SSP 98.1.
Flying Eagle	Divinity and Inspiration	Infinite Awareness	John (portrays Christ as the glorious Word, equal with the Father) John 1:1-2SSP 98.1.

This composite image establishes the unity of God’s plan of redemption, showing that Christ, in His life on earth, combined all these natures: He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, possessing the Father’s kingly nature Genesis 49:9-10SSP 98.1. He is also the Servant, made perfect through suffering, who bore the sins of the world 1 Peter 2:24+1SSP 98.1.

Roles of the Living Creatures

The living creatures are described as holding positions of immense importance and privilege within the heavenly court, being placed "in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne" Revelation 4:6DAR 395.1.

• Eternal Worshipers: They continually express the overwhelming power and holiness of God, resting not day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" Revelation 4:8. They are depicted as leading the worship of heaven, inspiring the twenty-four elders to fall down and cast their crowns before the throne in adoration Revelation 4:9-10EVRR167.

• Vigilant Ministers: They are full of eyes around and within, representing the unwearied watchfulness and infinite awareness of the heavenly beings who are alert to God's every requestEVRR163. Their swift motion, likened to a flash of lightning, demonstrates the speed and harmony with which God’s work is accomplished Ezekiel 1:14T33 282.2.

• Agents of Judgment: Their authority extends to the administration of God's final judgments, as one of the four living creatures is seen delivering the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God to the seven angels, symbolizing that man is judged with the acknowledgment of the universe regarding the justice of God’s law Revelation 15:7SSP 271.2.