What is Fornication?
Fornication is an umbrella term for sexual activity taking place or carried out outside of marriage. In the Bible, this term is associated with the term “adultery”. Adultery refers to a sexual relationship between two people who are not married to each other. In the Bible, fornication is considered an act of unfaithfulness.
Fornication in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, fornication was a sin and a violation of God’s law. God condemned fornication multiple times in the Bible, and warned of severe punishment for those who engaged in the act.
The book of Leviticus contains a passage that states, “You shall not commit adultery. If a man commits adultery with the wife of another man, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death.” This verse makes it clear that God takes a strong stance on fornication.
Fornication in the New Testament
In the New Testament, fornication is seen as just as serious as in the Old Testament, if not more so. In the Bible, Jesus is quoted as saying, “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” In other words, Jesus is making it clear that even the thought of fornication is wrong and worthy of punishment.
The New Testament also reiterates the sinfulness of fornication through the famous passage found in the book of Corinthians, which reads “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Consequences of Fornication
The Bible is clear that those who engage in fornication will face significant consequences. The most obvious consequence is spiritual punishment, with those who commit the act condemned to hell.
In addition to spiritual consequences, fornication can also have real-world consequences. People who engage in the act are more likely to suffer from various physical and emotional health problems. For example, they may be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety due to the guilt and shame of the act. Moreover, they may also face increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Can Fornication be Forgiven?
The Bible is clear that fornication is a sin and that those who engage in it will face the consequences. However, the Bible is also very clear that those who have committed the sin can be forgiven through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. John 5:1 reads “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This is a key point, as it shows us that those who have committed the sin of fornication can still be reconciled to God and can be forgiven.
The Importance of Abstinence
The Bible is very clear that fornication is a sin and should be avoided. It is important to note, however, that the Bible does not advocate complete abstinence from sexual relations. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of abstaining from sexual relations until marriage.
The Bible speaks positively of marriage and it encourages those who are married to have sex in order to strengthen the marriage bond. Those who are not married, however, are encouraged to practice abstinence until marriage. This is seen in 1 Corinthians 7 which states, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”
Sexual Education and the Bible
It is important to note that although the Bible clearly states that fornication is a sin and should be avoided, it also recognizes the importance of having an appropriate understanding of sex and sexual relations.
The Bible, for example, emphasizes the importance of obtaining the knowledge and understanding of sex, as seen in the book of Proverbs which states, “Learn to know the way of wisdom; distinguishing between right and wrong will be grasped,” indicating that obtaining knowledge of sex and sexual relations is a wise and important thing to do.
Therefore, it is important for those who hope to have a biblical understanding of fornication to also have an understanding of sex and sexual relations gained through education and instruction.
The Role of Self-Control
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of exercising self-control when it comes to fornication. For example, in the book of Galatians, Paul encourages believers to live in obedience to the Spirit and to exercise self-control from their old, degenerate desires. In other words, Paul is telling us to focus on having consistent, healthy habits and to abstain from activities that are outside of God’s will.
The Role of the Church
The Bible is clear that the Church has an important role to play when it comes to addressing the issue of fornication. The Church should be a place where those struggling with fornication can find support, understanding and guidance.
The Church should also work to provide resources and support to those who have committed the sin of fornication and to those who are struggling with it. The Church should also use its platform to provide education, guidance and support to those who are looking to abstain from fornication.
Remaining Pure Until Marriage
The Bible is clear that fornication is a sin and is something that should be avoided. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of abstinence until marriage, as this is the only way that a person can remain pure and remain in the good graces of God.
Finally, those who are struggling with fornication should look to their local church for support, guidance and understanding. The Church can provide the resources, support and understanding needed to help a person remain pure and remain in the good graces of God.
The Role of Purity
The Bible emphasizes the importance of purity and chastity both before and after marriage. In the book of Proverbs, for example, it is written that “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse serves as an encouragement to remain pure and to practice chastity until marriage. Moreover, it also serves as a reminder to those who are married to remain faithful to their spouse and to remain pure in their marriage.
More Than Just Abstaining
The Bible is very clear about fornication; it states that it is a sin and that it should be avoided. This means that those who hope to have a biblical understanding of fornication must practice abstinence.
However, this does not mean that abstinence is the only answer. There are other ways to have a biblical understanding of fornication, such as practicing self-control, educating oneself on sexual relations and relying on the support and guidance of the Church.
Understanding and Accepting God’s Love
In the face of the temptation to engage in fornication, it is important to remember that God loves us and accepts us as we are. This is seen in 1 John 4:10 which states “In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
In other words, despite our temptation and struggle with fornication, God still loves us and accepts us as His children. This is an important point for those who are struggling with fornication to remember, as it can help to provide strength in the face of temptation.
Humility and Forgiveness
Finally, it is important to remember that God is always ready to forgive those who have committed the sin of fornication. In the book of 1 John it is written “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse shows us that God is willing to forgive those who have committed the sin of fornication, provided they come to Him in humility and repentance. Therefore, it is important for those who have committed this sin to not despair and to always remember that God is willing to forgive them and offer them a second chance.
