The Bible has a lot to say about sexuality as it is a very important part of life and many different types of sexual thoughts, feelings and behaviours are found in it. In the Bible, there is not only condemnation of sinful sexual activities such as fornication, adultery and homosexual behaviour, but also many positive statements about sex within marriage. The Bible portrays sex as a gift from God, to be a source of joy, fulfillment and pleasure. It encourages us to engage in sexual activities, as a way of expressing love, honour and care for one another within the marriage relationship.
One of the most important aspects of the Bible’s teachings about sexuality is that it can only be properly expressed in marriage. Any sexual activities outside of a committed marriage relationship is considered to be wrong and contrary to God’s plan for us. For example, the Ten Commandments explicitly prohibits sexual immorality of any kind in nine of its ten prohibitions, while the New Testament also speaks with clear commands against it. Additionally, the Bible explicitly encourages faithfulness within marriages and warns of the spiritual and emotional damage that occurs when a spouse strays or is unfaithful. Thus, one of the primary points of the Bible concerning sexuality is that it should be kept in the context of a committed marriage relationship.
Another important point the Bible makes about sexuality is that it should be used to bring glory to God. In Ephesians 5:22-33, the Apostle Paul teaches that God intended for a marriage relationship to be a “great mystery” and a symbol of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Thus Paul encourages two spouses to use their sexual relationship not only for pleasure and enjoyment, but to model and reflect the love that the Lord has for his people. This means that sexual activities should be entered into openly, consensually and with an attitude of mutual respect and love. Sex should also be an expression of one’s faith, as it honors God and shows that the partners involved trust and care for each other.
The Bible also stresses the importance of purity and being chaste before marriage. While the Bible does not explicitly state what counts as “sexual immorality,” there are some clear behaviors that are prohibited such as fornication (sexual activities between people who are not married to each other), adultery (sexual activities with someone other than one’s spouse) and homosexual behavior. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure heart, mind and body before marriage. This includes holding to high moral standards, resisting physical temptations and honoring the Lord by abstaining from premarital sex.
Finally, the Bible speaks to us about the importance of moderation when it comes to sexuality. The Bible is not against sex, but it does caution us against excess in its gratification. For example, in Proverbs 5:1-7, Solomon warns us against being caught up in sexual passions and pursuing pleasure apart from ones spouse. This can clearly have both physical and spiritual consequences. Thus the Bible warns against anything that brings excess pleasure, such as pornography, promiscuity and sensual desires, as they can become addictive and damaging.
The Impact of Sin On Human Sexuality
The Bible also speaks about the impact of sin on human sexuality. As a result of the Fall, human sexuality has become distorted and perverted in many ways. For example, in Genesis 3, the account of the Fall of Mankind, we are told that a result of sin is a misdirected passion that leads to lust and an urge to sin sexually. This is seen in the way Adam and Eve violate God’s command not to eat from the tree, and the way their shame is the result of a sexualized curiosity about the fruit (Gen 3:7). The Bible also speaks about the increased frequency of sexual problems such as adultery, and how lustful desires become more and more common (Matt 5:28).
Additionally, the Bible speaks about the devastating effects of sin on marriages and families. We are warned that sexual sin dishonours spouses, waters down trust between them, and can lead to broken homes (Prov 6:32-34; Mal 2:16). Proverbs 7 speaks of a young man being deceived by an adulterous woman and highlights the disastrous consequences for his family. The Bible also speaks about how sexual sin leads to heartache and physical ailments (Prov 6:1-5; Deut 28:15-68).
Although the consequences of sin are real and profound, the Bible also speaks of God’s graciousness and love in providing hope and healing to those who have been hurt in this way. We see numerous examples in Scripture of God’s power to restore and renew those who have become ensnared in sexual sin. We read of the adulterous woman, Mary Magdalene, who was forgiven by Jesus (Luke 7:47-48), and of the immoral woman in John 8 who Jesus extended grace to. These stories remind us of God’s amazing grace and His power to heal and restore those brought low through sexual sin.
God’s Purpose and Intent For Sexuality
Finally, the Bible speaks about God’s purpose and intent for sexuality. God created humans as sexual beings and He created marriage for the two to become one flesh in a permanent relationship (Eph 5:31-32). God intended for sexual relationships to be a source of pleasure and joy that would bring spouses closer together as they reflect his love for his people. This joy is rooted in the commitment and love present in a marriage relationship.
God also established marriage as a lifelong covenant relationship and gave it special significance in Genesis 2, when He declared that a man would leave his family and become one with his wife (Gen 2:24). This unifying of two people was seen as so important, that the Old Testament punishments for sexual immorality were far more severe than those for other offenses. Additionally, the New Testament speaks extensively on the importance of marriage and speaks of the importance of protecting it against all forms of sexual immorality. Thus, this is a powerful reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the importance of staying true to one’s partner in a marriage commitment.
In summary, the Bible speaks about sexuality in a very different way than society often does today. This is the beauty of God’s perfect Word spoken through Scripture. Instead of encouraging unrestrained pursuits of physical pleasure, the Bible puts a value on loving relationships based on commitment, respect and godliness. It also encourages us to follow a moderate lifestyle and abstain from impure thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The Bible frames sexuality in a positive manner when we stay within the confines of marriage and recognize it as the great gift it is.
The Uniqueness Of Marriage
The Bible speaks about the unique importance of marriage for two people to properly express sexuality. The Bible tells us that God’s plan for human sexuality should be a committed and exclusive one between two people in a marital relationship. Cultural trends often treat marriage as an unnecessary step in expressing our love for one another, but the Bible tells us that God’s plan is for two individuals to become one when they get married. It says that marriage is a special and unique relationship, unlike any other in life, and the only way for two people to enter a covenant relationship and fully express their sexuality.
The Bible also speaks about the importance of purity before marriage. It warns us not to engage in activities or thoughts that are sexually immoral, and that virginity should be guarded with care. This is because sex outside of marriage can greatly hurt both parties involved, and it can lead to a breakdown of trust. Additionally, the Bible stresses that the life of a single person should be focused on relating to others in the service of the Lord. This includes avoiding activities that compromise one’s commitment to remain sexually pure until marriage.
Additionally, the Bible speaks about the importance of moderation in any sexual relationship. As with all areas of life, God wants us to practice moderation when it comes to sexuality. This includes avoiding activities that lead to excess and addiction, such as pornography, promiscuity, and sensual desires. While the Bible does not explicitly state what counts as “sexual immorality,” it does give clear guidance on how to maintain a healthy and balanced attitude towards one’s sexuality.
Overall, the Bible tells us to honor and respect the gift of sexuality and to find joy in the beauty of sex within marriage. Perhaps the greatest insight the Bible gives us is that sexuality is to be seen as an expression of God’s love and a way to bring glory to Him. He asks us to keep our hearts, minds and bodies pure and to look to Him for guidance in our sexual relationships.
The Dignity Of All Humans
The Bible speaks about the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexuality. All people are of amazing worth, as they are all made in the image of God (Gen 1:27). For this reason, the Bible calls us to treat all people with dignity, respect and love. God clearly speaks of His deep love for all of His children, no matter who they are or what they have done (Rom 5:8). He also says that we must not look down on anyone and that we should treat each other with respect (Rom 14:11-13).
The Bible also speaks about how Jesus Christ came to save all people, not just those who are heterosexual, but all sinners (John 3:16-17). God loves everyone and desires that we would all come to know Him and experience His love and grace. The Bible also speaks of how all of us are called to live in a manner that reflects His love, as when we do this it shows that we have trusted in Him and that He is the Lord over our lives.
In summary, the Bible speaks about sexuality in a very different way than society often does today. What it encourages us to do is to engage in loving, committed relationships within marriage and to abstain from activities that may lead to emotional and physical harm. It emphasizes the importance of honoring God’s plan for sexuality and focusing on the love and joy that is meant to be expressed in a loving, committed relationship. Above all, it encourages us to love and respect each other and to show that love to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Conclusion And Application
In conclusion, the Bible speaks about sexuality as a gift from God to be enjoyed in marriage, to bring glory to God and to be entered into consensually, openly and with respect and love. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of purity and abstaining from activities that lead to emotional and physical harm. It stresses the unique importance of marriage for expressing sexuality, and it encourages us to always treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of our individual backgrounds. Finally, the Bible speaks of hope and healing for those who have been caught up in sexual sin, as God’s grace and love are powerful enough to restore and renew anyone.
