Sex has been a controversial topic for centuries, and in this day and age, discussing it openly still isn’t seen as the norm. When it comes to what the bible says about sex, there are several scriptures that are relevant. Each one has its own message and importance, so here’s a closer look at what the bible teaches us.
A Moral and Servant Duty
The bible places great importance on a loving relationship between husband and wife. It encourages married couples to be gentle and understanding, no matter if they’re one another’s first or last partner. 1 Corinthians 7: 3-5 states, “Let the husband fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with mutual consent and for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
The bible sees sex as more than just pleasure, and tries to encourage couples to view it as a service to one another.It’s important that couples remain aware of the responsibility they have to one another when it comes to sex.
Self Control and Repentance
A big part of sex according to the bible is having self control. In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, it reads: “Finally, brothers and sisters, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”
This scripture is encouraging believers to have self-control and to remain abstinent or faithful in their relationship. It also warns against taking sexual advantaged and encourages believers to remain sexually pure, which may include abstaining from sex until marriage.
Extramarital Relationships
When it comes to extramarital relationships, the bible is clear that these are sinful. In the Book of Leviticus, it reads “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” While people do commit adultery, God has a plan and hope for deliverance and forgiveness for those that choose to repent. Not only does this dictate against engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage, but it also emphasizes the need for faithfulness and loyalty within marriage as well.
Similarly, Jesus stated in Matthew 19:9: “And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” This verse is saying that the only acceptable reason for ending a marriage is adultery.
Sexual Abuse and Immorality
The bible is a fierce critic of sexual abuse and sexism, and generally speaking, it frowns upon any type of sexual immorality. It speaks against any sexual act that is outside of marriage between a husband and wife, as well as rape, polygamy and pedophilia.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 5, it discusses how believers should not be complicit with sexual immorality, and explains that if someone knows of sexual misconduct and does not take action, then they are part of it too. This part of the bible promotes accountability and making sure to help those affected by sexual abuse.
Holiness and Righteousness
The bible is quite clear when it comes to sex not being immoral. God encourages married couples to have mutually enjoyable sex, and to enjoy the gift of children. In Ephesians 5:25-33, it says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
This part of the bible emphasizes holiness within marriage and Biblical submission between couples. It encourages a covenant between husband and wife, and encourages them to love and honor each other as part of that covenant.
Honoring Marriage and Marital Relationships
The bible emphasizes the need to honor marriage and marital relationships, and Ephesians 5:22-33 is a prime example. It explains that husbands are to love and respect their wives, just as Christ loves and respects the church. This Scripture is saying that marriage should be based on a covenant of love, respect, and mutual submission.
The Bible also states in Hebrews 13:4 that marriage should be honored in all its forms. This states: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” This verse is talking about the importance of honoring marriage, and it is reinforcing the importance of remaining faithful and true to your spouse.
Conclusion
The bible has a lot to say about sex and its importance within marriage. It encourages a loving, faithful relationship between a husband and wife, and encourages individuals to have self-control and to remain abstinent or faithful in their relationships. It also promotes holiness in marital relationships and encourages couples to love and respect each other. It’s important to note that while sex may be seen as a sin in some religions, the bible also encourages enjoying it if it’s between two people that are married.
