Sexual immorality is a topic that the Bible addresses extensively, reflecting the importance of sexual purity in the life of a believer. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, Scripture provides clear guidance on God’s design for sexuality and the consequences of deviating from this design. Understanding what the Bible teaches about sexual immorality helps believers align their lives with God’s will and navigate the challenges of a culture that often promotes contrary values.

Biblical Definition of Sexual Immorality

Sexual immorality in the Bible encompasses a wide range of behaviors that deviate from God’s intended purpose for human sexuality. The term most commonly translated as “sexual immorality” in the New Testament is the Greek word “porneia,” which refers to any sexual activity outside the boundaries of the marriage covenant between one man and one woman.

Examples of Sexual Immorality in Scripture

The Bible provides specific examples of sexual immorality, which include:

• Adultery: Sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. Adultery is explicitly forbidden in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14).
• Fornication: Sexual relations between unmarried individuals. This is often grouped under the broader term “sexual immorality” in the New Testament.
• Homosexuality: Sexual relations between individuals of the same sex, which the Bible addresses in passages such as Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27.
• Prostitution: The exchange of sexual acts for money or goods, condemned in passages like Proverbs 7 and 1 Corinthians 6:15-16.
• Incest: Sexual relations between close relatives, which are explicitly prohibited in Leviticus 18.
• Bestiality: Sexual relations between humans and animals, also condemned in Leviticus 18:23.

These behaviors are considered immoral because they violate the sanctity of marriage and God’s design for sexual relations.

God’s Design for Sexuality

The Bible teaches that God created sexuality as a good and purposeful gift to be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage. This design is evident from the creation narrative in Genesis.

The Creation of Man and Woman

In the book of Genesis, God creates man and woman and establishes the institution of marriage as a lifelong covenant.

Genesis 2:24 (NIV):
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

This verse highlights the unity and exclusivity of the marriage relationship, where sexual intimacy is intended to be an expression of love, commitment, and procreation within the context of marriage.

The Purpose of Sexuality

Sexuality serves several purposes according to the Bible:

• Procreation: One of the primary purposes of sexual relations within marriage is to fulfill God’s command to “be fruitful and increase in number” (Genesis 1:28).
• Unity: Sexual intimacy fosters a deep, covenantal bond between husband and wife, symbolizing their “one flesh” relationship (Genesis 2:24).
• Pleasure: The Bible acknowledges the pleasure of sexual intimacy within marriage, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the love and desire between a husband and wife.
• Protection: Marriage provides a context for sexual relations that protects against sexual immorality and its consequences. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 7:2, where he advises that each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband to avoid sexual immorality.

Consequences of Sexual Immorality

The Bible warns of the serious consequences of sexual immorality, both spiritually and physically.

Spiritual Consequences

Sexual immorality is considered a sin against one’s own body, and it separates individuals from the holiness that God requires of His people.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NIV):
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

This passage emphasizes that sexual immorality defiles the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and dishonors God. It also stresses the importance of fleeing from such behavior, as it directly impacts one’s relationship with God.

Relational and Social Consequences

Sexual immorality often leads to broken relationships, distrust, and emotional pain. Adultery, for example, can destroy marriages and families, causing lasting harm to all involved.

Proverbs 6:32 (NIV):
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”

This verse reflects the self-destructive nature of adultery and, by extension, other forms of sexual immorality.

Eternal Consequences

The New Testament also warns that those who persist in sexual immorality without repentance will face eternal consequences.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV):
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This passage makes it clear that sexual immorality is incompatible with the life of a believer and jeopardizes one’s inheritance in the kingdom of God.

The Call to Sexual Purity

In contrast to sexual immorality, the Bible calls believers to live lives of sexual purity, honoring God with their bodies and relationships.

Fleeing from Temptation

Believers are called to actively avoid situations that could lead to sexual immorality and to seek God’s help in maintaining purity.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV):
“Flee from sexual immorality.”

This command underscores the urgency and seriousness with which sexual temptation should be avoided.

Pursuing Holiness

The pursuit of holiness involves a commitment to sexual purity, recognizing that God has called His people to be set apart and to live according to His standards.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NIV):
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”

This passage teaches that sanctification, or being set apart for God, includes sexual purity and self-control.

Repentance and Forgiveness

For those who have fallen into sexual immorality, the Bible offers hope through repentance and forgiveness. God is merciful and willing to forgive those who turn away from sin and seek His grace.

1 John 1:9 (NIV):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse assures believers that no matter the sin, including sexual immorality, forgiveness and cleansing are available through confession and repentance.

Conclusion

Sexual immorality is a serious issue that the Bible addresses with clear guidelines and warnings. God’s design for sexuality is intended to be a blessing within the boundaries of marriage, reflecting His holiness and the covenant relationship He has with His people. The consequences of deviating from this design are severe, impacting individuals spiritually, relationally, and socially.

However, the Bible also offers hope through the call to sexual purity and the promise of forgiveness for those who repent. Believers are encouraged to pursue holiness, to flee from sexual immorality, and to honor God with their bodies, trusting in His grace and strength to live according to His will.