What Scripture Says about Sexual Immorality and Intimacy
No topic should be taboo when our salvation is at stake. Lets take a look at What Scripture Says about Sexual Immorality and Intimacy with clarity, and as followers of Christ, it is essential to align our lives with His Word.
1 Corinthians 10:8 warns us:
"Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand."
This verse refers to the Israelites who fell into sin through illicit sexual acts. The consequences were immediate and severe, demonstrating how seriously God regards these matters. Let us explore biblical teachings about intimacy and its boundaries.
God’s Design for Intimacy
God established intimacy to be a sacred expression of love and unity within marriage. Hebrews 13:4 declares:
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
This affirms that intimacy within the confines of marriage is pure and holy. However, it also implies that any sexual activity outside of this covenant—including fornication, adultery, or unnatural practices—is sinful and subject to judgment.
Sins of the Flesh
The Bible explicitly condemns various forms of sexual immorality:
Fornication and Adultery: These acts are frequently mentioned as sins. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists those who will not inherit the kingdom of God:
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind… shall inherit the kingdom of God."
Unnatural Acts: Romans 1:26-27 addresses the unnatural use of intimacy:
"For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
The Sins of Sodom and Gomorrah: Genesis 19:4-7 describes the depravity of Sodom, where men sought to commit abominable acts. Jude 1:7 reiterates:
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."
Guarding the Marriage Covenant
Intimacy within marriage should honour God’s design. While the Bible celebrates the bond between husband and wife (Song of Solomon 1:2-4), it also provides guidance to ensure that the marriage bed remains undefiled. Practices such as inviting others into the marital relationship or engaging in unnatural acts are not aligned with God’s Word. Leviticus 18:22-23 states:
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith."
Marital intimacy must reflect purity and love rather than indulgence in carnal desires. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 instructs:
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God."
Protecting the Next Generation
Children and youth are increasingly exposed to sexual immorality through media, education systems, and societal influences. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to teach God’s laws diligently to their children:
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Parents must guide their children with biblical principles, shielding them from ungodly influences. Proverbs 22:6 echoes this responsibility:
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The Enemy’s Deception
Satan uses sexual immorality to ensnare individuals and families, weakening their spiritual connection to God. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 that the last days will be marked by moral decline:
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers… incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good."
As we approach the close of this earth’s history, the battle for purity intensifies. The wise will heed the warnings found in Scripture. Daniel 12:10 reminds us:
"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
Conclusion
No topic is too sensitive to address when our salvation is on the line. God’s Word provides clear instruction regarding intimacy and sexual morality. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold His standards, guarding our hearts, our marriages, and our children against the enemy’s deceptions. By standing firmly on the foundation of Scripture, we can navigate these perilous times with wisdom and faithfulness.
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