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Sexual Purity
 

Sexuality is not merely a "biological activity" that just "happened" to come into existence. God created sexuality and he did so for a number of specific purposes. To ignore or reject what God says on this matter is to reject the truth and to choose a lie. We must accept what God has said and let that determine both our perspective and our conduct in the matter of sexuality.

God created sexuality to teach us, through a physical activity, about various spiritual truths, and various non-physical aspects of life and reality. It was not intended merely for creating children - though that is important. And it is definitely not intended to be simply a form of entertainment - though within the proper context, it can result in a pleasure that is endorsed and blessed by God. God created it as something that is holy and sacred (Hebrews 13:4), and to treat it in any other way dishonors God and reduces it to something far less than its intended purpose.

God created sexuality and marriage to reflect his own character. (This is why Scripture says that "male and female" are created in the "image of God" - Genesis 1:26-27.) He also created it to teach us about the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32), to teach us about purity and faithfulness, and much more. Because of this, every distortion and perversion of sexuality and marriage is condemned by God. It is not merely a sin against other people (even if they are "consenting adults") and against all society (because of its long-term effects), but it is a sin against God. Though the deserved judgments against different sexual sins may vary (depending on the nature of the sin), they are all sins, nonetheless.

As with the other commands, there are "non-physical" aspects to this prohibition. Lust is described as a violation of this command, even though no outward expression may be present. There are also strong parallels between the concept of sexual purity and faithfulness, and the purity and faithfulness that are to exist in other (non-sexual) areas of life. Even in spiritual matters, a lack of faithfulness to God is often described as "spiritual adultery" or "prostitution" - and this would include any form of idolatry or compromise with the world.

It is no mistake when Scripture treats sexual impurity and holiness as incompatible opposites. This is because they are incompatible opposites.

  • A PDF copy of this article (with the links removed) is available:HERE

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Marriage and Sexual Sin (a series of studies)

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Should I Marry?

Though marriage is a legitimate option, it is not the only option.

Dating - Some Things to Consider

A look at issues relating to the concept of "dating."Yes, the Bible does have a lot to say about dating... it's just that it doesn't use the modern word "dating," when saying it.

What about Lust and Sinful Desires?

"Lust" is not an innocent activity. There are serious consequences. There are also moral obligations for both the person being tempted and the person who causes the temptation.

Divorce

This article looks at some of the issues that are related to the topic of divorce, and provides questions that encourage a person to apply the Word of God to the situation (or potential situation). The so-called "exceptions" to the rule are also examined.

Divorce and Godly Offspring - An Analytical Study of Malachi 2:15

An in-depth, technical look at the issues related to the translation of this verse, as well as a summary of what this verse tells us about the issue of divorce and godly offspring.

What the New Testament Says About Sexual Immorality (Fornication)

Here we are specifically looking at the issue of sexual immorality outside of marriage (fornication). This is a word study that examines all the verses in the New Testament which contain the word "fornication" ("sexual immorality" in some translations) - all arranged in an outline form.

Some Basic Biblical Concepts Regarding Sexual Activity

This is a list of 5 basic concepts, which are either directly stated or implied by Scripture. They are based on a summary given in a book entitled "Principles of Conduct - Aspects of Biblical Ethics," by John Murray.

See Also:

A command...

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. (1 Thessalonians 4:7 - read the entire passage)

A prayer...

Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)