After over 65 years of ministry, we have developed the top 27 questions people ask us so we would like to share these questions each week for our weekly blog and share the answers as a resource for you all to use in your ministry, churches, and family.
Top ? #15 What Does the Bible Say About Sex Outside of Marriage?
Answer: Sexual relations are to be restricted to married couples. The Bible forbids sex outside of marriage.
God created humans as sexual beings. The sex drive is very strong and can cause us to become obsessed with the desire for sexual satisfaction. While it is a wonderful gift from God, sex can also be a negative force that can control and destroy peoples’ lives.
When God created Adam and Eve He simultaneously ordained the institution of marriage.
“Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. ” – Genesis 2:22-24
By giving marriage to mankind he provided a legitimate and healthy outlet for sexual expression.
The Old Testament law has some very explicit regulations and punishments against premarital sexual relations (Deuteronomy 22:13-30). The clearest teaching on sexuality is that given by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. One of the most important passages on this topic is 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
The Greek word translated “sexual immorality” is porneia from which we get the English word “pornography” and refers to a broad range of sexual behavior outside of the marriage relationship.
God has given this command for our own benefit. He understands the power that sex can have over an individual. By obeying the Lord’s instruction we can avoid a host of negative consequences such as feelings of guilt, mistrust, bitterness, fear of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy among many others. Obedience gives the Christian the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful gift of intimacy and expression of love.
Please read the following verses: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:22
© 2021 by Prison Mission Association