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What Does the Bible say about Sex Outside of Marriage

What Does the Bible say about Sex Outside of Marriage – The Bible is clear about its stance on sex outside of marriage, with passages in both the Old and New Testaments illustrating how God views such behavior. The Bible teaches that sex is a gift from God and is meant to be enjoyed within the framework of a marriage between a man and a woman. Scripture asserts that those who engage in sex outside of marriage are sinning and should repent and seek forgiveness. In addition, the Bible provides us with guidelines on how to pursue healthy relationships and how to practice sexual purity in a world filled with temptation.

What Does the Bible say about Sex Outside of Marriage

God’s view on sex outside of marriage has been a topic of debate for centuries. While it is true that the Bible does not condone premarital sex, it is also true that it does not condemn it. In fact, many scriptures point to a loving and compassionate God who desires for us to enjoy companionship and sex within the bounds of marriage. In this blog, we will explore the Bible’s teachings on companionship and sex, purity and nakedness, marriage and adultery, concubines and prostitution, and God’s guidance on sex outside of marriage. We will also discuss Jesus’ teachings on marriage and adultery, the Bible’s perspective on children and sex, and Christian viewpoints on companionship and sex.

All Scripture is God Breathed

God’s View on Sex Outside of Marriage

The Bible is clear that sex outside of marriage is a sin. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul writes, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” The Bible further explains that sex is to be enjoyed only within the bounds of marriage. In Hebrews 13:4, it states, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

  1. Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse illustrates God’s intention for sex to be within the bonds of marriage and for couples to be physically and emotionally connected.
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:2: “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.” This verse emphasizes the importance of having a committed relationship in order to avoid sexual immorality.
  3. Hebrews 13:4: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” This verse is a warning to those who commit sexual sins outside of marriage, reminding them that God will judge them for their actions.
  4. 1 Timothy 5:2: “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” This verse encourages couples to remain faithful to one another in their marriage, emphasizing the importance of remaining sexually faithful.
  5. Ephesians 5:31: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This verse further illustrates the unity of marriage and encourages couples to remain faithful to one another.
  6. Proverbs 5:15-19: “Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” This passage is a reminder to remain faithful to your spouse and to enjoy the intimacy of marriage.
  7. 1 Corinthians 7:9: “But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” This verse encourages those who are struggling with sexual temptation to enter into a marriage, as it is a better option than indulging in sexual immorality.
What Does the Bible say about Sex Outside of Marriage

Sexual Self-Control According to the Bible

The Bible encourages us to practice self-control when it comes to sex. In 1 Corinthians 7:2, Paul writes, “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.” This passage implies that we should practice self-control and not act on our desires outside of marriage. Additionally, in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.” This passage further reinforces the importance of self-control.

  1. Increased Spiritual Attunement: Sexual self-control helps to attune our spirit to God’s will and His divine plan for our lives. By abstaining from sexual activity, we are better able to focus our energy on our relationship with God and His Word.
  2. Improved Health: Sexual self-control can help us to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and the emotional trauma of regret and guilt.
  3. Increased Respect: Abstaining from sexual activity can help to increase respect for our bodies and our sexuality. We can learn to better appreciate the beauty of self-control and the power of saying “no” to temptation.
  4. Increased Self-Esteem: Abstaining from sexual activity can help us to feel good about ourselves. We can be proud of ourselves for making healthy choices and respecting our bodies.
  5. Strengthened Relationships: Sexual self-control can help to strengthen relationships by creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and honesty.
  6. Cultivation of Good Habits: By abstaining from sexual activity, we can cultivate good habits such as self-discipline, patience, and responsibility.
  7. Improved Concentration: Abstaining from sexual activity can help to improve concentration, allowing us to focus better on our studies, work, or other important tasks.
  8. Increased Self-Awareness: Abstaining from sexual activity can help us to become more aware of our own thoughts and feelings. This can lead to better decision-making and improved relationships.
  9. Enhanced Intimacy: Abstaining from sexual activity can help to create a deeper level of intimacy and trust in our relationships.
  10. Biblical Model: The Bible encourages us to practice sexual self-control, as seen in the stories of Joseph, Rahab, and Esther. Following their example can help us to live a more godly life.

Bible Teachings on Companionship and Sex

The Bible teaches that sex and companionship are gifts from God intended to be enjoyed only within marriage. In Genesis 2:24, it states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This passage implies that God calls us to have companionship and intimacy within the bounds of marriage. Additionally, in Proverbs 5:15-19, it states, “Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” This passage paints an intimate picture of the companionship and love that God desires for us in marriage.

What Does the Bible say about Sex Outside of Marriage

The Bible and Children: What the Scriptures Say About Sex

The Bible is clear that sex is to be reserved for marriage.

  1. Genesis 1:28: “God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.’” This is God’s original call for mankind to reproduce and populate the earth.
  2. Genesis 9:1: “God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’” Here, God reiterates his command to Noah and his sons to reproduce and fill the earth.
  3. Psalm 115:16: “The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.” This verse shows that God has given the earth to mankind and expects them to inhabit it.
  4. Psalm 127:3-5: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” This passage speaks of the blessing and importance of having children, an essential part of God’s plan to populate the earth.
  5. Isaiah 45:18: “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): ‘I am the Lord, and there is no other.’” Here, God reveals his intention for the world: to be inhabited by his people.

Purity and Nakedness: What the Bible Teaches

The Bible teaches us to be modest and to practice purity. In 1 Timothy 2:9, it states, “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” This passage teaches us to be modest and to not flaunt our bodies. Additionally, in 1 Peter 3:3-4, it states, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” This passage further emphasizes the importance of purity by encouraging us to focus on our hearts and not on outward appearance.

The Bible speaks to the fact that God wants us to cover our nakedness. This is an important part of our faith, as it shows us that God has a deep desire for us to respect ourselves and to be modest in our actions. By covering our bodies, we demonstrate a respect for ourselves and also a respect for God. We show that we are not ashamed of our bodies, but that we are instead reverent and thankful for the bodies that God has given us. Furthermore, covering our nakedness is a sign of humility and of our willingness to submit to God’s will. Ultimately, God wants us to cover our nakedness because He desires for us to be holy, humble, and respectful in all aspects of our lives.

  1. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 : “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Here, God encourages us to flee sexual immorality and to remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We are God’s and should glorify Him in our bodies by maintaining purity and self-control.
  2. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.” Here, God commands us to abstain from sexual immorality, to control our own bodies, and to not wrong our brothers or sisters in this matter because He is an avenger.
  3. Colossians 3:5-6: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” Here, God calls us to put to death all of the earthly desires that lead to sexual immorality and to be aware of His wrath that will come to those who do not obey this command.
  4. Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” In this verse, God encourages us to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. By doing this, we will be more likely to honor God with our thoughts and actions.
  5. Proverbs 6:25-26: “Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.” Here, God warns us to not let the beauty of a woman captivate us and instead to remember that a married woman is to be respected and valued as a precious life.
What Does the Bible say about Sex Outside of Marriage

God’s Intended Purpose for Marriage and Adultery

The Bible teaches that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman and that adultery is a violation of that covenant. In Malachi 2:14-16, it states, “But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.” This passage shows that marriage is a sacred union and that adultery is a violation of that union.

  1. Adultery undermines the trust between two people in a marriage. When one partner is unfaithful, it can cause the other partner to feel betrayed, which can lead to a lack of trust that can be hard to overcome. This lack of trust can lead to feelings of insecurity, hurt, and resentment that can further damage the relationship and lead to further problems down the line.
  2. Adultery can lead to a breakdown in communication between two people in a marriage. If one partner is unfaithful, it can be difficult for the other partner to feel comfortable talking openly about their feelings and needs, which can lead to further problems in the relationship.
  3. Adultery can lead to a breakdown of intimacy in a marriage. If one partner is unfaithful, it can be difficult for the other partner to feel comfortable being intimate with them, which can lead to further problems in the relationship.
  4. Adultery can lead to a breakdown in commitment between two people in a marriage. When one partner is unfaithful, it can be difficult for the other partner to feel comfortable and secure in the relationship, which can lead to further problems down the line.
  5. Adultery can lead to a breakdown in spiritual life between two people in a marriage. When one partner is unfaithful, it can be difficult for the other partner to feel comfortable turning to God in prayer and faith, which can lead to further problems in the relationship.
  6. The Bible clearly condemns adultery. In the Ten Commandments, God specifically states that adultery is wrong, and that people should remain faithful to their partners. This is a clear indication that God does not condone adultery, and that it is destructive to a marriage.

Bible Perspective on Concubines and Prostitution

The Bible does not condone concubinage or prostitution. In Deuteronomy 23:17-18, it states, “None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, and none of the sons of Israel shall be a cult prostitute. You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.” This passage prohibits those activities, which are seen as violations of God’s laws.

God’s Take on Sex Outside of Marriage

As we have discussed, the Bible teaches that sex is to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. In 1 Corinthians 6:13-14, it states, “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food’—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.” This passage implies that God desires for us to enjoy sex within the bounds of marriage.

Sex and Companionship: Biblical Viewpoints

The Bible encourages us to have companionship and sex in marriage. In Proverbs 5:15-20, it states, “Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” This passage promotes companionship and sex within the bounds of marriage.

How to Maintain Purity According to Scripture

The Bible encourages us to maintain purity and modesty. In 1 Timothy 2:9, it states, “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” This passage teaches us to be modest and to not flaunt our bodies. Additionally, in 1 Peter 3:3-4, it states, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” This passage further emphasizes the importance of purity by encouraging us to focus on our hearts and not on outward appearance.

  1. Avoid temptation by staying away from places and situations that could lead to impure thoughts or actions.
  2. Memorize Bible verses that encourage sexual purity and meditate on them regularly.
  3. Spend time in prayer and communion with God, seeking His wisdom and strength for sexual purity.
  4. Spend time with other believers who can encourage and support you in your efforts to live a sexually pure life.
  5. Set up accountability partners who can challenge and encourage you to remain sexually pure.
  6. Be honest with yourself and with God about your struggles with sexual purity.
  7. Seek professional help if necessary.
  8. Read books and other resources that help you understand the importance of sexual purity.
  9. Pursue activities and hobbies that keep you focused on positive things.
  10. Regularly confess any wrong thoughts or actions and seek forgiveness.

Jesus’ Teachings on Marriage and Adultery

Jesus taught that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman and that adultery is a violation of that covenant. In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus says, “And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?’ He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.‘ They said to him, ‘Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.'” This passage shows that Jesus views marriage as a sacred union and that adultery is a violation of that union.

What Does the Bible say we should do if We Have Sinned in this Area

  1. Acknowledge and repent of our sin: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
  2. Seek forgiveness from God: “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Psalm 32:1).
  3. Ask for God’s guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  4. Seek godly counsel: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
  5. Take refuge in God: “In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame” (Psalm 71:1).
  6. Turn away from our sin: “Let us turn away from wickedness and turn to God” (Acts 3:19).
  7. Follow God’s plan for holiness: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
  8. Walk in the Spirit: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
  9. Fill your life with obedience: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
  10. Spend time in prayer: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Final Thoughts – What Does the Bible say about Sex Outside of Marriage

The Bible is clear that sex is to be reserved for marriage. God’s view on sex outside of marriage is rooted in love and compassion, and He desires for us to enjoy companionship and sex within the bounds of marriage. The Bible also teaches us to practice self-control, to maintain purity and modesty, and to not engage in activities such as prostitution and concubinage. By following God’s guidance, we can experience the companionship and love that He desires for us.

How to be saved according to the Bible    In order to understand how to be saved, we first need to understand what salvation is. Salvation is when God forgives our sins and gives us eternal life. It's a free gift from God that we can't earn on our own. So how do we receive this gift? The Bible tells us that there are six steps: hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, repenting again, and believers baptism. Let's break each one of these down.     Hearing - The first step is hearing the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. This news must be heard in order for us to believe it.     Believing - Once we hear the gospel, we must believe it. This means that we trust that Jesus is who He says He is and that He can save us from our sins.     Repenting - Once we believe the gospel, we must repent of our sins. This means that we turn away from our sin and start living for God.     Confessing - After we repent of our sins, we need to confess them to God. This means that we tell God all of the sinful things we have done and ask Him for forgiveness.     Believers Baptism - The final step is believers baptism. This is when a person who has already believed and repented is baptized in water as an outward sign of their inward decision to follow Christ. Baptism doesn't save us, but it's an important step of obedience for every Christian.     Discipling others -  Finally, once we have received salvation through these steps, it's important that we continue to grow in our faith and share the gospel with others so they too can be saved.      These are the six steps required for salvation according to the Bible: hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, repenting again, and believers baptism. If you have never done these things or if you're not sure if you've done them correctly, I encourage you to talk to a pastor or other Christian friend who can help guide you through these steps. Salvation is a free gift from God, but it's one that we need to take intentional steps to receive. Don't wait another day - start your journey towards salvation today!

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  • Greg Gaines

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